MLB

Expert Fantasy Baseball Draft Breakdown: League of Alternative Baseball Reality

Dr. Roto breaks down his picks in last night’s League of Alternative Baseball Reality expert fantasy baseball draft.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 28: Julio Rodriguez #44 of the Seattle Mariners celebrates his solo home run with the trident prop during the fourth inning against the Texas Rangers at T-Mobile Park on September 28, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

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.

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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.

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