Fantasy Baseball Player Notes
2024 Fantasy Baseball Draft Notes
55.
Cody Bellinger
1B,CF,RF
Cody Bellinger notably outperformed expectations with a .307/.356/.525 slash line against his predicted .270/.331/.437. He is returning to the Cubs on a three-year, $80 million contract with opt-outs after each of the first two years. Wrigley Field is a great landing spot for him overall, but Bellinger presents a challenge for fantasy managers, with caution advised due to the typical decline following a standout season. While a 20/20 season is plausible, managers should temper expectations for a repeat of his 2023 performance.
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73.
Nico Hoerner
2B,SS
Nico Hoerner impressed in 2023 with a .283 batting average and 43 stolen bases, highlighting his speed and versatility. Earning a Rawlings NL Gold Glove, he excelled defensively while being a consistent offensive contributor, scoring 98 runs and amassing 175 hits. His ability to consistently reach base reflected in 688 plate appearances, and his prowess on the basepaths make him a valuable fantasy asset. Going into 2024, Hoerner is poised to continue his multi-category contributions, with a particular emphasis on stolen bases and runs, making him a solid pick in fantasy baseball.
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84.
Justin Steele
SP
Justin Steele was in the NL Cy Young conversation for much of the 2023 season, finishing fifth when all was said and done. The 28-year-old had an elite BB% (5.0), and batters struggled to barrel up his pitches. He has hovered in the 24% K-rate for each of his three seasons, but last year's 1.17 WHIP is due for some regression in 2024. Steele is a difficult pitcher to assess, but he should serve as a nice SP3 at his current ADP.
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85.
Seiya Suzuki
RF
In 2023, Seiya Suzuki found his groove with the Cubs, showcasing the skills fantasy managers anticipated in 2022. At 29, he presents a balanced offensive profile, combining a solid batting average with respectable power. His discerning eye at the plate (19.8% Chase rate) and solid walk rate (10.1%) add to his value. While Suzuki may not top the fantasy charts, he's a reliable option as an OF3/4 in most fantasy setups.
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102.
Dansby Swanson
SS
Dansby Swanson took the step back everyone expected in 2023 after signing his massive free-agent contract with the Cubs. His power numbers held steady, hitting 22 home runs, but his batting average dropped to .244. He scored 81 runs and knocked in 80, though his nine stolen bases were disappointing. Swanson still played in 147 games, so his availability remains a strong plus for those who wait on shortstop. He is one of those "no hurt, no help" fantasy players worth his ADP in the 116 range.
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137.
Ian Happ
LF
Ian Happ offers a reliable fantasy outfield option with a projected 20-25 home runs and a solid on-base percentage despite an average batting average. In the previous season, he added value with 14 stolen bases, 86 runs, and 84 RBIs, fitting the profile of a dependable third or fourth outfielder. Happ has an impressive walk rate (14.3%) and a strong health record. Remaining with the Cubs under a new three-year deal, he's poised to maintain his position high in the batting order.
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166.
Shota Imanaga
SP
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169.
Isaac Paredes
1B,2B,3B
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306.
Michael Busch
1B,3B
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369.
Jameson Taillon
SP
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411.
Pete Crow-Armstrong
CF
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456.
Jordan Wicks
SP
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530.
Matt Mervis
1B
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542.
Porter Hodge
SP,RP
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550.
Cade Horton
SP
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566.
Javier Assad
SP,RP
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589.
Hayden Wesneski
SP,RP
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601.
Julian Merryweather
RP
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606.
Ben Brown
SP,RP
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707.
Miguel Amaya
C
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725.
Eli Morgan
RP
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745.
Luke Little
RP
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785.
Nate Pearson
RP
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851.
Matt Thaiss
C
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860.
Phil Bickford
RP
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868.
Matt Shaw
SS
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881.
Owen Caissie
OF
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912.
Tyson Miller
RP
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1050.
Ethan Roberts
RP
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1052.
Matthew Boyd
SP
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1054.
Alexander Canario
LF
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1073.
James Triantos
3B
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1090.
Daniel Palencia
RP
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1113.
Brooks Kriske
RP
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1143.
Miles Mastrobuoni
2B,3B,SS,RF
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1227.
Rob Zastryzny
SP,RP
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1256.
Caleb Kilian
SP
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1270.
Keegan Thompson
RP
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1475.
Gavin Hollowell
RP
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1683.
Gilberto Celestino
LF,CF,RF
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