We will be breaking down each position for fantasy baseball in the next two weeks but will begin with top picks at each position with the combination of ability and value taken into account for the complete picture. Let’s take a look at top value picks for each position.
Starting Pitcher – Clayton Kershaw – Los Angeles Dodgers
The question here is how much are you willing to pay? Obviously it’s Kershaw and then everyone else when it comes to starting pitching. But is Kershaw worth the sacrifice in team depth that would come as part of the package to obtain him? We say it’s worth every penny. Kershaw is a generational pitcher that dominates at a level which trumps any other concerns.
Catcher – Jonathan Lucroy – Milwaukee Brewers
Lucroy doesn’t garner much attention or respect playing for mediocre mid-market Milwaukee and in the same division as Yadier Molina of the St. Louis Cardinals. But Lucroy brings the combination of strong offensive production and quality defense. A hamstring injury may delay the start of his season but also enhance his value on the board for risk takers.
First Base – Eric Hosmer – Kansas City Royals
Hosmer emerged as a key leader last year for the Royals last year in the American League pennant run. Now is the time for Hosmer to take the next step with a breakout season in which he lives up to the hype in which he was tabbed as a superstar of the future. At the age of 25 there is considerable upside and last year’s playoff experience should fuel a big year.
Second Base – Dustin Pedroia – Boston Red Sox
There is plenty of potential upside here as Pedroia is coming off his worst career year due to a wrist injury. Pedroia also has the benefit of playing with a lineup that will protect him from being pitched around.
Third Base –Evan Longoria – Tampa Bay Rays
Longoria is one of the few bright spots in what will likely be a terrible year for the Rays. Longoria slumped down to .253 with just 22 home runs last year which makes him a value pick for a comeback type of season.
Shortstop – Alexei Ramirez – Chicago White Sox
Ramirez is a quality base stealer that has shown increased power at the plate. He garners far less attention than Troy Tulowitzki of the Colorado Rockies and yet could bring much more value. Ramirez plays on an improved White Sox batting lineup hat can protect him.
Outfield – Alex Gordon – Kansas City Royals
While not a top outfielder Gordon brings enough production to rate as a classic value pick that can add quality depth to any roster. Gordon brings good RBI totals with the potential for increased batting average.
Outfield – Adam Jones – Baltimore Orioles
Jones may not be a top ten name but we consider him a potential top ten draft pick after last year’s 29 home runs and 96 RBI’s. A four time All-Star, Jones is durable and has averaged 149 games played the past five seasons.
Outfield – Andrew McCutchen – Pittsburgh Pirates
McCutchen has emerged as a bona fide National League MVP candidate and is reaching his prime at age 28. McCutchen has the potential for 30 home runs, 20 stolen bases, 100 RBI’s and a .300+ batting average with quality defense. You must pay for quality and the Pirates’ star makes for a cornerstone franchise player.
Designated Hitter – Chris Carter – Houston Astros
The 28 year old Carter is a big of a reach and sleeper, which is perfect for the DH position. Carter is a classic all or nothing player that launched 37 bombs last year while hitting just .227 with 182 strikeouts. Carter is a lesser name than Boston DH David Ortiz and can likely be had at a bargain.
Relief Pitcher – Aroldis Chapman – Cincinnati Reds
Chapman is the Fireballer that posted 36 saves in 38 chances with 106 strikeouts last year for a Reds team that fell woefully short of expectations. We expect Cincinnati to improve this year and get back into playoff contention which will only add to Chapman’s value. His 53% strikeout rate last year is the epitome of dominance as he allowed just one home run in 54 innings in 2014.
