Fantasy Baseball Player Notes
2020 Fantasy Baseball Draft Notes
|
1.
Ronald Acuna Jr.
LF,CF,RF - ATL
We knew Acuna would develop into an elite fantasy option one day, but few saw it happening this quickly. He combined power (41 homers), speed (37 stolen bases), and his spot batting atop an outstanding lineup (127 runs, 101 RBI) to put up one of the all-around great seasons. He'll stick in the leadoff spot this year, which should ensure that he continues to run early and often, and there's little reason to expect his numbers to dip much from last year. In points leagues, where his strikeout rate is a bit of a negative, his stock falls just a tad, but otherwise, no one would fault you if you made him the top pick in the draft.
|
|
2.
Christian Yelich
LF,RF - MIL
Yelich followed up his preposterous 2018 season with an even better one in 2019, batting .329 with 44 home runs and 30 steals in just 130 games. His ridiculous 35% HR/FB rate regressed as expected, but only to a still nonsensical 32.8%, best in MLB. The issue with Yelich for 2020 has nothing to do with his talent, but is instead all about the fractured kneecap that prematurely ended his season. He's reportedly on track to be ready by Opening Day, but there's obviously a modicum of risk to factor in.
|
|
3.
Cody Bellinger
1B,CF,RF - LAD
Bellinger had a tremendous season, drastically improving his walk rate and cutting his strikeout rate, and setting career highs in each of the five standard rotisserie categories. If there's a knock on Bellinger's season, it's that so much of his production came in the first half, and particularly in March where he batted .431 with 14 home runs. Beginning in June, he batted .280 or lower in each month, and he batted just .261 in the second half. But the numbers all count, and although it's reasonable to expect Bellinger to take a slight step back from his overall 2019 numbers, it still leaves him as a top-five pick.
|
|
4.
Mike Trout
CF - LAA
Trout may not be the clear-cut number one player in fantasy this year, but that's of no fault of his own, as he's coming off one of his best seasons ever, with a career-high 45 home runs in just 134 games. If you were desperate to find a knock on Trout, it's that he hasn't topped 140 games in any of his last three seasons, and his 11 stolen bases last year tied his low in a single season. But that's all window dressing on a truly special player who is obviously a top-three pick at worst.
|
|
5.
Mookie Betts
CF,RF - LAD
After weeks of rumors, Betts was finally traded to the Dodgers, but the move shouldn't impact his value much. His plate appearances and home runs, because of the less hitter-friendly parks in his new division, may downgrade his numbers ever so slightly. But Betts has essentially averaged a .305-120-30-95-25 line over his past four seasons. Even with a minor drop, he'll still earn his top-five draft position.
|
|
6.
Francisco Lindor
SS - CLE
Lindor's 2019 season got off to a rocky start with a right calf strain in February followed by a sprained left ankle in March. But when he returned in late April, he didn't miss a beat, putting up a classic 30-20 season and contributing in all five categories. There were some minor negatives for Lindor - his strikeout rate went up, his walk rate went down, and he had an expected batting average of just .276, the lowest of his career. But Lindor's floor at this point is so enormously high that he's one of the few no-risk players, and he shouldn't slip past the top 10 in drafts or, frankly, the top seven.
|
|
7.
Gerrit Cole
SP - NYY
There are really no words for what Cole was able to do last year. He built on the massive gains he made from his first year with the Astros and lowered his ERA, WHIP, and walk rate to miniscule levels while totaling an outrageous 326 strikeouts. He'll move to the Yankees now, which is a mild downgrade given that the Yankees may slightly limit his innings in light of their long-term investment in Cole and their bullpen, and the opposing offenses and ballparks in the AL East compared to the AL West. But Cole's fastball and slider are beyond elite, and he should be the top pitcher taken in fantasy drafts.
|
|
8.
Trevor Story
SS - COL
It's safe to say that Story's 2017 season was just an outlier, and he's established a fairly reliable 35-homer, 20-plus steal baseline. Pay no attention to Story's dramatically lower xBA - Coors Field will always inflate batting average and should keep Story's mark with roughly a .280 floor at worst. Even at a deep shortstop position, he's a unique five-category player, and is an easy first-round selection.
|
|
9.
Trea Turner
SS - WSH
It just feels like there's a 60-steal season waiting in Turner's future, and you simply can't say that about too many other players in the game at this point. With stolen bases as a whole on the decline, Turner has an absolute floor of 40 (barring injury) and a much higher ceiling. Add to that the fact that he should help fantasy owners in three other categories and be neutral in the fourth (RBI), and he should be taken in the first round of all rotisserie leagues.
|
|
10.
Juan Soto
LF - WSH
|
|
11.
Nolan Arenado
3B - COL
There's very little to say about Arenado at this point. He's batted between .287 and .315, hit between 37 and 42 home runs, and driven in between 97 and 116 runs in each of the last five years. Entering his age-29 season, there are simply no concerns about Arenado so long as he remains in Colorado all year, though that is admittedly a bit of a question mark at this point. But really, so long as you are comfortable that you won't get steals from your first-round pick, there's no reason to shy away from Arenado whatsoever.
|
|
12.
Jacob deGrom
SP - NYM
After winning his second consecutive Cy Young Award, deGrom has an obvious case to be the top pitcher taken in the game. Back-to-back season with a sub-2.50 ERA and sub-1.00 WHIP with at least 200 strikeouts makes deGrom perhaps the safest pitcher in the game, especially after three straight seasons of at least 200 innings pitched. The bugaboo for deGrom is his lack of wins - just 21 over the last two seasons despite historic numbers. But with the improved Mets bullpen, there's every reason to think deGrom can get back to the 15-win total he put up in 2017. It's him or Gerrit Cole for the top pitcher off the board and you can't go wrong.
|
|
13.
Jose Ramirez
3B - CLE
Ramirez's overall 2019 season was obviously subpar, as much as a 23-homer, 24-steal year can be. He batted just .218 in the first half with a mere seven home runs, and his fantasy value was saved only by his 18 first-half steals. But he looked closer to his old self in the second half, batting .327 with an 1.105 OPS. Whether it was him trying to do too much in the first half or something related to his newborn child (his surge happened to coincide with his return from paternity leave), Ramirez's return to normalcy in the second half should give you plenty of confidence in his 2020 outlook.
|
|
14.
Alex Bregman
3B,SS - HOU
|
|
15.
Max Scherzer
SP - WSH
Scherzer struggled a bit through the first month of the season, but went on a patented run in May and June that made him look like the Scherzer of old. Unfortunately, a back injury largely derailed his second half, as he was limited to just over 20 innings over July and August. Scherzer is entering his age-36 season and is a max effort pitcher, so the fact that we finally saw a bit of a breakdown (Scherzer has reached at least 200 innings in his six previous seasons) is concerning. But his numbers are still elite and he should be taken as one of the first pitchers off the board despite the back scare.
|
|
16.
J.D. Martinez
LF,RF,DH - BOS
|
|
17.
Justin Verlander
SP - HOU
Verlander had groin surgery which will sideline him for several weeks. But given the postponement of the season, it seems unlikely to threaten Verlander's availability for Opening Day, whenever that may be. Although surgery is never a good sign, in the end, it's better for Verlander that he could get this out of the way now rather than have it linger. For now, keep him high on your draft boards.
|
|
18.
Fernando Tatis Jr.
SS - SD
|
|
19.
Rafael Devers
3B - BOS
|
|
20.
Bryce Harper
RF - PHI
|
|
21.
Freddie Freeman
1B - ATL
Freeman tested positive for COVID-19 at the outset of renewed camp and has reportedly dealt with some difficult symptoms. It seems unlikely that he'll be able to begin the year with the Braves, though he is apparently on the road to recovery. When healthy, Freeman is a dynamic option, so long as he has recovered from the elbow soreness that plagued him in spring. Don't let Freeman slip too far, but he's out of the second round for now.
|
|
22.
Walker Buehler
SP - LAD
A 5.22 ERA in April scared fantasy owners, but Buehler quickly recovered from the Dodgers' ill-planned "ease into the year" plan. He looked precisely like the pitcher his fantasy owners had hoped for after that, ending the year with a 3.26 ERA and 1.04 WHIP with a 29.2% strikeout rate. His meager five percent walk rate was one of the best in the league, and with an incredibly strong offense behind him once again, Buehler should excel in all four of the starting pitching categories in 2020. Have no concerns.
|
|
23.
Anthony Rendon
3B - LAA
Rendon finally put it all together last year, setting career-highs in batting average (.319), home runs (34), runs scored (117), and RBI (126). He'll now move to Anaheim where he'll see a downgrade in park, but an upgrade in lineup by the sheer presence of Mike Trout. In the end, Rendon's move is a neutral one, and to the extent you trust him to stay healthy again, he's a rock-solid second round pick.
|
|
24.
Starling Marte
CF - MIA
Marte set career-highs in home runs, runs scored, RBI, and slugging percentage in 2019, and now gets an upgrade in supporting cast and home park with the move to the Diamondbacks. The Pirates ranked 20th in 2019 in runs scored, while the Diamondbacks ranked 11th, and PNC Park was one of the worst parks for righty batters last season. Marte may not be able to grow his 2019 numbers at this point given his age, but his change in teams certainly doesn't hurt.
|
|
25.
Javier Baez
SS - CHC
|
|
26.
Stephen Strasburg
SP - WSH
Strasburg reached the 200-inning plateau for the second time in his career, and set a career high in wins with 18. Other than staying completely healthy, however, his numbers looked pretty much as they always have - just below the truly elite pitchers, but worthy of coming from your ace. Don't be sucked in by his magical postseason (1.98 ERA, 0.94 WHIP). Draft Strasburg as a top-10 pitcher, but expect his usual low-3.00 ERA and solid all around numbers.
|
|
27.
Jack Flaherty
SP - STL
If ever there were a tale of two halves, it was Flaherty's 2019 season. A 4.64 ERA with a 1.23 WHIP in the first half, followed by a preposterous 0.91 ERA and 0.71 WHIP in the second half. His strikeout rate jumped, his walk rate dropped, and he saw a gain of almost a mile per hour on his fastball. The real Flaherty likely lies somewhere in between his first and second halves, but that should be a top-10 pitcher in 2020.
|
|
28.
Xander Bogaerts
SS - BOS
Bogaerts had an outstanding 2019 season, obliterating his career-high in home runs and RBI and getting his batting average back over .300. But the thing is, his underlying metrics don't look all that different from his solid but unspectacular 2018 season. His strikeout rate, hard hit percentage, average exit velocity, and launch angle all remained nearly identical, while his steals (only four) continued to trend down to a now useless level from a fantasy perspective. Bogaerts is still a fine option but at a strong position and now batting in a weaker lineup, be careful not to waste too high a pick on him.
|
|
29.
Shane Bieber
SP - CLE
Bieber was simply fantastic in 2019 and gave you everything you want from a stud pitcher. He was second in the league innings, had a 3.28 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP, and was top-10 in strikeout and walk rates. He gave up his fair share of home runs but, overall, there are next to no complaint about Bieber. Draft him with confidence as a low-end ace.
|
|
30.
Jose Altuve
2B - HOU
|
|
31.
Pete Alonso
1B - NYM
|
|
32.
George Springer
CF,RF - FA
|
|
33.
Gleyber Torres
2B,SS - NYY
|
|
34.
Ozzie Albies
2B - ATL
|
|
35.
Mike Clevinger
SP - SD
Clevinger sustained a partial medial meniscus tear in his left knee on February 14th and underwent surgery. Although his 6-8 week timetable made it highly unlikely that he'd be back for Opening Day, the postponement of the season means that Clevinger should be ready to go when the bell rings. That should make him a top-12 pitcher at worst.
|
|
36.
Charlie Blackmon
CF,RF - COL
Blackmon was one of the first players who was known to test positive for COVID-19. As of July 10, he still had not yet reported to Rockies camp. Given the lack of input into Blackmon's situation, it's certainly possible that he'll be healthy and ready to go by the time the season starts. But, for now, drop him at least a round or two in your rankings until you hear more.
|
|
37.
Ketel Marte
2B,SS,OF - ARI
Marte suddenly went from being a career .263 hitter with 22 home runs in 1,548 plate appearances to batting .329 with 32 home runs in 628 plate appearances. And while he made many overall gains, such as a massive increase in launch angle, his expected batting average was just .299 and that .030 difference was 10th-highest in MLB. He also upped his pull percentage by a significant amount, and pulled all but one of his home runs, which should be something that pitchers can exploit in 2020. Buy some of the gains, but consider Marte closer to a .290-25 type of hitter.
|
|
38.
Clayton Kershaw
SP - LAD
Peak Kershaw may be gone, but the version that remains is pretty darn good himself. Kershaw passed 175 innings pitched for the first time since 2015 despite starting the season on the IL, and although his ERA crept above 3.00 for the first time since 2008, his overall numbers remain elite. With strong win potential always present, Kershaw is a fine second starter on your staff. But his days of carrying a fantasy team are behind him.
|
|
39.
Adalberto Mondesi
SS - KC
|
|
40.
Blake Snell
SP - TB
Snell's subpar season was limited to just 107 innings after he underwent arthroscopic elbow surgery. Although owners might want to shy away after last year, there were plenty of encouraging signs. His FIP and xFIP were roughly a run lower than his ERA, his 33.3% strikeout rate was actually an improvement on his breakout year, and batters continued to make incredibly weak contact. If healthy, he should return to dominance.
|
|
41.
Austin Meadows
LF,RF,DH - TB
|
|
42.
Nelson Cruz
DH - FA
If you removed Cruz's age from the equation, he'd be a top pick in fantasy. Despite missing nearly a quarter of the season to injury last year, he again put up elite numbers, topping 40 home runs and 100 RBI while batting .311. Cruz will be 40 this year, never plays the field and is starting to miss more time to injuries. But he's essentially forgotten in most drafts and has shown very little skills decline. Don't shy away from him on draft day even though he clogs your utility spot.
|
|
43.
Charlie Morton
SP - FA
Morton only got better after leaving the Astros, setting career bests in innings pitched, ERA, WHIP, and strikeout percentage. Batters simply don't hit his curveball, which he throws more than a third of the time, and his fastball is nearly equally as effective. In a dynasty or keeper format, things may be different, as Morton speaks of retirement often. For this year, however, there is zero reason for concern.
|
|
44.
Keston Hiura
2B - MIL
|
|
45.
Luis Castillo
SP - CIN
Regression just never really hit for Castillo last year, despite a walk rate of 10.1%, fourth-worst in the league among qualified pitchers. There's no doubting Castillo's stuff, particularly his devastating changeup, and the Reds should be more competitive than they have been in years. But he simply has to cut down on the free passes if he wants to build on his breakout 2019. There's every reason to think he will as he continue to grow as a pitcher, and should make a reliable second fantasy starter.
|
|
46.
Yordan Alvarez
LF,DH - HOU
|
|
47.
Kris Bryant
3B,LF,RF - CHC
|
|
48.
Manny Machado
3B,SS - SD
|
|
49.
Anthony Rizzo
1B - CHC
|
|
50.
Aaron Judge
RF - NYY
Judge has a stress fracture in his rib, which showed "slight improvement" based on a CT scan in mid-April. But he is also dealing with a collapsed lung, and there is still no timetable for when he may be ready for baseball activity. Even with the postponement of the season, there's no guarantee that Judge will be ready to play at any point this season. Draft him with a heavy dose of pessimism and you should be fine.
|
|
51.
Eloy Jimenez
LF - CWS
|
|
52.
Patrick Corbin
SP - WSH
Corbin largely followed up on his breakout 2018 season with the Nationals last year, again reaching the 200-inning plateau and pitching to a low-3.00 ERA. He continued to lean heavily on his outstanding slider, against which batters hit just .158. His walk rate and strikeout rate rose and fell just a tad from his peak, a trend that fantasy owners can expect to continue. But Corbin's baseline is excellent and even with further slow decline in skills, he should be an outstanding starter for a fantasy rotation.
|
|
53.
Paul Goldschmidt
1B - STL
|
|
54.
Yoan Moncada
2B,3B - CWS
|
|
55.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
3B,DH - TOR
|
|
56.
Bo Bichette
SS - TOR
|
|
57.
Chris Paddack
SP - SD
Paddack earned his "biggest spring training breakout" award with an outstanding season, albeit one capped with an innings limit. The reins should be taken off a bit this year, which should allow Paddack to remain in a groove and build on his outstanding 2019 numbers. His fastball and changeup are simpy elite, and if he can continue to refine his curveball, he could develop into a true fantasy ace.
|
|
58.
Matt Olson
1B - OAK
|
|
59.
Lucas Giolito
SP - CWS
Giolito earned every bit of his breakout season, putting up an ERA that we nearly identical to his FIP and xFIP and a major gain in control. Most impressive for Giolito was his ability to limit contact on pitches in the strike zone - just 77.3%, second best in MLB behind Gerrit Cole. His raw stuff is elite, and another fantastic season should follow in 2020.
|
|
60.
Whit Merrifield
2B,CF,RF - KC
|
|
61.
Giancarlo Stanton
LF,RF - NYY
Stanton's Grade-1 hamstring strain was going to keep him out of action for Opening Day, but he now should be ready to go whenever the season begins. Stanton will always be an injury risk, but for now, view him as a healthy option heading into the season. His power potential therefore makes him an option in Round 3 or 4, depending on your risk tolerance.
|
|
62.
Eugenio Suarez
3B - CIN
Few hitters benefited as much from the postponement of the season as did Suarez, whose shoulder woes made his availability for Opening Day questionable. He'll now likely be at or close to full strength when the season begins. Whether he can repeat his near-50 homer performance is another question (he likely can't), but you should draft him as you would few to no health concerns.
|
|
63.
Jose Abreu
1B,DH - CWS
|
|
64.
Zack Greinke
SP - HOU
Greinke didn't see the patented Astros bump after a mid-season trade, as his overall numbers actually declined a bit after his move from the Diamondbacks. His ERA and WHIP remain outstanding, but his strikeout rate continues to decline, such that it now actively does not help fantasy owners. Still, he's nearly a lock for 200 innings, plenty of wins, and solid peripherals, making him a fine addition to any fantasy staff. But with his advancing age, don't bank on him necessarily being a top-20 pitcher.
|
|
65.
Josh Hader
RP - MIL
Hader throws his fastball about 83 percent of the time and batters just can't hit it. They bat .167 against with a miniscule .275 wOBA and there's just no reason to expect that to change. Thus, his nearly 50 percent strikeout rate is likely here to stay, and that makes Hader the top reliever to draft in fantasy, even if his occasional multi-inning role means he won't get every save chance.
|
|
66.
Tommy Pham
LF,CF,DH - SD
Pham tested positive for COVID-19 but has since cleared protocol with two negative tests and has rejoined his team. He was reportedly asymptomatic in any event, and it does not appear that he'll have limitations heading into the season.
|
|
67.
Jonathan Villar
2B,SS - FA
|
|
68.
Yu Darvish
SP - CHC
Darvish's season was a tale of two halves. He was utterly unplayable to begin the season, tallying a 1.56 WHIP through May and walking roughly six batters per nine innings. But Darvish pulled out of it and then some, walking only seven batters over his final 14 starts, during which he had a 2.95 ERA and 0.83 WHIP. Can you fully trust Darvish? Probably not? But should you expect him to pitch closer to his second half than his first? For sure.
|
|
69.
Aaron Nola
SP - PHI
Nola simply wasn't very good in 2019. His control took a major step back and batters consistently made better contact against him, particularly against his fastball. Whether it was an aberration for the youngster after two years of major growth, or whether perhaps Nola isn't as good as previously thought, is an open question. But given how drastically his control dipped, fantasy owners would be wise to give Nola somewhat of a pass for his 2019. He can't be drafted as an ace, but as a second starter? Go for it.
|
|
70.
Marcell Ozuna
LF - FA
Ozuna didn't have a terrible 2019, but his .241 batting average and injuries certainly put a damper on his year. And although he was due for a rebound anyway (his .259 BABIP was preposterously low), moving to the Braves on a one-year deal should be just what the doctor ordered. Not only will he be batting in the middle of an incredible strong lineup. but he'll also be playing in a much more favorable home park. With plenty of motivation as he looks for a multi-year deal, expect a big season from Ozuna.
|
|
71.
Eddie Rosario
LF,RF - MIN
|
|
72.
Josh Donaldson
3B - MIN
Donaldson played it right, betting on himself with a one-year deal and turning in a patented monstrous power season with the Braves. He'll now move on to the Twins where you can expect more of the same. Not only do the Twins boast one of the best all-around lineups in baseball, but park factors actually favor Target Field over Truist Park for home runs and doubles. Expect a repeat of 2019, with perhaps a little more.
|
|
73.
J.T. Realmuto
C - FA
|
|
74.
Victor Robles
CF,RF - WSH
|
|
75.
Josh Bell
1B - PIT
Bell had a true breakout season in 2019, improving drastically in pretty much every measurable category. His increases in exit velocity (2.3 mph), launch angle (3.8 degrees), and barrels per plate appearance (3.8%) showed that his gains were not fluky, and he even recovered from what looked to be a second-half collapse with a .927 OPS in August. The issue for Bell is that even with the improvements, a first baseman who bats .277 and slugs 37 home runs is not blowing the fantasy world away. Buy many of the gains, but don't go crazy on draft day.
|
|
76.
Nick Castellanos
LF,RF - CIN
Castellanos' numbers were continually deflated batting in the middle of a bad Tigers lineup and in a home park that greatly depressed power numbers. A move to Cincinnati should be just what the doctor ordered, and allow Castellanos to continue to build on his monster finish with the Cubs last year. While he may not hit the 50 homers he was on pace for with the Cubs or total the same 1.000 OPS, his numbers should look much closer to his 2019 second half than his first.
|
|
77.
DJ LeMahieu
1B,2B,3B - FA
LeMahieu tested positive for COVID-19 and is asymptomatic, according to the Yankees. Assuming he rejoins the team by the start of the season - a big "if" but somewhat likely given his early positive test - then he should have little difficulty getting ready for the season.
|
|
78.
Matt Chapman
3B - OAK
|
|
79.
Jorge Soler
RF,DH - KC
|
|
80.
Ramon Laureano
CF,RF - OAK
|
|
81.
Marcus Semien
SS - FA
|
|
82.
Kirby Yates
RP - FA
Yate led the league in saves last year with 41, and continued to lower his already impressive ERA and WHIP. He has an elite strikeout rate and is outstanding at limiting home runs, which is everything you want in a closer. Josh Hader should be the first reliever taken but Yates should be a close second.
|
|
83.
Max Muncy
1B,2B,3B - LAD
|
|
84.
Joey Gallo
LF,CF - TEX
Gallo reportedly tested positive for COVID-19, but the accuracy of his tests have been questioned. Regardless, Gallo is back in camp with his teammates and should have no restrictions going forward.
|
|
85.
Carlos Correa
SS - HOU
|
|
86.
Tyler Glasnow
SP,RP - TB
Glasnow was limited to just 60 innings in 2019, but they were pretty glorious ones! His control, which had plagued him since coming to the majors, improved significantly, and his WHIP dropped to an impressive 0.89. He should be fully recovered from his forearm injury heading into the season and has the raw stuff to be a fantasy ace if he can avoid injury. There's risk with Glasnow, but it is worth taking.
|
|
87.
Jose Berrios
SP - MIN
Berrios reached 200 innings but didn't really take the step forward that most fantasy owners had hoped for. His strikeout rate dropped, his WHIP increased, and batters made better contact. Still, Berrios was a pitcher who fantasy owners could start each and every time out, contributed well in wins, and rarely walked batters. When you add it all up, Berrios remains a starter that fantasy owners should covet, but perhaps temper expectations until he shows that he's ready to take that next step.
|
|
88.
Michael Brantley
LF,RF,DH - FA
|
|
89.
Luis Robert
CF - CWS
|
|
90.
Tim Anderson
SS - CWS
|
|
91.
Trevor Bauer
SP - FA
Bauer may be one of the most talented pitchers in baseball, but he has exactly one season with an ERA below 4.18, a WHIP below 1.25, or more than 12 wins. Even on an improved Cincinnati team, there's little reason to expect him to do much better than those numbers. Bauer will give you innings and plenty of strikeouts, but fantasy owners would do well to largely forget 2018, and draft him with closer to a 4.00 ERA and 1.25 WHIP in mind.
|
|
92.
Corey Kluber
SP - TEX
Kluber showed some skills decline in 2018, but nothing could have prepared fantasy owners for the disaster that was 2019. He got off to a terrible start before a broken forearm ended his season. Now with the Rangers, Kluber will get a fresh start and look to rebuild some of his real and fantasy value. Throw out the 5.80 ERA and 1.65 WHIP from last year - Kluber hasn't declined to that extent. Expect him to provide very solid, albeit not pristine, numbers, if he can stay healthy.
|
|
93.
Mike Moustakas
2B,3B - CIN
|
|
94.
Roberto Osuna
RP - HOU
Osuna may not be quite the pitcher he was in his absolute prime, but he's not far off. He has yet to have a season in the majors with a WHIP above 1.00, and his strikeout rate has rebounded to above-average, if not elite, levels. He has immense job security on an excellent team and should once again provide all the numbers you could want from a closer. Draft him with confidence.
|
|
95.
Sonny Gray
SP - CIN
Gray talked about how he didn't like how the Yankees had forced him to use his slider and that he expected better results in 2019. Boy, did he get them with the Reds. His slider and curveball went from very good to great in 2019, and along with it improved all of his numbers. Armed now with a top-notch strikeout rate and peripherals that finally match his raw stuff, Gray should be drafted with confidence in 2020 as a reliable fantasy starter.
|
|
96.
Aroldis Chapman
RP - NYY
It was announced that Chapman tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday, July 11th. With less than two weeks left until the regular season, it seems unlikely that he'll begin the year on the active roster. With that said, it remains unclear exactly how long he'll miss and given Chapman's potential, he shouldn't slip beyond the top 10 closers in drafts.
|
|
97.
Liam Hendriks
RP - OAK
If Hendriks' 2019 performance doesn't convince you to wait on closers, nothing will. An afterthought in drafts pitching behind Blake Treinen, Hendriks not only took the closer's role for the A's but also developed into one of the best relievers in the game. A velocity bump made his fastball nearly unhittable and he rarely gave up home runs. He'll be given the chance to repeat his performance, but whether he can is an entirely open question.
|
|
98.
Andrew Benintendi
LF,CF - BOS
|
|
99.
Rhys Hoskins
1B,LF - PHI
|
|
100.
Brandon Woodruff
SP,RP - MIL
Woodruff earned his breakout 2019, relying on his elite fastball to limit hard contact and avoid big innings. His solid control allows him to keep the line moving, and the Brewers' strong lineup adds to his win potential. Although he missed a large chunk of the season due to injury, he should be ready to lead the Brewers rotation this year, and can and should be drafted as a strong second-tier starter.
|
|
101.
Gary Sanchez
C - NYY
|
|
102.
Jeff McNeil
2B,3B,LF,RF - NYM
|
|
103.
Brad Hand
RP - CLE
Hand didn't have a bad year by any means, but there were two major areas of decline. The first was a cratering of his ground ball rate, and the second was that batters simply hit his fastball much, much better than in previous years. Hand is a reliever, which means volatility, and his strikeout rate remains well above-average. But with just a club option left on his deal, he could be a candidate to be dealt if the Indians struggle out of the gate.
|
|
104.
Lance Lynn
SP - TEX
Lynn was truly phenomenal last season, turning his velocity gains into both an increase in strikeout rate and a massive drop in walk rate. Everything Lynn did in 2019 was backed up by his underlying metrics, so there's plenty of reason for optimism in 2020. But it's fair to consider how out of character Lynn's year was, an add just a wee bit of caution to your projections.
|
|
105.
Kenley Jansen
RP - LAD
Jansen finally reported to camp on Sunday, July 12, and revealed that he was delayed because he had tested positive for COVID-19. Dave Roberts stated that he expected Jansen to be ready for the regular season, which means he can be drafted as a top-10 closer.
|
|
106.
Carlos Santana
1B,DH - CLE
|
|
107.
Mike Soroka
SP - ATL
Soroka wasn't even necessarily supposed to begin 2019 in the Braves rotation but quickly developed into an ace. Although there's little reason to knock his year, his 7.32/9 strikeout rate ranked 49th out of 61 qualified starters. With an xFIP more than a run higher than his 2.68 ERA, there's every reason to expect regression. Still, there's room Soroka to continue to be an excellent fantasy option despite a step back, so don't avoid him during your draft.
|
|
108.
Edwin Diaz
RP - NYM
Diaz's season was an unmitigated disaster. While his strikeout rate remained strong, his ERA ballooned to 5.59, his home run rate rose to comical levels, and his control waned. By the end of the season, he had ceded save opportunities to Seth Lugo and was relegated to mopup duty. Diaz's slider went from being unhittable in 2018 (.129 BAA) to getting crushed in 2019 (.297 BAA). He'll enter 2020 as the closer for the Mets, and reliever volatility is well-known, so don't be surprised to see Diaz rebound big-time in 2020. But just don't go into your season banking on it.
|
|
109.
Michael Conforto
LF,CF,RF - NYM
|
|
110.
Taylor Rogers
RP - MIN
Rogers didn't have the Twins' closer role at the outset of the season, but he proved himself as Minnesota's best reliever pretty quickly. He built on his strong gains in 2018, further upping his strikeout rate and lowering his walk rate. He likely won't see all of the save chances this year for the Twins, but he should lead the way in opportunities. That, along with his strong overall numbers, makes him a reliever to target in fantasy.
|
|
111.
Franmil Reyes
RF,DH - CLE
|
|
112.
Max Kepler
CF,RF - MIN
|
|
113.
Ken Giles
RP - FA
Giles may have had the quietest 1.87 ERA and 1.00 WHIP in the history of baseball. Add to that a a 14.09/9 strikeout rate and Giles was one of the best relievers in baseball in 2019. He'll be a free agent after this year so it seems unlikely he holds down the closer's role in Toronto all year. But he'll certainly help your overall numbers in the first half of the season at least.
|
|
114.
Frankie Montas
SP - OAK
Montas was one of the best starters in baseball until his season ended prematurely thanks to a PED suspension. Before then, he had used added velocity and improved control to lower is ERA to 2.63 and tally nine wins in just 16 starts. There's always a question of how a player coming off a PED suspension will perform the following year but, for the most part, they are often able to maintain much of their performance. Draft Montas expecting solid overall numbers, though expect an ERA in the 3.00s, rather than the 2.00s.
|
|
115.
Jorge Polanco
SS - MIN
|
|
116.
David Dahl
LF,CF,RF - COL
|
|
117.
Zack Wheeler
SP - PHI
Wheeler's numbers declined from his breakout 2018 season but, overall, there were plenty of gains. He upped his strikeout rate and velocity, cut his walk rate, and set a career high in innings. Now with the Phillies, he'll see a downgrade in park, but because he's been able to avoid home runs over the last two seasons, the move should not have too much of an impact. Wheeler probably won't develop into a fantasy ace, but he's, at worst, a strong third fantasy starter.
|
|
118.
Carlos Carrasco
SP,RP - CLE
Carrasco was already dealing with plenty of question marks after losing much of last season to leukemia, and now has been diagnosed with a mild hip flexor. He's day-to-day but it's obviously not the start to the spring that Carrasco owners were hoping for. Continue to monitor his progress but he avoids setbacks, he represents a fairly steep bargain in fantasy drafts, given his past performance and the fact that last year can largely be written off to his illness.
|
|
119.
Corey Seager
SS - LAD
|
|
120.
Eduardo Escobar
2B,3B,SS - ARI
|
|
121.
Hyun Jin Ryu
SP - TOR
When healthy, Ryu has quietly been one of the best pitchers in baseball since his 2013 debut. But his preposterous year last season was surprising even for him. Ryu had the lowest BABIP-allowed on groundballs (just .162) of any pitcher in baseball in 2019, which led to just a 1.01 WHIP. Now in Toronto, that number is sure to rise precipitously and obviously have a negative impact on Ryu's 2020 numbers. That impact has been baked into Ryu's ADP at this point, so you won't have to buy him at his 2019 numbers. Just be prepared for regression.
|
|
122.
Justin Turner
3B - FA
|
|
123.
Oscar Mercado
LF,CF,RF - CLE
|
|
124.
Kyle Schwarber
LF - CHC
|
|
125.
Kyle Hendricks
SP - CHC
Hendricks can be dominant at times, but his lack of overpowering raw stuff means he has to be pinpoint with his control. When he's on, he can be unhittable, like when he led the league in getting hitters to swing at pitches outside the zone in the second half last year. But in the end, you know what Hendricks is going to give you. A sub-3.50 ERA, a sub-1.20 WHIP, and mediocre strikeout numbers. There's plenty of room for that on a fantasy team. But don't bank on much upside.
|
|
126.
Shohei Ohtani
SP,DH - LAA
Ohtani didn't pitch at all in 2019 and likely won't do so until mid-May in 2020. But his bat looked just fine last year, proving that his 2018 skills he showed as a hitter were not a fluke. He'll likely settle back into a part-time DH role with the Angels, and if you can choose to deploy him as both a pitcher and a hitter in any given week, Ohtani should provide immense value as a fantasy player. Even if not, he should contribute on either end of the spectrum, so draft him with a high degree of confidence.
|
|
127.
Elvis Andrus
SS - TEX
|
|
128.
Zac Gallen
SP - ARI
Gallen was so absurdly dominant in Triple-A in 2019 that his MLB performance, while highly impressive, felt slightly disappointing. But his fastball, curveball, and changeup were all plus pitches in the majors, and there's every reason to expect him to continue to grow as a pitcher. There's somehow some question mark around his rotation spot, but cream usually rises to the top, and he should not only be one of the Diamondbacks' five starters, but he should excel. Expect excellent overall numbers and draft him accordingly.
|
|
129.
Eduardo Rodriguez
SP - BOS
Rodriguez has tested positive for COVID-19, and Ron Roenicke has admitted that it's unlikely the Red Sox will have him ready for Opening Day. He's reportedly asymptomatic, however, which hopefully means he'll be able to have two positive tests and return to the team sometime after the first few days.
|
|
130.
Dinelson Lamet
SP - SD
Lamet is a popular breakout candidate this year, after he returned from Tommy John surgery to throw 73 innings of solid baseball last year. Lamet is still much more potential than numbers - he hasn't dominated a level above A-ball and has questionable control. But his raw stuff, particularly his slider and curveball, are impressive, and he can miss bats with the best of them. They'll be no discount for Lamet this year, but if you're looking for upside, he's worth the gamble.
|
|
131.
Matthew Boyd
SP - DET
Armed with a devastating slider into which he leaned heavily, Boyd had an impressive opening to his season, putting up gaudy strikeout numbers with impressive overall stats. Unfortunately, his ERA rose from 3.87 in the first half to 5.51 in the second half, with his WHIP coming along for the ride. An awful .318 BABIP on groundballs didn't help, but that number isn't all that surprising given the defense behind him. With almost no win potential, Boyd is more of a back-end-of-the-rotation fantasy starter.
|
|
132.
Madison Bumgarner
SP - ARI
Bumgarner's ERA approached 4.00 last year, but he stayed healthy all year and saw a velocity bump after two injury-plagued years. The move to Arizona is a downgrade considering the park change, but it's not quite as drastic as it would have been without the humidor. Still, Bumgarner's numbers were significantly worse away from Oracle Park last year (2.93 ERA at home, 5.29 away), so it's fair to exercise caution with Bumgarner. But, so long as you recognize him for what he is at this point in his career, he'll likely give you what you expect.
|
|
133.
Raisel Iglesias
RP - CIN
Iglesias walked fewer and struck out more batters than ever, winding up with 34 saves last year. And yet it always felt like he was on the precipice of losing his job as the closer, particularly in light of his whopping 12 losses. Iglesias is still under control for two more seasons and, so long as he can continue to pitch relatively effectively, should be able to hold down the ninth-inning job in 2020. But there should be at least some trepidation among fantasy owners in light of his ups and downs last year.
|
|
134.
Craig Kimbrel
RP - CHC
Kimbrel waited to sign until months into the season, and the results weren't pretty. He battled injury and was entirely ineffective, pitching to an 8.10 ERA and walking more than five batters per nine innings. Whether the complete lack of control was a continuing trend or just due to rust/injuries. But, either way, the price on Kimbrel should be the cheapest in years, and if you're waiting on saves, he's as good an option to take a chance on as anyone.
|
|
135.
Max Fried
SP,RP - ATL
Fried's 2019 was positive, but his 4.02 ERA and 1.33 WHIP left a lot to be desired. His 17 wins and solid strikeout rate masked some of the issues, but he certainly doesn't look like a pitcher ready to jump into the upper echelon. Still, Fried's FIP and xFIP were lower than his ERA, and his expected stats showed he had some bad luck. Put it all together and Fried's a decent option with upside, but not one who you should expect to lead your fantasy rotation in 2020.
|
|
136.
Edwin Encarnacion
1B,DH - CWS
|
|
137.
Lorenzo Cain
CF - MIL
|
|
138.
Robbie Ray
SP - FA
While the overall numbers fluctuate, Ray is largely the same guy he's always been. He's going to amass a ton of strikeouts and he's going to hand out free passes like a doctor handing out lollipops. It is just impossible to rely on a starter who can't top 175 innings or keep his WHIP below 1.33. Ray is certainly rosterable but close your eyes when he's pitching.
|
|
139.
Yasmani Grandal
C,1B - CWS
|
|
140.
Amed Rosario
SS - NYM
|
|
141.
Cavan Biggio
2B,RF - TOR
|
|
142.
James Paxton
SP - FA
Paxton will be out until at least early May (and likely longer) after undergoing a microscopic lumbar discectomy with removal of a peridiscal cyst in early February. Although his talent is undeniable, this is yet another in a long list of injuries for Paxton, who has eight injured list stints since the beginning of the 2014 season. While early May is the front end of the three to four month timetable, expect Paxton's absence to last until at least June and possibly longer if he has any setbacks.
|
|
143.
Mike Minor
SP - FA
The Rangers pushed Minor to reach 200 strikeouts and, although his 3.59 ERA shows he surpassed expectations, there was really fairly little to get excited about. Minor's FIP and xFIP were substantially higher than his ERA, his WHIP was mediocre, and his strikeout rate hardly impressed. He's a pitcher you draft to solidify the back end of your rotation, but nothing more.
|
|
144.
Willson Contreras
C - CHC
|
|
145.
Kenta Maeda
SP,RP - MIN
Maeda should be the rare pitcher who benefits from a move to the American League. The Dodgers have moved him back and forth from the bullpen to the starting rotation to manipulate his innings and avoid paying him bonuses for years. Now, he should stick in the Twins' rotation, and approach the 175 innings he threw in 2016. Given that he had the highest swinging strike rate (14.6%) and chase rate (34.8%) of his career last year and will be moving to a division that saw three of the other four teams rank in the bottom seven in runs scored in 2019, consider the needle on Maeda moving up.
|
|
146.
Miguel Sano
1B,3B - MIN
Sano tested positive for COVID-19, though he's asymptomatic. There have been few updates since his test in early July, and it's certainly possible that he'll return healthy before the start of the regular season. For now, drop him down your draft board a hair, but don't shy away entirely.
|
|
147.
Nick Anderson
RP - TB
Anderson was exceptional with the Rays, though Emilio Pagan got the vast majority of the save chances. With Pagan now out of the way, Anderson may have the chance to lead a committee of Diego Castillo and Jose Alvarado. Even if he doesn't get the majority of the save chances, if Anderson pitches like he did with the Rays last year (52.6% strikeout rate), he'll be worth owning no matter what.
|
|
148.
Yuli Gurriel
1B,3B - HOU
|
|
149.
Brandon Workman
RP - FA
Workman was never the guy for the Red Sox . . . until one day he just was. When he finally locked down the closer's role, he was fantastic, striking out batters at will and pitching to a 1.88 ERA. His WHIP hovered near 1.00 despite the fact that he walked more than 5.5 batters per nine innings, a feat which he's unlikely to duplicate. In short, while Workman will close for the Red Sox, he'll need to improve his control in order to hold the job for the whole year.
|
|
150.
Jesus Luzardo
SP,RP - OAK
Luzardo has tested positive for COVID-19, though there have been few details as to his reported symptoms (or lack thereof). A prime breakout candidate, especially given the delay and the lack of an innings limit, Luzardo's fantasy stock is now in a bit of a grey area. Monitor the reports but be prepared to knock him down a few pegs in your draft absent positive reports on his health.
|
|
151.
Jean Segura
SS - PHI
You know who didn't love stolen bases? Gabe Kapler. You know who isn't the manager of the Phillies anymore? Gabe Kapler. Segura's numbers stayed relatively consistent last year, except his stolen base totals dropped from the 20-30 range to just 10. But with Kapler out of town, there's every reason to expect the 30-year-old Segura to return to being a 20-steal player with a plus batting average who will chip in everywhere. With dual-eligibility coming, Segura shouldn't be forgotten on draft day.
|
|
152.
Julio Urias
SP,RP - LAD
Urias will begin the year in the Dodgers rotation, so the biggest hurdle to him having major fantasy value this year has been cleared. His ability to miss bats is elite and although he's struggled with control a bit in the majors, he has all the tools to succeed. There's plenty of upside, so if you have a solid base for your pitching staff, don't hesitate to pull the trigger a little early.
|
|
153.
Khris Davis
DH - OAK
Davis had a terrible 2019 but looked pretty much like his usual self until he ran into a wall in the outfield and injured his hip. After that, he was largely useless as a fantasy player, resulting in one of the worst seasons of his career. Still just 32 years old, there's little reason to doubt Davis' ability to return to his former skills, and go back to his 40-homer ways.
|
|
154.
Hector Neris
RP - PHI
Neris tested positive for COVID-19 but is back in camp and looks good to go for the regular season. He morphed into a reliable option in the ninth inning for the Phillies last year, and should be so again assuming his health permits.
|
|
155.
Lance McCullers Jr.
SP - HOU
McCullers missed all of 2019 after undergoing Tommy John surgery but he should be ready to go this year. His devastating curveball keeps hitters off balance, and his ability to mix pitches is elite. There's risk from the injury and he may be rusty, but McCullers offers rare upside. He'll likely be on an innings limit this year, but that shouldn't come into play with the postponement of the season.
|
|
156.
Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
2B,SS,LF - TOR
|
|
157.
Mallex Smith
CF,RF - FA
Stolen bases throughout the game are at an all-time low, and yet Smith, who has stolen 86 bases over the past two seasons, doesn't get a whiff until late in drafts. Yes, his average won't help you, he barely contributes any power, he'll likely bat ninth, and he could lose his job. But owners used to fall all over themselves to draft Billy Hamilton because he could single-handedly keep a fantasy team competitive in steals. Smith can do the same, and on a team with nothing to play for, he's likely to run at every possible opportunity.
|
|
158.
German Marquez
SP - COL
Although Marquez seemed like the rare pitcher who could conquer Coors Field, 2019 showed otherwise. Marquez pitched to a 3.67 ERA and a 0.94 WHIP on the road, but a 6.26 ERA and 1.55 WHIP at home. Can he overcome the thin air this year? It's possible, but history is littered with pitchers who managed to buck the trend for one year only to fail to do so again. Marquez has the skill, but his home park make it seem unlikely he can provide quality value.
|
|
159.
Mitch Garver
C - MIN
|
|
160.
Byron Buxton
CF - MIN
|
|
161.
Kyle Tucker
LF,RF - HOU
|
|
162.
Paul DeJong
SS - STL
|
|
163.
Adam Eaton
LF,RF - FA
|
|
164.
Andrew Heaney
SP - LAA
Heaney's 14.2% swinging strike rate was elite last year. But, as usual, he just couldn't put it all together. There's a monster somewhere inside Heaney - a 3.50 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 200 strikeout season lurks within. But it's still a mystery as to whether fantasy owners will ever see it. Draft him for his potential and hope to see it this year, but don't bank on the production.
|
|
165.
Alex Colome
RP - FA
Few expected Colome to hold the closer role for the White Sox all season, but he did, totaling 30 saves in the process. His numbers were solid, though his FIP and xFIP were significantly higher than his ERA. The White Sox have big plans for the season so, if they're in contention, don't be surprised if they make a move for a more established reliever. But, in the meantime, Colome should provide plenty of saves in the first half of the season.
|
|
166.
Bryan Reynolds
LF,CF,RF - PIT
|
|
167.
Didi Gregorius
SS - FA
|
|
168.
Danny Santana
1B,2B,3B,SS,LF,CF,RF - TEX
|
|
169.
Hansel Robles
RP - LAA
The regression never came for Robles last year, as he somehow managed to avoid walks despite struggling with them his entire career. He'll enter the year as the Angels' closer but it's a big gamble to think lightning will strike twice with such a mercurial pitcher. The safer bet is that Robles' walk and home run rates will return to his career levels, making him a closer unlikely to hold his job all year.
|
|
170.
Sean Manaea
SP - OAK
After various delays, Manaea made a successful return from shoulder surgery, winning four of his five starts and pitching to a sterling 1.21 ERA and 0.78 WHIP with solid strikeout numbers. The sample is too small to know if Manaea really took a step forward, particularly given his significantly higher FIP and xFIP. But it should give fantasy owners confidence that Manaea can contribute all year long to a fantasy rotation.
|
|
171.
Andrew McCutchen
LF,CF,RF - PHI
McCutchen's career with the Phillies was off to a promising start until he tore his ACL running the bases. Although the Phillies were only "hopeful" for April, it now seems likely that McCutchen will be ready for the start of the season. When healthy, McCutchen has developed into a low-batting average, solid overall contributor, and he can still help fantasy owners in 2020. Far from a star, but draftable.
|
|
172.
Archie Bradley
RP - CIN
Once Greg Holland opened the door for Bradley to take over as the closer, Bradley tiptoed through the opening. Although he held down the role and put up save totals, it wasn't pretty, as he walked about 4.5 batters per nine innings. That's a dangerous recipe for a closer, particularly when the front office hasn't seemed particularly motivated to turn over the role to him. But, entering 2020, the closer's role is Bradley's, and if he can find his control from 2017-2018, he should have success.
|
|
173.
Justin Upton
LF - LAA
It seems strange to call a veteran like Upton a sleeper, but that's exactly what his ADP shows he is. Throw out last year where he battled a toe injury early and was limited to just 63 mediocre games. Prior to last year, he had hit at least 30 home runs and stolen eight bases in three straight seasons. With Anthony Rendon in tow, there should be even more RBI opportunities for Upton. Still just 32 years old, there's plenty left in the tank.
|
|
174.
Joe Musgrove
SP - PIT
Musgrove started out the season hot but cratered in May, pitching to an 8.10 ERA in the month. His overall numbers (4.44 ERA, 1.22 WHIP) won't blow you away, but Musgrove saw major velocity gains on his fastball and cutter over the second half of the season. Wins will always be an issue but if he can continue to build on his velocity increases, he could find his way into being a back-end starter for your fantasy team.
|
|
175.
Sean Doolittle
RP - FA
Doolittle should likely close for the Nationals again in 2020, though Daniel Hudson's emergence in the late- and post-season last year could throw a wrench in Davey Martinez's plans. More concerning is Doolittle's dip in performance, as his ERA and WHIP were by far the worst of his career. A free agent next year, Doolittle's job security should be minimal, so don't target him as a closer in your fantasy drafts.
|
|
176.
Jake Odorizzi
SP - FA
Odorizzi just refused to fail last year, and he was a reliable pitcher all year long. His continued gains in strikeouts and drop in walks, to go along with his 15 wins, led to a remarkably profitable season. But his xFIP remained at 4.33 and Odorizzi just never felt quite like a pitcher who was going to dominate every time out. Fortunately, you don't have to pay for his 2019 numbers given his ADP, so draft him at his price without much worry.
|
|
177.
Tommy Edman
2B,3B,SS,RF - STL
Edman had a tidy little rookie season for the Cardinals, as he batted over .300 and put up 11 home runs and 15 steals in 92 games. He looks destined for a super-utility role in 2020, but that should still mean plenty of playing time. With batting average and steals at a premium, Edman is a solid target as you get into the double-digit rounds.
|
|
178.
Luke Weaver
SP - ARI
Weaver was having an excellent 2019 season before forearm tightness essentially ended his season. He opted to rehab it, which immediately places a cloud over his 2020 outlook given the uncertainty that comes along with such an injury. His best case scenario likely includes some sort of innings limit with solid, but perhaps not league-winning numbers. That's a pitcher to take in the mid-teens rounds and hope everything falls in place.
|
|
179.
Alex Verdugo
LF,CF,RF - BOS
Verdugo finally got regular playing time last year, and turned it into a .294/.342/.475 season with 12 home runs in 106 games. Now ready to bat atop the Red Sox lineup, Verdugo should easily challenge a .300 batting average in Fenway Park. but with a reported stress fracture in his back and Opening Day looking doubtful, don't push Verdugo too far up your draft board.
|
|
180.
J.D. Davis
3B,LF - NYM
|
|
181.
Jose Leclerc
SP,RP - TEX
The Rangers signed Leclerc to be their closer but he just absolutely refused to hold down the job in 2019. Bouts of ineffectiveness were followed by dominant stretches in mop-up duty, which were again followed by failures in the ninth inning. Above everything else, Leclerc has to again get his walks below four per nine innings as he did in 2018. Absent that, even though he'll begin the year as the Rangers' closer, he'll unlikely end it that way.
|
|
182.
Shin-Soo Choo
LF,RF,DH - FA
|
|
183.
Masahiro Tanaka
SP - FA
Tanaka had a bizarre year. On the negative side, his ERA soared to 4.45 and his WHIP and strikeout rate went to a career worst 1.24 and 7.37/9, respectively. Yet he slightly lowered his walk rate from the past two years, cut his HR/FB rate, and got batters to swing at pitches outside the zone more than almost any other pitcher in the second half of the season. At this point in his career, given his home park, there's little optimism that Tanaka can ever develop into the ace he appeared to be during his debut. Draft him as a back-end-of-the-rotation starter in deeper leagues but nothing more.
|
|
184.
Mike Foltynewicz
SP - ATL
Foltynewicz was on nearly everyone's bust list, and his awful return from an injury only confirmed everyone's intuitions. But he really turned it on in the latter half of the season, pitching to a 2.65 ERA and 1.08 WHIP in the second half. No, he might not be the 2018 version of himself this year, but he certainly has more to offer than his overall 2019 numbers.
|
|
185.
Salvador Perez
C - KC
Perez tested positive for COVID-19 early in July, but is reportedly asymptomatic. He'll need two negative tests to return to the team but, assuming that he does, he shouldn't need long to get ready for the season. For now, drop Perez down your board a tad but don't run from him.
|
|
186.
Joe Jimenez
RP - DET
Although Jimenez's numbers weren't pretty in 2019, he actually performed fairly well once the Tigers turned over the closer role to him. He'll never be a top-tier closer, particularly given that Detroit is unlikely to compete, but considering he's under team control for several more seasons, he should be given every chance to hold the job all year.
|
|
187.
Carlos Martinez
SP,RP - STL
Martinez's shoulder weakness pushed him to the bullpen, where he eventually successfully took over for Jordan Hicks as the closer for the Cardinals. His 2020 role remains in flux, as it appears he'll be given an opportunity to win back the starting role he so covets, but his success is far from assured. Martinez should provide value in the rotation or the bullpen, so given that you won't need to spend much draft capital to get him anyway, don't shy away.
|
|
188.
Christian Walker
1B - ARI
|
|
189.
Will Smith
RP - ATL
Smith tested positive for COVID-19 and has not been at Braves camp yet as of mid-July. When healthy, he'll be the prime handcuff for Mark Melancon, but with a shortened season and with his health concerns, there's little reason to draft him at the moment.
|
|
190.
Willie Calhoun
LF - TEX
Calhoun suffered a fractured jaw on March 8th, but he'll benefit from the postponement of the season. Given the speculation that the season may not begin until June, that leaves Calhoun with plenty of time to get ready. With a high batting average floor and decent power, Calhoun makes a stable add to a fantasy outfield.
|
|
191.
David Peralta
LF - ARI
|
|
192.
Avisail Garcia
CF,RF,DH - MIL
|
|
193.
Caleb Smith
SP - ARI
Smith really fell apart over the second half of the season, as his ERA was almost two runs higher than in his first half. His overall numbers seem pedestrian, but his strikeout rate and improving control offer upside. If he can control his home runs allowed, he should be able to provide enough value to warrant placement on a fantasy staff.
|
|
194.
Brandon Lowe
1B,2B - TB
|
|
195.
Ryan McMahon
1B,2B,3B - COL
|
|
196.
Kevin Newman
2B,SS - PIT
A leadoff hitter who bat .308 last year with 12 home runs and 16 steals in just 130 games? What's not to like? Fine, he is one of the worst in the league in terms of barrel percentage and hard hit rate but even still, he had an expected batting average of .291 last year. Newman won't blow you away, but he'll chip in everywhere, especially the scarce categories. Don't forget about him on draft day.
|
|
197.
Ryan Braun
OF - FA
|
|
198.
Gavin Lux
2B,SS - LAD
|
|
199.
Mark Melancon
RP - FA
Despite Melancon plainly not being the best reliever on his team, he'll likely enter the 2020 season as the Braves' closer. Melancon still has decent control, but the days of being a lockdown option are long gone. Draft him as a back-end closer, and understand that Will Smith will be looking over his shoulder all year.
|
|
200.
Keone Kela
RP - FA
As of July 11th, Kela has not reported to camp. It's unclear if he is dealing with COVID-19 or when he is planning to report, if at all. Kela is an above-average major league reliever and will start the year as the Pittsburgh closer if healthy. But for now, drop him down your draft board a few spots.
|
|
201.
Luke Voit
1B,DH - NYY
|
|
202.
Ian Kennedy
SP,RP - FA
Kennedy was an afterthought on draft day last year, but a run of save chances in the middle of the summer boosted him to 30 saves. His peripherals didn't hurt fantasy owners and his strikeout numbers were solid, making Kennedy the poster child for the "wait on saves" crowd. In the final year of his deal, he'll again open as the closer for the Royals, but his chances of being dealt mid-season are extremely high. Draft him, of course, but don't bank on much more than 15 saves or so.
|
|
203.
Yasiel Puig
RF - FA
|
|
204.
Joey Lucchesi
SP - SD
Lucchesi's a fine pitcher, but he really only has two pitches - a fine fastball and an above-average changeup. Although he dabbles with a cutter, it's much more of a show-me pitch, and batters hit .291 last year against it anyway with an xBA of 3.10. It's unlikely he'll make many significant gains, but there's room on your roster for a low-4.00 ERA pitcher with nearly a strikeout per inning. Just make sure it's toward the back end of your rotation.
|
|
205.
Mitch Keller
SP - PIT
Keller's time in the majors last year was . . . sub-optimal, to say the least. Other than his elite strikeout rate, pretty much nothing went right for the youngster in his brief time with the Pirates. But when your FIP is FOUR runs lower than your ERA, chances are pretty good you're due for a rebound. Keller has an excellent fastball with an above-average slider and a decent curveball, more than enough to succeed in getting major league hitters out. If he can manage to limit his awful first innings of games with more consistency, he could provide plenty of value.
|
|
206.
Rougned Odor
2B - TEX
|
|
207.
Marcus Stroman
SP - FA
Stroman had an excellent 2019 season, though he struggled somewhat after his trade to the Mets. The one thing missing, however, finally arrived, as his strikeout rate popped to over one per inning when he got to New York. After spending all offseason strengthening his core and now in a contract year, Stroman should be in a position to provide plenty of value pitching with a full year in the National League.
|
|
208.
Scott Kingery
2B,3B,SS,LF,CF - PHI
Kingery has reported to camp after initially dealing with COVID-19. He says that he's still dealing with his recovery, including some shortness of breath, but it appears likely that he'll be ready to go when the season begins.
|
|
209.
Giovanny Gallegos
RP - STL
There's no denying Gallegos' talent, and if he gets the job as the Cardinals' closer, he has the legitimate upside to be a top-five closer if everything goes right. Unfortunately, we're a long way away from there, as the St. Louis bullpen situation is a giant question mark at the moment given Carlos Martinez and Alex Reyes. Draft Gallegos for the ratios and hope for more, but don't yet think you've got a solid closer.
|
|
210.
Jon Gray
SP - COL
It would be interesting to see what Gray could do on a team other than the Rockies, but at least we pretty much know what he'll do in Colorado. Pitch to around a 4.00-4.50 ERA, have a WHIP in the 1.35 range, and strike out a batter per inning. Forget about the magical growth we keep waiting for. Draft him at this numbers, which work in an NL-only or deeper mixed league.
|
|
211.
Wilson Ramos
C - FA
|
|
212.
Eric Hosmer
1B - SD
|
|
213.
C.J. Cron
1B - FA
|
|
214.
Daniel Murphy
1B,2B - FA
|
|
215.
Nick Senzel
2B,CF - CIN
|
|
216.
Hunter Dozier
1B,3B,RF - KC
|
|
217.
Cesar Hernandez
2B - FA
|
|
218.
Dallas Keuchel
SP - CWS
Keuchel moves from the Braves to the White Sox, which, on the surface, seems like a negative move given the change in league and home park. But, he'll be paired with Yasmani Grandal, one of the best framing catchers in all of baseball, and that's a huge boon to a pitcher like Keuchel who relies on movement and called strikes as much as any pitcher. In addition, other than the Twins, the lineups in the AL Central are hardly imposing. Keuchel is more of a matchup-based starter at this point in his career anyway, and fantasy owners should still be able to pick and choose when to deploy him.
|
|
219.
Joey Votto
1B - CIN
|
|
220.
Kolten Wong
2B - FA
|
|
221.
Dansby Swanson
SS - ATL
|
|
222.
Miguel Andujar
3B,DH - NYY
|
|
223.
Garrett Richards
SP - FA
|
|
224.
Ross Stripling
SP,RP - TOR
Stripling may find his usual odd way into the Dodgers' rotation with David Price opting out. It's unclear whether he or Dustin May will grab the final spot, but given how he's performed when given the chance over the past several years, he's worth a shot as a late-round pick.
|
|
225.
Will Smith
C - LAD
|
|
226.
Dylan Bundy
SP - LAA
|
|
227.
Anthony DeSclafani
SP - FA
Desclafani quietly had a decent season in 2019, with a 3.89 ERA, a 1.20 WHIP, and more than a strikeout per inning. But his FIP and xFIP suggested he was lucky, and he lacks the upside of other late-round starters. In deeper mixed leagues where your rotation is solid and you just want someone to not hurt you, Desclafani is your guy. Otherwise, go for a higher ceiling.
|
|
228.
Joc Pederson
1B,LF,RF - FA
|
|
229.
Jose Urquidy
SP,RP - HOU
Urquidy seemingly has the fourth starter's role locked down, and he offers and intriguing pitch mix, with an above-average fastball and changeup, with a decent slider.It's unlikely that the soon to be 25-year-old will develop into a consistent fantasy starter given his inconsistency, but he certainly has enough upside, as he showed in the playoffs, to warrant rostering in all fantasy leagues.
|
|
230.
Sandy Alcantara
SP - MIA
Alcantara is a weird case. He went on a massive run late in the season in 2019, relying on his outstanding sinker to dominate hitters. His secondary stuff seems good enough to succeed, and yet the Marlins do not seem particularly high on him. He's dealing wth a rough spring, and even at his best, he's never had a season with a WHIP under 1.32. There's upside, but don't necessarily bank on it.
|
|
231.
Gio Urshela
3B - NYY
|
|
232.
Brian Anderson
3B,RF - MIA
Anderson won't hurt you anywhere. He'll likely put up 20 home runs with passable runs and RBI, chip in a few steals, and have a batting average that you can live with. It's not exciting, but filling your roster with players like Anderson provide stability, which is worth considering on draft day.
|
|
233.
Miles Mikolas
SP - STL
Mikolas took a step back from his stellar 2018 season, adding more than a run onto his ERA and 0.15 onto his WHIP. With an extremely low strikeout rate, his numbers (4.16 ERA, 1.22 WHIP) don't warrant a roster spot. Add to that his forearm injury that will likely sideline him into May, and Mikolas can be off the fantasy radar.
|
|
234.
Ryan Yarbrough
SP,RP - TB
Yarbrough relied on an opener plenty of times last year, and it helped his win potential, as he tallied 11 despite making just 14 starts. He greatly improved his control last year, leading to just a 1.00 WHIP, but his lack of strikeout upside and mediocre ERA should keep him as an option only in deeper mixed or AL-only leagues.
|
|
235.
Steven Matz
SP - NYM
Matz is what is he is at this point. He'll likely give you around a 4.00 ERA, a 1.30 WHIP, and short of a strikeout per inning. With the Mets' addition of Rick Porcello and Michael Wacha, Matz's rotation spot could be in jeopardy unless he gets traded. For now, assume he'll get a starting spot, and draft him in NL-only formats.
|
|
236.
Mark Canha
1B,LF,CF,RF - OAK
Nobody seems to want to give Canha credit for the changes in his approach last year, but you're selling yourself short if you don't. Canha cut his swing percentage on pitches outside the zone way down last year, and the results were impressive, with 26 home runs and a .273 batting average in just 126 games. Slated to bat fifth for the A's, there's every reason for Canha to put up solid all-around numbers, and he's essentially forgotten in fantasy drafts.
|
|
237.
Garrett Hampson
2B,SS,CF - COL
|
|
238.
AJ Pollock
LF,CF - LAD
|
|
239.
Rich Hill
SP - FA
Hill is as predictable as they come nowadays. He'll give you outstanding innings with excellent strikeout numbers, but will top out at 135 innings and likely less. He'll likely be sidelined until June with his elbow injury but that may be just in time for the start of the season now. That should move Hill far up your draft boards, from afterthought to late-round sleeper.
|
|
240.
Nick Solak
2B,3B,DH - TEX
|
|
241.
Emilio Pagan
RP - SD
Pagan had a dynamic season with the Rays, racking up 20 saves and offering excellent ratios. But a move to the Padres takes him out of the closer's role behind Kirby Yates. He's still ownable for his pitching numbers and as a handcuff to Yates, but don't expect many saves absent an injury.
|
|
242.
Wil Myers
1B,3B,LF,CF - SD
|
|
243.
Brendan McKay
SP - TB
McKay had a dominant, albeit brief, minor-league career, but struggled somewhat in his brief time in the majors last year. His solid control and excellent strikeout rate suggests he could eventually do big things in the majors, but considering he's battling a shoulder injury in the spring that stems from last year, he's highly unlikely to make the Rays' rotation out of camp. He's rosterable only in deeper and AL-only leagues.
|
|
244.
Dylan Cease
SP - CWS
|
|
245.
Nomar Mazara
RF - CWS
An oblique strain derailed what was looking like Mazara's best fantasy season of his career. He elevated the ball more and made more hard contact than ever. Now in a strong White Sox lineup, he should have every opportunity to finally surpass the 20-homer barrier and hopefully be a late-round outfielder who can fill a starting spot in your deeper mixed league lineup.
|
|
246.
Hunter Renfroe
LF,RF - TB
Renfroe's power is undeniable, but so is his ability to drain your batting average. He'll get a chance to play every day with the Rays, and so another 30-homer season is well within reach. Just make sure you can withstand elsewhere.
|
|
247.
Dustin May
SP,RP - LAD
May has solid raw stuff and did well in a 34-inning cameo with the Dodgers last year. With David Price opting out of the season, May has a chance to slide into the fifth spot in the rotation and contribute. He's a late-round pick with upside.
|
|
248.
Josh James
SP,RP - HOU
|
|
249.
Starlin Castro
2B,3B - WSH
Castro never developed into the fantasy stud he looked like he might become earlier in his career, but he quietly set a career high in home runs and RBI last year with the Marlins. Now with the Nationals, where he'll bat anywhere from third to fifth, there are going to be RBI opportunities aplenty for the veteran. A career .336/.358/.513 hitter in Nationals Park, Castro makes a fine middle infield option in mixed leagues.
|
|
250.
Randal Grichuk
CF,RF - TOR
You know what you're going to get from Grichuk at this point - roughly 30 home runs and around a .240 batting average. But he won't cost you anything, and assuming you have batting average and steals covered earlier in your draft, he'll provide cheap power toward the later rounds.
|
|
251.
Cole Hamels
SP - FA
Hamels kept up his strikeout rate last year with the cubs, but his control waned, and he had the worst walk rate of his career. He's dealing with a shoulder injury in the spring and there's currently no timetable for his return. Add it all up and Hamels is only barely worth drafting until or unless we get some positive news.
|
|
252.
Yonny Chirinos
SP,RP - TB
Chirinos' strikeout numbers won't help you, but his solid control allows him to limit the damage and keep his ERA and WHIP under control. He'll have a spot in the Rays' rotation once again, and is an unexciting, but fairly reliable option, for deeper and AL-only leagues.
|
|
253.
Griffin Canning
SP - LAA
Canning has UCL damage, and although Tommy John surgery isn't currently on the table, it certainly seems like a possibility. Despite his upside, with the developments, Canning shouldn't be drafted in fantasy leagues until one of the very last picks, if at all.
|
|
254.
Yandy Diaz
1B,3B,DH - TB
|
|
255.
Trent Grisham
LF,CF,RF - SD
Grisham wasn't overly impressive in his 51-game cameo with the Brewers last season, but his minor league track record suggests he has a lot more in the tank. Now with the Padres and with a clear path to the starting center fielder job, Grisham makes an intriguing fantasy option.He has enough speed and power to matter in fantasy, and is the exact type of upside player to snag at the end of your drafts.
|
|
256.
Ryan Pressly
RP - HOU
Pressly has developed into one of the best relievers in baseball. His strikeout rate is pristine, he rarely walks batters, and he limits the damage as well as any pitcher. He won't see saves absent an injury to Roberto Osuna, but his number make him worth owning regardless.
|
|
257.
Shogo Akiyama
LF,CF - CIN
Akiyama should represent a fairly high-floor outfield option that you can get at a bargain basement price. He'll likely bat leadoff for the Reds, potentially hit 20 home runs and steal 10 bases, and pile on the runs scored. There's no Shohei Ohtani upside with the bat, particularly given Akiyama's age, but he'll likely be a decent five-category contributor who is basically free in drafts.
|
|
258.
Seth Lugo
RP - NYM
Lugo has been a quality reliever for two seasons now, and he found his way into the closer's role late last year. Edwin Diaz should have the ninth-inning role for the Mets to start, but if he struggles again, Lugo could sneak back into the job. Lugo is worth drafting for his ratios alone, but the potential for saves makes him an ideal candidate for a late-round selection.
|
|
259.
Adrian Houser
SP,RP - MIL
Houser has an elite fastball, which he relies on heavily and against which batters hit just .203 last season. Whether he can continue to succeed with just one very good pitch is an open question, but considering his FIP and xFIP fully supported his 3.72 ERA, it's entirely possible. Overall, Houser should provide strikeouts without hurting you elsewhere, so he's an ideal late-round add.
|
|
260.
Mychal Givens
RP - COL
Givens isn't a special pitcher, pitches for a poor team, and isn't guaranteed to be the closer. Even if he were, he's tallied just 20 saves over the last two seasons. There's no reason to draft Givens, and if you're looking for a Baltimore closer, better to take your chance on Hunter Harvey.
|
|
261.
Jose Quintana
SP - FA
Quintana went from a solid, low-3.00 ERA pitcher with the White Sox to an unreliable pitcher with over a 4.00 ERA in his time with the Cubs. His strikeout rate continues to trend down, and despite pitching at least 171 innings in each of the past seven seasons, he's never won more than 13 games. A low-upside, low-floor play, Quintana is just NL-only material.
|
|
262.
Pablo Lopez
SP - MIA
Lopez pitched better than his 5.09 ERA from last year suggests, and he limits free passes well. But his middling strikeout rate and lack of dominant stuff caps his upside. As a late-round pitcher without a high ceiling, fantasy owners are probably better off looking elsewhere to fill out their pitching staffs.
|
|
263.
Aaron Civale
SP - CLE
Civale's stuff isn't particularly impressive, but he has a good minor league track record and had an impressive 10-start audition last year. He won't wow you with strikeouts, and his ERA is likely to be a run and a half higher than his 2.34 mark from 2019, but he should provide innings that help in AL-only leagues.
|
|
264.
Austin Riley
3B,LF - ATL
|
|
265.
Renato Nunez
1B,3B,DH - BAL
|
|
266.
Brett Gardner
LF,CF - FA
Gardner has a little Rodney Dangerfield going on, in that he gets no respect from fantasy owners. Although he'll be entering his age-37 season, Gardner popped a career-high 28 home runs lat year. The power comes and goes, but he's stolen double-digit bases in every season of his career, and hasn't scored fewer than 80 runs in a full season since 2010. He lacks the upside of many other late-round outfielders but offers a higher floor.
|
|
267.
Mike Yastrzemski
LF,RF - SF
Yastrzemski will enter the season as the Giants' everyday right-fielder, likely batting fifth. That's a prime spot for a hitter who slugged 33 home runs n 147 games between the majors and minors last season. Yastrzemski had never shown that kind of power prior to 2019, but his batted ball data largely backed it up. You won't have to pay the price for a 30-homer hitter, so just scoop him up late and hope for a repeat.
|
|
268.
Marco Gonzales
SP - SEA
|
|
269.
Willy Adames
SS - TB
|
|
270.
Luis Arraez
2B,3B,LF - MIN
Arraez came to the majors and did exactly what he has done throughout his minor-league career. He hit for a high average (.334), rarely struck out (7.9%), and offered nearly no power or speed. Even though his expected batting average was nearly 45 points lower than his actual average, he still should be a major contributor in the category. Is that worth the complete lack of production he offers in three other categories? All depends on your team construction.
|
|
271.
Carson Kelly
C - ARI
|
|
272.
Jeff Samardzija
SP - FA
Samardzija had an impressive 3.52 ERA and 1.11 WHIP last year, but that's where the good news ended. His strikeout rate is at the point where it actively hurts fantasy owners, and his win potential is capped by pitching for the Giants. There are better pitchers to consider late in your draft.
|
|
273.
Corey Dickerson
LF - MIA
Dickerson isn't special, but he almost always helps in batting average and should be batting in the middle of the Marlins lineup. Dickerson should contribute, albeit not excel, in four of the five rotisserie categories, which makes him ownable in all leagues 12 teams or deeper.
|
|
274.
Alex Wood
SP - FA
Wood will be in the Dodgers' rotation to start the year, and there's some reason for optimism. After an offseason spent with Driveline Baseball, Wood saw a velocity bump in the spring, and that usually portends better things for the veteran throughout his career. Don't go crazy with Wood, but he's fine as a late-round pick with upside.
|
|
275.
Christian Vazquez
C,1B - BOS
|
|
276.
Chris Bassitt
SP - OAK
|
|
277.
Scott Oberg
RP - COL
Oberg turned in another stellar year despite pitching in Colorado, and took over for Wade Davis as the closer by the end of the year. Davis will enter the 2020 season as the closer, but given his performance last year, his leash is going to be fairly short. Oberg makes one of the better handcuffs to own, though it's more about his opportunity and less about his ratios.
|
|
278.
Tommy La Stella
2B,3B - FA
|
|
279.
Andrelton Simmons
SS - FA
|
|
280.
Omar Narvaez
C,DH - MIL
|
|
281.
Gregory Polanco
RF - PIT
Polanco was never able to fully recover from his 2018 shoulder surgery, playing in only 42 games last year. He has seemed on the cusp of a breakout for years, but the bottom line is that he has never hit better than .258 or slugged more than 23 homers. He's expected to be ready for the start of the season, whenever that is, and there is still untapped potential, meaning you should draft Polanco late and hope everything finally comes together.
|
|
282.
Rick Porcello
SP - FA
Porcello's move to the National League makes him somewhat intriguing. His middling strikeout rate (17.4% career) will likely take a jump, and his overall numbers should improve with a move out of the AL East. Even with improvement, however, there's a long way to go before Porcello is contributing to a fantasy team. His biggest asset - his ability to consistently throw innings - will be far less useful with the postponement of Opening Day. He's a late-round filler for a deep pitching staff but little more.
|
|
283.
A.J. Puk
SP,RP - OAK
|
|
284.
Aristides Aquino
RF - CIN
|
|
285.
Yadier Molina
C - FA
|
|
286.
Anibal Sanchez
SP - FA
|
|
287.
Johnny Cueto
SP - SF
Cueto will get the Opening Day nod for the Giants, but he'll hardly be someone to target in fantasy. Putting aside the almost certin win problems he'll have in San Francisco, it's doubtful that the 34-year-old can contribute meaningfully elsewhere at this stage of his career. His career strikeout rate of 7.54/9 is a detriment in today's game, and at his advanced age, after pitching just 69 innings combined over the last two season, there's little reason to expect a return to peak form.
|
|
288.
Reynaldo Lopez
SP - CWS
Lopez's overall numbers are abysmal, and he earned them, to be sure. For one glorious month in July, however, Lopez showed his potential, pitchng to a 3.41 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP with a 4.25 K/BB ratio. Unfortunately, his success was short-lived, and he's shown nothing to suggest he's on the verge of figuring things out. In 15-team leagues, fantasy owners can take a shot for a bench role. But otherwise, move on.
|
|
289.
Robinson Cano
2B - NYM
|
|
290.
Brandon Kintzler
RP - MIA
Kintzler will open the year as the Marlins' closer, and had a fine, bounceback season in 2019 with the Cubs. But his strikeout rate is poor and he'll be a prime candidate to get dealt at the trade deadline. With a shortened season, Kintzler's value is even lower than it otherwise would have been, which is not particularly high anyway.
|
|
291.
Jonathan Schoop
2B - FA
|
|
292.
Jo Adell
LF,CF,RF - LAA
|
|
293.
Michael Chavis
1B,2B,3B - BOS
|
|
294.
Howie Kendrick
1B,2B,3B - FA
|
|
295.
Nathan Eovaldi
SP,RP - BOS
|
|
296.
Sam Hilliard
CF,RF - COL
With the addition of the designated hitter and with Ian Desmond opting out of playing in 2020, Hilliard should see everyday at-bats with the Rockies. In Triple-A last year, Hilliard hit 35 home runs and stole 22 bases in just 126 games, and he popped seven home runs in 27 MLB games. That's a player who you should have been grabbing at the end of every one of your drafts given his enormous upside, and should now be moving fast up your draft board.
|
|
297.
Michael Pineda
SP - MIN
Pineda will miss the first 39 games of the 2020 season as he finishes serving his PED suspension. When he does pitch, he'll offer roughly a 4.00 ERA, a decent WHIP, and slightly below average strikeout numbers. On a good Minnesota team, wins may be his best attribute, but he's hardly a pitcher to target in fantasy.
|
|
298.
Austin Hays
CF,RF - BAL
|
|
299.
J.A. Happ
SP - FA
|
|
300.
Matt Carpenter
3B - STL
|
|
301.
Kyle Seager
3B - SEA
|
|
302.
Trey Mancini
1B,LF,RF - BAL
|
|
303.
Dellin Betances
RP - NYM
|
|
304.
Carter Kieboom
SS - WSH
|
|
305.
Miguel Cabrera
1B,DH - DET
|
|
306.
Dee Strange-Gordon
2B - FA
|
|
307.
Domingo Santana
LF,RF - CLE
|
|
308.
Daniel Hudson
RP - WSH
|
|
309.
Sean Murphy
C - OAK
|
|
310.
Kyle Gibson
SP,RP - TEX
|
|
311.
Nate Pearson
SP - TOR
|
|
312.
Jorge Alfaro
C - MIA
|
|
313.
Ian Happ
2B,3B,LF,CF - CHC
|
|
314.
Brandon Nimmo
LF,CF,RF - NYM
|
|
315.
Tony Watson
RP - FA
|
|
316.
Teoscar Hernandez
LF,CF - TOR
|
|
317.
Dylan Carlson
CF,RF - STL
|
|
318.
Justin Smoak
1B,DH - SF
|
|
319.
John Means
SP - BAL
|
|
320.
Dakota Hudson
SP,RP - STL
|
|
321.
Adam Ottavino
RP - NYY
|
|
322.
Spencer Turnbull
SP - DET
|
|
323.
Kole Calhoun
RF - ARI
Calhoun had returned to camp after originally testing positive for COVID-19, but had yet to play in an intrasquad game when he was again missing from camp. It's unclear if Calhoun's absence is again related to COVID-19 but, at this point, it's best to look elsewhere for a late-round outfielder unless there is further news.
|
|
324.
Nick Madrigal
2B,SS - CWS
|
|
325.
Wade Davis
RP - COL
Davis had a disastrous 2019 season, pitching to an 8.65 ERA and losing his closer's job. He'll enter 2020 back in the ninth-inning role but his leash will certainly be short with Scott Oberg waiting in the wings. Davis should likely be the last "closer" drafted.
|
|
326.
Aaron Hicks
CF - NYY
|
|
|
327.
Kwang Hyun Kim
RP - STL
|
|
328.
Kevin Gausman
SP,RP - FA
|
|
329.
Kevin Pillar
CF,RF - FA
|
|
330.
Diego Castillo
SP,RP - TB
|
|
331.
Jordan Montgomery
SP - NYY
|
|
332.
Anthony Santander
LF,CF,RF - BAL
|
|
333.
Jesse Winker
LF,CF,RF - CIN
|
|
334.
Jon Lester
SP - FA
|
|
335.
Niko Goodrum
1B,2B,SS,LF,CF,RF - DET
|
|
336.
Mauricio Dubon
2B,SS - SF
|
|
337.
Jon Berti
2B,3B,SS,CF - MIA
|
|
338.
Zack Britton
RP - NYY
|
|
|
339.
MacKenzie Gore
SP - SD
|
|
340.
Jurickson Profar
2B,SS,LF - FA
|
|
341.
Julio Teheran
SP - FA
|
|
342.
Nick Ahmed
SS - ARI
|
|
343.
Jesus Aguilar
1B - MIA
|
|
344.
Yoshi Tsutsugo
3B,LF - TB
|
|
345.
Josh Lindblom
SP,RP - MIL
|
|
346.
Jackie Bradley Jr.
CF - FA
|
|
347.
Freddy Peralta
SP,RP - MIL
|
|
348.
Corey Knebel
RP - MIL
|
|
349.
Blake Treinen
RP - FA
|
|
350.
Danny Jansen
C - TOR
|
|
351.
Travis Shaw
2B,3B - TOR
|
|
352.
Eric Thames
1B,RF - FA
|
|
353.
Hanser Alberto
2B,3B,SS - BAL
|
|
354.
Corbin Burnes
SP,RP - MIL
|
|
355.
Matt Shoemaker
SP - FA
|
|
356.
Ryan Helsley
SP,RP - STL
|
|
357.
Yoenis Cespedes
LF,CF - FA
|
|
358.
Matt Barnes
RP - BOS
|
|
359.
Francisco Mejia
C - SD
|
|
360.
Matt Magill
RP - FA
|
|
361.
Kevin Kiermaier
CF - TB
|
|
362.
Mitch Haniger
CF,RF - SEA
|
|
363.
Chad Green
SP,RP - NYY
|
|
364.
Mike Fiers
SP - FA
|
|
365.
Jason Heyward
CF,RF - CHC
|
|
366.
Travis d'Arnaud
C,1B - ATL
|
|
367.
Ender Inciarte
CF - ATL
|
|
368.
Jose Alvarado
RP - TB
|
|
369.
Brandon Belt
1B,LF - SF
|
|
370.
Stephen Piscotty
RF - OAK
|
|
371.
Adam Frazier
2B - PIT
|
|
372.
Jose Peraza
2B,SS,LF - BOS
|
|
373.
Hunter Harvey
SP,RP - BAL
Harvey quietly dominated in his cup of coffee last year, hitting triple digits with his fastball and striking out batters with ease. Now, Brandon Hyde has all but said he'd like him to be in the closer's role, after starting out the spring strong. The Orioles will never provide a ton of save chances and, at this point, it's too early to know if Harvey will be the closer. But, he's certainly worth drafting for the potential at the end of your drafts.
|
|
374.
Luis Urias
2B,SS - MIL
Urias tested positive for COVID-19, but is reportedly asymptomatic. Nevertheless, he remains in quarantine and can only rejoin the team after two positive tests. Urias has upside, but given his performance and current health situation, there's almost no reason to bother drafting him in anything but deep NL-only leagues.
|
|
375.
James Karinchak
RP - CLE
|
|
376.
Evan Longoria
3B - SF
|
|
377.
Evan White
1B - SEA
|
|
378.
Drew Pomeranz
SP,RP - SD
|
|
|
379.
Spencer Howard
SP - PHI
|
|
380.
Yusmeiro Petit
RP - FA
|
|
381.
Kyle Crick
RP - PIT
|
|
382.
Justus Sheffield
SP - SEA
|
|
383.
Maikel Franco
3B - KC
|
|
384.
Harrison Bader
CF - STL
|
|
385.
Kurt Suzuki
C - FA
|
|
386.
Nate Lowe
1B - TB
|
|
387.
Yusei Kikuchi
SP - SEA
|
|
388.
Tyler O'Neill
LF,RF - STL
|
|
389.
Asdrubal Cabrera
2B,3B,SS - FA
|
|
390.
David Fletcher
2B,3B,SS,LF - LAA
|
|
391.
Andrew Miller
RP - STL
|
|
392.
Mike Tauchman
LF,CF,RF - NYY
|
|
393.
Andres Munoz
RP - SEA
|
|
394.
Zach Plesac
SP - CLE
|
|
395.
Tanner Roark
SP - TOR
|
|
396.
Freddy Galvis
2B,SS - FA
|
|
397.
Franchy Cordero
LF,CF - KC
|
|
398.
Jordan Yamamoto
SP - MIA
|
|
399.
Ji-Man Choi
1B,DH - TB
|
|
400.
Garrett Cooper
1B,LF,RF - MIA
|
|
401.
Victor Reyes
LF,CF,RF - DET
|
|
402.
Jose Martinez
1B,RF - CHC
|
|
403.
Wade Miley
SP - CIN
|
|
404.
Ty Buttrey
RP - LAA
|
|
405.
Todd Frazier
3B - FA
|
|
406.
Brad Keller
SP - KC
|
|
407.
Tom Murphy
C - SEA
|
|
408.
Jordan Lyles
SP,RP - TEX
|
|
|
409.
Shohei Ohtani
DH - LAA
|
|
410.
Cameron Maybin
LF,RF - FA
|
|
411.
Casey Mize
SP - DET
|
|
412.
Daniel Vogelbach
1B,DH - MIL
|
|
413.
Robinson Chirinos
C - FA
|
|
414.
Vince Velasquez
SP,RP - PHI
|
|
415.
Merrill Kelly
SP - ARI
|
|
416.
Roberto Perez
C - CLE
|
|
417.
Trevor May
RP - FA
|
|
418.
Forrest Whitley
SP - HOU
|
|
419.
Luke Jackson
RP - ATL
|
|
420.
Will Harris
RP - WSH
|
|
421.
Alex Dickerson
LF - SF
|
|
422.
Shed Long Jr.
2B,LF - SEA
|
|
423.
Jake Fraley
CF - SEA
|
|
424.
Jay Bruce
1B,LF,RF - FA
|
|
425.
Kyle Lewis
CF,RF - SEA
|
|
426.
Homer Bailey
SP - FA
|
|
427.
Gio Gonzalez
SP - CWS
|
|
428.
Colin Moran
2B,3B - PIT
|
|
429.
Austin Voth
SP - WSH
|
|
430.
Chris Taylor
2B,SS,LF,CF - LAD
|
|
431.
Danny Duffy
SP - KC
|
|
432.
Matt Strahm
SP,RP - SD
|
|
433.
Jakob Junis
SP - KC
|
|
434.
Zach Eflin
SP - PHI
|
|
435.
Pedro Baez
RP - FA
|
|
436.
Albert Pujols
1B,DH - LAA
|
|
437.
Yoshi Hirano
RP - FA
|
|
438.
Ryne Stanek
SP,RP - MIA
|
|
439.
Joakim Soria
RP - FA
|
|
440.
Shane Greene
RP - FA
|
|
441.
Manuel Margot
CF - TB
|
|
442.
Rafael Montero
RP - TEX
|
|
443.
Sean Newcomb
SP,RP - ATL
|
|
444.
Tyler Mahle
SP - CIN
|
|
445.
Mike Zunino
C - FA
|
|
446.
Tyler Duffey
RP - MIN
|
|
447.
Zach Davies
SP - SD
|
|
448.
Jake Arrieta
SP - FA
|
|
449.
Mitch Moreland
1B - SD
|
|
450.
Raimel Tapia
LF,CF - COL
|
|
451.
Michael Lorenzen
CF,RP - CIN
|
|
452.
Tommy Kahnle
RP - NYY
|
|
453.
Chase Anderson
SP,RP - FA
|
|
454.
Brad Peacock
SP,RP - FA
|
|
455.
Kevin Ginkel
RP - ARI
|
|
456.
Aaron Bummer
RP - CWS
|
|
457.
Michael Fulmer
SP - DET
|
|
458.
Marwin Gonzalez
1B,3B,SS,LF,RF - FA
|
|
459.
Jose Iglesias
SS - BAL
|
|
460.
Jason Castro
C - FA
|
|
461.
Sergio Romo
RP - FA
|
|
462.
Tyler Rogers
RP - SF
|
|
463.
Colin Poche
RP - TB
|
|
464.
Nico Hoerner
SS - CHC
|
|
465.
Josh Reddick
LF,CF,RF - FA
|
|
466.
Austin Adams
RP - SD
|
|
467.
Carlos Rodon
SP - CWS
|
|
468.
Craig Stammen
RP - SD
|
|
469.
Dexter Fowler
CF,RF - STL
|
|
470.
Jonathan Loaisiga
SP,RP - NYY
|
|
471.
Eric Lauer
SP - MIL
|
|
472.
Yan Gomes
C - WSH
|
|
473.
Elieser Hernandez
SP,RP - MIA
|
|
474.
Adam Wainwright
SP - FA
|
|
475.
Tony Gonsolin
SP,RP - LAD
|
|
476.
Shun Yamaguchi
SP,RP - TOR
|
|
477.
Rowdy Tellez
1B,DH - TOR
|
|
478.
Nick Wittgren
RP - CLE
|
|
479.
Jarrod Dyson
LF,CF,RF - FA
|
|
480.
Jordan Hicks
RP - STL
|
|
481.
Brent Suter
SP,RP - MIL
|
|
482.
Jake Lamb
1B,3B - FA
|
|
483.
Jose Urena
SP,RP - MIA
|
|
484.
Trent Thornton
SP - TOR
|
|
485.
Framber Valdez
SP,RP - HOU
|
|
486.
Amir Garrett
RP - CIN
|
|
487.
John Gant
SP,RP - STL
|
|
488.
Kyle Wright
SP - ATL
|
|
489.
Nick Burdi
RP - PIT
|
|
490.
Hunter Pence
LF,RF,DH - FA
|
|
491.
JaCoby Jones
CF - DET
|
|
492.
Nick Pivetta
SP,RP - BOS
|
|
493.
Pedro Strop
RP - CHC
|
|
494.
Taijuan Walker
SP - FA
|
|
495.
Tucker Barnhart
C - CIN
|
|
496.
Ryan Mountcastle
1B,3B,SS - BAL
|
|
497.
Alex Reyes
SP,RP - STL
|
|
498.
Robert Stephenson
SP,RP - CIN
|
|
499.
Chris Martin
RP - ATL
|
|
500.
J.P. Crawford
SS - SEA
|
|
501.
Kike Hernandez
2B,SS,LF,CF,RF - FA
|
|
502.
Wilmer Flores
1B,2B - SF
|
|
503.
Drew Smyly
SP - FA
|
|
504.
Patrick Sandoval
SP - LAA
|
|
505.
Clint Frazier
LF,RF - NYY
|
|
506.
Kevin Cron
1B,3B - ARI
|
|
507.
Arodys Vizcaino
RP - FA
|
|
|
508.
Sixto Sanchez
SP - MIA
|
|
509.
Brian Dozier
2B - FA
|
|
510.
Franklin Barreto
2B - LAA
|
|
511.
Brandon Crawford
SS - SF
|
|
512.
Rowan Wick
RP - CHC
|
|
513.
Jairo Diaz
RP - COL
|
|
514.
Justin Wilson
RP - FA
|
|
515.
John Brebbia
RP - STL
|
|
516.
Johan Camargo
3B,SS,LF,RF - ATL
|
|
517.
Steve Cishek
RP - FA
|
|
518.
Brendan Rodgers
2B,SS - COL
|
|
519.
Alex Gordon
LF - FA
|
|
520.
Kyle Freeland
SP - COL
|
|
521.
Austin Romine
C - FA
|
|
522.
Daniel Ponce de Leon
SP,RP - STL
|
|
523.
Sam Tuivailala
RP - FA
|
|
524.
Trevor Williams
SP - PIT
|
|
525.
Josh Rojas
2B,LF,RF - ARI
|
|
526.
Michael Wacha
SP,RP - FA
|
|
527.
Christin Stewart
LF - DET
|
|
528.
James McCann
C - FA
|
|
529.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa
C,3B - TEX
|
|
530.
Victor Caratini
C,1B - CHC
|
|
531.
Martin Perez
SP - BOS
|
|
532.
Dominic Smith
1B,LF - NYM
|
|
533.
Randy Dobnak
SP,RP - MIN
|
|
534.
Miguel Rojas
SS - MIA
|
|
535.
Jacob Stallings
C - PIT
|
|
536.
Derek Fisher
LF,RF - TOR
|
|
537.
Adam Haseley
LF,CF,RF - PHI
|
|
538.
Brusdar Graterol
SP,RP - LAD
|
|
539.
Scott Barlow
SP,RP - KC
|
|
540.
Trevor Rosenthal
RP - FA
|
|
541.
Ronald Guzman
1B - TEX
|
|
542.
Leury Garcia
SS,LF,CF,RF - CWS
|
|
|
543.
Matt Manning
SP - DET
|
|
544.
Oliver Drake
RP - FA
|
|
545.
Trevor Richards
SP,RP - TB
|
|
546.
Tyler Anderson
SP - SF
|