Spring training camps open this week in Major League Baseball. If you are into fantasy league baseball (and who isn’t), these are the MLB fantasy players to watch during spring training. Their performances will go a long way in determining a fantasy draft-day strategy.

David Price, SP, Los Angeles Dodgers

As the monster trade between the Dodgers and Boston Red Sox has finally been completed, the key for the Dodgers is Price. LA knows what it is getting with Betts, but not Price. He had an injury-plagued final season in Boston with a record of 7-5 with a 4.28 ERA in 22 starts. That is not nearly good enough, neither in real life or fantasy. Watch him in the spring to see if he is healthy and throwing well. If Price slots in as the third starter for a stacked Dodgers’ lineup as expected, he will zoom past his current 172 average draft position

Alex Verdugo, OF, Boston Red Sox

The flip side to the Betts deal is Verdugo, now the full-time starter in right field for Boston. He had an injury-shortened season himself but should be healthy in the spring. Last season, he slashed .294/.342/.475/.817 with 12 home runs and 44 runs batted in in 106 games. There are no platoon worries in Boston, unlike in Los Angeles. Best of all, as a lefty hitter, will take aim at the short porch in right at Fenway. Watch to see how he is swinging the bat. If he looks good out of spring and hitting at the top of Boston’s lineup, he won’t last until his current 219 ADP.

Ketel Marte, 2B, OF, Arizona Diamondbacks

Why would it be necessary to watch a player coming off an All-Star season in which he slashed .329/.389/.592/.981 with 32 homers and 92 RBIs? Simple: those averages are far above his 5-year slash line of .282/.342/.448/.790. Can he do it again is the key question. Watch for any struggles at the plate during the spring. He carries extra value in fantasy as he qualifies in multiple positions. But if he doesn’t look great or Arizona drops him in the order, let someone else draft him.

Brandon Woodruff, SP, Milwaukee Brewers

Ace starting pitchers go high in fantasy drafts and with good reason. Elite starters can really pile up the points, but there are few to go around. To round out a fantasy pitching staff, there is a need for quality starters. Search for a team’s number one starter that is below the radar, such as Woodruff. Last season, he was 11-3 with a 3.62 ERA in 22 starts. To be a true number 1, having far more than 22 starts is necessary. If he is healthy and the Brewers’ top starter out of camp, grab him in the middle rounds.

Dinelson Lamet, SP, San Diego Padres

While his stats from last season are nothing to get excited about, Lamet’s pitching repertoire is noteworthy. He has a chance to solidify himself at or near the top of the Padres’ rotation. If he does, San Diego’s park is one of the best pitching havens in MLB and could really boost his stats. Watch him in the spring and if he looks good, don’t expect he will be there at his current 126 ADP.

Certainly, there are many other players to keep an eye on. It is an important part of preparing for the regular season. Start with these fantasy players to watch during spring training and then build a list. When it is your turn on the clock, you will be ready!

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