DJ LeMahieu (NYY) – A lot of teams could use that skilled bat in their everyday lineup. The Yankees “need” that bat in their everyday lineup. 1B-11, 3B-11
Ozzie Albies (ATL) – A bone contusion in his right wrist was cause for Albies to miss the first five weeks of 2020. He produced back-to-back 24 homer seasons, mid-teen stolen bases, and 100+ runs scored in each of his first two seasons in the league. More of the same will follow in 2021.
Whit Merrifield (KCR) – Since making his debut with the Royals in 2016, the lowest BA Merrifield has produced is .283. The highest is .304. He might not get the hype that several of his peers generate, but when you look at the mid-teen power and 20-to-30 theft potential in conjunction with the always solid BA, he is more than worthy of the price you will pay on draft day. OF-63
Cavan Biggio (TOR) – Tim Raines holds the record for most consecutive stolen bases without being caught to start his career at 27. Tim Locastro is just one behind and still working on his streak and Cavan Biggio is now up to 20 thefts without being caught. Oh, the rest of his game is rather good as well. 3B-10, OF-18
Brandon Lowe (TBR) – Lowe followed up his breakout 2019 campaign by hitting 14 homers in 193 at-bats in 2020. Is a 30 HR season in his future? OF-12
Mike Muncy (LAD) – Muncy slugged 35 HR in both 2018 and 2019 and was on pace to replicate that feat in 2020. The BA is somewhat a concern, but a repeat of that .192 BA posted in 2020 is unlikely. 1B-35, 3B-16
Keston Hiura (MIL) – The power and speed have been as advertised. The on-base skills, not so much. You simply cannot strikeout 85 times in 217 at-bats and generate a decent BA.
Ketel Marte (ARZ) – Marte dealt with left wrist inflammation last year which culminated in a trip to the 10-day IL in September. He won’t be as good as that amazing 2019 campaign, nor as bad as 2020.
Jose Altuve (HOU) – The days of double-digit stolen bases are more than likely history, but the potential for 20 homers and a solid BA still exist. The .250 BABIP in 2020 didn’t help his cause.
Jeff McNeil (NYM) – When you post a .381, .383, and .384 OBP in your first three seasons in the league, you’re going to score 90+ runs in the high-powered Mets offense. Toss in the 20-homer potential and handful of steals and you have the makings of a Top-10 2B. 3B-9, OF-32
Mike Moustakas (CIN) – “Moose” was nicked up for a good portion of 2020, first dealing with a left quad contusion and then a left foot contusion. We are prepared to give him a mulligan for last year. 1B-10
Jonathan Villar (FA) – The mid-season trade to the Jays was not to his liking, as he slumped badly in Buffalo. Heading into Free Agency, it couldn’t have occurred at a worse time for Villar. A return to the 2019 level of play in which he hit 24 homers, scored 111 runs, and stole 40 bases is unlikely, but 10 homers and 35-to-40 thefts is certainly a decent bet. SS-7
Jean Segura (PHI) – Oh, how we long for the days when Segura was a consistent source of 20+ thefts. 3B-24
Dylan Moore (SEA) – As a super-sub or full-time regular at second base, the power/speed combination from the late-bloomer is intriguing. OF-27
Nick Madrigal (CWS) – The quintessential two-outcome player. BA and stolen bases. Madrigal underwent surgery in October for a separated left shoulder and should be ready to roll early in the 2021 season. Monitor his progress heading into Spring Training and adjust his playing time if necessary.
Tommy Edman (STL) – The consummate super-sub is currently penciled into the leadoff role for the Cards. He will not hit for much power, but the potential for 15 thefts, 80+ runs scored, and his ability to play all over the diamond makes Edman a solid option in your MI slot. 3B-31, SS-13, OF-21
Jurickson Profar (FA) – Profar will not be what we once envisioned, but he’s still a very solid player. OF-39
Nick Solak (TEX) – The rebuilding Rangers are turning to Solak to provide some punch in the five-hole and based on his Minor League history, it’s time to raise the sleeper alert! OF-42
Andres Gimenez (CLE) – He has huge shoes to fill in Cleveland, and wont, but should still prove to be a decent buy for those searching for 20-to-25 stolen bases out of their middle-infield slot. 3B-10, SS-23
Chris Taylor (LAD) – Heading into 2021 there are questions as to where he will play. Does it really matter? Come years end, Taylor will have found his way into 450 very solid at-bats. 3B-20, OF-25
Kolten Wong (FA) – A casualty of the cost cutting ways in St.Louis, Wong should land a full-time job and will bring low-teens power and 20 thefts to the table. For a late-round option there is considerable value to potentially be had.
Scott Kingery (PHI) – A preseason battle with Covid-19 and for all intents and purposes his 2020 season was a disaster. A return to his 2019 level of play is a reasonable expectation. OF-9
David Fletcher (LAA) – Single-digit power and speed limit the upside but the solid on-base skills and hitting at the top-of-the-order for the Halos will translate into a pile of runs scored. 3B-8, SS-27
Jake Cronenworth (SDP) – The flexibility to play virtually everywhere is a solid asset, especially when the Padres have signed Ha-seong Kim and are expecting him to be their everyday option at 2B. 1B-10, SS-11
Ryan McMahon (COL) – The competition will be tough as too many players battle for not enough full-time at-bats at Mile High this year. McMahon didn’t do himself any favors with the 200-strikeout pace in 2020. 1B-12, 3B-14
Ty France (SEA) – Scott Servais has committed to giving France regular at-bats. Will that come to fruition?
Garrett Hampson (COL) – All Hampson needs is a steady diet of at-bats. Will the Rockies finally give him that opportunity? OF-27
Gavin Lux (LAD) – The potential is there for Lux to be both an everyday player and star. Are the Dodgers ready to give him that opportunity?
David Bote (CHC) – The suddenly cost-conscious Cubs have Bote penciled in at second heading into 21. Those full-time at-bats could translate into a 20-70 type season and a solid option in 15-team formats for the MI slot. 3B-33
Kevin Newman (PIT) – How does a player go from double-digit speed to one caught stealing in one season. One would think that to be an impossible task, but it’s exactly what happened to Kevin Newman in 2020. We’re betting that a rebound is in order in 2021. SS-23
