Welcome to the world of fantasy baseball. In a recent episode of the FantasyPros Fantasy Baseball Podcast, hosts Joey P and The Welsh welcome Ariel Cohen, the creator of the ATC projection system, to discuss 2024’s players projected to outshine their competition. Let’s dive into their insights and uncover the potential fantasy baseball stars for 2024.
Fantasy Baseball Projections & Draft Targets
Catchers: Salvador Perez and Willson Contreras
In the realm of catchers, Salvador Perez and Willson Contreras emerged as top picks. Perez, known for his power-hitting abilities, is projected to maintain a strong presence behind the plate. Contreras, offering a blend of power and a few steals, presents as a valuable choice, particularly in two-catcher leagues.
First Base: Josh Naylor‘s Rising Value
Josh Naylor of the Cleveland Guardians grabbed attention for his potential at first base. Naylor’s well-rounded skills, including decent power and a high contact rate, make him a solid option. His placement in the Guardians’ lineup could result in substantial RBI opportunities.
Third Base: Alex Bregman‘s Consistency
Houston Astros’ Alex Bregman has been a model of consistency at third base. While he may not replicate his 40-homer seasons, Bregman’s balanced production in runs, RBIs, and average make him a reliable pick. His high contact rate underscores his ability to maintain a high batting average.
Second Base: The Diverse Choices
At second base, Luis Arraez and Nolan Gorman present contrasting styles. Arraez, known for his batting average and runs, may lack in power and RBIs. Gorman, on the other hand, offers a power-centric profile with potential for home runs and a decent number of steals.
Outfield: Michael Harris II‘s All-Around Talent
Michael Harris II of the Atlanta Braves stands out in the outfield category. With a projection of a 20-20 season with a batting average north of .280, Harris is poised to deliver across all categories, making him a potentially undervalued asset.
Starting Pitchers: Logan Webb‘s Rising Stock
Among starting pitchers, Logan Webb of the San Francisco Giants was highlighted for his potential to deliver ace-like performance without the hefty draft cost. His strong ERA and WHIP, coupled with a solid strikeout rate, make him an attractive option.
Closers: Evan Phillips and Tanner Scott
In the closer department, Evan Phillips of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Tanner Scott of the Miami Marlins are predicted to be undervalued gems. Phillips, pitching for a strong Dodgers team, is poised for numerous save opportunities, while Scott’s high strikeout ability adds value.
The Art of Projections and Fantasy Success
The podcast emphasized the importance of projections in crafting a winning fantasy baseball strategy. While projections may not always capture breakout players, they provide a baseline for value comparison and help fantasy managers identify players who may offer more than what the general consensus suggests.
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