Your fantasy baseball draft is getting closer and closer, so it's time to look for some diamonds in the rough who can help put your team over the top.
We’ll go position by position, taking a bit of a deep dive to find players who can overcome youth, injuries, or bad performances to have a big year. And you could probably get most of these players in the middle to late rounds.
This week, we’ll focus on the American League.
■ First base: Detroit has quite a few options for the position, but we like the track record of non-roster invitee Renato Nunez to get plenty of at-bats this season. The right-handed hitter crushed 31 home runs in 2019 with Baltimore, hitting .244 and knocking in 90 runs.
Nunez will turn 27 years old in April, and he is a great source of power for your team. He was recently cleared to begin playing in spring training games after visa problems, and a strong performance should get him the first base job. He also can play the outfield and DH. And don’t forget about Bobby Dalbec of Boston.
■ Second base: Toronto’s Cavan Biggio didn’t have great minor league numbers, but he has the pedigree and has shown he can hit in the majors. Biggio, a left-handed hitter, has potential for a 20-20 season, especially after hitting 16 homers and stealing 14 bases in his rookie year of 2019.
He qualifies at second base but is moving to third base for 2021. He will be in the heart of a loaded lineup, and will produce a good on-base percentage. Though his batting average could hurt you, he’ll make it up in other places. And don’t forget about Ty France of Seattle.
■ Shortstop: He has to officially win the job first, but monitor Cleveland’s Andres Gimenez. The 22-year-old who came over in the Francisco Lindor trade is tearing it up this spring and should win the battle with Amed Rosario, who could play other positions.
Gimenez doesn’t have a lot of power, but he’ll help you with batting average, runs scored, and stolen bases. He was caught stealing only once last season in nine attempts. If he gets on base enough and if the Indians give him the green light, he could steal 30+ bases. And don’t forget about Willi Castro of Detroit.
■ Third base: Chicago’s Yoan Moncada contracted coronavirus early last season, and said he never felt the same the rest of the year. His numbers proved it. He hit .225 with six home runs and 24 RBIs after a breakout 2019 season.
He will return to that form in 2021, getting his batting average back to .280, hitting 20+ homers, and stealing double-digit bases. He’ll strike out a lot, but he’ll reward you in other ways. And don’t forget about Nolan Jones of Cleveland.
■ Catcher: Many fantasy types are down on New York’s Gary Sanchez, who had a miserable 2020 season with a .147 batting average. He’ll be back this year, so get him on your team.
Sanchez Is 28 years old, and hasn’t forgotten how to hit homers. He might not reach the 34 he hit in 2019, but he’ll get close. If you can accept him for his low batting average, he’ll pay off in power. Sanchez is in a very good lineup and is hitting over .300 this spring. And don’t forget about Sean Murphy of Oakland.
■ Outfield: With George Springer gone from Houston, it appears speedster Myles Straw has a leg up to grab the starting centerfield job. The 26-year-old is having a great spring, and it’s possible he could bat leadoff for the Astros this year.
Straw doesn’t have power, but will draw a lot of walks, steal bases, and score runs. He was a .305 hitter in the minors, so grab him as your fourth or fifth outfielder. And don’t forget about Mitch Haniger of Seattle.
■ Starting pitcher: Right-hander Brady Singer is one of Kansas City’s young hurlers who look to make their mark this season. In 2020, the 24-year-old had a 2.73 ERA with 30 strikeouts in 29.2 innings in September. He will improve this season.
He is slated for the No. 2 spot in the rotation, and should bring down his 4.06 ERA from his rookie season last year. He strikes out a batter per inning, but needs to work on his control. And don’t forget about Genoa High School graduate Chris Bassitt of Oakland.
■ Relief pitcher: After sitting out the 2020 season because of the coronavirus pandemic, flame-throwing right-hander Michael Kopech is back with Chicago. He also missed the 2019 season because of Tommy John surgery.
The right-hander, who will be 25 on April 30, will work out the bullpen for the White Sox to start the season, hoping he can build up to joining the rotation. He could prove to be a valuable set-up man and possibly get some saves. And don’t forget about A.J. Puk of Oakland.
First Published March 11, 2021, 1:00 p.m.
