One of the most unique aspects of MLB fantasy league action is the ability to play to specific strengths and weaknesses by targeting certain categories. The best fantasy baseball GM’s understand their strengths and figure out ways to create the most complete roster possible while also capitalizing on opponent weaknesses. We decided to take a closer look at the wins category in order to come up with a list of potential sleepers that could have an underrated impact next season. Here is a look at the best fantasy sleepers for wins in 2017.
SP: John Lackey, Chicago Cubs
The Cubs are projected to be one of the most dominant teams in baseball once again in 2017 and that should mean plenty of wins for the pitchers on their roster. While there are some obvious stars at the top of their rotation, Lackey appears to be an underrated sleeper pick that could really shine this coming season. Lackey finished last season with just 11 wins in 29 starts but that number seemed extremely low for a starting pitcher that registered a 3.35 ERA. Lackey should be able to put together another strong season next year and with a little more help he should see his wins total climb substantially in 2017.
SP: Steven Wright, Boston Red Sox
Chris Sale’s trade to the Red Sox sent shockwaves through the major leagues and while he should be a lock for 20 wins there are some underrated pitchers on Boston’s roster that have the potential to put up big win totals as well. Wright is one name to keep an eye on as a potential sleeper pick for wins in MLB fantasy leagues. Wright won 13 games in 2016 when he registered a 3.33 ERA and 1.24 WHIP in 24 starts. Wright has earned a spot in the Red Sox rotation and as long as he continues to perform at a high level he should be a sleeper pick for wins.
The Red Sox have one of the best pitching staffs and batting lineups in all of baseball, so they’re going to win plenty of games. While a lot of MLB fantasy GM’s are going to be going after David Price and Chris Sale early on in their drafts, someone like Wright could slip through the cracks. He’ll be in the Red Sox rotation and should be an under-the-radar source of wins next season.
SP: Josh Tomlin, Cleveland Indians
Tomlin turned a lot of heads last season when he posted 13 wins in 29 starts despite a very pedestrian 4.40 ERA. Tomlin has the potential to be better and he should be motivated to bring his ERA down after last year’s postseason debacle. Cleveland added to its already impressive offense in the offseason so look for Tomlin to bounce back as a sleeper pick for wins this coming season.
The Indians project to be even better in 2017 and the American League Central could be even weaker – especially after the White Sox shipped off Sale. Tomlin should be a good source for wins in MLB fantasy.
SP: Charlie Morton, Pittsburgh Pirates
Morton has produced an ERA over 4.00 in each of his last two seasons but he was excellent in 2013 and 2014 with sub-4.00 ERA’s and he has the potential to bounce back in a major way this coming year. Morton registered a 3.72 ERA in his last fully healthy season with the Pittsburgh Pirates two years ago and now he gets a fresh start in Houston for a team that is a couple of good pitchers away from challenging for a spot in the World Series. Morton might not put up dominant numbers but he should deliver a strong enough ERA and WHIP while serving as a potential sleeper value pick for wins in 2017.
The Pirates find themselves in a tough division in the National League Central as they finished 25 games out of first place. However, they were a playoff team the previous two years and should be in contention once again. There will be some MLB fantasy value on this team for wins – especially if their bullpen can deliver as it did in the two previous playoff years.
The MLB season is still a couple of months away, but if you’re looking at some early lines and futures, click here to bet on MLB (or any other sports) at BetDSI!
