2020 Fantasy Baseball Rankings (AL)

Although Mike Trout has missed some time, they've mostly been flukey injuries. Had he stayed healthy, we may have been talking about 55 homers with 15 steals and a .300 average. His consistency alone makes him the number one overall pick just ahead of Acuna.

Even despite missing the first month, Lindor went for 32 homers, 22 steals and 101 runs. He has been steady for three seasons and could very easily take another leap into the top tier of fantasy assets this year but he'll need that batting average to leap in order to get there.

 

Ramirez is certainly an interesting case because he only finished 15th among fantasy third basemen in 2019 but finished the year so strong that many are remembering why he was a first round pick to begin with. Ramirez is a near-ock to go 20/20 again but with upside for that majestic 40/35 season with a strong average.

Thanks to his 122 runs and 41 homers, Bregman outperformed Story, Turner and Lindor last year so you might consider him at #6 overall once Bellinger is gone but his lack of steals makes his ceiling a bit lower than each of those other first rounders.

Martinez won't steal any bases but with 40 homers, 100+ RBIs and a .300 batting average every year, fantasy owners are getting an absolute steal at any point in the second round of drafts. Don't be scared off by his dip in production, as underlying metrics suggest he was among the most unlucky hitters in baseball.

While Rendon may be the best overall third basemen in real life, walks and defense don't translate to fantasy. Rather, we are looking at a player without speed but one whose 4-category bat makes him a strong second round pick for the 2020 season.

Believe it or not, Devers managed to finish at the number one fantasy third basemen last year over Rendon, Arenado and Bregman. Batting in the middle of Boston's great lineup afforded him 129 runs and 115 RBIs which went a long way, but he contributed in all five categories and is young enough that he might do even better in 2020.

 

It may be difficult to believe but Bogaerts outperformed even Francisco Lindor, Trea Turner and Gleyber Torres last year thanks to 110+ runs and 100+ RBIs to go with a .311 BA and 33 homers. His ceiling may not be as high as the others, but he is excellent in every non-steals category.

 

Altuve hit a career-high 31 homers last year but still only finished as the #10 fantasy second basemen because the steals have disappeared and his batting average has continued to drop. With that said, he has been so consistent for long enough that he may still be the top second basemen for 2020.

It was just an 87 game sample size but in that time, Yordan was clearly one of the top five hitters in baseball. He won't steal any bags, but 50 homers, 140 RBIs and a .320 batting average is within the realm of realistic possibilities. He comes with some risk, however, since we haven't seen it for an extended time.

As a 22-year-old, Gleyber managed 38 homers, 96 runs and 91 RBIs with a .280 batting average. There is still room for more growth and it would no surprise if he became an MVP candidate this year as a 23-year-old. There isn't enough speed to make him the top fantasy second basemen yet though.

If not for the 40 games missed, we might be talking about Springer as the reigning AL MVP. He was on pace for over 50 homers, 125 RBIs and 125 runs. There isn't much speed but the upside for the other four categories makes him an amazing value in the fourth round of drafts.

Although we haven't seen it for an extended stretch, what Meadows did last year, hitting 33 homers with a .291 average and 12 steals makes him well worth considering if he lasts into the fifth round of your drafts. There may be room for more upside as well.

Mondesi had a ridiculous 43 steals last year but he did it in just 416 at-bats. If he can stay on the field for a full season, 60 is not only a possibility, but likely. Add in 15 homers and we are talking about a potential first round value, albeit one with great risk.

 

 

 

 

The former top overall prospect had a heck of a season in 2019 but his .400 BABIP is almost certainly not going to repeat in 2020. Even still, this young stud has room for more growth and could provide 30 homers plus 10 steals for fantasy owners.

Eloy started out rough for the White Sox last year but he turned it on to close the season, displaying the legitimate 45 homer power that he was thought to eventually morph into in the MLB. Don't be shocked if that batting average jumps 20 more points to .290 as well.

After two years of a low BABIP, Olson's BA finally jumped to .267. It isn't probable he will offer more than that but fantasy owners know 50 HRs and 120 RBIs is truly within reach if he doesn't miss a full month this season.

Merrifield leads off the second tier of fantasy second basemen after Altuve, Torres and Albies. He won't hit 20 bombs, but we can expect a batting average near or above .300 plus 20-30 steals once again, making him a great fifth round pick.

It wouldn't surprise anyone if Guerrero batted .330 with 40 homers this year but we are still talking about a kid who didn't outperform Brian Anderson, Renato Nunez or Todd Frazier last year in similar plate appearances. His upside is breathtaking but there is unquestionably some risk at his ADP.

 

Like his father, the young Bichette is one heck of a hitter and he proved that by batting .311 with 11 homers in just 46 games last year. Over a full season, it would be no surprise if he morphed into a 30 homer threat with a quality batting average and all the runs and RBIs to accompany it.

Judge again missed 50+ games in 2019. While he is healthy, we are still looking at a 40+ homer pace with tons of runs and a batting average that won't kill fantasy owners, but with a second round ADP, the risk may be a little bit too much.

 

Abreu outperformed Anthony Rizzo and Paul Goldschmidt last season, knocking 33 homers with 122 RBIs and a solid as always .282 BA. He hasn't slowed down one bit despite the age so you can rely on him to produce once again if you grab him in the 7th round.

LeMahieu may have been the most shocking breakout last year, moving from a .276 hitter with limited power at Coors to all of a sudden 26 HRs, 102 RBIs and a .327 BA away from Coors. You can expect some regression but his 2019 campaign was just too great to discount him in the 6th or 7th round.

Stanton missed virtually the entire season but let's not forget that he only missed 7 games in the prior two years and combined for 97 homers, 232 RBIs and 225 runs scored. Don't be mistaken, this is still one of the best hitters in baseball. With that said, he is already dealing with another injury.

Even despite missing 25 games, Rosario still drove in 109 runs thanks to 32 homers. With a full season and his steady .280 batting average, drafting him at his eighth-round ADP is pure thievery. He won't steal any bags but there is certainly something to be said for his consistent bat.

Yes, Donaldson hit 37 homers last year with 90+ runs and 90+ RBIs but this is a player who missed 160 games over the prior two seasons and won't offer average or steals to counteract the injury risk. With that said, his upside looks nice in the 9th round.

Semien is currently being drafted outside the top 12 fantasy shortstops around the 7th round but did you know that he finished among the top five last year and ahead of Lindor, Turner and Torres. Semien knocked 33 bombs with double-digit steals, a good .285 batting average and 123 runs.

Laureano was never a big-time prospect but he certainly put on a show in just 123 games last year, knocking 24 homers with 13 steals and a .286 batting average. Over a full season, he could potentially end up around 30/20 but he does come with some risk.

Soler did swat a ridiculous 48 homers with 117 RBIs and a decent batting average last year but let's not forget that he has missed considerable time due to injury every season prior. If he can stay healthy, that eighth round ADP will be a bargain, but it's a big if.

If fantasy were real life, Chapman might be the second best third basemen in the league but fantasy accounts for average instead of OBP and his 1 steal won't help much. Rather, he is big power guy with runs, homers and not much else to help your fantasy team.

 

Gallo only played 70 games but still managed 22 homers, 54 runs scored and 49 RBIs. With a full season, you'd have to expect him to return to 40+ homers, but the big question is whether the batting average is worth the risk in the seventh round of drafts.

 

Anderson missed 40 games last year but still nearly went 20/20 with 81 runs. If that was all, it would have been a killer season but he also happened to bat .335 for the Sox. We can expect that to drop to near or even below .300 this year but that is still a great buy around the 8th round.

 

Don't look now, but Robert was better than even Fernando Tatis in the minors. Much better. He does have holes in his swing but in 200 games, has still managed to bat .312. He has future 40/40 potential and could be a superstar even as a rookie this year.

So far, we've only seen Correa play more than 110 games once in his five seasons. Whenever he is on the field, Correa has been a tremendous hitter so the upside is that of a top five fantasy shortstop but his floor is quite low because of the repeat injury risk.

Brantley had injury troubles for a while but has now played virtually every day for two straight years. In that time, he has returned to the steal .310 hitter with 20 homers. Although the steals are long gone, that profile still works great with a tenth-round pick.

 

 

Benintendi had a disappointing offensive season in 2019, hitting just 13 homers with 10 steals and a .266 batting average. There is upside, sure, but if he repeats that production, he is barely worth drafting, let alone all the way up in the top 100 picks where his ADP currently is.

 

 

Polanco picked up where he left off after the 2018 suspension by batting nearly .300 with over 100 runs and 22 homers. His speed is gone but for his 11th round price tag, that is a plenty useful stat line even if you have to use him in the utility spot instead of shortstop.

After a lousy 2018, it seemed Santana's bat had finally hit the end of career wall, but he bounced back to a tune of 34 homers, 110 runs and saw his batting average soar from .229 to .281. All are expected to regress in 2019, but not enough to make him worth passing on in the 12th round.

Yes, Sanchez did manage to swat 34 homers and has historical power potential for the position, but you are definitely going to take a hit at batting average if you draft him. With that said, hitting in the middle of the Yankees lineup should afford fantasy owners loads of RBIs and runs too.

 

 

Mercado impressed as a rookie, hitting 15 homers, stealing 15 bags and scoring 70 runs in just 115 games. His production slowed at the end of the year, though, and the overall batting average will likely dip so don't expect the same useful pace for all of 2020.

 

Franmil played most of his season with San Diego's pitcher-friendly park as his home venue but still managed 37 homers in just 494 total at-bats. The batting average will likely end up south of .270 but 50 homers is a possibility out of the 13th round, so you know what to do.

 

 

 

 

 

Most seem to recall Kepler knocking 36 homers but did you realize he did it while missing 30 games. The batting average will almost definitely be under .260 but if he plays the full season, you can bet on 90+ runs and 90+ RBIs this season.

In terms of overall game, Grandal may be the best catcher in all of baseball, as his OBP will hover just south of .400 and he plays excellent defense but the BA will be closer to that .240 mark and his HRs, RBIs and runs should dip in the ballpark and lineup moves from MIL to CWS.

With so many competent fantasy shortstops, it may seem boring to draft Andrus in the 13th round but he has been so consistent and durable from year to year that this boring source of speed and average may prove well worth the price once again.

 

Sano missed over 50 games but still hit 34 homers and drove in 79 runs. With a full season, 50/110/110 is a real possibility but let's not pretend that he hasn't let fantasy owners down a number of times so there is most definitely some risk as well.

 

Encarnacion is most certainly getting up there in age but his power persists as he knocked 30+ homers again for the eighth straight season. As we all know, the batting average won't be great but we can put up with that for 100+ RBIs and 80+ runs to go with the power.

Biggio might not help in batting average, as we saw last year, but there is no doubt about it that he is a source of both power and speed. 20/20 seems like a near-certainty and there is room for more which sounds great with his 12th round price tag.

 

 

 

Gurriel was unbelievable last season going from 13 homers and 85 RBIs to 31 and 104. Even with the power spike, he maintained his .290 BA for the third straight season. Although he is older, it is clear that fantasy owners can still rely on him for plenty of production.

Santana's breakout season was absolutely ridiculous on paper. He finished with 28 homers, 21 steals, a .283 BA and 80+ RBIs and runs in just 474 at-bats. He may not be as efficient this season but even if he takes a step back, he would be a steal in the 13th round.

 

 

After starting the season slow, Toronto sent Gurriel back to the minors but once he was called back up, he was one of the best hitters in baseball with a nearly 50-homer pace. That won't keep up, but 35 with a strong batting average is entirely possible.

Tucker hasn't lived up to the hype in his first 130 big league at-bats but don't sour on him quite yet. This is a legitimate five-category asset who could go 40/25 HR/SB with a .280 batting average within the next few years. It is tough to tell how quickly it will come but he has to get playing time first.

Garver may be the most difficult catcher to peg this season because his breakout was so extreme and such a surprise. He hit 31 homers in just 311 at-bats. Surely that rate will regress but he should also get more trips to the plate too so 35 HRs, .260 BA is not out of the question by any means.

Buxton has never managed to stay healthy for a full season but while he is healthy, fantasy owners get a source of power and great speed. Should he finally stay on the field all year, fantasy owners could receive 20 homers, 25 steals and a decent batting average out of the 14th round.

 

 

 

 

There is virtually no chance Mallex will hit double-digit homers or even drive in 50 runs. In fact, he batted just .228 last year but steals are steals and Mallex should tally 50 of them for you if he plays the entire season. This is the equivalent of a fantasy asset who hits 80 homers but hurts you in three categories.

 

Upton missed 100 games last year but has otherwise been extremely durable his entire career, hitting 30+ homers with 80+ runs and 80+ RBIs in three consecutive seasons. Thre is a chance he struggles again, but more than likely, he'll return value in the 17th round of drafts.

 

 

 

 

Calhoun has a smaller frame but his bat is loud, as evidenced by the 21 homers he hit in just half a season. In fact, he batted .272 with 99 RBIs + runs as well so don't be shocked if it jumps to 35/90/90 over the course of a full season. Calhoun is a serious breakout candidate.

Dozier had a strong 2019, batting .279 with 26 homers, 75 runs and 84 RBIs. He won't swipe any bags, but that was good enough to outproduce Rhys Hoskins and Edwin Encarnacion from a fantasy perspective and fantasy owners can expect more four category production this year.

Voit wasn't anything near the short sample-size explosion we saw in 2018 but he still managed 21 homers, 72 runs and 62 RBIs in just 118 games. While the batting average won't be ideal, you can certainly put up with 30 homers, 90/90 RBis and runs in the 17th round.

Perez missed the entire season but is still just 30 years old and let's not forget that he was an all-star for six consecutive seasons. There is no more consistent source of power at the position but his BA has dipped into danger territory two times in three seasons. Perez ends the top teir of reliable catchers.

Mancini was terrific last year but he is unlikely to play in 2020 because of Stage 3 cancer.

 

Lowe didn't have a high prospect pedigree nor did he perform in his rookie debut but he blew up last year for the Rays, hitting 17 homers and driving in 51 runs in just 296 at-bats. Don't be surprised if that grows to 25 and 10 with a solid batting average over a full year.

It never feels exciting to draft Choo, but he now has 20+ homers with a .260+ average and 80+ runs in each of the past three seasons. In fact, he stole 15 bases last year even despite his older age. This is a killer value in the 21st round of drafts.

 

 

 

Cron had 30 homers in 2018 and followed it up with 25 last year despite just 125 games played. Should he see a full season of health, 35 or even 40 is a possibility but the cost is a medicore at best batting average.

We know by now that Odor is going to kill us in the batting average department but he once again swatted 30 homers with 93 RBIs and double-digit steals. You'll either need to target BA early or just punt the category altogether, but Odor is great for the other four categories.

Andujar virtually missed the entire season so there is some risk in relying on a bounceback or even a full year of stats, but if we get it, we've seen the upside to be a .300 average with 25+ homers. With an ADP above 300, you should be able to get him super late in drafts.

 

 

 

Urshela was among the most surprising breakouts in 2019, batting .315 with 21 homers for the Yankees. Although that isn't going to keep up, he earned playing time in New York and may prove worth of that 20th round ADP.

Canha took a big a big step forward last year, improving his batting average 25 points while he managed 26 homers in just 126 games. That number could become nearly 40 with a full season but the batting average is more than likely going to regress a bit.

 

 

There is nothing sexy about grabbing Hernandez in the 22nd round as your #3 middle infielder but he has been as consistent as you'll find over the last few years. He is a safe bet for 15 homers, 10 steals and useful batting average while playing just about every game.

James still has legitimate ace upside if he can harness his arsenal and find his way into Houston's rotation. There is a chance this fireballer breaks camp in the rotation and if he does, we may just be looking at 200+ strikeouts in 2020. After all, his on-paper ratios may not seem great from 2019, but his xWOBa was above the likes of Mike Clevinger, Stephen Strasburg, Blake Snell and Walker Buehler. I don't need to tell you that this means he has ace stuff. But folks, he just might be the best pitcher in the Astros rotation this year if they give him the ball in the first inning.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diaz finally received some playing time and the bat was strong as expected with 14 homers in just half a season. The batting average has room for growth too so don't be surprised if a full season gives fantasy owners 25 homers with a .280 average.

 

Nunez went from 8 homers and a .258 average in 2018 to a breakout performance with 31 homers and 90 RBIs. The batting average certainly won't help fantasy owners, however.

Solak was never a big prospect but he always raked in the minors then continued that trend upon being called up for Texas. He finished the year with 32 combined homers, 91 RBIs and a .290 batting average. That seems unlikely in his full rookie season, but the kid can surely hit.

Adell might just have the brightest future of any prospect in baseball, but he is nowhere near as polished as someone like Luis Robert. Rather, the power may take some time to develop and he'll never be a source of steals. You can stash him, but he isn't expected to be a star right away.

 

Say what you want about Schoop's batting average risk but this is a middle infielder who has hit 76 homers in his last three seasons despite missing 80 games over the last two years. With a full bill of health, we could see 30 bombs with 100 RBIs out of a late-round second baseman.

 

 

Vasquez is being drafted as the ninth catcher off the board this season but finished 2019 as the #4 catcher in fantasy with 23 homers and a solid .276 average. Playing in Boston's treacherous lineup certainly dosn't hurt either. His upside isn't as sexy but this is a good bat well worth using as a top 12 catcher.

 

 

 

After hitting 1 homer in 123 games during the 2018 season, La Stella completely changed his game and caught fire in 2019. He swatted 16 of them in just 292 at-bats and prior to injury, he was batting .295 as well. There is a chance he continues that performance over a full season this year.

 

Chavis came out blazing after he made his MLB debut and many were calling him the next great star but he cooled off in a huge way and ended up only hitting .254 but with 18 homers in 347 at-bats. With multi-position eligibility, this is a premiere breakout candidate to target late in drafts.

Madrigal is a talented prospect but probably not quite worth drafting and stashing in a standard-sized league. From the moment he is called up, though, Madrigal should be owned everywhere.

 

 

 

Prior to last year's injury, Haniger batted .285 with 26 homers, 90+ runs and 90+ RBIs. There is a chance he returns to that level of production in 2020 but he only batted .220 last season so drafting him even in the middle of your draft comes with considerable risk.

Simmons will never hit 20 homers nor should we expect him to return to the 19 steals we saw in 2017, but this is a reliable source of decent numbers at all five primary hitting categories. You can grab him in the very last round of your draft if you need a middle infielder.

 

Seager hasn't hit for batting average in any of the last three seasons, but he did manage to swat 20+ homers for the seventh straight season and he did it last year in just 106 games. This might be a cheap way to grab 30 homers in 2020.

 

 

The Rays' kid shortstop was so bad in the first half that many figured he might get sent down to the minors but he picked up the pace, batting .278/.340/.467 in the second half which has many wondering if a full season 2020 breakout is in store.

 

 

 

 

 

Murphy didn't show much in his September debut but he was a top prospect for a reason, hitting .293 with 20 extra-base hits in just 41 minor league games. Murphy should be in the lineup almost every day and can be expected to contribute in four categories.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alberto doesn't walk much but fortunately for fantasy owners, all that matters is his .305 batting average. That might not stick around though and he certainly won't help you with power or speed.

Gordon only played half a season and fantasy owners still received 22 steals from him. With a full season, 40 and 100 runs is not out of the question. Although he won't help with homers or RBIs, steals are hard enough to get that he is worth a 20th round pick.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chirinos may be older and a batting average liability, but you can bet your bottom dollar that he'll provide 15+ homers and 50+ RBIs for fantasy owners as a strong C2 option.

 

 

 

If you play in a deeper league and are looking for a source of batting average in the later rounds, Cabrera is as solid of a bet as you'll find. Durability is a concern and he won't hit for power anymore though.

 

Martinez was only given 334 at-bats last year even though he batted .305 in 2018. His batting average dipped but all of the underlying metrics suggest that was a fluke. If he plays the full season in Tampa, he could prove to be one of the great steals in 2020.

 

Vogelbach did manage 30 homers as many thought he might but the batting average was so horrendous that there are talks that he may lose his job at some point this season. With that said, with the risk comes upside for 40 bombs and a Joey Gallo like season.

Among the C2 options, no one has more upside, perhaps, than Jansen. He did only bat .208 last year but this was a very strong minor league hitter plus he has some pop.

 

 

Goodrum isn't going to hit even .250 but this a multi-position guy for your bench that will hit a dozen homers and steal a dozen bases.

 

 

Shaw was awful last year, batting .157 and losing his job but he was playing through injuries. Don't forget that he hit 30+ homers in back to back seasons before last year's struggles.

It is clear that Fletcher won't provide much in the way of homers or RBIs but this a guy who should boost your BA and provide 75+ runs in the final few rounds while playing multiple positions.

 

 

 

 

Murphy was quietly exceptional for the Mariners in just 260 at-bats, knocking 18 homers with 40 RBIs and a .269 BA. Now that Narvaez is out of his way and in Milwaukee, Murphy should add 200 trips to the plate and could approach 25 or perhaps even 30 homers for fantasy owners.

 

Lowe didn't do a ton in his 152 at bats last year but in the minor leagues he made it clear that he is a masher through and through. It would be no surprise if he ended the year batting .290 with 25 homers much like we saw in Trey Mancini's breakout 2019.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moreland has never been a source of batting average but he does offer power and last year it was plus power with 19 homers in just 91 games. That could become 30-35 with a full season of health this year.

 

 

McCann was the #7 fantasy catcher in 2019, swatting 18 homers with a solid .276 average but Chicago went and acquired Grandal so you'd expect McCann sees less playing time this season.

 

 

 

Tellez has power galore, as evidenced by his 21 homers in just 370 at-bats. Now, the BA will hurt a bit, but you can afford to deal with that if his homers jump to 35 over a full season.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zunino's but was so bad last year with a .165 BA that he may end up losing his job altogether, but we know there is no other C3 with this kind of upside. It wouldn't surprise anyone if he knocked 30 homers this year.

 

Franco again played just 123 games but still hit 17 homers. With a change of scenery, we may finally get a chance to see Franco's upside which could be in the tune of 30 homers and a .275 average.

 

Pujols is nowhere near where he once was and has some durability concerns but this is still a 20+ homer hitter for the end of your bench with a BA that won't entirely kill you.

 

Although Garcia should again end up south of 10 homers and 50 RBIs, we are talking about a consistent .270+ hitter who should have no trouble notching 15 steals.

 

Barreto may not be the favorite to start on opening day, but he has legitimate five-tool talent and should be owned everywhere from the moment he takes his spot in the starting lineup.

Peraza is a long way removed from batting .234 as a rookie with 21 steals in half a season, but he is very young still and should start in Boston's great offense so don't be surprised if he breaks out in 2020.

 

Ford hit 12 bombs in just 143 at-bats last year after destroying Triple-A pitching to open the year, but there doesn't seem to be a spot in the lineup for him versus righties.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The former top prospect has immense talent but we most certainly have not seen it in his first 165 MLB games. There is a chance he breaks out this year, but you are best suited merely keeping him on waiver wire speed dial.

 

 

Castro knocked 13 homers in just 237 at-bats last year and may end up with more playing time this year, but if he does, fantasy owners can expect a lackluster batting average.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perez managed to finish among the top 12 fantasy catchers last season, driving in 63 runs on 24 homers. The batting average ended up below .240 but with a low-end C2, that is just par for the course.

 

If Astudillo gets more playing time this year, fantasy owners can expect a useful batting average but not much in the way of power or speed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marwin is a long way removed from batting .303 with 90 RBIs for the Astros in the now infamous 2017 Astros' season, but he still has 20 homer power if he can stay on the field and the batting average shouldn't hurt.

 

 

 

 

Romine is expected to start for Detroit and should once again provide a solid batting average but he doesn't offer enough in terms of power to even be a C2 for fantasy teams.

 

 

 

 

 

Bauers has not produced at the level many prospect hounds expected but he does have upside to break out this year to a tune of 20 homers, 10 steals and a .250 batting average if he hangs onto the job.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you are in a deeper league that starts two catchers and are looking for a potential breakout option, Sisco is a former top prospect who has flashed a great bat in stretches.