The baseball season is finally arriving and opening day is under two weeks away. Let’s talk shortstops and outfielders. Shortstop has become a tough position to draft, since the talent level is low. Xander Bogaerts, Carlos Correa, and Corey Seager are the top young up and coming players at this position. Outfield continues to be one of the strongest fantasy positions, featuring Mike Trout, Mookie Betts, and Bryce Harper as the top stars.
Shortstops
- Xander Bogaerts- Boston Red Sox
We saw a significant leap from Xander Bogaerts’ production in 2016. Last season, Bogaerts ranked 1st in hits, 2nd in runs, 4th in RBI’s, 4th in batting average, and 4th in total fantasy points for all short stops. The young star has immense potential in a producing offense. If Bogaerts is able to elevate his home run total in the 25-30 range, he’ll be a complete player.
- Corey Seager- Los Angeles Dodgers
The reigning Rookie of the Year winner had an incredible rookie season. Elite offensive talent is harder to find for shortstops these days and Seager rocked the rankings in his rookie season! In 2016, Seager ranked 2nd in runs, 2nd in hits, 5th in home runs, 1st in batting average, and 5th in total fantasy points for shortstops. Could the 22-year-old run into a sophomore slump in 2017 like Carlos Correa had in 2016? Yes, it is possible, but Seager’s a risk that I would 100% take, any day.
- Carlos Correa- Houston Astros
Correa, who was valued as a 1st round pick, delivered mediocre numbers and was clearly overhyped in 2016. However, he was still able to rank 7th in runs, 1st in RBI’s, 2nd in walks, and 7th in total points for shortstops last year. Correa is only 22 years old and has been in the league for only two years, so we need to give this potential superstar time. He was the first pick of the 2012 MLB draft and has hit 20 or more home runs in each of his two seasons. With the Astros adding veteran sluggers Brian McCann and Carlos Beltran, expect a breakout season for Correa this year.
- Francisco Lindor- Cleveland Indians
Lindor has been in the league for only two years and has already played in a World Series and has successfully hit over .300 in both seasons. In 2016, the 23-year-old ranked 5th in runs, 8th in RBI’s, 3rd in RBI’s, and 6th in total fantasy points for shortstops. Lindor is one of the best contact hitting short stops you’re going to find. If Lindor can start increasing his power numbers, he’s going to be a fantasy star.
- Trevor Story- Colorado Rockies
Story broke all kinds of home run records in the beginning of the 2016 season and became a hot topic of conversation. However, that’s not what impressed me the most. Story was able to stay consistent with his production for the rest of the season. In 2016, the rookie stud ranked 3rd in home runs and T-10th in RBI’s. If Story is able to hit 27 home runs and drive in 72 RBI’s in only 372 at bats in his rookie year, imagine what he’ll be able to do with another year under his belt and more at bats.
The next best in order include: Jean Segura, Brandon Crawford, Troy Tulowitski, Aledmys Diaz, and Eduardo Nunez.
Outfielders
- Mike Trout- Los Angeles Angels
Mike Trout, the new face of baseball, has amazingly ranked in the top 2 out of all outfielders in fantasy points for 4 out of the last 5 years. The 2-time American League MVP winner ranked 1st in runs, T-8th in home runs, 1st in walks, 3rd in batting average, and 2nd in fantasy points for all outfielders last season. Trout could be the best baseball player that has ever played the game, and should be a top 3 draft pick in all leagues.
- Mookie Betts- Boston Red Sox
Mookie had a crazy breakout season in 2016 and rocked the leader boards. The 24-year-old ranked 2nd in runs, 1st in hits, 2nd in doubles, 8th in home runs, 1st in RBI’s, 2nd in batting average, and 1st in fantasy points for all outfielders. There were absolutely no flaws in Betts’ offensive game last year, and he was a fantasy season saver. Mook should be a popular first round pick.
- Ryan Braun- Milwaukee Brewers
The veteran slugger had his best season since 2012, when he was the NL MVP runner-up. In 2016, Braun ranked 12th in home runs, 13th in RBI’s, 6th in batting average, and 12th in fantasy points for all outfielders. The Brewers franchise player is a consistent stud who posts elite contact and power numbers each year.
- Bryce Harper- Washington Nationals
After winning the NL MVP and having a remarkable 2015 season, Harper took a bit of a step back last year. Bryce ranked 2nd in walks and 8th in fantasy points last season. Both his batting average and home run totals were nearly half of what they were in 2015, and he struggled with consistency. On the plus side, he’s still very young and has immense potential and upside. If Harper is able to turn it around and have a bounce back season, he could win another MVP. He’s a risk that I would unequivocally take.
- J.D. Martinez- Detroit Tigers
Martinez is one of the most underrated fantasy players, despite the elite numbers he delivers. In 2016, the Tigers middle of the lineup hitter posted a .307 batting average, 69 runs, 22 home runs, 68 RBI’s in 460 at bats stat line. If Martinez is able to stay healthy (which has been rare), he’s going to be a steal. Martinez is similar to Braun, as he provides strong contact and power numbers.
The next best in order include: Nelson Cruz, Giancarlo Stanton, Carlos Gonzalez, Adam Jones, A.J. Pollock, Yoenis Cespedes, Andrew McCutchen, Mark Trumbo, George Springer, Jose Bautista, Charlie Blackman, Jackie Bradley, Adam Duvall, Justin Upton, Starlin Marte
Stix Sully's Fantasy Football Analysis 