The Preseason Fantasy Baseball Buzz: Beyond the Obvious Picks
Fantasy baseball preseason is a whirlwind of speculation, projections, and last-minute roster tweaks. While the usual suspects like Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge dominate early drafts, the real intrigue lies in the players whose stock is rising unexpectedly. This year, I’ve shifted my focus from rostership rates to ADP (Average Draft Position) jumps in NFBC draft-and-hold leagues, and the results are fascinating.
Batters: The Rising Stars and Hidden Gems
Kazuma Okamoto is one to watch. Personally, I think his projected power and batting average at third base make him a sleeper pick. What many people don’t realize is that third base is often a thin position, and Okamoto could be a steal in later rounds. If you take a step back and think about it, he’s the kind of player who could quietly anchor your lineup.
Nasim Nuñez is another intriguing name. His playing time is uncertain, but the potential for 40+ steals and a .350 OBP is hard to ignore. In my opinion, speed is undervalued in fantasy baseball, and Nuñez could be a game-changer in that category. A detail that I find especially interesting is how his skill set could single-handedly boost your team’s stolen base totals.
Austin Hays is a player I’m particularly bullish on. A 20+ HR bat available on the wire? That’s free power. What this really suggests is that Hays could be a late-round addition who outperforms his draft position by a wide margin.
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is possibly the best hitter on this list, but his IL stint to start the season complicates things. From my perspective, he’s a high-risk, high-reward pick. If he returns in mid-April as expected, he could be a steal. However, the injury history is a red flag that can’t be ignored.
Luisangel Acuña is a steals specialist who could be the White Sox’s centerfielder. One thing that immediately stands out is his speed, but batting at the bottom of a weak lineup limits his RBI and run-scoring potential. This raises a deeper question: Is speed enough to justify his roster spot?
Pitchers: The Arms to Watch
Matthew Liberatore dominated Spring Training with a 1.80 ERA and 11.4 K/9. What makes this particularly fascinating is that he’s getting the Opening Day nod, which could set the tone for a breakout season. In my opinion, he’s a must-add in all formats.
Max Meyer is another pitcher I’m keeping an eye on. He’s healthy after a strong 2023 campaign, and his 3.51 xFIP suggests he could be a reliable starter. What many people don’t realize is that health is often the biggest variable for young pitchers, and Meyer seems to have cleared that hurdle.
Kyle Harrison is making the Brewers’ rotation and could lean more on his changeup, which has a 15% SwStr%. Personally, I think this is a player who could fly under the radar and provide solid value throughout the season.
Chris Bassitt is a consistent performer who often outperforms his ERA estimators. From my perspective, he’s a safe pick for those who value reliability over upside. What this really suggests is that Bassitt could be a stabilizing force in your rotation.
Relief Pitchers: The Closer Carousel
Griffin Jax is a great reliever who should get most of the closing chances for his team. In my opinion, he’s a solid pickup for teams in need of saves. What makes this particularly fascinating is how quickly closer roles can change, and Jax seems to be in a good position to hold onto his.
Paul Sewald is a below-average reliever who could still be the closer. Personally, I think this is a situation to monitor closely. If you take a step back and think about it, closer roles are often fluid, and Sewald could provide value if he locks down the job.
A.J. Puk is a great reliever who could eventually be the closer but is currently on the IL. From my perspective, he’s a high-upside stash for teams with bench space. What this really suggests is that patience could pay off big time with Puk.
Final Thoughts
Preseason fantasy baseball is as much about storytelling as it is about stats. Each player’s narrative—whether it’s a rising prospect, a rebounding veteran, or an injury comeback—adds a layer of intrigue to your roster decisions. Personally, I think the key to a successful draft is balancing the obvious picks with these under-the-radar players who could surprise everyone.
If you take a step back and think about it, the beauty of fantasy baseball lies in these moments of discovery. Who will be this year’s breakout star? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the players on this list are worth your attention.
