Opportunity is a key factor when searching for RBIs in fantasy baseball drafts. Obviously, hitting from the middle of a batting order translates into more chances to come to the plate with runners on base. The ability to take advantage and a track record of doing so should be the next consideration. The following trio, which is regularly being taken in the later stages of drafts based on current ADP trends around the industry, should see ample run-producing situations in 2022. “Sleeping” on them would be a mistake.
Complete a mock draft in minutes with our free Draft Simulator 
Nathaniel Lowe (TEX – 1B): 337 Overall
To say that Lowe will be lining up in a much more threatening offense in 2022 would be an understatement. Before the MLB lockout was instituted, the Rangers made some seriously loud noise on the free-agent market, inking both Corey Seager and Marcus Semien to incredibly lucrative contracts. Not only will those two go to work on the infield with Lowe, but, more importantly, they will set the table for the young first baseman.
Last year, Lowe took on a role right in the heart of the order for a club that would ultimately score fewer runs than all but two other teams over the course of the campaign. Despite those overall offensive woes for the Rangers, Lowe still managed to drive in 72 runs across 157 games. He rounded out his first full big-league season with a .264/.357/.415 slash line, 18 homers, 24 doubles, and 75 runs scored.
Lowe lined up in the fourth or fifth spot in all but three of his final 50 games in 2021. He should be right back in a similar position this year. With a far superior group of table setters, Lowe could be poised to add 15-20 RBIs, perhaps more, to last season’s total.
Jesus Aguilar (MIA – 1B): 281 Overall
Aguilar was well on his way to the second 100-RBI season of his career before inflammation in his left knee ended his 2021 campaign on September 5. Up to that point, the 31-year-old slugger had driven in 93 runs while belting 22 deep drives and hitting a cool .328 with runners in scoring position over 131 games for the Fish.
Aguilar has been quite remarkable in clutch situations for the Marlins over the past two years, which is why he is likely to be found hanging around the three or four-hole again this season. Over the last two years in Miami, Aguilar has slashed a decent .265/.336/.458. That line ratchets up to an excellent .324/.390/.540 across 215 plate appearances with runners in scoring position. All that has led to a grand total of 127 RBI in 182 games.
The Marlins are likely to feature middle infielders Jazz Chisholm and Miguel Rojas atop their initial 2022 batting order. While those two certainly are not the best table-setting duo, they are not the worst either. Both have some ability with the bat – particularly Chisholm – and quickness on the basepaths. The team also landed free-agent Avisail Garcia back in late November to beef up the offense. Aguilar should come by plenty of RBI chances.
Wil Myers (SD – OF): 273 Overall
Back in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season when a “universal DH” was in play, Wil Myers started 55-of-60 regular-season games almost exclusively in right field for the Padres. He actually produced one of the best overall seasons of his career, turning in a .959 OPS with 15 homers and 40 RBI. Last year would not see him have the same success or receive the same pace of plate appearances.
The Padres just simply had more legitimate regulars than places to play them in 2021. Myers did get into 146 games overall but started just 118 of them. His offensive numbers took a tumble, as he posted a 768 OPS with 17 home runs and 63 RBI across 500 plate appearances. Those numbers are a little more in line with career norms of late from Myers. They were nevertheless disappointing following such a strong showing the year prior.
Flash forward to the present. With the universal DH on its way in a more permanent sense, Myers should have nothing standing in the way of a consistent, everyday role. That should help him maintain a steady rhythm at the plate. Over the last couple of years, he has typically lined up in the fifth or sixth spot when starting. With the Padres’ potent offense, Myers should be hitting with guys on base quite frequently.
Complete a mock draft in minutes with our free Draft Simulator
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | SoundCloud | iHeartRadio
Beyond our fantasy baseball content, be sure to check out our award-winning slate of Fantasy Baseball Tools as you prepare for your draft this season. From our free mock Draft Simulator – which allows you to mock draft against realistic opponents – to our Draft Assistant – that optimizes your picks with expert advice – we’ve got you covered this fantasy baseball draft season.
Nate Miller is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Nate, check out his archive and follow him @Miller_RotoDad.
