It’s that time of the year! I LOVE fantasy baseball and well, I love the aspect of finding the “sleeper” that helps you win the league. Everyone knows fantasy baseball isn’t won in the first few rounds, it’s won with the middle to bottom picks that fill out your team. Those late round sleepers that become studs for your team. So, in this segment, we will examine all divisions and give you a first glance to help your fantasy baseball team. If all these names are new to you, then you really need to get studying.
Three types for each team, the “grab early” – players you should draft during the draft. The “midseason boost” – players you can target in late, late rounds, but mostly pickups after the first month. Finally, we have the “dynasty/playoff boost” – these players you pick up late in the year and are the ones that win your league for you. Late call ups are crucial, cause for one, when playoffs are happening and your best players are resting, these guys continue to produce and are played.
We are only looking at players with rookie capabilities. Let’s get started with the stacked NL East.
Grab Early
- Braves
- Cristian Pache – immediately starting as the centerfielder. Bat hasn’t come to life, but can see a 20/20 coming from him this year.
- Ian Anderson – immediately in the starting rotation. ERA around 3-4, high Ks. Must draft.
- Marlins
- Sixto Sanchez – Dominant pitcher, young and a little wild, but is a tremendous sleeper going into the season. Will start in the rotation from the get go.
- Jazz Chisholm – Will get a very good look early on. May not start right away in the majors, but look for a call up around May by the latest. Dynamic potential all star.
- Mets – None
- Nationals- None
- Phillies
- Spencer Howard – Top pitching prospect that struggled a bit last year in early looks, but has the pedigree to establish himself in mid round draft picks in 2021. Stock has dropped a bit, could be a steal early on. Might start year in minors, but expect early call-up.
Midseason Boost
- Braves
- Drew Waters – currently blocked by Marcel Ozuna, Pache, and Ronald Acuna. Could be a call up for injuries or traded for pitching/hitting at the break. At which point, will be in a starting lineup somewhere.
- Marlins
- JJ Bleday – Might get called up before hand, but worth a look around May or June. Marlins outfield is already packed, so Bleday could be a late call up, but will stick when he is.
- Mets – None
- Nationals
- Tim Cate – Worth a look if the Nationals struggle with pitching or injuries happen during the dog days of summer. Can be a good innings eater and grab some wins for your team.
- Phillies
- Adonis Medina – Will eventually make his way into the rotation or bullpen, eat up some innings. Most evaluators don’t think he has hit top potential, although, there are a few that think he is already at his ceiling. Tread carefully, but valuable innings could be had.
- Mickey Moniak – power hitting OF, could establish himself from the START and grab the CF job. In all realistic worlds, he starts in the minors and grabs the job by mid April or early May. Keep a CLOSE eye on him.
Dynasty/Playoff Boost
- Braves
- William Contreras – Catcher, if Travis struggles, Contreras could get the call. He’s almost ready now.
- Patrick Weigel – could be in a high leverage/closer role by the end of the year if Atlanta doesn’t find backend help. His velocity is back up to pre surgery levels and was a former top prospect as a starter.
- Marlins
- Max Meyer – First rounder of 2020, first pitcher drafted, could be pushed fast through the system if the Marlins are in contention. Worth a follow all year, or pick up and keep for 2022.
- Mets – Ronny Mauricio – Potential September call-up, but it’s a low percentage at this point.
- Nationals – None
- Phillies – None