The upside is hidden at all points in the fantasy baseball draft., Not only the first and second rounds. Some people have the potential to be among those early picks; He hasn’t shown it yet. It’s a good thing they’re underrated for savvy fantasy managers, though — here’s an all-underrated team of 2023.
What if I told you that in 2022, William Contreras had the highest expected power numbers among all hitters – let alone catchers? Last season he had to split time at catcher in Atlanta; He was never an everyday player, but this season in Milwaukee should put that fear to rest. Speaking of which, Contreras should enjoy an even higher power boost in the hitter-friendly realm of the Brewers.
Speaking of expected numbers, Mountcastle 2022 was a Statcast darling; There are a lot of raids from last season on his page. I’m expecting a big year from the 26-year-old in 2023, especially in the batting average department. Here’s the 35-homer, 80 and 100 in reverse.
The Jimenez bandwagon isn’t exactly on fire, but it has gathered momentum this draft season. There’s a lot to like about his profile; It’s not a reach to say that Jimenez can hit 20 homers and steal 30 bases under his roof, especially with new bases in MLB. Even with a little regression in the batting average department, Jimenez could make his ADP (the pick currently near 100) pay off in a difficult second base position. Here’s hoping The Guardians realize it should be Jimenez, not amed rosarioBatting in the top three of the Cleveland order.
3B: yoan Moncada, Chicago White Sox
Moncada being drafted in the 250s is kind of wild to me. He’ll be 28 after the first month of the season, so it’s not like that’s washed out; He is just battling injury. Here’s the 25-and-15 in reverse, with Moncada an integral part of a White Sox lineup that can only go up from their abysmal 2022. I’ll have it at the end of my draft.
If not, Peña could win AL Rookie of the Year Julio Rodriguez, What I love most about Peña is that he just got better as the season went on, even after adjusting to pitchers in July and August; Always a good sign for cheaters. Then he almost became a juggernaut in the playoffs. I actually don’t mind reports of him falling into the Astros lineup; This is one of the few real weaknesses in baseball. If he runs a little more (and who won’t in 2023?) and maintains a respectable lineup slot, there’s class four juice here.
The former NL MVP is tearing covers off the ball this spring, already hitting three homers in 13 at-bats with a ridiculous .308/.436./1.000 slash line. He’s looking healthy, and is still just 31 years old and playing half his games at Coors Field? Yes sign me up.
Framber Valdez and Luis Garcia have grabbed most of the headlines at the top of the Astros rotation, but count me in the “Christian Javier is Houston’s true ace” club (if that’s a one-man club, so be it). Javier was excellent all season and in the playoffs last season, and even his Expected ERA and FIP were top-notch. The pitch of the innings may be an issue, but I think he will cross the 150 mark in 2023.
I know, I know – trying to understand the Rays bullpen is like trying to understand the Bermuda Triangle. Fairbanks collected 8 saves, despite sharing closer duties like 83 other relievers, but that’s not really what I care about. All I care about is that Fairbanks was arguably the best reliever in 2022; Just take a look at his expected and advanced numbers – they are gleefully Good. I want him on all my fantasy pitching staff in 2023.
