It’s time, once again, for your season debut of Category Power Rankings!
For those who are unfamiliar, I started this weekly piece at the start of the 2019 season in order to help simplify individual fantasy values for managers during the grind that is the fantasy baseball season.
At the beginning of each fantasy week, I will be ranking players using the standard 5×5 categories (AVG, R, HR, RBI, SB and W, SV, K, ERA, WHIP) as well as on-base percentage (OBP) and quality starts (QS). For each category, I will provide a top 25 overall and a top 10 for players who are widely unowned, roughly 65% owned or less across most platforms, or should be targeted in deeper leagues. The rankings will be based on current and rest-of-season outlook and will take into account a player’s recent success as well as track record as it pertains to a specific category. Other factors will include:
- Recent changes to a team construction (i.e. lineup changes, trade/signing, etc.)
- Recent changes to player batting/pitching profile
- Injury concern
- “Change of scenery”
- Strength/weakness of schedule
That being said, let’s get into the lists!
Batting Average (AVG)
Top 25
| Rank | Name | Team | Position | Change |
| 1 | DJ LeMahieu | NYY | 1B/2B/3B | – |
| 2 | Tim Anderson | CWS | SS | – |
| 3 | Michael Brantley | HOU | OF | – |
| 4 | Juan Soto | WSH | OF | – |
| 5 | Charlie Blackmon | COL | OF | – |
| 6 | Jeff McNeil | NYM | 2B/3B/OF | – |
| 7 | Freddie Freeman | ATL | 1B | – |
| 8 | Mookie Betts | LAD | OF | – |
| 9 | Xander Bogaerts | BOS | SS | – |
| 10 | Nolan Arenado | STL | 3B | – |
| 11 | David Fletcher | LAA | 2B/3B/SS/OF | – |
| 12 | Trea Turner | WSH | SS | – |
| 13 | Anthony Rendon | LAA | 3B | – |
| 14 | Mike Trout | LAA | OF | – |
| 15 | Nelson Cruz | MIN | UT | – |
| 16 | Marcell Ozuna | ATL | OF | – |
| 17 | Ketel Marte | ARZ | 2B/SS/OF | – |
| 18 | Corey Seager | LAD | SS | – |
| 19 | Alex Verdugo | BOS | OF | – |
| 20 | Alec Bohm | PHI | 1B/3B | – |
| 21 | Whit Merrifield | KC | 2B/OF | – |
| 22 | Paul Goldschmidt | STL | 1B | – |
| 23 | Manny Machado | SD | 3B/SS | – |
| 24 | José Abreu | CWS | 1B | – |
| 25 | Bo Bichette | TOR | SS | – |
Off the list: N/A
A lot of the usual suspects make up the bulk of this list… and then you see the name Alec Bohm cracking the top 20. Ahead of names such as Goldschmidt, Machado, and Abreu no less! The former first-round pick in 2018 shot through the Phillies’ farm system quickly and made a splash of a debut at the big league level in a 44-game sample in 2020. Bohm posted a .338 AVG during that span, and while that may not be completely sustainable, he has shown an advanced hitters profile throughout his entire pro career. While expect Bohm to really tap into his power as time goes on, he is looking like almost a sure thing to contribute a very solid batting average.
Deep League Top 10 (>12-team leagues/65% owned or less)
| Rank | Name | Team | Position | Change |
| 1 | Donovan Solano | SF | 2B/3B/SS | – |
| 2 | Raimel Tapia | COL | OF | – |
| 3 | Alex Dickerson | SF | OF | – |
| 4 | Hanser Alberto | KC | 2B/3B | – |
| 5 | Willi Castro | DET | 3B/SS | – |
| 6 | José Iglesias | LAA | SS | – |
| 7 | Ha-Seong Kim | SD | 2B/SS | – |
| 8 | David Peralta | ARZ | OF | – |
| 9 | Luis Arraez | MIN | 2B/3B/OF | – |
| 10 | César Hernández | CLE | 2B | – |
Off the list: N/A
After posting a cool .326 AVG during the abbreviated season in 2020, Donovan Solano has continued the laser show this spring. And while preseason numbers should always be taken with a grain of salt, since returning to the big league level in 2019, Solano is hitting .328 across 135 games. The guy is owned in only 23% of Yahoo leagues, 8% on ESPN, and a measly 2% across CBS leagues.
Runs (R)
Top 25
| Rank | Name | Team | Position | Change |
| 1 | Mookie Betts | LAD | OF | – |
| 2 | Ronald Acuña Jr. | ATL | OF | – |
| 3 | Fernando Tatis Jr. | SD | SS | – |
| 4 | Mike Trout | LAA | OF | – |
| 5 | Christian Yelich | MIL | OF | – |
| 6 | DJ LeMahieu | NYY | 1B/2B/3B | – |
| 7 | Trea Turner | WSH | SS | – |
| 8 | Freddie Freeman | ATL | 1B | – |
| 9 | Tim Anderson | CWS | SS | – |
| 10 | Aaron Judge | NYY | OF | – |
| 11 | Bryce Harper | PHI | OF | – |
| 12 | Kris Bryant | CHC | 3B/OF | – |
| 13 | José Ramírez | CLE | 3B | – |
| 14 | George Springer | TOR | OF | – |
| 15 | Jose Altuve | HOU | 2B | – |
| 16 | Trevor Story | COL | SS | – |
| 17 | Manny Machado | SD | 3B/SS | – |
| 18 | Xander Bogaerts | BOS | SS | – |
| 19 | Francisco Lindor | NYM | SS | – |
| 20 | Ozzie Albies | ATL | 2B | – |
| 21 | Nick Castellanos | CIN | OF | – |
| 22 | Charlie Blackmon | COL | OF | – |
| 23 | Marcus Semien | TOR | SS | – |
| 24 | Starling Marte | MIA | OF | – |
| 25 | Anthony Rendon | LAA | 3B | – |
Off the list: N/A
We’re all pretty much just expecting Christian Yelich to return to form this year, right? The former MVP is coming off a disastrous 2020 which saw him maintain excellent hard hit rates but an uncharacteristically high strikeout rate. Yelich suffered through a brutal start to the year and was unable to recover over the course of a shortened season. There is some belief that Yelich was still feeling the aftermath of his season-ending knee injury from 2019 and that is very possible considering just how uncomfortable he looked reading pitches last year. Expect more of the 2018-19 version Yelich moving forward, health permitting of course.
Deep League Top 10 (>12-team leagues/65% owned or less)
| Rank | Name | Team | Position | Change |
| 1 | Aaron Hicks | NYY | OF | – |
| 2 | Mitch Haniger | SEA | OF | – |
| 3 | César Hernández | CLE | 2B | – |
| 4 | Brandon Nimmo | NYM | OF | – |
| 5 | Carlos Santana | KC | 1B | – |
| 6 | David Peralta | ARZ | OF | – |
| 7 | Lorenzo Cain | MIL | OF | – |
| 8 | Joc Pederson | CHC | 1B/OF | – |
| 9 | Mark Canha | OAK | 1B/OF | – |
| 10 | Joey Votto | CIN | 1B | – |
Off the list: N/A
Projected to hit third in the Yankees’ stout lineup, Aaron Hicks looks like a sneaky OF option this year. Hicks’ ability to get on base hitting in front of the likes of Giancarlo Stanton and Gleyber Torres makes him an excellent source of runs as long as his health cooperates.
Home Runs (HR)
Top 25
| Rank | Name | Team | Position | Change |
| 1 | Mike Trout | LAA | OF | – |
| 2 | Pete Alonso | NYM | 1B | – |
| 3 | Ronald Acuña Jr. | ATL | OF | – |
| 4 | Christian Yelich | MIL | OF | – |
| 5 | Eugenio Suárez | CIN | 3B | – |
| 6 | Nelson Cruz | MIN | UT | – |
| 7 | Juan Soto | WSH | OF | – |
| 8 | Aaron Judge | NYY | OF | – |
| 9 | Cody Bellinger | LAD | 1B/OF | – |
| 10 | Matt Olson | OAK | 1B | – |
| 11 | Fernando Tatis Jr. | SD | SS | – |
| 12 | Joey Gallo | TEX | OF | – |
| 13 | José Ramírez | CLE | 3B | – |
| 14 | Bryce Harper | PHI | OF | – |
| 15 | Marcell Ozuna | ATL | OF | – |
| 16 | Manny Machado | SD | 3B/SS | – |
| 17 | Nolan Arenado | STL | 3B | – |
| 18 | George Springer | TOR | OF | – |
| 19 | Yordan Alvarez | HOU | OF | – |
| 20 | Matt Chapman | OAK | 3B | – |
| 21 | Franmil Reyes | CLE | OF | – |
| 22 | Mookie Betts | LAD | OF | – |
| 23 | José Abreu | CWS | 1B | – |
| 24 | Trevor Story | COL | SS | – |
| 25 | Max Muncy | LAD | 1B/2B/3B | – |
Off the list: N/A
Do yourself a favor and check out Juan Soto’s Baseball Savant page. His ability and presence at the dish is that of a Hall of Famer and the guy is only 22 years old. Soto was on a 45-HR pace in 2020 and his full season pace for his career is around 36 bombs. Expect him to contribute in several categories and contend for the MVP for many, many years.
Deep League Top 10 (>12-team leagues/65% owned or less)
| Rank | Name | Team | Position | Change |
| 1 | C.J. Cron | COL | 1B | – |
| 2 | Joc Pederson | CHC | 1B/OF | – |
| 3 | Adam Duvall | MIA | OF | – |
| 4 | Bobby Dalbec | BOS | 1B | – |
| 5 | Justin Upton | LAA | OF | – |
| 6 | Kyle Seager | SEA | 3B | – |
| 7 | Rowdy Tellez | TOR | 1B | – |
| 8 | Austin Riley | ATL | 3B/OF | – |
| 9 | Carlos Santana | KC | 1B | – |
| 10 | Mitch Haniger | SEA | OF | – |
Off the list: N/A
What do you get when you stick a guy with tremendous raw power in the hitters’ haven that is Coors Field? The answer is an absolute frenzy within the fantasy community behind one C.J. Cron, and rightfully so. Cron is looking like a sure thing when it comes to 30+ HR potential for this upcoming season.
Runs Batted In (RBI)
Top 25
| Rank | Name | Team | Position | Change |
| 1 | Mike Trout | LAA | OF | – |
| 2 | Juan Soto | WSH | OF | – |
| 3 | José Abreu | CWS | 1B | – |
| 4 | Manny Machado | SD | 3B/SS | – |
| 5 | Anthony Rendon | LAA | 3B | – |
| 6 | Pete Alonso | NYM | 1B | – |
| 7 | Bryce Harper | PHI | OF | – |
| 8 | Marcell Ozuna | ATL | OF | – |
| 9 | Fernando Tatis Jr. | SD | SS | – |
| 10 | Nolan Arenado | STL | 3B | – |
| 11 | Eugenio Suárez | CIN | 3B | – |
| 12 | Nelson Cruz | MIN | UT | – |
| 13 | José Ramírez | CLE | 3B | – |
| 14 | Rafael Devers | BOS | 3B | – |
| 15 | Ronald Acuña Jr. | ATL | OF | – |
| 16 | Yordan Alvarez | HOU | OF | – |
| 17 | Trevor Story | COL | SS | – |
| 18 | Mookie Betts | LAD | OF | – |
| 19 | Xander Bogaerts | BOS | SS | – |
| 20 | Aaron Judge | NYY | OF | – |
| 21 | Matt Olson | OAK | 1B | – |
| 22 | Mike Moustakas | CIN | 1B/2B/3B | – |
| 23 | Corey Seager | LAD | SS | – |
| 24 | Alex Bregman | HOU | 3B/SS | – |
| 25 | Vladimir Guerrero Jr. | TOR | 1B/3B | – |
Off the list: N/A
In his first year in Atlanta, Marcell Ozuna nearly won the triple crown. Needless to say the Braves brought their slugger back and he plans to be thrown right back into the middle of their order. While primarily serving as the Bravos’ DH last year may have contributed to his incredible success, Ozuna still projects to provide a ton of run production in a loaded Atlanta lineup.
Deep League Top 10 (>12-team leagues/65% owned or less)
| Rank | Name | Team | Position | Change |
| 1 | Kyle Seager | SEA | 3B | – |
| 2 | C.J. Cron | COL | 1B | – |
| 3 | Brian Anderson | MIA | 3B/OF | – |
| 4 | Carlos Santana | KC | 1B | – |
| 5 | Jesús Aguilar | MIA | 1B | – |
| 6 | Bobby Dalbec | BOS | 1B | – |
| 7 | Mitch Haniger | SEA | OF | – |
| 8 | Ty France | SEA | 2B/3B | – |
| 9 | Aaron Hicks | NYY | OF | – |
| 10 | Yuli Gurriel | HOU | 1B/3B | – |
Off the list: N/A
Ty France finds himself gaining a ton of momentum heading into the final days of draft season as the year gets ready to begin. He is tearing the cover off the ball in spring and has enough of a minor league track record to back up all the helium. From 2018-2019, France drove in 185 runs in 205 games between AA and AAA ball. He is projected to bat right around the middle of the order in Seattle.
Stolen Bases (SB)
Top 25
| Rank | Name | Team | Position | Change |
| 1 | Adalberto Mondesi | KC | SS | – |
| 2 | Trea Turner | WSH | SS | – |
| 3 | Ronald Acuña Jr. | ATL | OF | – |
| 4 | Whit Merrifield | KC | 2B/OF | – |
| 5 | Trevor Story | COL | SS | – |
| 6 | Luis Robert | CWS | OF | – |
| 7 | Starling Marte | MIA | OF | – |
| 8 | José Ramírez | CLE | 3B | – |
| 9 | Fernando Tatis Jr. | SD | SS | – |
| 10 | Leody Taveras | TEX | OF | – |
| 11 | Jonathan Villar | NYM | 2B/SS | – |
| 12 | Bo Bichette | TOR | SS | – |
| 13 | Mookie Betts | LAD | OF | – |
| 14 | Jon Berti | MIA | 2B/3B/SS/OF | – |
| 15 | Dylan Moore | SEA | 2B/3B/SS/OF | – |
| 16 | Tim Anderson | CWS | SS | – |
| 17 | Victor Robles | WSH | OF | – |
| 18 | Christian Yelich | MIL | OF | – |
| 19 | Andrés Giménez | CLE | 2B/3B/SS | – |
| 20 | Myles Straw | HOU | SS/OF | – |
| 21 | Francisco Lindor | NYM | SS | – |
| 22 | Tommy Pham | SD | OF | – |
| 23 | Byron Buxton | MIN | OF | – |
| 24 | Manuel Margot | TB | OF | – |
| 25 | Trent Grisham | SD | OF | – |
Off the list: N/A
The volatility of Leody Taveras makes him somewhat of a risky play in most leagues, but his potential makes him super intriguing as well. If he does get the nod to bat leadoff for the Rangers then he is definitely worth a look if you are, a lot like me, someone who did not want to pay a hefty price for steals.
Deep League Top 10 (>12-team leagues/65% owned or less)
| Rank | Name | Team | Position | Change |
| 1 | Leody Taveras | TEX | OF | – |
| 2 | Jon Berti | MIA | 2B/3B/SS/OF | – |
| 3 | Myles Straw | HOU | SS/OF | – |
| 4 | Manuel Margot | TB | OF | – |
| 5 | Garrett Hampson | COL | 2B/SS/OF | – |
| 6 | Elvis Andrus | OAK | SS | – |
| 7 | Kevin Kiermaier | TB | OF | – |
| 8 | Nick Senzel | CIN | OF | – |
| 9 | Jazz Chisholm Jr. | MIA | 2B/SS | – |
| 10 | Ha-seong Kim | SD | 2B/SS | – |
Off the list: N/A
While playing time may be questionable, the ability to provide power and speed makes Ha-seong Kim someone to keep tabs on. A perennial 20/20 guy in the KBO, Kim is looking destined for a utility role with San Diego. However, he is one injury away from becoming a must-own player.
On-Base Percentage (OBP)
Top 25
| Rank | Name | Team | Position | Change |
| 1 | Mike Trout | LAA | OF | – |
| 2 | Juan Soto | WSH | OF | – |
| 3 | Mookie Betts | LAD | OF | – |
| 4 | Christian Yelich | MIL | OF | – |
| 5 | Anthony Rendon | LAA | 3B | – |
| 6 | Freddie Freeman | ATL | 1B | – |
| 7 | Alex Bregman | HOU | 3B/SS | – |
| 8 | Bryce Harper | PHI | OF | – |
| 9 | Anthony Rizzo | CHC | 1B | – |
| 10 | Kris Bryant | CHC | 3B/OF | – |
| 11 | DJ LeMahieu | NYY | 1B/2B/3B | – |
| 12 | George Springer | TOR | OF | – |
| 13 | Jeff McNeil | NYM | 2B/3B/OF | – |
| 14 | Aaron Judge | NYY | OF | – |
| 15 | Paul Goldschmidt | STL | 1B | – |
| 16 | Xander Bogaerts | BOS | SS | – |
| 17 | Cody Bellinger | LAD | 1B/OF | – |
| 18 | Nelson Cruz | MIN | UT | – |
| 19 | Nolan Arenado | STL | 3B | – |
| 20 | Brandon Nimmo | NYM | OF | – |
| 21 | Justin Turner | LAD | 3B | – |
| 22 | Michael Brantley | HOU | OF | – |
| 23 | Michael Conforto | NYM | OF | – |
| 24 | Carlos Santana | KC | 1B | – |
| 25 | Mark Canha | OAK | 1B/OF | – |
Off the list: N/A
With a career OBP of .390, Brandon Nimmo stands as the unquestioned obvious option as leadoff hitter for the Metropolitans. Hitting in front of the newest face of the franchise Francisco Lindor and former home run king Pete Alonso, Nimmo could be in store for a huge breakout. I am fully on board.
Deep League Top 10 (>12-team leagues/65% owned or less)
maed
| Rank | Name | Team | Position | Change |
| 1 | Brandon Nimmo | NYM | OF | – |
| 2 | Carlos Santana | KC | 1B | – |
| 3 | Mark Canha | OAK | 1B/OF | – |
| 4 | Joey Votto | CIN | 1B | – |
| 5 | Aaron Hicks | NYY | OF | – |
| 6 | Brandon Belt | SF | 1B/OF | – |
| 7 | Andrew Vaughn | CHW | 1B | – |
| 8 | Jason Heyward | CHC | OF | – |
| 9 | César Hernández | CLE | 2B | – |
| 10 | Hunter Dozier | KC | 1B/3B/OF | – |
Off the list: N/A
With the injury to Eloy Jiménez, it is looking like Andrew Vaughn has made his way into the starting lineup for the White Sox in some capacity. The top prospect has the elite on base skills to be a huge contributor in OBP and other categories as long as he sees regular playing time. If he is still on your waiver wire, don’t walk, RUN to get him.
Wins (W)
Top 25
| Rank | Name | Team | Position | Change |
| 1 | Gerrit Cole | NYY | SP | – |
| 2 | Jacob deGrom | NYM | SP | – |
| 3 | Shane Bieber | CLE | SP | – |
| 4 | Clayton Kershaw | LAD | SP | – |
| 5 | Aaron Nola | PHI | SP | – |
| 6 | Trevor Bauer | LAD | SP | – |
| 7 | Max Scherzer | WSH | SP | – |
| 8 | Lucas Giolito | CWS | SP | – |
| 9 | Yu Darvish | SD | SP | – |
| 10 | Walker Buehler | LAD | SP | – |
| 11 | Kyle Hendricks | CHC | SP | – |
| 12 | José Berríos | MIN | SP | – |
| 13 | Luis Castillo | CIN | SP | – |
| 14 | Brandon Woodruff | MIL | SP | – |
| 15 | Max Fried | ATL | SP | – |
| 16 | Blake Snell | SD | SP | – |
| 17 | Jack Flaherty | STL | SP | – |
| 18 | Chris Paddack | SD | SP | – |
| 19 | Lance Lynn | CWS | SP | – |
| 20 | Charlie Morton | ATL | SP | – |
| 21 | Kenta Maeda | MIN | SP/RP | – |
| 22 | Tyler Glasnow | TB | SP | – |
| 23 | Zach Plesac | CLE | SP | – |
| 24 | Jesús Luzardo | OAK | SP/RP | – |
| 25 | Marco Gonzales | SEA | SP | – |
Off the list: N/A
Kenta Maeda has followed up his sensational 2020 with 18 innings of one run ball this spring. As odd as it sounds, moving away from the Dodgers has worked wonders for Maeda and he looks poised to continue his success as a full-time starter with the Twins.
Deep League Top 10 (>12-team leagues/65% owned or less)
| Rank | Name | Team | Position | Change |
| 1 | Michael Pineda | MIN | SP | – |
| 2 | Yusei Kikuchi | SEA | SP | – |
| 3 | Adam Wainwright | STL | SP | – |
| 4 | Nathan Eovaldi | BOS | SP/RP | – |
| 5 | Carlos Martínez | STL | SP/RP | – |
| 6 | Zach Davies | CHC | SP | – |
| 7 | Jordan Montgomery | NYY | SP | – |
| 8 | Taijuan Walker | NYM | SP | – |
| 9 | Brady Singer | KC | SP | – |
| 10 | Justus Sheffield | SEA | SP | – |
Off the list: N/A
Taijuan Walker might be a risky bet to reach even ten starts let alone ten wins this year but with the Mets potent lineup behind him he stands a chance. Health has always been the question for the now 28-year old but here’s to hoping we get a full season out of the former top prospect.
Earned Run Average (ERA)
Top 25
| Rank | Name | Team | Position | Change |
| 1 | Jacob deGrom | NYM | SP | – |
| 2 | Shane Bieber | CLE | SP | – |
| 3 | Gerrit Cole | NYY | SP | – |
| 4 | Clayton Kershaw | LAD | SP | – |
| 5 | Walker Buehler | LAD | SP | – |
| 6 | Hyun Jin Ryu | TOR | SP | – |
| 7 | Max Scherzer | WSH | SP | – |
| 8 | Yu Darvish | SD | SP | – |
| 9 | Trevor Bauer | LAD | SP | – |
| 10 | Luis Castillo | CIN | SP | – |
| 11 | Aaron Nola | PHI | SP | – |
| 12 | Blake Snell | SD | SP | – |
| 13 | Kyle Hendricks | CHC | SP | – |
| 14 | Lucas Giolito | CWS | SP | – |
| 15 | Corbin Burnes | MIL | SP/RP | – |
| 16 | Zac Gallen | ARZ | SP | – |
| 17 | Charlie Morton | ATL | SP | – |
| 18 | Julio Urías | LAD | SP/RP | – |
| 19 | Zack Wheeler | PHI | SP | – |
| 20 | Jack Flaherty | STL | SP | – |
| 21 | Brandon Woodruff | MIL | SP | – |
| 22 | Sonny Gray | CIN | SP | – |
| 23 | Lance Lynn | CWS | SP | – |
| 24 | Sixto Sánchez | MIA | SP | – |
| 25 | Max Fried | ATL | SP | – |
Off the list: N/A
The success of Yu Darvish’s cutter continued in 2020 as he put together his best season yet, albeit abbreviated. Now in a far more pitcher-friendly park in San Diego, Darvish looks like a good bet to be a top tier ace once again.
Deep League Top 10 (>12-team leagues/65% owned or less)
| Rank | Name | Team | Position | Change |
| 1 | Zach Davies | CHC | SP | – |
| 2 | Freddy Peralta | MIL | SP/RP | – |
| 3 | Taijuan Walker | NYM | SP | – |
| 4 | Justus Sheffield | SEA | SP | – |
| 5 | Nate Pearson | TOR | SP | – |
| 6 | Brad Keller | SP | SP | – |
| 7 | Trevor Rogers | MIA | SP | – |
| 8 | Dane Dunning | TEX | SP | – |
| 9 | Ryan Yarbrough | TB | SP/RP | – |
| 10 | Elieser Hernandez | MIA | SP | – |
Off the list: N/A
After a strong showing in 2020, Elieser Hernandez looks poised to build off of his 3.16 ERA across six starts. Hernandez has brought his changeup back into his arsenal this year which can only help. Sixto Sanchez and Trevor Rogers are getting a lot of the hype this year, but keep an eye on Hernandez.
Strikeouts (K)
Top 25
| Rank | Name | Team | Position | Change |
| 1 | Gerrit Cole | NYY | SP | – |
| 2 | Shane Bieber | CLE | SP | – |
| 3 | Jacob deGrom | NYM | SP | – |
| 4 | Max Scherzer | WSH | SP | – |
| 5 | Trevor Bauer | LAD | SP | – |
| 6 | Aaron Nola | PHI | SP | – |
| 7 | Lucas Giolito | CWS | SP | – |
| 8 | Yu Darvish | SD | SP | – |
| 9 | Lance Lynn | CWS | SP | – |
| 10 | Luis Castillo | CIN | SP | – |
| 11 | Walker Buehler | LAD | SP | – |
| 12 | Tyler Glasnow | TB | SP | – |
| 13 | Brandon Woodruff | MIL | SP | – |
| 14 | Blake Snell | SD | SP | – |
| 15 | Jack Flaherty | STL | SP | – |
| 16 | Corbin Burnes | MIL | SP/RP | – |
| 17 | José Berríos | MIN | SP | – |
| 18 | Clayton Kershaw | LAD | SP | – |
| 19 | Robbie Ray | TOR | SP | – |
| 20 | Charlie Morton | ATL | SP | – |
| 21 | Patrick Corbin | WSH | SP | – |
| 22 | Germán Márquez | COL | SP | – |
| 23 | Sonny Gray | CIN | SP | – |
| 24 | Kenta Maeda | MIN | SP/RP | – |
| 25 | Stephen Strasburg | WSH | SP | – |
Off the list: N/A
One glaring name that is missing from this list is Dinelson Lamet. I want to wait and see how he progresses as the Padres continue to be super careful with their electric righty and his delicate elbow. Corbin Burnes broke out last year to the tune of striking out over 13 batters per nine. He limited long balls and hard contact in general and that is due in large part from introducing a new cutter.
Deep League Top 10 (>12-team leagues/65% owned or less)
| Rank | Name | Team | Position | Change |
| 1 | Robbie Ray | TOR | SP | – |
| 2 | Freddy Peralta | MIL | SP/RP | – |
| 3 | Matthew Boyd | DET | SP | – |
| 4 | Rich Hill | TB | SP | – |
| 5 | Trevor Rogers | MIA | SP | – |
| 6 | Mike Minor | KC | SP | – |
| 7 | Elieser Hernandez | MIA | SP | – |
| 8 | Tarik Skubal | DET | SP | – |
| 9 | Kris Bubic | KC | SP | – |
| 10 | Drew Smyly | ATL | SP | – |
Off the list: N/A
It has been announced that Freddy Peralta will get a shot in the rotation to start the year for the Brewers, much to the delight of fantasy players. Peralta has absolutely wipeout stuff. He finally began to lay off his fastball as he was up to almost 80% usage with it in 2019. The increased use of his slider has spiked his strikeout numbers and has fantasy owners salivating over the potential if he is able to stick in the rotation.
Saves (SV)
Top 25
| Rank | Name | Team | Position | Change |
| 1 | Liam Hendriks | CWS | RP | – |
| 2 | Aroldis Chapman | NYY | RP | – |
| 3 | Kenley Jansen | LAD | RP | – |
| 4 | Josh Hader | MIL | RP | – |
| 5 | Trevor Rosenthal | OAK | RP | – |
| 6 | Brad Hand | WSH | RP | – |
| 7 | Raisel Iglesias | LAA | RP | – |
| 8 | Ryan Pressly | HOU | RP | – |
| 9 | Edwin Díaz | NYM | RP | – |
| 10 | James Karinchak | CLE | RP | – |
| 11 | Jordan Romano | TOR | RP | – |
| 12 | Craig Kimbrel | CHC | RP | – |
| 13 | Rafael Montero | SEA | RP | – |
| 14 | Amir Garrett | CIN | RP | – |
| 15 | Daniel Bard | COL | RP | – |
| 16 | Jordan Hicks | STL | RP | – |
| 17 | Alex Colomé | MIN | RP | – |
| 18 | Anthony Bass | MIA | RP | – |
| 19 | Will Smith | ATL | RP | – |
| 20 | Héctor Neris | PHI | RP | – |
| 21 | Archie Bradley | PHI | RP | – |
| 22 | Emilio Pagán | SD | RP | – |
| 23 | Jake McGee | SF | RP | – |
| 24 | Joakim Soria | ARZ | RP | – |
| 25 | Diego Castillo | TB | SP/RP | – |
Off the list: N/A
The closer landscape is about as ugly as it’s ever been. Several teams find themselves in limbo without a solidified ninth inning guy. This year, more than ever, I have seen two types of approaches to saves: gunning for them early, or punting them in the draft and just waiting for pieces to fall/guys to lose their jobs. Which one are you?
Deep League Top 10 (>12-Team leagues/65% owned or less)
| Rank | Name | Team | Position | Change |
| 1 | Daniel Bard | COL | RP | – |
| 2 | Anthony Bass | MIA | RP | – |
| 3 | Héctor Neris | PHI | RP | – |
| 4 | Emilio Pagán | SD | RP | – |
| 5 | Jake McGee | SF | RP | – |
| 6 | Joakim Soria | ARZ | RP | – |
| 7 | Diego Castillo | TB | SP/RP | – |
| 8 | Pete Fairbanks | TB | RP | – |
| 9 | Greg Holland | KC | RP | – |
| 10 | Adam Ottavino | BOS | RP | – |
Off the list: N/A
Tampa Bay historically has never been one to assign a designated closer for the ninth inning, and its hard to argue the game plan as it has worked for them. For fantasy players, it is completely maddening. The Rays have multiple weapons in their pen that could close for most teams, with two of which being Diego Castillo and Pete Fairbanks. With the recent news of Nick Anderson’s potentially serious injury, Castillo and Fairbanks appear to be the next up for the role. Good luck trying to identify which one will be given the first crack at it.
WHIP (Walks+Hits/Innings Pitched)
Top 25
| Rank | Name | Team | Position | Change |
| 1 | Jacob deGrom | NYM | SP | – |
| 2 | Gerrit Cole | NYY | SP | – |
| 3 | Walker Buehler | LAD | SP | – |
| 4 | Shane Bieber | CLE | SP | – |
| 5 | Clayton Kershaw | LAD | SP | – |
| 6 | Yu Darvish | SD | SP | – |
| 7 | Lucas Giolito | CWS | SP | – |
| 8 | Aaron Nola | PHI | SP | – |
| 9 | Jack Flaherty | STL | SP | – |
| 10 | Trevor Bauer | LAD | SP | – |
| 11 | Kenta Maeda | MIN | SP/RP | – |
| 12 | Brandon Woodruff | MIL | SP | – |
| 13 | Kyle Hendricks | CHC | SP | – |
| 14 | Chris Paddack | SD | SP | – |
| 15 | Zack Greinke | HOU | SP | – |
| 16 | Zac Gallen | ARZ | SP | – |
| 17 | Tyler Glasnow | TB | SP | – |
| 18 | Zack Wheeler | PHI | SP | – |
| 19 | Corey Kluber | NYY | SP | – |
| 20 | Zach Plesac | CLE | SP | – |
| 21 | Sonny Gray | CIN | SP | – |
| 22 | Hyun Jin Ryu | TOR | SP | – |
| 23 | Corbin Burnes | MIL | SP/RP | – |
| 24 | Stephen Strasburg | WSH | SP | – |
| 25 | Pablo López | MIA | SP | – |
Off the list: N/A
Pablo López’s fastball/changeup combo was working in 2020. The 25-year old broke out in the COVID-shortened campaign and demonstrated a real knack for limiting baserunners. The slight uptick in his heater was also a nice sign last year and López looks to be a real anchor for the young and exciting Marlins’ rotation.
Deep League Top 10 (>12-team leagues/65% owned or less)
| Rank | Name | Team | Position | Change |
| 1 | John Means | BAL | SP | – |
| 2 | Freddy Peralta | MIL | SP/RP | – |
| 3 | Drew Smyly | ATL | SP | – |
| 4 | Johnny Cueto | SF | SP | – |
| 5 | Elieser Hernandez | MIA | SP | – |
| 6 | Madison Bumgarner | ARZ | SP | – |
| 7 | Trevor Rogers | MIA | SP | – |
| 8 | Nate Pearson | TOR | SP | – |
| 9 | Mike Minor | KC | SP | – |
| 10 | Rich Hill | TB | SP | – |
Off the list: N/A
One of the biggest sleeper/breakout picks for this upcoming season, John Means‘ increase in fastball velocity has gotten everyone on board. As long as Means can limit the long ball, he could be a very effective arm to use in mixed leagues.
Quality Starts (QS)
Top 25
| Rank | Name | Team | Position | Change |
| 1 | Jacob deGrom | NYM | SP | – |
| 2 | Gerrit Cole | NYY | SP | – |
| 3 | Shane Bieber | CLE | SP | – |
| 4 | Clayton Kershaw | LAD | SP | – |
| 5 | Trevor Bauer | LAD | SP | – |
| 6 | Aaron Nola | PHI | SP | – |
| 7 | Max Scherzer | WSH | SP | – |
| 8 | Zack Greinke | HOU | SP | – |
| 9 | Lucas Giolito | CWS | SP | – |
| 10 | Lance Lynn | CWS | SP | – |
| 11 | Luis Castillo | CIN | SP | – |
| 12 | Jack Flaherty | STL | SP | – |
| 13 | Hyun Jin Ryu | TOR | SP | – |
| 14 | Yu Darvish | SD | SP | – |
| 15 | José Berríos | MIN | SP | – |
| 16 | Kyle Hendricks | CHC | SP | – |
| 17 | Zac Gallen | ARZ | SP | – |
| 18 | Charlie Morton | ATL | SP | – |
| 19 | Kenta Maeda | MIN | SP/RP | – |
| 20 | Brandon Woodruff | MIL | SP | – |
| 21 | Walker Buehler | LAD | SP | – |
| 22 | Sixto Sánchez | MIA | SP | – |
| 23 | Max Fried | ATL | SP | – |
| 24 | Dylan Bundy | LAA | SP | – |
| 25 | Zach Plesac | CLE | SP | – |
Off the list: N/A
Kyle Hendricks had more quality starts last year than Jacob deGrom and Gerrit Cole. Hendricks continuously gets overlooked but is still as solid as they come. With a career 1.10 WHIP, you can pretty much pencil him in for the same numbers year in and year out, and there is really nothing wrong with that.
Deep League Top 10 (>12-team leagues/65% owned or less)
| Rank | Name | Team | Position | Change |
| 1 | Adam Wainwright | STL | SP | – |
| 2 | Michael Pineda | MIN | SP | – |
| 3 | Brad Keller | KC | SP | – |
| 4 | Griffin Canning | LAA | SP | – |
| 5 | Justus Sheffield | SEA | SP | – |
| 6 | John Means | BAL | SP | – |
| 7 | Carlos Martínez | STL | SP/RP | – |
| 8 | Drew Smyly | ATL | SP | – |
| 9 | Jordan Montgomery | NYY | SP | – |
| 10 | Trevor Rogers | MIA | SP | – |
Off the list: N/A
Adam Wainwright posted seven quality starts a year ago, which was more than Clayton Kershaw and Max Scherzer. The 39-year old continues to get it done and while he may not be worth owning, he is certainly always going to be on the streaming radar as long as he continues to lace up his cleats.
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@freshmeatcomm on Twitter)