Monday, December 23, 2024

Fantasy Baseball, Featured

Fantasy Baseball Shallows Part 1

Fantasy baseball season is approaching quickly and as we plan for our drafts we have to find value. Some positions are very deep and value picks can be found late. Other positions are not so deep, and that is what we call the fantasy baseball shallows. This series of articles starts with Third Base.

Top Tier

Third base has some great fantasy players. The problem is it also has many fantasy duds. When I look at third base, I must draft a player at this position very early. Jose Ramirez is clearly the best fantasy third-baseman. I place Manny Machado, Austin Riley, Rafael Devers, Nolan Arenado, and Bobby Witt Jr in my top tier with Ramirez. One of these players needs to be on my team by the end of round two.

Austin Riley cemented himself in the top tier at his position, if you miss on him you could find yourself in the fantasy baseball shallows.

The Drop Off

Once the top six are off the board, there is very little to get excited about at the position. I will take a swing at Baltimore’s Gunnar Henderson, and many like Alex Bregman. If you are looking for a third baseman in rounds three through six you are shopping in the wrong bin. I believe if you pass on the top six the drop-off becomes pretty steep. If you love Ty France or Matt Chapman… why?

DJ LeMahieu is who you could wind up with if you pass on the top tier early in your draft.

Worth the Wait?

If you decide to wait on third base or get one of the top six and add another late, you might find a diamond, but it is risky. You might get lucky with a DJ LeMahieu resurgence, or a Josh Jung breakout. You also may drown in the fantasy baseball shallows.

Tune in to the Sports Stove Fantasy Baseball Show live Sunday nights at 8 pm for player rankings and fantasy opinions. Catch all past episodes wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow Vince on Twitter for more advice and opinions.