Draft season is fast approaching, and fantasy baseball managers everywhere are penciling in their wish lists and ideal lineups. Many of us have spent the off-season paying close attention to the free-agent wire. We might either smile or shake our heads as some of the game’s most impactful players switched teams and signed long-term deals. Fantasy leagues are beginning to take shape. Whether it’s a community league with your buddies or a 12-team format that involves chasing big money with the format produced by Yahoo Sports.
Even the most casual fantasy managers should know through trial and error that you need to study and be up to date regarding risk prevention with your draft picks. Does it make sense to draft a pitcher in the first round? Perhaps only if that pitcher is Tarik Skubal or Paul Skenes.
Even then, the point categories don’t quite correspond equally with that of even a slightly above-average player. Taking one of these big-game ace pitchers early in the draft is tempting. The clever play, however, might be patience and opting instead for a run producer who can steal bases and might fly under the radar.
Maybe someone like Lawrence Butler, the A’s, or Lane Thomas of the Guardians will rack up consistent points every game. That will likely be much more sustainable and better for the overall blood pressure than having to be bailed out of a point deferential by a two-hit shutout from a pitcher that starts every five or six days.
Play it cool, fantasy baseball managers, and consider this power ranking for a mock draft as it pertains to the typical 12-team league. Picks one through 12 based on player evaluation and factoring in previous ADP (Average Draft Position), and adding in a sprinkle of personal bias, should look something like this:
Back to being a TWP. Shohei is a fantasy baseball manager’s absolute dream.
With a current ADP of 2.6, Witt Jr. is on everyone’s list at number two. He keeps improving; a triple crown someday isn’t out of the question.
Lindor is way down the list of some projections, which is insane. Last season’s MVP runner-up has Soto hitting behind him, and his career year 40-40 is coming up.
Speaking of 40-40, Ramirez will push to get there this year.
I’m unsure why there has been a dip in confidence in taking the superstar Yankee captain. Ah, he should be fine. Go ahead at number five.
At an ADP of six, Soto is right where he is supposed to be. There is no way Juan Soto could live up to that mega-deal, could he?
With Anthony Santander hitting behind him, Vlad should have a career year before hitting free agency.
The Orioles’ superstar shortstop produces daily and should be on everyone’s radar as a first-rounder.
When the wind is blowing out of the friendly confines at Wrigley Field, Tucker should be the finest home run hitter the Cubs have had since Andre Dawson.
Harper is due for one of his standout MVP seasons. If that occurs in 2025, managers will reap the rewards of selecting the perennial All-Star in the first round.
Carroll’s run and stolen base totals will be there. If he returns to form in every other category, then Carroll and the D-Backs will most likely be in contention in the NL West.
What? No Mookie Betts? Given last year’s World Series, wouldn’t you put Freddie in the lineup over Mookie? Ultimately, you will get production from both, but Freeman is my sentimental fantasy baseball pick.
The temptation will undoubtedly rise to take Skenes or Skubal before anyone else in your league can grab them. It would be advisable to hold off on taking this strategy. Hitters first! Unless your league has a strange, pitcher-friendly configuration. Fantasy baseball managers rejoice! Enjoy the season!
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