The League of Alternative Baseball Reality (LABR) had its mixed draft this past Tuesday night. I was one of 15 teams in a very competitive draft with some of the best fantasy baseball minds in the industry.
I have added the draft board to the end of the article so you can see what the other teams did. I came in second two years ago, so I am hoping to get the “W” this season!
Dr. Roto’s Mixed LABR team:
Round 1—OF Francisco Tatis, Jr., Padres
Pick Analysis: I was either going to take Lindor or Tatis, as either way, I am getting a tremendous five-tool player.
Round 2—3B/OF Jazz Chisholm, Yankees
Pick Analysis: Third base is a tough position to fill and Jazz might qualify at 2B as well by the time the season ends. Plus he gets to hit at Yankee Stadium.
Round 3—OF Wyatt Langford, Rangers
Pick Analysis: He’s dealing with a spring training injury, but I expect him to be ready for Opening Day.
Round 4—OF James Wood, Nationals
Pick Analysis: An exciting five-tool player who is ready to break out.
Round 5—SP Shota Imanaga, Cubs
Pick Analysis: Love getting him as my SP1.
Round 6—SP Spencer Schwellenbach, Braves
Pick Analysis: Hoping he builds on his tremendous rookie season and breaks out in 2025.
Round 7—1B Vinnie Pasquantino, Royals
Pick Analysis: He lacks some power, but the rest of his stats are terrific.
Round 8—SP Justin Steele, Cubs
Pick Analysis: Could have taken Sasaki, but Steele will get the ball every 5th day and pitch 175+ innings, so he felt like the safer option.
Round 9—C Logan O’Hoppe, Angels
Pick Analysis: Should hit 25 HR this season.
Round 10—SP Shane McLanahan, Rays
Pick Analysis: Might only get 130 IP from him, but those innings could be majestic.
Round 11—SS/OF Cedanne Rafaela, Red Sox
Pick Analysis: Love the position flexibility and think he settles down in CF this season.
Round 12—OF Taylor Ward, Angels
Pick Analysis: Solid hitter with 25 HR power.
Round 13—1B Ryan Mountcastle, Orioles
Pick Analysis: Feels like a boring pick, but taking him allows me to be more aggressive later.
Round 14—3B Matt Shaw, Cubs
Pick Analysis: Taking Mountcastle allowed me to be aggressive, taking Shaw, who could be the NL Rookie of the Year.
Pick Round 15—RP A.J. Puk, D’Backs
Pick Analysis: Worst case scenario, I get 6 wins and 10 saves; best case scenario, I get 3 wins and 35 saves.
Pick Round 16—SP Drew Rasmussen, Rays
Pick Analysis: Tremendous arm IF he stays healthy.
Pick Round 17—2B Thairo Estrada, Rockies
Pick Analysis: Hoping hitting in Colorado resurrects his career.
Pick Round 18—OF Jung Hoo Lee, Giants
Pick Analysis: Was hitting well before he got injured in 2024.
Round 19—RP Aroldis Chapman, Red Sox
Pick Analysis: Red Sox version of A.J Puk.
Round 20—SP Bubba Chandler, Pirates
Pick Analysis: 2025 version of Jared Jones.
Round 21—RP Orion Kerkering, Phillies
Pick Analysis: Best arm in the Phillies’ bullpen. It might take a few months, but I expect him to close.
Pick Round 22—3B Connor Norby, Marlins
Pick Analysis: At least three teams groaned in the chat when I took Norby. They all see his upside, too.
Round 23—SS H. Kim, Rays
Pick Analysis: Love stashing good players on the IR until they return. Kim will miss the first two months but I love him in the second half of the season.
Round 24—OF Dalton Varsho, Blue Jays
Pick Analysis: He’s injured but reports have him trying to make Opening Day. If not, another great stash.
Round 25—SP Casey Mize, Tigers
Pick Analysis: Feels like it’s now or never for this former top pick.
Round 26—C Kyle Higashioka, Rangers
Pick Analysis: Could easily be the starting catcher in Texas.
Round 27—3B Coby Mayo, Orioles
Pick Analysis: His bat will find its way into the lineup 5-6 days a week.
Round 28—RP Seth Halvorsen, Rockies
Pick Analysis: Could close in Colorado. Worth the risk in Round 28.
Round 29—OF Victor Scott, Cardinals
Pick Analysis: Couldn’t hit last season, but seems to have improved his stance at the plate.
