Michael Waterloo’s Must-Have Players (2023 Fantasy Baseball)

In early February, I wrote about the guys that I have to have. Oh, you don’t believe me? Well, check it out here.

Told you.

So when they approached me with writing my must-have players again for March, I assumed it was because my article broke some kind of website traffic numbers.

Or it was a mistake. Or it was just because I draft so damn well that they want some more people.

Well, all, I’m happy to provide some more players because the draft landscape has changed a lot since February, as we are seeing real games and some actionable takeaways from Spring Training.

Here are my must-have players Part 2.

Must-Have Players

Daulton Varsho (C, OF – TOR)

I’m typically all about fading catchers in drafts – especially in one-catcher leagues. But I am all about jumping all over Varsho in the first five rounds in drafts. The Blue Jays are planning to run … a lot. And with Varsho manning centerfield on a daily basis, he’s going to accrue more plate appearances – barring health – than anyone else at the position. If I don’t leave a draft with him, I have failed.

Robbie Ray (SP – SEA)

I’ve also been grabbing a lot of Ray in my drafts, and it’s mainly because we are seeing steady velocity, and his slider looks absolutely filthy. Yes, it’s Spring Training, but these are the kinds of things that I look for. I’m fine if he’s my SP1 if I punt starting pitching.

Vaughn Grissom (2B – ATL)

Yes, second base is shallow, but Grissom just sits there around pick 189, begging you to take him. Not only do you get 2B, but you get a player who will gain SS eligibility a week into the season. Are there some concerns with him, based on the sample we saw last year? Yeah, absolutely, but the Braves believe in him, and even if he hits at the bottom of the lineup, he has a skill set made for fantasy.

Kyle Bradish (SP – BAL)

I liked it better when I could draft Bradish with the last pick in the draft instead of being forced to take him a lot higher after his solid spring. Not only is the velocity up for Bradish, but the spin is on his slider and fastball, as well. It feels weird to target Baltimore pitchers, but after the changes to the ballpark last year, it’s now strongly a pitcher-friendly park.

Trevor Rogers (SP – MIA)

Yes, Rogers has been good in the spring, posting six strikeouts over five shutout innings. But he finished the season strong, too, after a terrible year overall. He’s the perfect bounce-back player to draft, given his upside that we saw in 2021 and his relatively cheap cost.

Wil Myers (1B, OF – CIN)

There’s always a risk with Myers, and he is already dealing with a back injury in Spring Training. But given the shift from Petco Park to The Great American Ballpark, I can’t help but be enthralled by the potential of Myers putting up 25 homes – assuming health. He’s still going late in drafts, so even if he busts, it won’t cost you anything.

Alex Kirilloff (1B, OF – MIN)

You’re damn right that I’m ready to get hurt again. Look, we know what it boils down to with Kirilloff and that it’s all about health. His wrist seems like it’s good to go, but it would be nice to see him actually play in some Spring Training games. I’m taking him as my last outfielder almost across the board, and if he’s finally healthy, he’s in for a huge season.

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Michael Waterloo is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Michael, check out his archive and follow him @MichaelWaterloo.