On Tuesday night, the Tout Wars Mixed League Draft took place. The draft had 15 teams, and the biggest wrinkle in the league’s scoring is that OBP replaces batting average, which makes a much bigger difference than most people realize. I had the ninth overall pick, and left the draft happy but thinking that I probably need another starting pitcher to have a legitimate chance to win. Luckily, this league allows for trading and FAAB, so I can still make moves to find my way to the winners’ circle.
You can check out the full draft board here, but here are my picks and instant analysis:
Expert Fantasy Baseball Draft Strategy
Round 1: Kyle Tucker
I’m happy to have a five-tool talent in Tucker, who should likely hit higher in the order this season.
Round 2: Kyle Schwarber
This is an OBP league, which makes Schwarber a solid second-round pick. Tons of power will help, too.
Round 3: Jose Altuve
He’s getting older, but I love the team, and he’s a hitting machine.
Round 4: Tyler Glasnow
If he throws for 180 innings, he could win the NL Cy Young.
Round 5: Zach Eflin
I think he could be a top-10 overall SP.
Round 6: Nico Hoerner
He plays multiple positions and has terrific speed, which I needed after taking Schwarber.
Round 7: Pete Fairbanks
Closers will likely go by Round 8 in this format. I jumped the line and took Fairbanks in Round 7.
Round 8: Spencer Steer
Qualifies for three positions and could go 25/15.
Round 9: Josh Naylor
I took him a round or two early, but by doing so, I can move Steer to 3B, and Naylor was the last of the top 1B left on the board.
Round 10: Edouard Julien
He’s an OBP beast who could also hit 20/20.
Round 11: Merrill Kelly
Kelly is a solid starter on a good team and an innings eater.
Round 12: Bo Naylor
I foresee a post-hype sleeper season for Naylor.
Round 13: Nathan Eovaldi
Pitches for a good team and could have 12 wins and decent overall numbers.
Round 14: Henry Davis
Once he has C eligibility, I am going to slide him from OF to that spot. Once that happens (after he starts 10 games) I think I have a 20-HR-hitting star catcher.
Round 15: Maikel Garcia
Garcia is very underrated. He should steal 25 bases and might hit 10 HR, too.
Round 16: Aaron Civale
I love the pitcher but I need him to stay healthy.
Round 17: Griffin Canning
Canning has flashed potential in the past. I am hoping he can get t 160 IP.
Round 18: MJ Melendez
Now that he is a full-time OF, he should settle down and produce.
Round 19: Seth Lugo
I can see 150 IP, 10 wins, and 160 Ks for Lugo.
Round 20: Yuki Matsui
I am betting on him being the Padres’ closer by Memorial Day.
Round 21: Austin Wells
He will start for me at catcher while I wait for Davis, and could be a decent play in his own right.
Round 22: Ryan Noda
An OBP machine.
Round 23: Max Meyer
He was once a top pitching prospect for the Marlins, and I expect him to join their rotation no later than May 1.
Round 24: Ceddanne Rafaela
Jarren Duran reinjured his foot on Tuesday. If he misses time, Rafaela will be the Red Sox starting CF.
Round 25: Willi Castro
Castro plays two positions and has sneaky speed.
Round 26: Hunter Renfroe
A little pop off the bench.
Round 27: Brice Turang
He qualifies at 2B/SS and could steal 30 bases.
Round 28: Orion Kerkering
Could end up as the Phillies’ closer by Memorial Day.
Round 29: Joey Ortiz
Will qualify at multiple positions and the Brewers need to play him to validate the Burnes trade.