Fantasy Baseball Depth Chart Review: Royce Lewis, Michael Kopech, Brandon Belt

As a diehard Boston Celtics fan for the last 30 years of my life, I think I speak for a large portion of New England and fans worldwide when I say, “Glad that’s over.” Sports’ competitions have not been kind to the Boston faithful over the past month-plus now, with arguably two of the greatest upsets in sports history occurring against Massachusetts-based teams. And to that I note: “Thank God for baseball.”

The MLB is always there to provide us with both internal passion and unwavering distraction when we need it. Not to get super touchy here, but everyone deals with personal struggles including myself. You know who is always there to pick me up? The Red Sox. Sure, they haven’t been all that great in 2023, but they possess an exciting young roster that can compete and put up runs. There is no better end to a long day of work than coming home, flopping on the couch, and throwing on a game of bat-and-ball. I believe that is a sentiment that resonates with people worldwide who consider themselves fans of the game.

Baseball has always been my personal number one sport- I can’t get enough of the environment when you step into a professional ballpark- the glistening field as you step up to the venue, the warm summer air that hits your face right before first pitch, and of course the smell of the numerous foods and refreshments wafting around the concourses alike.

With May officially coming to a close this week, baseball is full-go. For many, it is one of the most joyous times of the entire year. In the feel-good spirit, this week’s depth chart review includes a few comeback and bounce-back stories that should warm our hearts and remind us of why the MLB is so truly special.

Fantasy Baseball Depth Chart Review

Royce Lewis (3B,SS – MIN)

Formerly a highly-touted prospect in the Minnesota farm system, Lewis has had an undeniable amount of bad luck while making his ascent towards the bigs. Almost exactly one year removed from the date this article will release, Lewis tore his ACL while playing in a game last season. It was the same knee he had had previous surgeries on, and there had been questions to if he would ever be able to regain his form, or even return to the sport.

On May 29, Lewis officially returned to the Twins’ starting lineup and answered all the questions that were out there about him. He finished 2-for-5 with a home run and four RBI in his season debut. The 23-year-old has proven to be an incredible talent any time he is able to take the field. It does not look like this second repair on his knee will compromise him going forward (knocking heavily on wood).

Obviously, Lewis needs to be owned in all fantasy formats if he is not already (and if he’s not, pick him up hastily). While he will likely get days off here and there as he works back towards a full-time role, it is only a matter of time before he fully takes over third base for the Twins.

Michael Kopech (SP – CWS)

Another former top organizational prospect, Kopech has been a letdown since debuting back in 2018. Many of his career numbers leave a lot to be desired, but he has continued to get a lot of run with a Chicago team that has underwhelmed over the past few campaigns. There are some positive signs to take away from Kopech’s start to 2023 that may be able to push him to a successful season come September.

Changes in Kopech’s release point have allowed him to become more deceptive as he has made clear adjustments upon letting go of his pitches. In addition, his four-seam velocity has ticked back up from his 2022 numbers, assisting in the re-ascension of his Whiff% which is also back up to 70% (from just 37% last season).

The results over his Kopech’s three starts have been a 29:3 K:BB ratio with just four earned runs allowed across 19 1/3 innings pitched. If he can continue to work on his adjustments on the mound, the sky could be the limit for a guy that already possesses a career SO/9 of 10.0.

Brandon Belt (1B,DH – TOR)

Belt has quietly asserted himself into the regular cleanup spot on a Toronto team that has the likes of Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Matt Chapman. This was certainly unexpected following season-ending knee surgery in 2022 that was set to threaten his career. Instead, Belt signed a one-year contract with the Blue Jays this offseason, a move that GM Ross Atkins has surely been patting himself on the back for making.

Following a slow start out of the gate, Belt has lit the room on fire in terms of average in May, compiling 21-for-64 (.328) numbers to go with a 27:14 K:BB ratio. Seeing the ball well has always been an asset for the veteran, and even at his ripe “old” age that vision has remained.

While Belt’s days of serviceable power numbers are likely behind him, batting cleanup for the mentioned Toronto lineup is about as good as it gets. As long as he remains hot, and in that spot of the lineup, he should continue to pile up ample RBI and run scoring opportunities moving forward.