Drafting the right players is crucial for fantasy baseball success. Focus on high-upside players, those with consistent performance, and sleepers who can outperform their draft position. Consider factors like position scarcity, injury history, and park factors to build a balanced and competitive team.
Fantasy Baseball Guide: Who to Draft This Season
Every year, fantasy baseball managers face the same crucial question: Who should I draft? The answer is never simple, as countless factors can influence a player’s performance. But with careful preparation and a strategic approach, you can assemble a team that contends for a championship. I’ve spent years honing my fantasy baseball skills, and I’m here to share insights that have helped me succeed.
Understanding Your League’s Rules
Before you even start thinking about individual players, you need to understand the specific rules of your league. Is it a standard 5×5 (batting average, home runs, RBIs, stolen bases, and wins, strikeouts, ERA, WHIP, saves) league? Or does it use OBP instead of batting average? Are there extra categories? How many teams are in the league?
These seemingly small details can significantly impact your draft strategy. For example, if your league values OBP, you’ll want to prioritize players who walk a lot, even if their batting average isn’t elite. If your league has deep rosters, you’ll need to focus more on finding late-round sleepers.
Building a Foundation: Early Round Picks
The first few rounds are critical because they set the tone for your entire draft. This is where you want to target established stars who are likely to provide consistent production.
- Focus on elite talent: Don’t overthink it. Take the best available player (BAP) at your draft slot, especially in the first round. These are the players who are most likely to deliver top-tier numbers.
- Consider position scarcity: Shortstop and catcher are often shallower than other positions. If a top-tier player at one of these positions is available, it might be worth reaching for them slightly. I remember one year waiting too long on a catcher and being stuck with someone who barely contributed all season. Learn from my mistakes!
- Avoid injury risks: While every player carries some injury risk, it’s generally wise to avoid players with a history of serious injuries, especially in the early rounds. The potential reward rarely outweighs the risk of losing a key player for an extended period.
Mid-Round Strategy: Balancing Risk and Reward
The middle rounds are where you can start to take some chances and target players with upside.
- Target players with breakout potential: These are players who have shown flashes of talent but haven’t yet put it all together. Look for players who are in good situations, like playing time and hitting in a favorable spot in the lineup.
- Fill holes in your roster: By this point, you should have a good idea of where your strengths and weaknesses are. Use these rounds to address any glaring needs.
- Don’t be afraid to take risks: The middle rounds are a good time to take a chance on a player with high upside, even if there’s some risk involved. You can often find hidden gems that can significantly boost your team’s performance. One year I drafted a relatively unknown outfielder in the 10th round who ended up being an All-Star. It pays to do your homework!
Late-Round Steals: Finding Sleepers
The late rounds are where you can find the players who will help you win your league. These are often overlooked players who are poised for a breakout season or who have been undervalued due to injury or other circumstances.
- Target players in new situations: Players who have been traded to a new team or signed as free agents often have increased opportunities to contribute.
- Look for players with positional flexibility: These players can fill multiple positions on your roster, giving you more flexibility to manage your lineup.
- Pay attention to spring training: Spring training performance can be a good indicator of which players are poised for a big season. I always keep a close eye on spring training stats and reports to identify potential sleepers.
- Don’t be afraid to draft upside: These rounds are all about taking chances. Draft guys you like.
Specific Position Strategies
Every position has its unique challenges and opportunities. Here’s a quick look at how to approach drafting at each position:
- Catcher: As I mentioned earlier, catcher is often a shallow position. If you don’t get one of the top catchers, you may be better off waiting until the later rounds to draft one. I have learned that sometimes waiting is the best strategy, though others may disagree.
- First Base: First base is typically a deep position with plenty of power hitters. You can often find solid production at first base in the middle to late rounds.
- Second Base: Second base is similar to first base in that there are usually a number of productive hitters available.
- Shortstop: Shortstop is often a scarce position. If a top-tier shortstop is available, it may be worth reaching for them.
- Third Base: Third base is a position where you can often find value in the middle rounds.
- Outfield: Outfield is typically the deepest position in fantasy baseball. You can often find solid production in the later rounds.
- Starting Pitcher: Starting pitcher is a crucial position in fantasy baseball. You need to have a few reliable starters to anchor your rotation.
- Relief Pitcher: Relief pitchers are important for saves, but they can be volatile. It’s generally wise to wait until the later rounds to draft relief pitchers.
Diving Deeper: Specific Player Types
Beyond just positional considerations, understanding different player archetypes is crucial.
- The Ace: These are your Gerrit Coles, your Zack Wheelers. They anchor your pitching staff and are worth the premium draft pick. Don’t be afraid to spend early on an ace.
- The Reliable Veteran: These are guys who might not have the highest ceiling, but they consistently produce solid numbers. Think Freddie Freeman. They provide a stable floor for your team.
- The Speedster: Stolen bases can be hard to come by. Target players like Corbin Carroll who can swipe a lot of bags, even if their other stats aren’t elite.
- The Power Bat: Home runs are king in many leagues. Players like Pete Alonso who can consistently hit 40+ homers are valuable assets.
- The Closer: Saves are a crucial category. Knowing who the reliable closers are and targeting them appropriately can win you a week.
Factor in Park Effects
Did you know that the park a player plays in can significantly impact their stats? Some parks are notoriously hitter-friendly, while others favor pitchers.
- Hitter-Friendly Parks: Coors Field (Colorado Rockies), Great American Ball Park (Cincinnati Reds), and Yankee Stadium (New York Yankees) tend to boost offensive numbers.
- Pitcher-Friendly Parks: Oracle Park (San Francisco Giants), Dodger Stadium (Los Angeles Dodgers), and Petco Park (San Diego Padres) tend to suppress offensive numbers and favor pitchers.
Knowing these park effects can help you make more informed decisions when drafting players. A player who hits in a hitter-friendly park might be more valuable than a player with similar skills who hits in a pitcher-friendly park.
Injury History: A Cautionary Tale
While you can’t predict the future, paying attention to a player’s injury history is essential. A player with a long history of injuries is more likely to get hurt again, which can derail your fantasy season.
It’s not just about avoiding players with major injuries. Even minor injuries can impact a player’s performance. For example, a player with a nagging hamstring injury might not be able to run as well, which can hurt their stolen base numbers.
Pre-Draft Preparation is Key
The more prepared you are for your draft, the better your chances of success.
- Create a cheat sheet: Develop a list of players you want to target, ranked by position. This will help you stay organized and focused during the draft. I personally like to color code my cheat sheet.
- Participate in mock drafts: Mock drafts are a great way to practice your draft strategy and get a feel for where players are being drafted. I try to do at least three mock drafts before my real draft.
- Stay up-to-date on news and injuries: Keep an eye on the latest news and injuries leading up to the draft. This will help you avoid drafting injured players or players who are in danger of losing their playing time.
During the Draft: Staying Flexible
Even with the best preparation, you need to be able to adapt to changing circumstances during the draft.
- Be prepared to adjust your strategy: If a player you were targeting gets drafted before you, don’t panic. Be prepared to adjust your strategy and target other players who are available.
- Don’t be afraid to reach: If you really like a player, don’t be afraid to reach for them, even if it means drafting them a round or two earlier than their average draft position (ADP).
- Pay attention to what other managers are doing: Keep an eye on what other managers are drafting. This will help you identify trends and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Post-Draft: The Season Never Stops
Drafting is just the first step. To win your league, you need to actively manage your team throughout the season.
- Monitor the waiver wire: The waiver wire is a great place to find players who are outperforming their draft position or who have been dropped by other managers.
- Make trades: Trading is a great way to improve your team. Don’t be afraid to offer trades to other managers.
- Stay up-to-date on news and injuries: Keep an eye on the latest news and injuries throughout the season. This will help you make informed decisions about who to start and who to sit.
Who are the best players to draft early in fantasy baseball?
In the early rounds, focus on elite talents like Ronald Acuna Jr., Shohei Ohtani, and Aaron Judge – players who contribute significantly across multiple categories. Secure a foundation of proven performers who can consistently deliver top-tier results.
What strategies should I use for mid-round fantasy baseball picks?
In the middle rounds, balance risk and reward by targeting players with breakout potential, filling positional needs, and not being afraid to take chances on high-upside players who may be overlooked.
How can I find sleeper picks in the late rounds of my fantasy baseball draft?
Look for players in new situations, those with positional flexibility, and those who have performed well in spring training; prioritize upside and potential over established but limited players.
What positions should I prioritize in fantasy baseball?
Consider position scarcity; shortstop and catcher are often shallower. However, prioritize the best available talent, regardless of position, especially in the early rounds, to establish a strong foundation.
How important is injury history when drafting players for fantasy baseball?
While every player carries some risk, avoid players with a significant injury history, particularly in the early rounds, as the potential reward is often outweighed by the risk of losing a key player for an extended period.
Should I consider park factors when drafting players for fantasy baseball?
Yes, park factors can influence a player’s performance. Target hitters in hitter-friendly parks and pitchers in pitcher-friendly parks to maximize their potential output.
What’s the best way to prepare for my fantasy baseball draft?
Create a cheat sheet, participate in mock drafts, and stay updated on news and injuries leading up to the draft. Thorough preparation will give you a significant advantage.
How do I adjust my draft strategy during the fantasy baseball draft?
Be prepared to adapt to changing circumstances, adjust your strategy if targeted players are drafted early, and don’t be afraid to reach for players you really like.
What should I do after the fantasy baseball draft to improve my team?
Actively manage your team by monitoring the waiver wire, making trades, and staying updated on news and injuries to make informed decisions about your lineup.
How can I identify potential breakout players during the fantasy baseball season?
Monitor playing time changes, lineup adjustments, and performance trends to identify players who are receiving increased opportunities and demonstrating improved skills.
FAQ:
Who should I draft first overall in fantasy baseball? The player with the highest projected overall value, often a multi-category contributor like Ronald Acuna Jr., is typically the best choice.
How many starting pitchers should I draft in fantasy baseball? Aim for at least 5-7 quality starting pitchers to ensure you have enough depth and can cover injuries or underperformance.
Is it better to draft for need or best available player? Early on, focus on the best available player, but as the draft progresses, address specific positional needs to balance your roster.
What is a good strategy for drafting relief pitchers? Wait until the later rounds to draft relief pitchers, as their roles and performance can be volatile and unpredictable.
How can I identify fantasy baseball sleepers? Look for players with changed roles, improved skills, or favorable situations who are being undervalued in drafts.
What is the best way to prepare for a fantasy baseball draft? Create a cheat sheet, participate in mock drafts, and stay up-to-date on news and injuries leading up to the draft.
