MLB depth charts are helpful for a few reasons. First, they help identify “super-utility” players like Tommy Edman (2B, SS, OF – STL) or Spencer Steer (1B, 2B, 3B, OF – CIN), whose multi-positional eligibility elevates their value. Second, they highlight crowded positional situations on rosters, which can affect a player’s value depending on how they fall out. Below, we highlight some examples of this among NL teams. Some of these depth chart battles will be solved by opening day; others may not. Each situation is worth monitoring as you head towards your fantasy draft.
- Fantasy Baseball Mock Draft Simulator
- 2024 Fantasy Baseball Draft Kit
- Fantasy Baseball Draft Rankings
- Fantasy Baseball Projections
Cincinnati Reds Depth Chart
Position Battles: LF, RF, 1B, 2B, 3B, DH
The Reds have an exciting corps of young players on their roster, and it will be fascinating to see how they end up deploying them. The only two positions that seem pretty set are centerfield, where outfielder TJ Friedl should roam freely, and catcher, which will be split between Tyler Stephenson and Luke Maile. Meanwhile, Matt McClain, Elly De La Cruz and Spencer Steer are virtual lineup locks, but their positional flexibility gives the club some wiggle room in how they fill out the rest of the roster. Steer will likely end up in left field, with Will Benson and Jake Fraley contending for right. Both are left-handed and were fantasy-relevant in 2023, so this is a situation to watch.
The infield is more muddled around McClain and De La Cruz. Two other youngsters, Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Noelvi Marte, impressed in their major league debuts this past season and could secure everyday roles. Encarnacion-Strand possesses 30+ HR power but also a high K%, which should drag down his average. Marte is more well-rounded and could contribute in all five fantasy categories. Should either of these players falter, next up figures to be Jeimer Candelario, whom the Reds signed this offseason. Candelario could also see at-bats at DH if the rookies perform, as will former Rookie of the Year and current Odd-Man-Out Jonathan India, who seems destined to be traded eventually but appears headed for a backup infielder/sometimes DH role to start 2024. Needless to say, he should be avoided on draft day if he’s still in Cincinnati.
More Fantasy Baseball Draft Strategy
- Justin Mason’s Top 10 Fantasy Baseball Draft Mistakes to Avoid
- Philosophy of Fantasy Baseball by Kelly Kirby
- Guide to Punting Categories
- 11 MLB Innings Limits to Monitor
- Notable Second-Half Performances & 2024 Predictions
- How to Approach Stolen Bases
- How to Better Avoid Injuries
- MLB League Trends & Impact on Fantasy Baseball Player Values
- Should You Draft a Pitcher in Round 1?
- Fantasy Baseball Position Scarcity Draft Strategy & Targets
- Fantasy Baseball Salary Cap Draft Primer
- Fantasy Baseball Categories League Draft Primer
- Fantasy Baseball OBP League Draft Primer
- Fantasy Baseball Value-Based Drafting Primer
- Fantasy Baseball H2H Categories vs. Points Leagues Draft Primer
- Players that Gain & Lose Value in Categories vs. Points Leagues
- Fantasy Baseball Roto vs. H2H Leagues Draft Primer
- Fantasy Baseball Points League Draft Primer
- Fantasy Baseball Draft & Hold League Strategy & Advice
- Fantasy Baseball Quality Starts Leagues Draft Primer
- Fantasy Baseball Best Ball Draft Strategy & Targets
- Fantasy Baseball Saves + Holds Leagues Draft Primer
- Second-Year Player Draft Primer: Hitters | Pitchers
- Spring Training Stats That Matter
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | SoundCloud | iHeartRadio
