In the late rounds of fantasy drafts, owners have a few options. They can look for the safe values that have fallen to them. Think veterans like Adam Jones and Nick Markakis. While there’s a place for safety and reliability, it’s also important for owners to swing for the fences late in drafts. That’s where lottery tickets come in.
Just like your purchase (more like contribution) of a ticket for the Mega Millions or Powerball, lottery tickets have a higher chance of flaming out or failing to launch than they do of really taking off. However, when they do hit they hit big. Think Jesus Aguillar last year or, better yet, Aaron Judge in 2017. These guys can be league winners. So, rather than playing it safe late in the draft, shoot for the stars. In the worst case, you can just drop them for the next big waiver wire add. But the best case? Championship!
So, we’ve asked our writers for their top lottery tickets entering the new season. Here’s what they had to say.
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Who is your top lottery ticket in 2019 fantasy baseball drafts?
Freddy Peralta (SP – MIL)
“There is no telling what Milwaukee is going to do with their mediocre rotation, but early signs suggest they may be leaving Peralta on the outside looking in. This is stupid, of course, because he was top 10 in K-rate and No. 2 in batting average against last season among all starting pitchers. Granted, there are some control issues, but you can’t teach dominant stuff and that is just what Peralta has. I’ll be buying him late just in case he sneaks into the rotation and mows down hitters all season.”
– Bobby Sylvester (@bobbyfantasypros)
Alex Reyes (SP/RP – STL)
“In 2018, Reyes had one of the most dominating rehab stints in recent memory. In his return from Tommy John surgery, Reyes pitched 23 minor league innings across four different levels. He struck out 44 (!!) and didn’t allow a single run. The stage was set for him to truly break out in his return to the big league rotation, however, he lasted just one start before getting shut down for the season with a lat injury. He’s a full-go in spring training this year and it remains up in the air whether he will be a part of the rotation or the bullpen. Either way, he carries immense fantasy upside. As a starter, he would have an innings limit, but the innings he gives you will be high quality. There’s also the chance he becomes the Cardinals’ closer, which might even make him more valuable in fantasy. The upside here is undeniable.”
– Brendan Tuma (@toomuchtuma)
Johan Camargo (3B/SS – ATL)
“Dansby who? Camargo, eligible at 3B and SS, quietly had himself a solid 2018, batting .272 with 19 homers and 76 RBIs in only 464 at-bats. While Dansby Swanson is slated to be the starting shortstop, the Braves should quickly figure out that in order to stave off the Phillies and Nationals, they need to start the guy who has a near double-digit walk rate and is at least league-average in line drive rate and hard-hit rate. In case they don’t realize that, Josh Donaldson is just one calf strain away from Camargo being the everyday third baseman. While Camargo won’t hit 30 homers, he can be a solid accumulator in a deep Braves lineup and help in three categories. What else can you ask for in the 25th round?”
– Carmen Maiorano (@cmaiorano3)
Garrett Hampson (2B/SS – COL)
“Hampson is the kind of rookie who can make an instant impact in fantasy leagues, particularly formats that value stolen bases. Hampson stole at least 36 bases in all three seasons he spent in the minor leagues, each time with a batting average north of .300 and OBP above .375. He’s also shown the ability to hit low double-digit home runs over a full season. It’s natural to expect those numbers to dip a bit against Major League pitching, but then again he will get to call Coors Field home. Hampson will need to battle it out with Ryan McMahon for the Rockies’ starting second base job, and while McMahon may be the early favorite to start on Opening Day, Hampson should prove over the course of the season that he’s the better option. In the meantime, Colorado could deploy Hampson in a super utility role, where he should still be able to get enough plate appearances to boost your stolen base totals.”
– Andrew Seifter (@andrew_seifter)
Max Kepler (OF – MIN)
“Kepler didn’t have the most ideal 2018 season with the Twins. He slashed a disappointing .224/.319/.408 to go with 20 homers through 156 games. On the bright side, there is the potential for him to develop into a 30-HR hitter and for his batting average to move up into the .260-.270 range. In July and August, he recorded a 17.9% and 15.2% HR/FB. Should he be able to keep that going into the 2019 season, that would really help his HR numbers. I absolutely love him at his current 251 ADP.”
– Kamran Hoda (@Kamran_H7)
Wilmer Flores (1B/2B/3B – ARI)
“I’m going to shout it from the rooftops all season — get your shares of Wilmer Flores! He’s finally getting the opportunity to start with Arizona, and he’s going to make the most of it. He’ll have just 1B eligibility going into the season in some leagues, but he’s going to pick up 2B within the first week as the team’s primary second baseman, and in Yahoo, he’ll also have 3B eligibility. “But he’s only a left-masher, right?” Wrong. Don’t believe the false narrative that’s been attached to him throughout his career. For his career, he has a .260/.300/.406 slash against righties with 42 home runs. Against lefties, he has a .265/.309/.471 slash with 26 home runs. At pick 410, there’s not greater value to be had. Oh yeah. Steamer has him projected to outperform Gleyber Torres, who is going 57th overall, this season.”
– Michael Waterloo (@MichaelWaterloo)
Ryan Zimmerman (1B – WAS)
“Available for a bench pick (297 consensus ADP) in a 12-team mixed league, I’ll gladly take a flier on Zimmerman at least starting the season healthy, Although back and oblique injuries limited him to just 85 games last season, he actually had a higher percentage of hard hits (52.8%) and barrels (13.6%) than in 2017’s unlikely 36-homer revival. He didn’t look far off from that stud when batting .295/.374/.538 in 52 second-half games. While nobody should expect the 34-year-old to play a full season, drafters might be underestimating his impact when on the field. At this price, investors could always just drop Zimmerman if his body betrays him early.”
– Andrew Gould (@andrewgould4)
Peter Alonso (1B – NYM)
“Mets first base prospect Peter Alonso tore up minor league pitching last season for a .975 OPS and 36 home runs between Double-A and Triple-A. Those numbers might be a bit inflated thanks to 67 games in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, but Alonso’s power has been lauded since his days as a Florida Gator. The Mets currently have J.D. Davis penciled in at first base, and Davis certainly wouldn’t block Alonso when he’s ready for the majors (which may be right at the Super 2 deadline). Even if Davis hits well, he’s played third base and outfield before, and the Mets have a versatile enough roster where pieces could be moved around to accommodate Alonso. They also have three infielders age 33 or older, one of them (Robinson Cano) is coming off knee surgery, and the other two (Jed Lowrie and Todd Frazier) have had notable injury troubles in recent seasons. When Alonso is promoted to the majors, he could provide elite power, such as what we saw from recent midseason callups like Cody Bellinger, Gary Sanchez, and Matt Olson.”
– Elliott Baas (@elliottbaasbb)
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