The term “sleeper” is relative. I try to aim for players who are not being universally drafted or in deeper formats that can provide a clear path to profit.
Here are a few names that should check these boxes.
Average Draft Positions (ADP) cited are from our Consensus Fantasy Baseball ADP
Early 2024 Fantasy Baseball Draft Sleepers
Henry Davis (OF – PIT): ADP 347 Overall
This one is mostly because he will be very likely to gain catcher eligibility early into the season. There is some power, speed, prospect pedigree and a path for playing time as a catcher. No catcher going around him in ADP has his upside and that alone is worth the gamble.
Parker Meadows (OF – DET): ADP 314 Overall
Here is a player with some tools and could get to a 20 HR/20 SB season if everything goes right. He projects to lead off against RHP at the very least which can help him get the volume to reach these outcomes. He consistently posts double-digit walk rates and roughly 25% strikeout rates. Strikeouts could cause some issues but not something to be overly concerned about. Meadows limited chases (27.3% O-Swing%) and limited swing-and-miss (9.4% SwStr% and 24% whiff%). There are skills to like and a path to playing time.
Fun stat on Meadows:
Parker Meadows showed growth in plate discipline to finish out the year. It was a small sample but caught my eye. Over the final three weeks of 2023
- 88% Z-Contact
- 8.5 SwStr%
- 28% O-Swing%
- K% cut down to 22.9% while having a 10.5% BB%
- 10.2% barrel%
- 33.3% GB% and 42.9% pull%
Boring can be beautiful
These are players going late with known track records of production that can be “set and forget” types in deeper formats.
Anthony Rizzo (1B – NYY): ADP 262 Overall
Looked great before the concussion. Should factor into the middle of the Yankees’ lineup.
Max Kepler (OF – MIN): ADP 292 Overall
Annually under-appreciated. There is a path to almost everyday playing time. Some power to go with it. Great fifth outfielder in deep leagues.
J.P. Crawford (SS – SEA): ADP 236 Overall
Went to Driveline last year. Had a career year. Is back at Driveline again this offseason. He leads off and is a solid player. Great MI option in deeper formats.
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