Can we believe that 2023 has arrived? There is no need to check: it is so! With fantasy football finished for the moment, we can take a serious look at fantasy baseball. In case it was missed, Vince Stover already began the process with his article Fantasy Baseball Draft Strategies. Without question, that is highly recommended reading for anyone interested in fantasy baseball. Once done, we can start looking at players and where they fit into a draft. Of course, identifying the player that should be taken at the start of a draft is top priority. As always, Belly Up Fantasy Sports is here to help as we present this fantasy baseball first overall edition. In this discussion, the focus is on redraft, not dynasty. Having said that, let’s dive right in, shall we?

Step One: Identify the Fantasy Platform Used

This may seem like something simple, but knowing the platform used to play fantasy baseball is of upmost importance. Each has different procedures such as scoring, and how players are classified. This is of particular interest when the first overall pick in redraft is being discussed which impacts mainly one player. Platforms such as ESPN have Shohei Ohtani taking up just a single roster spot. Others such as Yahoo insist that he be listed separately as a hitter and pitcher. How Ohtani is classified has everything to do with who is taken first overall in any draft.

ESPN and Similar Leagues First Overall

Shohei Ohtani, SP/DH, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Given the information above, in ESPN and similar leagues, Ohtani is the only answer of who should be selected with the redraft number one overall pick. There is simply no reason to overthink this. Ohtani obviously qualifies as a hitter and a pitcher. True, he can’t be used as both at the same time. However, he will be in the starting lineup one way or another five or six days a week. No question, the amount of fantasy points this generates dwarfs all other players.

A glance at the fantasy statistics from a year ago clearly proves this. As great a season as Aaron Judge had last year, he didn’t come close to generating the fantasy points that Ohtani did. Judge scored a tremendous 607 fantasy points, almost a hundred more than the next closest hitter: José Ramírez. However, Judge’s total wasn’t even close to Ohtani’s 903.

As we all know, Ohtani can swing the bat as his .271-34-95, 90 runs, 70 extra base hits and 11 steals demonstrates. We also know he can pitch: 15-9, 2.33, 219 strikeouts, 44 walks, 166 innings pitched and a 1.01 WHIP. There is nothing on a baseball field that Ohtani can’t do. He is unlike any other player we have seen in our lifetime.

Conclusion:

When it comes to overall fantasy value in ESPN and similar platforms, there isn’t a player that comes anywhere near what Ohtani brings to the table. Judge won the American League Most Valuable Player a year ago and deservedly so. However, he finished a distant second to Ohtani in fantasy baseball MVP.

Unless there is an injury, the same will be the result this season. The fact that leagues should have a DH slot on the roster only increases his value. As such, Ohtani will not clog a utility spot. In the end, anyone lucky enough to get the first overall pick this season, simply select Ohtani and let others worry about who to pick in the first round.

Yahoo and Similar Leagues First Overall

Aaron Judge, OF, New York Yankees

In Yahoo and similar platforms that separate Ohtani as if he were two different players, debate is expected and encouraged. An argument can be made for Juan Soto. There is every reason to expect he will return to the player he was in 2021 in a loaded Padres lineup. He is also young (23). In all dynasty formats, Soto goes to the head of the class.

However, at least for this year, in Yahoo and similar redraft, the answer has to be Aaron Judge. He put together a record season at the plate in 2022 as he broke the American League record for home runs in a season (62). He also led the league in runs (133), RBIs (131), BBs (111), OBP (.425), slugging (.686), OPS (1.111) and total bases (391). Further, he hit .311 for the season and stole an amazing for a man of his size 16 bases. In truth, he is a giant among men.

Conclusion:

Of course, he will not match those stats in 2023. However, he has the perfect scenario to come close. He stayed in New York and will once again hits in an excellent hitting lineup. He has put any injury worries behind him as he has played in 148 and 157 games the past two seasons. In Yahoo and similar redraft platforms, push the button to select Judge and be ready when the draft comes again in the second round.

The Last Word

Thank you for joining me for this fantasy baseball first overall edition! As always, I welcome any and all suggestions, comments and input from my readers. Let’s discuss! Follow me on twitter @kevin62wilsea. Please feel free to share this article. Be sure to turn to Belly Up Sports and Belly Up Fantasy for all the MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL happenings and the latest sports news!