Rising stars are one of the most thrilling parts of fantasy baseball. Fantasy managers often draft sensational prospects in the later rounds or pick up a player on a hot streak from the waiver wire to find the next up-and-comer. However, when done in excess, players are acquired simply because they are someone new. Managers obtain players the same way a child plays with a shiny new toy: No longer wanting to use the old toy that is just as good.
It seems like every week has a new “superstar” who will lead a team to victory. Last season, Cardinals utilityman Brendan Donovan went 3-6 on Opening Day, blasting a homerun and catching the attention of dedicated managers. Communities such as r/fantasybaseball were sure Donovan was the next big thing and scrambled to pick him up. While the Cardinal managed to string together a decent season, he was never as good as he was hyped up to be. Dodgers Trayce Thompson had a similar story when he was the first player to mash three homers in 2023. Thompson was added to no avail when he only hit three more home runs the entire season.
The fantasy baseball season is long. It is easy to get bored looking at the same roster. Managers should never make a move just to make a move. Calculated acquisitions can be league-winning, though. It is hard to distinguish between a hot streak and a breakout but young and developing players tend to be more legitimate. There are several “shiny new toys” that look good this year.
Fantasy Baseball Shiny New Toy Syndrome
Elly De La Cruz (3B, SS – CIN) | ADP: 27.6 Overall (SS6)
Elly De La Cruz was phenomenal during the first weeks after his June 6 debut, where he batted .307 with a .881 OPS, logging three home runs, nine steals and 12 RBIs in just 21 games. Managers traded a ransom to get the shortstop. He disappointed them when he slashed just .191/.272/.355 in 68 games after the All-Star break due to excessive strikeouts. De La Cruz had a 39.7% chase rate of pitches outside the strike zone in his first 60 games but reduced this number to a 28.2% chase rate in his final 38 games. Managers got too excited about the youngster last season, yet this year he has the potential to repeat or exceed his early summer numbers. The 22-year-old comes at a steep price but he can electrify a lineup if he continues to grow in plate discipline.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto (SP – LAD) | ADP: 34.4 Overall (SP7)
Many turn their noses up at drafting a player this early who has never thrown a pitch in the MLB. That is generally a reasonable reaction but not for Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The newfound Dodgers ace has proven his talent by earning the Japanese equivalent of three consecutive Cy Young and MVP awards. The last player to win three straight MVPs in Japan? The legendary Ichiro Suzuki. Yamamoto posted a 1.82 ERA in seven seasons as an Orix Buffalo, supported by his fastball that touches 99, a dominant splitter, a tight-spinning curveball and a cutter. The Dodgers made the 25-year-old the fifth highest-paid pitcher with a 12-year, $325 million deal this summer, which should provide managers extreme faith in his major league ability. This draft position may be Yamamoto’s cheapest for a long time.
Josh Jung (3B – TEX) | ADP: 112.8 Overall (3B12)
Josh Jung was on pace to win the American League Rookie of the Year before he fractured his thumb and missed six weeks of 2023. In 122 games, the All-Star slashed .266/.315/.467 with an OPS+ of 109 and 23 homers. Jung hits the ball hard and it seems likely he will increase his home run count in a full season. The third baseman has additional value hitting near stars like Corey Seager, Marcus Semien and Adolis Garcia in the reigning World Series champion lineup. The 26-year-old is a high-floor player with the ceiling to be amongst the best third basemen.
Wyatt Langford (LF – TEX) | ADP: 153.8 Overall (OF39)
In a talented 2023 MLB Draft, it appears Wyatt Langford will be the first top player to make his debut. He is scorching in spring training with a .378 AVG, a 1.198 OPS and 17 RBIs in only 45 ABs. Langford had an incredible .373/.498/.784 slashline at the University of Florida. The 22-year-old outfielder is knocking at the door of the Rangers’ major league roster and every day it seems more likely he will make the team. Like Yamamoto, Langford is the type of player who will never be this cheap again.
Expert Fantasy Baseball Draft Advice
- The Welsh’s Must-Have Players (Premium)
- Joe Pisapia’s Must-Have Players (Premium)
- Justin Mason’s Must-Have Players (Premium)
- KC Bubba’s Must-Have Players (Premium)
- Blake Meyer’s Must-Have Players (Premium)
- Mason’s High-Stakes Leagues Draft Strategy (Premium)
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