We’re right in the middle of spring training, and although there are a lot more games to play in Arizona and Florida, it’s officially fantasy baseball prep season.
Let’s start with some sleepers you can get at a discount in your draft, specifically among hitters (we’ll do pitchers soon, I promise!).
We’re coming into this year after records for home runs hit by Major Leaguers were obliterated, so finding cheap power will be a focus, as will speed as stolen bases become so much harder to unearth.
Here are a few players who can give you some of either or both of those categories (all ADPs via FantasyPros)
1. 3B/LF J.D. Davis, New York Mets
ADP: 187
He broke out last year to the tune of .307 and 22 homers. It’s possible he could be even better than that now that he has what should be a bigger role.
2. 2B Kolten Wong, St. Louis Cardinals
ADP: 237
Maybe you missed it last season, but he stole 24 bases and hit .285. Seems like everyone’s betting he won’t do it again, but at this kind of ADP, it’s a bet worth taking.
3. OF Trent Grisham, San Diego Padres
ADP: 325
He’s a name being thrown around a lot, and with good reason. He showed flashes in limited time with the Brewers and had some wheels in the minors. Perhaps he’s motivated to put last year’s error against the Washington Nationals behind him and find a place in what could be a crowded outfield after he was dealt to San Diego.
4. 3B/RF, Brian Anderson, Miami Marlins
ADP: 238
Fellow owners may run for the hills when it comes to Marlins players, and yes, he may not get a ton of RBI as the Marlins continue to rebuild. But he might be one of the cheapest source of 20 home runs you’ll find on draft day with a chance for more.
5. 2B/3B/SS/LF/CF Scott Kingery, Philadelphia Phillies
ADP: 184
I love post-hype prospects, and I equally love guys who do a little bit of everything. He hit 19 homers and stole 15 bags last year while hitting .258. Maybe his average comes up, maybe there’s more power in store … and on top of that, he qualifies at so many positions. So much to love.
6. 1B/DH Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers
ADP: 317
Yes, him! Look, the wheels have fallen off from the days when the future Hall of Famer was an automatic first rounder in fantasy. But a guy who can still hit for relatively good average and drive in runs occasionally at such a low ADP might be a good last-round pick.
7. 1B/LF/CF/RF Mark Canha, Oakland A’s
ADP: 248
Nearly 30 dingers last season at that ADP? You have my attention.
8. C Carson Kelly, Arizona Diamondbacks
ADP: 223
I’ll be the owner who waits and waits for catchers. And this one — 18 homers last year — is a good choice.
9. 3B Gio Urshela, New York Yankees
ADP: 217
He could have been a flash in the pan, but this late in the draft, I’ll roll the dice on a possible repeat of 2019 (.315, 21 HR, 74 RBI).
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