In the world of fantasy baseball, most participants focus their attention on the early rounds of drafts. However, these picks often come with little surprise or complexity. The true difference-makers are found within the middle rounds, where strategic selections can yield significant returns. This article explores six key players who could provide substantial value during these critical stages of the draft.
Among the standout prospects is Jasson Dominguez, a young outfielder for the New York Yankees. Known as "The Martian," this 22-year-old talent has already demonstrated considerable power and speed potential in minor league play. With projections suggesting he could achieve a 20 home run and 35 stolen base performance, Dominguez is poised to make a significant impact at the top of the batting order. His potential return on investment makes him an attractive mid-round selection.
Randy Arozarena, currently playing for the Seattle Mariners, represents another valuable asset. Over the past four seasons, Arozarena has consistently delivered both power and speed, achieving a 20/20 season annually. Although his batting average dipped slightly last year, improvements in this area could enhance his overall effectiveness. As a result of declining draft positions, Arozarena stands out as a prime candidate for a rebound season.
Masyn Winn, a shortstop for the St. Louis Cardinals, also merits consideration. In his rookie campaign, Winn showcased impressive versatility, contributing 15 home runs and 11 stolen bases over 150 games. Demonstrating growth in power production during the latter half of the season, Winn holds the potential to evolve into a formidable 20 home run, 15-20 steal player while leading off for the Cardinals.
Andres Gimenez, representing the Toronto Blue Jays at second base, offers unique appeal due to his combination of power and speed. Despite a slight decline in home run totals last season, Gimenez maintained a consistent record of 20+ steals across multiple campaigns. Paired with a respectable batting average, Gimenez provides an opportunity to bolster teams lacking robust second base options.
Dansby Swanson, transitioning to the Chicago Cubs, brings additional depth to the shortstop position. Following surgery and recovery, Swanson aims to recapture his previous form, characterized by 20+ home runs and double-digit steals. As one of the final shortstops offering such balanced contributions, Swanson remains a viable target for various formats.
Finally, Heliot Ramos, an outfielder for the San Francisco Giants, completed an impressive rookie season marked by 22 home runs, 72 RBI, and a .269 batting average. With strong indicators pointing towards enhanced power output, Ramos may further solidify his role as a leadoff hitter, providing improved counting statistics moving forward.
As the fantasy baseball season approaches, focusing on these mid-round selections can significantly elevate team performance. By identifying undervalued talents like Dominguez, Arozarena, Winn, Gimenez, Swanson, and Ramos, participants stand to gain a competitive edge through shrewd drafting strategies.