When it comes to fantasy baseball, the draft day can be one of the most exhilarating yet nervewracking experiences for players at all levels. The key to assembling a winning team often hinges on making the right choices during the draft. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a novice, knowing which players to prioritize can significantly influence your season’s success. In this article, we will explore some of the top players to draft in fantasy baseball this year, along with tips and strategies to make the most out of your fantasy baseball experience.
Why Player Selection Matters
The performance of your fantasy baseball team is largely determined by the talent of the players you draft. Selecting highperforming players ensures you’ll accrue points throughout the season, making it vital to stay informed about player stats, injuries, and trends. With fluctuating player rankings and predictions, strategic drafting becomes essential to stay ahead of your competition.
Key Factors to Consider When Drafting
With these factors in mind, let’s delve into some of the top players to draft in fantasy baseball for the upcoming season.
Top Players to Consider
Shohei Ohtani continues to dominate in both batting and pitching, making him an invaluable addition to any fantasy lineup. His versatility allows managers to utilize him as both a hitter and a pitcher, which can save valuable roster slots.
2023 Outlook:
Batting Average: .273
Home Runs: 45
RBIs: 100
ERA: 2.75
Strikeouts: 240
Tip for Drafting: Secure Ohtani early in the draft as his dualrole capability will provide immense flexibility to your roster.
One of the most consistent hitters in the league, Juan Soto is known for his incredible plate discipline and powerhitting abilities. Drafting Soto ensures you’re adding a toptier outfielder who can rack up hits, runs, and RBIs.
2023 Outlook:
Batting Average: .300
Home Runs: 30
RBIs: 90
OnBase Percentage: .410
Tip for Drafting: Soto is a safe pick for the first round, offering substantial upside as he matures further into his prime.
Despite battling injuries, Jacob deGrom remains one of the most dominant pitchers when healthy. His strikeout capability and low ERA make him a coveted asset in any fantasy rotation.
2023 Outlook:
ERA: 2.50
Strikeouts: 260
WHIP: 1.00
Tip for Drafting: Monitor deGrom's health closely as the draft approaches. If you find him available in the later rounds due to injury concerns, he could be a steal.
Acuña的爆炸性技能使他在任何比赛中都能改变局势。他在所有类别（全垒打、盗垒、得分）上的贡献使他成为幻想联赛中顶尖的外野手之一。
2023 Outlook:
Batting Average: .290
Home Runs: 35
RBIs: 95
Stolen Bases: 40
Tip for DraftingAcuña is often projected as a top 5 pick. Don’t hesitate to grab him early; his unique combination of power and speed is rare.
Turner’s elite speed and contact ability make him a top choice for those seeking significant contributions in stolen bases and runs. His transition to Philadelphia should provide ample opportunities to thrive.
2023 Outlook:
Batting Average: .305
Home Runs: 22
RBIs: 85
Stolen Bases: 30
Tip for Drafting: As shortstop is a crucial position in fantasy, snatching Turner in the middle rounds can give your team a valuable leadoff hitter who can ignite the offense.
Tips for Maximizing Your Draft Strategy
Engaging in mock drafts is an essential strategy to familiarize yourself with player rankings and to test different drafting strategies. Research the latest player news and trends throughout the offseason to make informed decisions on draft day.
While it’s crucial to have a balanced team, be prepared to pivot your strategy based on how the draft unfolds. If multiple toptier players at your target positions get selected, have backups ready to adapt to the changing draft dynamics.
Identify potential value picks in later rounds. Players who may be overlooked but have the potential to break out can provide immense value to your roster.
Ensure you have depth at crucial positions, particularly catcher, shortstop, and third base. The scarcity of elite players in these positions can leave you vulnerable later in the season if injuries occur.
The weeks leading up to your draft and throughout the season require staying updated with player injuries, trades, and other news that could affect player performance and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prioritizing players involves understanding positional needs, evaluating player performance metrics, and knowing the depth of talent available in each position. Create a tiered list of players based on your research to maximize your drafting efficiency.
Generally, it’s advisable to target elite hitters in the early rounds, as they tend to offer more consistent returns throughout the season. However, if a toptier pitcher is available at a favorable draft position, don’t hesitate to secure them.
Drafting a closer usually depends on your league's settings, including categories for saves. Since closer performance can fluctuate yeartoyear, it’s wise to monitor which pitchers secure these roles during your draft.
Keep an eye on players who demonstrate potential for breakout seasons. Look at minor league statistics and performance trends; players like Joey Gallo, who can hit for power but may not be drafted early, could become valuable in the later rounds.
Injury histories can heavily influence a player's draft stock. Staying abreast of a player’s health status leading up to your draft enables you to make informed choices, weighing potential risk vs. reward.
If you're not familiar with prospects, focus on reliable sources like MLB Pipeline or Baseball America. Keep up with spring training performances, as that can provide insight into which prospects might make significant impacts in the regular season.
Incorporating these insights and strategies into your fantasy baseball draft will position you for a successful season. The thrill of competition and strategy that fantasy baseball offers can bring an exciting element to each game of the season. Prepare well and make the right choices, and watch your fantasy team thrive through the season!