We continue through the MLB Divisions with our fantasy locks, busts, and sleepers. We have already looked at the AL East and NL Central. Now we go to the AL West.
Houston Astros
Lock: Jose Altuve, 2B
He has been at the top of his position for five of the last seven seasons. Altuve is guaranteed to get 25+ HRs, and 15+ SBs, and hit close to .300. The very definition of a fantasy lock
Bust: Chas McCormick, OF
McCormick played eleven more games in ’22 than in ’21 but could not bring his stat totals up. He will bat toward the bottom of the Astros lineup which will not help his numbers either.
Sleeper: Jeremy Pena, SS
With an ADP of 115, Pena showed great promise in his rookie season. He will give you 20+ HRs while batting above .250. He should see a small boost in stolen bases from his 11 last season.
Los Angeles Angels
Lock: Shohei Ohtani, DH
Ohtani can only be contained by injury. His SO rate dropped last season which adds to his value.
Bust: Anthony Rendon, 3B
Rendon has been limited by injuries and will be limited by competition this season. He has failed to play more than 58 games in the last three seasons, not surpassing 9 HRs in those same seasons. Rendon should not be on any fantasy team in 2023.
Sleeper: Jared Walsh, 1B
Walsh was a massive disappointment in 2022 which has his ADP currently at 321. He becomes a fantastic value this year, and a player with the potential to lift your team. I am banking on a bounceback season for Walsh.
Oakland A’s
Lock: Esteury Ruiz, OF
The A’s are a lock to be a disaster this season. Ruiz isn’t going to give you much, but he is a lock to provide some fun highlights. Do not draft any Oakland players.
Bust: Ramon Laureano, OF
Laureano is now in his sixth season in the Majors and has hit his plateau. His numbers have gone down including a drastic dip in batting average. Some have hope he can help in fantasy, but I just do not see how he could help.
Sleeper: JJ Bleday, OF
I will not be drafting any A’s, but if you feel like you need to take a swing, take it with a prospect. Bleday was acquired from Miami and should get an opportunity in Oakland this season.
Seatle Mariners
Lock: Julio Rodriguez, OF
The young superstar skipped AAA and blasted onto the scene last season in Seattle. Rodriguez gives fantasy teams 25+ HRs, 80+ RBIs, and 25+ SBs.
Bust: Cal Raleigh, C
Many think Raleigh is a great value at Catcher, but his 29 percent SO rate and .211 Batting Average say otherwise. He can provide some power, but he is a one-trick pony.
Sleeper: Jarred Kelenic, OF
Most fantasy owners have given up on the once-bright prospect. I cannot back up this pick with numbers, so you will just have to take my word for it. His ADP is 277, so you can take him late in the draft, and thank me later.
Texas Rangers
Lock: Marcus Semien, 2B
Semien had a rough start last season in his new home, but once he got comfortable things came back around. Semien will get you close to 30 HRs and should net you at least 15 SBs. He is clearly one of the top second basemen this season.
Bust: Corey Seager, SS
Seager is coming off of one of the best seasons of his career, which has put his ADP at 50. He has only played in 100 games twice in the last five seasons. Seager is going to play well when he plays, but he is being drafted too high. I put him as a bust because I do not believe he will live up to his draft position.
Sleeper: Josh Jung, 3B
Jung has only played 26 games in the Majors. He now gets the chance to play every day and he is a great value with an ADP of 219. He will be protected in the lineup which allows him to accumulate some additional stats.
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