Fantasy Baseball Player Notes
2024 Fantasy Baseball Draft Notes
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56.
Paul Goldschmidt
1B,DH
Paul Goldschmidt continued to do what he does, albeit at a lesser pace than his torrid 2022. He hit 25 home runs, scored 89 runs, knocked in 80, and stole 11 bases. He continued to be a picture of stability, playing in over 150 games for the eighth year in a row (excluding 2020). His batting average tumbled from .317 to .268, and his slugging fell to .447 from .578. Essentially, the regression that we expected hit, yet he still had an overall productive season. Looking ahead, fantasy managers can probably expect numbers in line with 2023.
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80.
Nolan Arenado
3B
Nolan Arenado hit 26 home runs in 2023, his first year below 30 since 2014 (excluding 2020). He also fell short of 100 RBIs for the first time since that year, too, coming in at 93. Essentially, Arenado showed signs of decline with an average slash line of .266/.315/.459. At age 32, it's difficult to know if this was the new normal or a perfect storm of unfortunate breaks that hit the Cardinals as a team. It is hard to justify passing on higher-upside players in the general vicinity of Arenado's ADP. However, he and Alex Bregman constitute the "boring veteran" section of the 3B position, and fantasy managers could certainly do worse.
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107.
Jordan Walker
RF
In his debut season, Jordan Walker showcased potential with a .276 average, .342 OBP, and .445 slugging. His performance included 16 home runs and seven steals. Despite a challenging year for the Cardinals, Walker's power was evident. Expectations for 2024 lean towards a 20-homer, 10-steal output, but his full potential is yet to be fully realized.
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108.
Ryan Helsley
RP
Ryan Helsley had a shortened season due to injury, appearing in only 33 games before being shut down. When healthy, his strikeout rate continued at an elite rate (35.6 K%), and he sits above 99 mph with his fastball. Helsley mightily struggled with walks (4.17 BB/9), reminiscent of his pre-2022 profile. He should enter the season as the Cardinals closer and could touch 30 saves if his health allows it.
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118.
Sonny Gray
SP
Sonny Gray had a superb year in Minnesota in 2023. He threw 184 innings, striking out 183 batters and maintaining a 2.79 ERA and 1.15 WHIP. He also allowed only eight home runs the entire season. Gray now returns to the NL with the Cardinals; Busch Stadium is even better than Target Field when it comes to Park Factors favoring pitchers. While his K% isn't elite, he is a solid contributor to fantasy squads as an SP3 in 2024.
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148.
Willson Contreras
C,DH
Willson Contreras began his Cardinals career by improving his batting average and not slipping anywhere else. The elder Contreras brother hit 20 home runs, drove in 67, and slashed .264/.358/.467 across 125 games. He increased his BB% to 10.3 and is in the 93rd percentile in xwOBA at .373. While he will go through stretches where he chases more than fantasy managers would like, he should continue his Top 10 catcher production in his ninth season. Willson and William had eerily similar stats in 2023, but you can get Willson about 55 picks later. He is a great mid-round target to fill your catcher position.
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165.
Nolan Gorman
2B,DH
Nolan Gorman offers the possibility of 30 home runs from the second base position, and you can have him past pick 180. The question is how many opportunities he will have, given that his K% is north of 30. Gorman feels like the type of fantasy player who hits most of his home runs while on your bench because you benched him after a week of 40 strikeouts. If your ratios are protected elsewhere, Gorman can provide pop in your MI slot.
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220.
Lars Nootbaar
LF,CF,RF
Lars Nootbaar's 2023 season was hindered by injuries, including issues with his thumb, back, and a painful foul ball incident to his groin. Despite these setbacks, his potential remains high for 2024. With his proven on-base prowess and solid contact skills, Nootbaar is a promising pick for fantasy teams. If he stays injury-free, expect around 20 homers and a chance for 10 steals. His role as the leadoff hitter against right-handers in the Cardinals' uncertain lineup secures his playing time. Nootbaar is a valuable late-round draft choice for fantasy managers, especially if he maintains good health.
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276.
Brendan Donovan
2B,LF
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294.
Lance Lynn
SP
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338.
Victor Scott
CF
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351.
Masyn Winn
SS
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383.
Miles Mikolas
SP
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392.
Erick Fedde
SP
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431.
Steven Matz
SP,RP
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459.
Kyle Gibson
SP
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516.
Andrew Kittredge
RP
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534.
JoJo Romero
RP
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544.
Luken Baker
1B,DH
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555.
Alec Burleson
LF,DH,RF,1B
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577.
Matthew Liberatore
SP,RP
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592.
Ivan Herrera
C,DH
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673.
Zack Thompson
SP,RP
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765.
Keynan Middleton
RP
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832.
Thomas Saggese
2B,3B
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851.
Tekoah Roby
SP
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890.
Ryan Fernandez
RP
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953.
John Lynch
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1024.
Riley O'Brien
RP
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1072.
John King
RP
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1107.
Matt Carpenter
DH
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1138.
Packy Naughton
RP
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1148.
Wilking Rodriguez
RP
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1191.
Adam Kloffenstein
SP
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1207.
Andre Pallante
RP,SP
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1239.
Michael McGreevy
SP
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1277.
Gordon Graceffo
SP
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1289.
Logan Sawyer
RP
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1307.
Logan Gragg
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1333.
Sem Robberse
SP
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1336.
Ryan Loutos
RP
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1435.
Drew Rom
SP
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1537.
Pedro Pages
C
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1610.
Alfonso Rivas
1B
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1625.
Michael Siani
CF
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1651.
Jose Fermin
2B,3B,DH
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1679.
Moises Gomez
LF,RF
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1698.
Jared Young
1B
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