While the new MLB season is still some time away, baseball fans are already planning their 2015 fantasy options and weighing up their selections. One key aspect of fantasy baseball is getting it right when it comes to picking your team, with fantasy coaches looking get the best value players in all positions.
As punters are already heading to the likes of betfair to place their early-season wagers, fantasy fans are eagerly-anticipating the March draft. So, let’s check out those players who betting fans and fantasy coaches should be keeping a close eye on as they put together their rosters for 2015.
Catchers
While selecting a catcher might have been a relatively easy job in some seasons, there is no shortage of options when it comes to picking a starting backstop this season. The ever-reliable Salvador Perez from the Kansas City Royals still offers a level of stability that makes him an attractive proposition to a lot of coaches. But those looking for a riskier, more lucrative option will be looking at Devin Mesoraco and Yan Gomes. On the back of a sensational 2014 season, it’s little surprise to see Giants backstop Buster Posey as the firm number-one pick this year, although that could make him a tough selection for coaches who will have to act early in the drafts or shell out at auction in order to sign the 28-year-old. As far a potential bargains go, Travis d’Arnaud definitely falls into that category and could be very popular this season after a very impressive 2014 in the Triple-A which saw him recalled early by the Mets.
First Baseman
While much of the focus may be on whether to pick Paul Goldschmidt over Miguel Cabrera as your first baseman, there are a lot of other options out there for those looking at more alternatives. On the back of a brilliant first season, Jose Abreu is going to find himself a wanted man in the fantasy baseball world and coaches will have to move quickly to get the White Sox star. Anthony Rizzo made his mark with the Chicago Cubs last year and there is every chance the first baseman could be even more profitable this season now he has the likes of Jorge Soler, Javier Baez and Kris Bryant alongside him. While the Dodgers have lost some key players during the winter, Adrian Gonzalez will still be a tempting pick after leading the majors with 116 RBI’s in 2014.
Second Baseman
There have been plenty of changes to the second base rankings this year and that has only made it tougher for fantasy coaches in 2015. Anthony Rendon’s switch to the second base puts him in the mix and Jose Altuve will be looking to repeat his batting exploits from 2014. After a relatively difficult season, Robinson Cano will be motivated to return to form in 2015, but with more than 150 appearances to his name for eight consecutive years there are fewer better players out there to pick from. Neither Dustin Pedroia and Jason Kipnis lived up to expectations in 2014 but both are good options in 2015 and shouldn’t be overlooked, especially a fully fit Pedroia. Dee Gordon may have had a brilliant first half of last season but his second-half performances will rightly give fantasy coaches something to think about.
Third Baseman
Well, here’s where it gets a little easier. With Miguel Cabrera now not available at third base, it’s left to 36-year-old Adrian Beltre to top the third base rankings for 2015. Behind the veteran, it’s pretty much a safe bet you’ll get a solid option. Toronto Blue Jays star Josh Donaldson certainly has a lot going for him and his power could see him rack up some serious points at the batter-friendly Rogers Centre. Todd Frazier stole 20 bases last season and that could make him a very attractive option, but coaches will need to be aware that it’s highly unlikely that the Cincinnati Reds man will achieve that again in 2015. Colorado Rockies youngster Nolan Arenado impressed in 2014 and could have had even better figures had he not missed over a month of the season with injury, but the 24-year-old could be real player this year.
Shortstop
The main question for a lot of fantasy coaches this year will be whether to go with Troy Tulowitzki over Ian Desmond, but there are other options further down the rankings who will be of interest. Hanley Ramirez might be set to start the season in left field for the Red Sox but he is still eligible at shortstop and could be a decent pick as long as he can stay fit. Jhonny Peralta might not be the most exciting option out there but he can definitely swing that bat and will again be a popular choice in the draft. Xander Bogaerts will be keen to forget about 2014 as soon as possible and the youngster certainly has the ability to be a top three player this season if he can reach his full potential.
Outfielders
Despite his 184 strikeouts, Mike Trout will start 2015 as the number-one outfielder and those who selected the Los Angeles Angels man last season will know exactly what he brings to a fantasy team. Those looking elsewhere will need to weigh up the option of going for Giancarlo Stanton’s incredible power and home run-hitting ability or Andrew McCutchen’s all-round talent and consistency. Justin Upton caught the eye in 2014 with his 29 home runs, averaging 410 yards for each of his homers, and the 27-year-old could be excellent value this year.
Starting Pitchers
The question isn’t going to be whether or not you should be selecting Clayton Kershaw as your starting pitcher but whether you should be selecting him in the first round of a draft that has so many quality pitchers. The past two AL Cy Young winners, Corey Kluber and Max Scherzer will also be in the thinking of a lot of fantasy coaches, and it’s hard to pick between the two reliable pitchers. David Price might have had a tough 2014 but he still ended the season as one of the most consistent and profitable fantasy pitchers in the league. However, the Tigers pitcher might be something of a risk when compared to the likes of Stephen Strasburg, who isn’t starting this season with the same hype that has surrounded his early career and could be available at a bargain price. If Yu Darvish can get himself firing on all cylinders, the Texas Rangers star could be a very interesting option.
Relief Pitchers
Craig Kimbrel and Aroldis Chapman will split a lot of fantasy coaches and there really isn’t much to choose between the two. Behind the top two, Kenley Jansen and Greg Holland won’t be short of picks when it comes to the draft. Sean Doolittle’s insane 89-to-8 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 2014 has ensured he’ll be in the thinking of a lot of fantasy coaches this year, not to mention the fact he’ll now be given the closer’s job for Oakland this year. Despite his impressive 135 strikeouts from 90 innings, the fact Dellin Betances isn’t higher in the rankings is down to the fact there is still doubt as to whether or not he’ll start the season as the Yankees’ closer ahead of new signing Andrew Miller, who could also be a tempting option for fantasy coaches.