Single-league drafts aren’t for the faint of heart. They require a deep knowledge of a particular league and a certain amount of patience. While AL- or NL-only leagues can be more rewarding for the die-hard baseball fan, the draft takes on added significance because there’s very little to choose from once it’s over. It’s imperative to make the right selections and to make sure you fill out every starting spot before you move onto depth because you don’t want to be left with the weak side of a platoon for your fourth outfielder.
The good news is, that the American League has plenty to choose from and loads of promising upside. When playing in single leagues, the return value you get on your first 10 selections is even more significant than usual. They are your moneymakers and if you don’t do well there, you likely won’t do well at all. But it’s not like the rest of the draft isn’t important – it’s just much harder than in mixed leagues to find productive players later on. You must do all you can to find those steady producers early, then some hidden gems in the middle rounds, and the diamonds in the rough towards the end.
Lucky for you, I’m here to help. After countless hours of research, I’ve singled out six players you should target in AL-Only leagues this year who are massively undervalued. If you can draft one or more of these guys at or near their current ADP you’re already two steps ahead of the competition.
Single-league drafts aren’t for the faint of heart. They require a deep knowledge of a particular league and a certain amount of patience. While AL- or NL-only leagues can be more rewarding for the die-hard baseball fan, the draft takes on added significance because there’s very little to choose from once it’s over. It’s imperative to make the right selections and to make sure you fill out every starting spot before you move onto depth because you don’t want to be left with the weak side of a platoon for your fourth outfielder.
The good news is, that the American League has plenty to choose from and loads of promising upside. When playing in single leagues, the return value you get on your first 10 selections is even more significant than usual. They are your moneymakers and if you don’t do well there, you likely won’t do well at all. But it’s not like the rest of the draft isn’t important – it’s just much harder than in mixed leagues to find productive players later on. You must do all you can to find those steady producers early, then some hidden gems in the middle rounds, and the diamonds in the rough towards the end.
Lucky for you, I’m here to help. After countless hours of research, I’ve singled out six players you should target in AL-Only leagues this year who are massively undervalued. If you can draft one or more of these guys at or near their current ADP you’re already two steps ahead of the competition.
2024 Fantasy Baseball Draft Values
Triston McKenzie (SP – CLE)
McKenzie was one of the top pitchers in the American League in 2022 but missed nearly all of the 2023 season due to injury. The good news is all early reports state that he is a full-go coming into camp and is reportedly feeling great. Another great sign is that the 27-year-old was able to return to the mound this past season for three starts where his fastball averaged the same speed it always has. His control was off but the strikeouts still came in bunches as he racked up 16 in as many innings.
If McKenzie is truly healthy then getting him past the top 100 is an absolute steal. The electric starter has never allowed an opponent batting average above .200 in his four-year career. If he can regain his control to the level it was two years ago (5.9 BB%), then his WHIP could easily be one of the lowest in the league. If he stays healthy, a 13-win season with over 150 Ks and a 3.25 ERA and 1.05 WHIP are plausible projections. Drafting him at 115 is highway robbery even with the risk. Target McKenzie no later than the 10th round in AL Only leagues.
Matt Wallner (OF – MIN)
The Twins are counting on Wallner to be a big part of their offense in 2024. He doesn’t generate as much attention as the other young studs and stand-out names on the team do, but make no mistake, Wallner is going to mash.
The 6-foot-5, 220-pound outfielder crushed 14 homers in 2023 in just 213 at-bats. The former first-round pick (CB-A’s) has a great eye at the dish too, working a walk 11% of the time. Wallner’s also great in the clutch, driving in 41 runs last year in less than half a season. He grades well on the basepaths as well, obtaining high marks by FanGraphs and Baseball Savant. The former Southern Miss star will need to cut down on his strikeouts if he ever wants to hit above .260, but with 20 homers and 60 RBI/Runs and his floor, we can stomach the .240 average that is likely to come with. Target the hulking outfielder in the early 200s.
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Austin Lowell is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Austin, check out his archive.
