As baseball continues to evolve, so does fantasy baseball. Two statistical categories picking up steam in fantasy leagues are on-base percentage (OBP) and saves+holds. OBP has replaced batting average as the more valuable stat in most teams’ eyes. In addition, the closer role is evolving to a more matchup-based committee approach than the traditional one guy for all situations.
Many fantasy leagues are following suit, replacing batting average with OBP and saves with saves+holds. So I thought I’d run my latest mock draft using this approach. I’ve done several mocks already this off-season. If you’ve missed any, you can find them in my archive.
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The parameters of this mock were as follows:
- 12 teams, snake style draft, 7th pick
- 5×5 roto with OBP replacing BA and SV+H replacing SV
- CBS eligibilities and player defaults (2 C, 1B, 2B, 3B, SS, MI, CI, 5 OF, U, 9 P, 6 BN)
- Drafting against All Experts using CBS ADP
Here are my thoughts on the roster:
OFFENSE
If you've read any of my other mock draft recaps, you probably noticed that I tend to lean on offensive players more than pitchers. That's by design as I feel pitcher performance is more variable, and it's easier to find quality on the waiver wire as the season progresses. This mock was no exception, as the projections were solid for all offensive categories. For the record, I ranked first in runs and OBP, second in HRs and RBIs, and fourth in SBs per the Draft Summary. Let's take a look at these categories in more detail:
Runs & OBP
These two categories don't always align, but they often do, as it stands to reason that the more you get on base, the more likely you are to score. As OBP is the unique offensive stat in this draft, I focused on it, and the results showed. My first three picks - Shohei Ohtani (DH,SP - LAA), Kyle Tucker (OF - HOU), and Xander Bogaerts (SS - BOS) - should contribute to all statistical categories. However, I drafted Jesse Winker (OF - CIN), Brandon Nimmo (OF - NYM), and Bryan Reynolds (OF - PIT) earlier than I would have in a batting average league as they are all OBP studs.
HRs & RBIs
I didn't grab any 40+ HR potential players outside of Ohtani, but I still managed to find help throughout my lineup. Brandon Lowe (2B - TB), Jared Walsh (1B - LAA), and Eduardo Escobar (2B,3B - MIL) were drafted primarily for this category. As for RBIs, Teoscar Hernandez (OF - TOR) is projected to drive in over 100, and all of the other players I've mentioned already (outside of Nimmo) should be excellent run producers.
Stolen Bases
I didn't target anyone in particular for SBs except for Robbie Grossman (OF - DET) and Kolten Wong (2B - MIL) - and they probably wouldn't lead the team. As the draft went on, I was worried that I didn't have enough speed, so being projected to finish fourth in the category was a bit of a surprise.
Depth and Catchers
I love drafting multi-position eligible guys like Chris Taylor (2B,SS,OF - LAD) and Josh Rojas (2B,SS,OF. - ARI), as they provide lineup flexibility. Their value is more substantial than what their bottom-line numbers indicate. Yoan Moncada (3B - CWS) and Nathaniel Lowe (1B - TEX) were drafted primarily to fill positional needs, but both should be solid contributors. As for my catchers, I waited until the 16th round before taking Mitch Garver (C - MIN) and added Carson Kelly (C - ARI) in the 22nd. Both guys tend to have decent OBP's, so I felt like I did well at the position, especially since this was a two-catcher 12-team league.
PITCHING
As I mentioned earlier, my offenses tend to rank higher than my pitching in mock drafts, but I did pretty well with the hurlers in this go-around. The projections tabbed me for third in ERA, fourth in WHIP/K's/SV+H, and fifth in wins. Not too bad!
Rotation
One of the beautiful things about drafting Ohtani in a CBS league is that you get two players in one - a stud hitter and an excellent starting pitcher. As he was my first pick, I could afford to wait a while before drafting another starter. Specifically, I waited until the sixth round, when I grabbed Freddy Peralta (SP - MIL) and followed him up with Logan Webb (SP - SF) on my next pick. After that, I mainly value shopped, adding Sean Manaea (SP - OAK), Luis Garcia (SP - HOU), and Tarik Skubal (SP - DET) in the middle rounds. I took Alex Cobb (SP - SF) and Andrew Heaney (SP - LAD) late in the draft for added depth. Both have breakout potential this season, in my opinion.
Bullpen
I enjoyed drafting for saves + holds instead of just saves, as it opened up so many more players. Most of my relievers were taken late, as there was no rush to grab them given how many were still available. The only reliever I nabbed relatively early was Giovanny Gallegos (RP - STL) in the 15th round. I had to take someone I felt sure about, I suppose. Down the stretch of the draft, I took the two Mariners: Paul Sewald (RP - SEA) and Diego Castillo (RP - SEA). It's nice not to have to worry about which one will close. In addition, I added Garrett Whitlock (RP - BOS) with my second-to-last pick. He was excellent for the Red Sox last year and could be the closer this season.
RECAP
Overall, according to the Draft Summary, I drafted a pretty good team for this format. It gave me an A+ grade, 98 out of 100, and projected a first-place finish. Part of my success in this mock draft was focusing on the two new categories - OBP and SV+H. It seemed like some of the auto-drafters weren't doing so. In any case, I enjoyed using these categories and recommend them for any league looking to mix it up a bit this year.
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