Despite an extremely abbreviated baseball season this year, we have seen some incredible fantasy stories, from Brandon Lowe’s immense production in Tampa, to the major decline of former MVP Christian Yelich. My favourite players this year have been Shane Bieber, Whit Merrifield, and Teoscar Hernandez.
Figuring out one’s 2021 fantasy baseball draft game plan will be challenging, as weighing those that experienced a decline or improvement during this shortened season, much like Lowe and Yelich, will be tough to quantify.
Although the 2021 season is light years away, here is my gameplan for the first round of next year’s draft (subject to change and further analysis, of course)
- Shane Bieber – Cleveland Indians
The perennial MVP has complied a 8-1 record, with a 1.63 ERA and an eye-popping 122 strike outs (!!!). Bieber will likely be a top 5 draft pick next spring, even higher if he can pair his AL Cy Young trophy with an MVP one.
2. Ronald Acuna Jr. – Atlanta Braves
Despite some injury trouble this year, Acuna Jr. remains a 5 category monster. The 22-year-old has made a major year-over-year jump with his OPS (1.026) while tallying 13 homers and six steals in 42 games. He is striking out at a similar rate to last season and dramatically improved his walk rate. The potential for a 40-40 season is still there
3. Juan Soto – Washington Nationals
Having produced a 1.164 OPS this season that has boosted his career mark to .967, Soto can make a case for being one of, if not the best hitter in baseball. The 21-year-old helps fantasy managers could in four categories, and it is only his lack of elite speed (21 career steals) that keeps Soto from pushing past Acuna for the top spot.
4. Mookie Betts – LA Dodgers
Betts has become arguably the most consistent player in fantasy baseball. The outfielder will post an OPS over .900 for a third straight year and has averaged 27 homers and 24 steals from 2015-19. He leads the Majors by a wide margin in total runs scored since the outset of 2018 and will once again sit atop a high-powered lineup after inking a long-term contract with the LA Dodgers.
5. Fernando Tatis Jr. – SD Padres
Fantasy managers who gambled on Tatis’ ability to repeat his stellar 2019 were well-rewarded this season. The 21-year-old was the top fantasy hitter for much of the year, and despite a late-season decline he still ranks no lower than 11th in any of the four counting-stat categories. With 37 long balls and 27 swipes in 139 career games, Tatis has the potential to go 40-30 next year.
6. Mike Trout – LA Angels
Though Mike may not steal many bases any more, he is in the midst of posting an OPS over 1.000 for a fourth straight season, and consistently logs a high average and ranks among the HR leaders.
7. Trea Turner – Washington Nationals
Turner has gone from a pure roadrunner to one of the premier five-category contributors in the league. The 27-year-old has made major improvements to his batting average (.339) and power (10 homers), all the while lowering strikeout rate. Optimistic managers can hope Turner puts it all together next year and produces 25 homers, 35 steals, and a 3.25 + BA.
8. Trevor Story – Colorado Rockies
Story has become one of the most consistent players in the fantasy landscape over the past few years. The shortstop leads the National League with 14 steals, while also putting up a .295 average, 11 homers, and 39 runs scored. Story’s production this year comes after averaging 36 long balls, 25 steals, 100 runs, and 97 RBIs across 2018-19. There is no safer bet in fantasy than Coors Field, and Story is the best option to take advantage of the hitter-friendly ballpark.
9. Jose Ramirez – Cleveland Indians
An AL MVP candidate this year, Ramirez has been on fire the past two week and combing his power-speed capabilities to help Cleveland qualify for the post-season. Compiling a 2.86 average, 43 runs, 17 HR’s, 44 RBI’s, and 10 SB’s, Jose is still a 5 category star hitting in the middle of a dangerous ball club.
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