2019 Fantasy Baseball Rankings

As long as Mike Trout continues to put up 30+ homers, 20+ steals, 100+ runs and bat .300 every season, you can bet he will be worth the first overall pick. Chances are, we have another decade of this consistent dominance.

It may be tempting to snag Betts with the first pick over Trout, after the ridiculous season he just put together, but remember that he is just one year removed from batting .264 with 24 homers. There is a chance Betts outproduces Trout, but that isn't a risk you should gamble on.

Jose Ramirez may have been the best fantasy player in baseball last year, knocking 39 homers with 34 steals, 110 runs and 105 RBIs, but he is still 1-C behind both Trout and Mookie Betts because of their consistent production over the last three seasons.

Arenado might not feel like the sexiest pick at this stage because he isn't the hot new name, nor is he a five-category star, but there is nothing wrong with boring old reliability. He has averaged 40 homers, 125 RBIs and 100 runs while batting .297 over the last four seasons. Don't let him slip past this fifth pick in your drafts.

It's funny how one healthy season can help you forget that a player missed 40+ games in three of the past four seasons. While Martinez has a legitimate shot at the Triple Crown, he is also a bit riskier than many of the other first round picks so proceed soberly.

Looking for 18 wins, 220 innings and nearly 300 strikeouts? You can virtually lock it in with Scherzer. Not only that, be he has a 0.975 WHIP over the past six seasons. That is downright unfair. Don't hesitate to grab him late in the first round this year.

There is no denying that Yelich was a first round value in 2018 and perhaps even the #1 fantasy asset thanks to a .326 average with 36 homers, 22 steals and 110+ runs and RBIs. These numbers blew away his career marks, however, so projection models all have him regressing to a high-end second round value this year.

Lindor kicked it up another notch in 2018, mashing 38 homers to go with 25 steals and his league leading 129 runs. We can't bank on a repeat performance in 2019, but with even 80% of those numbers at shortstop, he'd return easy first round value.

Per plate apperance, Acuna was every bit as productive as consensus top-five pick, Francisco Lindor, last season. Granted, Acuna doesn't qualify at shortstop, but that should tell you that the hype somehow hasn't driven him far enough up draft boards yet.

Machado's ranking will depend on where he ends up playing the majority of his games this year. If it is in Philly or Yankee Stadium, we could be looking at the 6th best fantasy asset. Chicago would put him closer to the back end of the first round. Regardless of what you think about Machado, he has been a reliable force of nature the last few years and likely hasn't even come into his prime yet.

Fantasy owners may have been disappointed with Turner's performance last year, but he still averages 20 HR, 56 SB and 106 runs with a .289 average per 162 games. Only Rickey Henderson and Joe Morgan have matched those totals over a full season. Turner is an extraordinary fantasy baseball asset and well worth a top 15 pick.

There are a handful of starting pitchers that stand out above the rest, but Sale and Scherzer may belong in a tier of their own at this point. Sale posted an unfathomable 0.861 WHIP last season and 13.5 K/9. As long as he returns to health, we could be looking at a 340 Ks.

Bregman had 83 extra-base hits last season to go with 105 runs and 103 RBIs despite being just 24 years old. Chances are high that his fantasy value continues to trend north. With that said, he is currently recovering from elbow surgery so be sure to keep an eye on his progress before picking him up in the first round this spring.

It can be easy to be discouraged by Altuve "only" batting .316 with limited power and steals, but the injury seemed to influence his performance much more than most realize. You can expect a return to his 20 homer, 30 steal, 110 runs season with a batting average north of .330.

deGrom was magical in 2018 and while there is a chance that continues into this season, we have to remember that the two prior seasons, he carried a 3.32 ERA with just 382 Ks and 22 wins. While that makes for a useful pitcher, the risk of him returning to that leaves him below Sale and Scherzer's tier.

Harper may have posted just a .249 batting average in 2018, but the rest of his fantasy production was tremendous, plus his underlying metrics indicate the average returning closer to the .270 mark in 2019. His fantasy value may see some movement depending on where he signs, but you can be sure it will end up somewhere in the second round this year.

Judge had a down year in 2018 which means his OPS was merely .919. If he can get back to playing 150 games this year, fantasy owners can bank on 45 homers, 110 runs and 100 RBIs. That may have you ready to grab him in the first round, but he comes with more injury risk than anyone else in the top 20.

You can snag Story in the late second, or even third round despite the fact that he outproduced top-five pick, Francisco Lindor in BA, SB, RBI and was just one behind him in homers. There is more risk with Story, but his 2018 campaign was among the all-time greats for fantasy shortstops.

Goldschmidt was incredible over his last 100 games, posting a .334/.424/.608 line. You may think his stats will take a big hit moving out of Chase Field, but with the humidor in place, it was actually among the worst park for hitters last season. In St. Louis, he should continue his run of 30+ homers, 95+ runs and a .290+ batting average.

After obliterating pitchers in 2017, Stanton cooled off in a big way last year, striking out 211 times and hitting just .266 with 38 homers. There is upside for 60+ bombs this year, but believe it or not, he has only hit 40 or more once his entire career.

First basemen isn't as deep as it once was so commodities like Freeman are well worth investing in toward the middle of the third round. He is a lock for 90 runs, 90 RBIs and a .300 batting average each year and that type of player doesn't grow on trees.

Baez was excellent last year, hitting 34 homers with 21 steals, 101 runs and a league-leading 111 RBIs. While he is surely a star, every projection model sees those numbers regressing in 2019, especially his batting average which was propped up by a .347 BABIP.

While Blackmon wasn't the number one fantasy asset like in 2017, he still knocked 29 homers, led the league in runs and batted .291, and don't forget, that was a down year. If that is his floor, fantasy owners are getting a steal in the late second round.

Verlander may be turning 36 years old soon, but his velocity is still as impressive as ever and he 2018 was actually his best K% (34.8%, second best 28.1%) of his career while his BB% (4.4%) was his lowest. Don't avoid him because of his age. He is rocking better than ever before.

Each of the past five years, Kluber has given fantasy owners 200 innings while compiling 1,228 strikeouts. In four of those five seasons, he has provided 18 or more wins. If you draft him in the second round, you can be certain to get a true ace.

Benintendi is a spectacular real life player, but in fantasy, he was extremely similar to Jean Segura who happens to be going five rounds later. The arrow is pointing up for Benintendi, but not enough to warrant a top 30 draft pick.

Bryant missed 60 games last year and had his least efficient season of his career by quite a bit. There is some risk in drafting Bryant in the 3rd round, but he also comes with 40 homer upside, a batting average near .300 and both 100+ runs and RBIs.

You can look at Cole's 3.50 second half ERA and assume he got worse over the season, but all the underlying numbers suggest he was actually better. Don't shy away from him because of a false fear of his risk. Rather, expect another 250+ strikeouts with plenty of wins and excellent ratios.

Soto was every bit as good as top-ten pick, Alex Bregman per plate appearance last season, but is going 20 picks later. Keep in mind, he accomplished that as a teenager. Don't hesitate to reach an entire round to grab him before he progresses even more.

Rizzo took a major step backwards in the first half last year, but his final line of 25 homers, 101 RBIs and a .283 batting average ended up being about as good as his average season. We were drafting him in the 3rd round last year so don't hesitate to scoop him up for a discount this season.

Nola took another major leap forward last year, and while he may never be a 250 or even 300 strikeout guy like the handful of pitchers being drafted above him, 220+ with a sub 1.00 WHIP and 2.50 ERA will certainly warrant a third round pick.

Snell may have posted the single greatest second half of any pitcher in the last 50 years with a 1.17 ERA, .155 BAA and 12.7 K/9. There is a chance he finishes as the #1 fantasy pitcher this season, but both Scherzer and Sale are safer bets because of their sustained reliability.

Over the past two seasons, only Scherzer, Sale, Verlander, deGrom and Kluber have a better ERA and more strikeouts than Severino, who is quickly becoming a true durable ace. He doesn't belong in that first tier, but may already lead the next group.

Marte bounced back from his 2017 suspension season with another big year. He stolen 33 bases, knocked 20 homers and batted a quality .277. While he may not swipe 45 bags anymore, that power/speed combo makes him well worth a fourth round pick in standard leagues.

Every single season, fantasy owners draft Rendon in the fourth or fifth round and every single year he outproduces that draft value. 2018 was no different, as he hit .308 with 24 homers, 92 RBIs and 88 runs scored in just 136 games. Don't make the mistake of letting him slip by you in the fourth again this season.

Looking for 40 homers? Draft Davis and write it in ink. He has knocked 133 over the last three seasons with 335 RBIs in that time. The floor is as high as you'll find in the first five rounds but the batting average is almost certainly going to be around .250 again.

For the first time in a decade, there is quite a bit of risk with drafting Kershaw. He hasn't pitched 180 innings since 2015 and saw his strikeout rate plummet from 10.4 to 8.6 per nine innings. You can bank on top-notch ratios, but because of the innings a low strikeout totals, he is now firmly in the second tier of pitchers.

Although Cleveland doesn't pay him like it, Carrasco has been a true ace for five straight years, posting a sparkling 3.27 ERA with 193 Ks per season in that time. There is more upside with a pitcher like Syndergaard or Strasburg, but Carrasco's floor makes him one of the top 15 pitchers in this year's fantasy drafts.

Correa has missed a significant chunk of time in each of the past two seasons, and while he struggled in 2018, don't forget that he is still just 24 years old and one year removed from being the MVP front-runner prior to his injury. There is major upside here and he may prove to be a league winner.

Hoskins has plenty of power, as evidenced by his 52 homers in just 728 career at-bats, but his career batting average now sits at .249. There will surely be plenty or runs and RBIs once again, but there isn't much value in grabbing him during any of the first five rounds.

Prior to an injury in the second half, Bauer was among the top pitchers in baseball. He still struck out 221 batters in 175 innings, but with health, those numbers could easily climb to 270 in 215 innings.

Last year was a major disappointment for Bellinger owners after he hit 39 homers in just 132 rookie games in 2017. He still managed to hit 25 bombs with 14 steals, however, so the floor is plenty high. At just 23 years old, we clearly haven't seen the best of Bellinger so don't be surprised if he breaks out for 50 bombs this year or next.

With the Royals not expected to compete in 2019, there is little doubt that Merrifield will surpass 40 stolen bases again. He doesn't have much in the way of power, nor will he score a load of runs in this offense, but the batting average should end up around .300 once again.

Springer is one of a handful of stars who started off their season with a rough patch. He started to turn in around in the second half before his injury, but only enough to get his final line to 22 homers and a .265 batting average. If he can stay healthy, Springer might lead the AL in runs scored along with plenty of homers and RBIs, but the speed has essentially disappeared.

Xander has been around for so long that it is easy to forget he is still just 26 years old. Although there have been periods of disappointment in the past, Bogaerts still has averaged 15 homers, 91 runs, 84 RBIs and a .295 BA over the last four seasons. Add in that 2018 was his best yet and we may be looking at another big step forward this season.

Thor has elite stuff without a doubt, but the numbers haven't quite made it to the top tier of pitchers. Rather, he has just one season with 170 strikeouts and has yet to win 15 games. You may argue that a Cy Young is right around the corner, but we've been saying that for three years now and it is starting to look like we have another Strasburg on our hands.

Albies is dripping with potential and there is no denying that after his 20 homer first half with 9 steals. With that said, his second half was dreadful, batting .226 with just 4 bombs. There is a chance he returns first round value, but the downside would torch your team if he returns to second half form.

After tearing through the minors, Buehler pitcher pretty well for the Dodgers in the first half. Then a flip switched and he proceeded to become one of the top pitchers in baseball over the second half, posting a 2.03 ERA with 92 Ks and just a .165 BA allowed in 80 innings. Draft him accordingly.

Votto did not return second round value or even close to it last year, but his ADP should be around the fifth this year. You can expect his batting average to bounceback above .300, and don't forget that he had 94 HRs in the previous three years before his 12 in 2018.

In the first half last year, Suarez was sensational, hitting 19 homers with 71 RBIs while batting .312. The second half wasn't as pretty, so we may see him take a step back in 2019, but you can still bank on 30+ homers and around 100 RBIs with a decent batting average.

The always conservative Steamer projection model sees Vlad Jr. as a similar player to Nolan Arenado from the get-go with a .300+ BA, 30 homers and both 100 RBIs and runs over a full season's at bats. This issue, however, will be whether he gets those at-bats. You can gamble on him as early as the 4th round, but it may not be early enough to beat others to the punch.

It can be easy to forget that as a rookie in 2016, Seager was not only the rookie of the year, but an MVP finalist. He was plenty useful in 2017 fantasy baseball too, but missed most of 2018 with Tommy John surgery and hip surgery. He should be ready to roll by opening day so while there is some risk, consider that he is still just 24 so we may not have seen his best yet.

If you pro-rate Mondesi's 75 games to a full season, it comes out to 30 homers, 68 steals and 100 RBIs. I don't need to tell you that a season like that would put him above Mike Trout from a fantasy perspective. Granted, he is due for some regression, but don't hesitate to reach several rounds to get him on your roster.

In the past five years, Cain is one of only 15 players averaging a .300 batting average, and among them, he is 2nd behind only Jose Altuve with 126 steals. There isn't much in the way of power, but you can bank on him contributing in all five categories with plenty of durablity.

Ozuna may have taken a huge step back last year, but even so, he put up 23 homers, 88 RBIs and a .280 batting average while playing with a significant shoulder injury. We don't know yet whether or not he will be ready to go on opening day, but assuming health, we might be closer to the 37 HR, 124 RBIs, and .312 BA we got from Ozuna in 2017.

Since Abreu joined the league, he is fifth in the majors with 288 RBIs and #1 among that group with a .295 batting average. As you know, he provides plenty of homers and runs as well. It may not feel interesting to draft Abreu, but with first base more shallow than years past, he is an excellent 6th round pick.

Paxton was excellent last year with a whopping 208 Ks in just 160 innings, but this is also the first time he ever pitched above 140 innings. While the ceiling is clearly exciting with Paxton, re-injury is a significant risk, but he is moving from one of the best pitching parks in Seattle to one of the worst at Yankee Stadium.

Cruz has seen his batting average fall from .302 slowly down to .256 over the last four seasons, but the homers and RBIs are still firmly among the top of the league even despite his advanced again. You can rely on his durability and power in 2019 so don't hesitate to grab him in the 6th or 7th round.

Despite playing 34 fewer games than Andrew Benintendi over the last two seasons, Pham has outplayed him from a fantasy perspective. Pham is being drafted four rounds later and is coming off one of the best second-halfs in the MLB.

There is a top tier of three or four closers, but among them, Diaz is likely the best. He racked up 124 Ks in 73 innings last year, and while you can't bank on 57 saves again, 40 is well within question for a surprisingly good Mets team this year. His ratios will surely be stellar, but even so, with only 70 innings, they won't help you enough to warrant using a fifth or even earlier pick on him or any other closer.

It might not feel sexy drafting Segura, but you can expect a .300+ batting average and 20+ steals for the fourth consecutive season from him. If he finally plays a full season, we may be looking at a 20/30 year with a .310 batting average which would make Segura a top 25 fantasy asset.

Corbin was an absolute monster last season, striking out 246 batters with a 1.05 WHIP and 3.15 ERA. Granted, those ratios are likely to jump, perhaps even half a run in ERA, but he should also add considerably to his 11 wins from 2018 now that he is in Washington.

Rosario has been remarkably consistent the past two years with a .290 and .288 batting average, 27 and 24 homers, 78 and 77 RBIs and 9 and 8 steals. Expect much of the same from him again this season, making him worthy of a 6th round pick in standard leagues.

There is a lot of appeal in drafting an upside pitcher like Strasburg, but keep in mind that he averages just 145 innings over the last four years. Even with an excellent strikeout rate, that comes to just 174 Ks per season. The ratios will likely be golden again, but know that there is plenty of risk in spending a 5th or 6th round pick on him this year.

Over the last five years, Carpenter has a remarkable 468 walks, which obviously has contributed to his 483 runs. In that time, his power has steadily improved, all the way to 36 homers last year, and while that total may not be repeatable, 30 homers with 100 runs makes him well worth a sixth round pick in 2019 fantasy leagues.

Upton is one of the only players with at least 30 homers in each of the last three seasons. You can also bank on 80+ RBIs and runs, and while his stolen bases have come down over the years, 10 is a good bet once again. Upton's batting average won't help you, but it should be enough to warrant a sixth round pick in standard leagues.

Torres isn't a big contributor in stolen bases, but he is plenty useful in each of the other four main categories. If you expand his rates out to a full season, Torres would have posted 32 homers, 101 RBIs and a .271 batting average. You would be thrilled to get that type of production out of your seventh round shortstop.

 

Although Haniger hasn't done it for as long as someone like Nelson Cruz or Justin Upton, he was better than both last year thanks to a .285 batting average on top of his 90+ runs, 90+ RBIs and power. Projection models are fond of him once again this year, but there is a bit more risk than the aforementioned annual powerhouses.

Murphy's overall stat line wasn't all that impressive last year, but once he was healthy in the second half, he returned to hittin .315 with a 25 HR pace. Move that to Coors Field and we may be looking at the NL Batting Champion with plenty of homers, RBI and runs. Be mindful that he rarely plays a full season, but when he is on the field we are looking at a top 30 fantasy asset.

Greinke's age is now 35 and he did have a rough season three years ago, but besides then, he has been phenomenal since 2009. Expect plenty more of the same in 2019 with excellent ratios, about 15 wins and around 200 strikeouts. This makes him a top 20 starting pitcher for 2019 fantasy leagues.

Realmuto's .277 batting average with 21 homers and 74 RBIs doesn't seem all that impressive, but the fact of the matter is that he blew the rest of the catcher scene away with those numbers. Realmuto is as safe as it comes at the position and should produce far above the lousy replacement level once again. This is especially true now that he has been traded to a great hitter's ballpark in Philly. Don't hesitate to reach for him so you don't get stuck with an awful catcher.

Flaherty was absurdly good last season as a rookie and seemed to improve as the year went on, striking out 95 in 76 second half innings. With that said, his walk rate climbed to a dangerous 3.52 per nine innings by seasons end. He has the upside to strike out 240 batters, but there is some risk here as well.

Batting average is difficult to come by after the first four or five rounds, but then there is Turner, who over the last five seasons, has racked up a .305 batting average which beats out plays like Trout, Yelich and Freeman. There isn't a ton in the way of homers or steals, but he won't hurt you in any category unless he deals with yet another injury. For that reason, he is a bit risky.

Prior to yet another injury, Pollock was among the best fantasy assets in baseball. He had 12 homers, 9 steals and 38 RBIs through just 186 at bats. The ceiling for Pollock is a 30/20 player with a batting average near .300, but he has only played more than 115 games just twice in his career so don't forget about the risk in drafting him.

Castellanos was a disappointment for so long that it may still be hanging over his stock. The fact of the matter, however, is that he has been great the past two season, hitting .285 with 49 homers and 190 RBIs. He only qualifies as an outfielder now, but should be regarded every bit as high as someone like Justin Upton or Mitch Haniger.

 

There is no getting past the fact that Sanchez was a train wreck last season., batting .186 with only 18 homers. With that said, he is still just 26 years old and we are talking about the fastest player to ever reach 50 homers in the MLB. Chance are high that he will bounce back in the batting average department, and if he can stay healthy, bank on 25 to 40 homers making him well worth a 7th or 8th round pick.

Jansen has been so good for so long that you might automatically assume him to be the top closer once again in 2019, but last year, he was nowhere close to it. Rather, his ERA plummeted to 3.01 with "just" 82 Ks. You can still grab him among the top tier, but you shouldn't even be considering taking him in the first five or six rounds.

Treinen was magical last season, floating a 0.78 ERA and 0.834 WHIP to go with 100 Ks and 38 saves. That made him the number two fantasy closer behind only Edwin Diaz, and that is precisely how he should be drafted this year. With that said, no closer taken in the first five rounds ever returns enough value so be patient.

 

 

Over the last two years, Donaldson has missed half of his team's games, but he has still be exceptional when he plays, with 41 homers, 101 RBIs and 95 runs in 165 games. If he is healthy, you've got a second round value, but that is a big if so proceed at your own risk.

After dominating in a smaller 2017 sample size, Clevinger took it up another notch in 2018, this time with 200 innings of proof. He might not win 16 games or strikeout 240 batters like some of the top tier aces, but his ratios and 200 Ks put him firmly in the 6th-8th rounds of this season's drafts.

 

 

Kimbrel still hasn't signed so wherever he plays will obviously impact his fantasy upside. Boston would offer plenty more save opportunities, of course, than somewhere like San Diego. You can bank on excellent ratios with nearly 100 Ks regardless, however, so don't hesitate to grab him toward the end of the top tier of closers once again.

Myers is commonly thought of as injury prone and last year's 79 missed games certainly doesn't help. With that said, he averages 23 homers and 20 steals over the last three years even despite last year's disappointing season. There is major upside here even though his batting average is almost certain to stay under .260 again.

Chapman has been exceptional for nearly a decade now. It may surprise you to learn that he hasn't struck out 100 batters since 2015, though. Edwin Diaz, meanwhile, had 123 last year to go with 25 more saves than Aroldis. Chapman is obviously one of the top closers in baseball still, but doesn't deserve any consideration as a top 50 fantasy pick.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You may not expect the Pirates to be great, but Vasquez is durable and has no competition for saves. Lock him in for 85 Ks, stellar ratios and enough save opportunities to warrant being selected as one of the top 10 closers in 2019.

 

 

 

Osuna didn't accomplish much last year because of his legal issues and the time missed as a result, but he as still extremely efficient, driving a 2.37 ERA with a 0.97 WHIP. Assuming he stays on the field, you can bank on 30 saves and plenty of strikeouts on top of the strong ratios.

Cleveland isn't as great as they've been in the past few years, but Hand should still get a load of save opportunities for the clear AL Central favorites. He now has three straight years with over 100 saves and ERA under 3.00 so don't hesitate to snag him in the top 110 picks of your draft.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Doolittle only had 25 saves and 60 strikeouts last year, but he had an absurd 0.600 WHIP. That isn't a typo. With a full season, don't be surprised when Doolittle finishes in the elite tier of fantasy closers.

 

If Alex Reyes doesn't make the Cardinals' rotation, Robles is far and away the favorite to win NL Rookie of the Year. Robles is a true five-tool talent that is polished enough to be a top 45 fantasy outfielder right away. The power may come a little later, but he will steal more than enough bases to warrant a mid-round pick.

 

 

 

Jimenez may not be Vlad Jr. but most other years, he would be the consensus top fantasy prospect. His game is in the mold of Manny Ramirez where he could be a mainstay in the middle of a lineup, hitting 30 homers with 100 RBIs and a .290 BA every year. That might not all come right away, but from the moment he is called up, you can expect a top 30 fantasy outfielder.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Iglesias has been one of the better closers over the past two seasons with 58 saves and 172 Ks, but the Reds have been suggesting that he might not be the every day closer this year. The Ks and ratios would still be good enough to own even if he didn't get any saves, but this undoubtedly causes a hit in his overall fantasy value.

 

 

 

 

The Padres aren't expected to compete with the Dodgers or even Rockies for the division, but San Diego plays in enough low scoring close games that their closers tend to rack up the saves. This year should be no different for their new closer, who just so happened to be one of the best setup men in baseball before Brad Hand left the closer job open. Yates should find his way to 80+ Ks to go with amazing ratios once again.

 

 

You may not get a dozen saves out of Hader again, but the 143 strikeouts and lights out ratios are here to stay. Those video game numbers make him a top 10 fantasy relief pitcher, as you won't find anyone more apt to help you in those three big categories.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Knebel was injured and had a rough year, but still tallied up 88 strikeouts in 55 innings with a killer WHIP. Expect the ERA to improve closer to that 1.78 rate from 2017, and with that and a full bill of health should come a bounceback to 30 or even 40 saves.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don't look now, but Leclerc may already be the most dominant reliever in baseball. His ERA last year was 1.56 with a 0.850 WHIP and 13.3 K/9. The saves could triple to 35+ this season so don't hesitate to reach a few rounds to secure a stud on draft day.

 

Giles may have been an elite closer in 2015 and 2017, but his other two seasons have been disappointing for fantasy owners. Although he straightened is out with Toronto in his final 20 innings, we were still looking at a low K-rate and an ERA over 4.00. Plus, it isn't like there will be a ton of save opportunities in Toronto like he saw in Houston the past few years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Pirates had him buried on their depth chart for what seemed like forever thanks to the presence of Andrew McCutchen, Gregory Polanco and Starling Marte. Now that he has been freed to Tampa Bay (with Tyler Glasnow) in the Chris Archer trade, we will finally get to see the kid shine. Meadows was once considered a future all-star, and while he likely won't venture into that territory any time soon, if at all, we are looking at someone who, even as a rookie, should hold a mediocre batting average while contributing in all four of the other roto categories.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was easy to forget how great Robertson is since he only managed 19 saves over the past two seasons. He has racked up 88 Ks per season and excellent ratios over the last 8 years, however. With plenty of save opportunities in store, we could see him return to being a top 10 closer this year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It seemed as though Ty Buttrey, Bedrosian and Anderson were going to compete for saves in LA, but then they signed Allen who figures to get the job. Don't be surprised if he losses the gig early, however, if he struggles like we saw last season. Don't consider him a lock for 25 saves again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes, the Astros just signed Wade Miley, and sure, Forrest Whitley is not only the Astros top pitching prospect, but the top in all of baseball. Still, James is almost certainly going to start the season in the rotation and should be great from day one. In fact, day one was last year when he stuck out 29 MLB hitters in 23 innings with a 2.35 ERA. This came after he shredded the minors to a tune of 12.9 K/9, a 1.120 WHIP and 3.23 ERA in 114 innings. James will almost definitely outproduce Dallas Keuchel while replacing his spot in the rotation this year.

 

 

 

 

Kikuchi's numbers from Japan translate to an MLB pitcher similar to Zack Wheeler last year, and like Wheeler, Kikuchi's arm could potentially blossom into much more to fantasy owners. He is by no means similar to Ohtani or Darvish before him, but 370 Ks and a 2.45 ERA in his last two seasons is nothing to sneeze at.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bradley isn't a 90 strikeout guy, nor should we expect an ERA south of 2.00, but he is the heavy favorite to get saves in Arizona, which certainly counts for something. Granted, they won't win 80 games, but even 35 saves is plenty to warrant a late-round pick.

 

 

With a full season as the Rays' closer, Alvarado could end up one of the top 10 closers in baseball. There is some more risk with him than the guys who have done it for years, but we could be looking at 90 Ks with excellent ratios and 35 saves which makes him a total steal late in drafts.

 

It sounds as though Morrow is going to miss the start of the season. That could very well turn into multiple months as we've seen with "minor" pitching injuries many times before. It is a dangerous game to draft based on injury optimism, even if the closer does have considerable upside.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now that Martin was dealt to the Dodgers, Jansen is the favorite to start at catcher for the Blue Jays. He doesn't have much power, but his average will be quality and he should play enough that the RBIs and runs will make him a fringe top 12 fantasy catcher.

 

 

Fantasy owners were disappointed to get nothing out of Senzel at the MLB level last year, but they shouldn't give up hope. Rather, barring another series of injuries, he will be with the big league club, weather in Cincy, Miami, San Diego or Cleveland (pending potential trades) rather quickly. He is a true five-tool player and could end up qualifying at 2B, 3B, SS and OF.

 

 

Believe it or not, Reyes should be ready to go out of Spring Training. You may be worried about Adam Wainwright beating him out for the #5 spot in the Cardinals' rotation, but they have made it clear that they want Reyes in the rotation. He has to be one of the favorites to win NL Rookie of the Year as he is polished and absolutely dominant.

Although Baltimore may only win 50 games, Givens is one of the closers who has no competition for saves on his team. Even 25 save opportunities is better than what someone like Josh Hader or Zach Britton will get. Pair that with another 80 strikeouts and respectable ratios and we are looking at a top 30 fantasy reliever.

Contrary to popular belief, Hicks is the favorite to land the Cardinals' closer job over Andrew Miller this season. He may not be as dynamite a reliever, but Hicks is excellent in his own respect. If he does get the job, expect loads of save opportunities to go with 70+ Ks and excellent ratios.

 

 

 

 

 

The signing of Daniel Murphy should cause Hampson's ECR to drop another 50 spots, as that transaction shifts Ryan McMahon over to second base. Hampson could force the Rockies hands with a strong Spring, but more than likely, he won't get the call until someone hits the DL. At that point, McMahon could slide over to first, third or the outfield. If it is Story that goes down, Hampson would fill the gap. He could eventually be a better version of D.J. LeMahieu offensively, posting a batting average near .300 with more power and speed. Right away, he will merely hold his own in the batting average department while contributing nearly 30 steals per 162 games.

The majority of Dominguez' appeal was ruined when the Phillies signed David Robertson, who will almost certainly be their closer. With that said, Dominguez should be a three-category monster and well worth owning even without the saves.

 

 

 

 

Like Vlad Jr. and Eloy, Alonso's true impact will depend on whether on not the big league club makes space for him. As it stands now, Todd Frazier is likely to play first base with Jed Lowrie manning the other corner. It is possible that Alonso pushes the envelope in the spring, forcing Lowrie to shortstop, but more than likely, we are looking at his arrival coming when the first infielder heads to the DL. With an older group of players, that may be sooner than later. When he arrives, he will come with a dangerous stick right away and could be one of the stronger second half rookies. In the minors last year, Alonso swatted 36 homers and drove in 119 runners in just 478 at-bats.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Much of Mejia's production will depend on where he plays this season. The Padres are among the front-runners to land J.T. Realmuto, which oddly enough, would help Mejia a great deal. As it is now, the catching prospect is stuck behind Austin Hedges, who is among the top defensive catchers in baseball, but a trade to Miami, or perhaps even Cleveland or Cincinnati, would make him a fringe top 12 fantasy catcher right away. Mejia has more pop than your average catcher already and could eventually hit around .290 as his approach matures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Astros don't currently have a spot for Tucker with Michael Brantley now joining George Springer and Josh Reddick in the outfield. With prospects like Tucker, however, there is no need for a spot. He is good enough that they will make room. When he gets the call, expect him to be a top 35 fantasy outfielder right away, and perhaps even more. Tucker may be the top draft and stash prospect this year if you've got room on your bench.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With five, yes FIVE, talented starting pitchers ready to make a rookie splash in Atlanta, projection models aren't too sure what to make of Soroka, but he is the most polished and we expect him to come out of Spring Training with a spot in the rotation. Soroka has premier command of his pitches, and while he isn't a big strikeout guy, we could be looking at a Kyle Hendricks like fantasy asset. That is someone you'll want to get your hands on if he emerges as the Braves #5 starter.

Oakland's rotation is a total mystery. We may not see Luzardo until September, or he could even break camp as their ace. The fact of the matter is that this 21-year-old lefty will answer the bell when it is time. He was dominant last year in the minors, striking out 129 in 109 innings with a 2.88 ERA and 1.088 WHIP. It was enough to cause his stock to soar from fringe top 100 prospect to fringe top 10. If it wasn't for Whitley in Houston, we'd be talking about Luzardo as perhaps the best pitcher in the minors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Green wasn't as electric in 2018 as the year before, but he still registered 94 strikeouts with excellent ratios and 8 wins. He isn't the closer, nor does he have a path to saves, but you can certainly make a case for drafting him even in standard sized leagues.

 

 

 

 

 

Urias seems to be the favorite to start the season as the Padres' primary shortstop. If he were playing in a different home park, we might be talking about him as a challenger to Victor Robles to win the NL Rookie of the Year award. Rather, his offensive production will most probably be limited to a replacement level fantasy player. With that said, he does have a much higher ceiling so make sure to keep an eye on him from the get-go.

 

 

The Astros replaced Keuchel with Wade Miley and Charlie Morton with rookie Josh James, but you'd better believe that as soon as Whitley is ready, the Astros will call him up. Assuming that is before the All-Star break, Whitley is an excellent draft and stash option if you have enough bench spots. He could have a Walker Buehler like impact from the get-go.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There may be no other relief pitcher who is slipping under the radar as much as Barnes. Unless the Red Sox sign Craig Kimbrel, it seems as though Barnes will be the closer for a team that should win around 100 games once again. Don't hesitate to grab him late if your draft happens before Kimbrel signs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Most depth charts have Shane Greene slotted into the closer role for Detroit but this job is up in the air. Jimenez was an all-star last season, and while he pitched poorly down the stretch, don't sleep on him winning the job this spring.

 

 

 

Stewart is expected to start for the Tigers, but their offense is so barren that he can't be relied on for many RBIs or runs. His batting average might be ok, but more likely, his power would be the calling card. He is one worth keeping an eye on, but shouldn't be on your draft radar in standard-sized mixed leagues.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tatis isn't expected to break camp with the Padres, but it shouldn't take long for him to get the call to San Diego. When he does, you can expect a useful mix of both power and speed and a premium position. He is among the top draft and stash options for those of you that play in leagues with deeper benches or a farm spot.

 

 

Honeywell was ready for the MLB rotation last year before he was shut down for the season. There is a chance he breaks camp with the big league club in Tampa, but more likely, he will get more seasoning in the minors before making the jump. When he does, we are probably looking at a top 60 fantasy starting pitcher.

 

With the Rockies signing Daniel Murphy, Ryan McMahon shifted over to second base. This puts Rodgers even further away from the bigs, which is saying something because Garrett Hampson was already ahead of him. As it is now, Rodgers doesn't even make sense as a stash and hold in standard sized leagues.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now that the Dodgers signed A.J. Pollock, it seems unlikely that Verdugo will make an impact in the majors until June. When he does, we are looking at a startable fantasy outfielder, but he isn't quite worth drafting in standard leagues as a stash and hold.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bichette is an excellent prospect and has a polished bat with plenty of speed. With that said, Bichette has never played above Double-A and the Blue Jays have no need to rush him (see Vlad Jr. last year) so don't be surprised if he doesn't sniff the bigs until September.

Kelly is a real player, believe it or not. The reason you haven't heard of him is because he has been playing in South Korea the last few years. You might not know it from looking, but his 3.60 ERA and 9.0 K/9 actually made him the most impressive pitcher in the KBO. The reason, of course, is that virtually every game in that league is played in a Coors Field like offensive environment. Kelly doesn't quite have the control of a Miles Mikolas, but he has better strikeout stuff and could be every bit the surprise off the waiver wire in April.