Tuesday night saw the first fantasy baseball expert draft of the season take place as LABR (League of Alternative Baseball Reality) kicked off. I was one of 15 teams in a very smart and competitive draft room. Here is the draft board so you can follow along.
I had the second overall pick, so I knew that I would wait a very long time between picks. This meant that I had to use some high-stakes drafting acumen to make sure I got the players I wanted.
Here is my team, along with my brief pick-by-pick analysis:
Expert Fantasy Baseball Draft Analysis
Round 1: Julio Rodriguez
Once Ronald Acuna Jr. was gone, it was between Rodriguez and Bobby Witt Jr. for me. With OF being a little shallow this season, I chose Rodriguez.
Round 2: Gunnar Henderson
I love the player and the team. He qualifies for multiple positions too.
Round 3: Luis Robert Jr.
If he can stay healthy, he has a shot for a 30/30 season.
Round 4: Logan Gilbert
Once I passed on selecting an ace in Round 3, I knew I needed to double-tap starters in Rounds 4/5. Gilbert is a solid arm who should continue to improve.
Round 5: Zach Eflin
His potential is top 10. The question is whether he can stay healthy.
Round 6: Christian Walker
Dr. Roto’s #1 fantasy baseball rule: ALWAYS draft a 1B who can hit 25+ home runs.
Round 7: Tanner Scott
I waited on closer, but I like taking Scott due to his arm and opportunity.
Round 8: Dansby Swanson
Taking Swanson makes passing on Witt the right move.
Round 9: Justin Steele
I was shocked he was still on the board in Round 9.
Round 10: Logan O’Hoppe
A catcher who can hit 25 home runs? Yes, please!
Round 11: Bo Naylor
Naylor didn’t bust out last year, but he could be a post-hype sleeper this season.
Round 12: Alec Bohm
Bohm qualifies at 1B/3B and plays on a top offense.
Round 13: Bryan Woo
Solid young arm.
Round 14: Shota Imanaga
I love drafting Japanese pitchers before the league sees them a few times.
Round 15: Maikel Garcia
This was purely a speed pick, but he’s a solid hitter, too.
Round 16: Jung Hoo Lee
The Giants paid him a ton of money. Always follow the money when it comes to young players getting playing time.
Round 17: Jorge Polanco
Now in Seattle, Polanco could relax and have the 20-HR season he is capable of.
Round 18: Seth Lugo
Lugo isn’t special, but he is a solid innings eater.
Round 19: Yuki Matsui
He could be the key to my draft. If he ends up as the Padres closer, I have a steal in Round 19.
Round 20: DL Hall
Part of the Corbin Burnes deal. He has a live arm, but can he throw 150 innings?
Round 21: Jose Siri
Siri should be a 25/25 bat. If he hits.245 I will be ecstatic.
Round 22: Jeff McNeil
McNeil qualifies at two positions and helps my batting average.
Round 23: Orion Kerkering
Kerkering is a complete beast in the bullpen. I like taking one setup reliever who could end up becoming a closer in every draft.
Round 24: Harrison Bader
If he can stay healthy, 20/20 is possible. His defense will keep him on the field.
Round 25: Michael Busch
Now with the Cubs, Busch should get a shot to start at 1B.
Round 26: Max Meyer
He was once the Marlins’ top rookie pitcher. If he can recover from injury, I have a steal.
Round 27: Brice Turang
Turang provides late-round position flexibility and solid speed.
Round 28: Ceddanne Rafaela
Rafaela is a stash and cash for later in the season.
Round 29: Lamonte Wade Jr.
Wade plays 1B/OF and starts against RHP. That’s good enough in the final round.