With the regular season approaching, let's check out nine potential outcomes that would surprise the fantasy baseball world.
Recent MLB News
Assuming Mike Trout and Mookie Betts go one-two, who to select third overall got a lot more interesting due to Francisco Lindor's injury news. Should Jose Ramirez be the new number-three pick?
These three players enjoyed fantastic seasons in 2018, but they come at a pretty high draft cost. Are they primed to disappoint in 2019?
Which pitchers coming off down 2018 campaigns could be values in season-long drafts?
Blake Snell was a late-round pick a year ago but seemingly came out of nowhere to win the American League Cy Young Award. Can that gem be unearthed this draft season?
Christian Yelich won the National League MVP last year and is going in the first round in early drafts, but he could be due for some serious regression this season. Which other top picks should you consider passing on?
Already one of the top two catching options in fantasy baseball, could a change in scenery boost Realmuto's numbers?
Which hitters coming off lackluster 2018 campaigns could be values in season-long drafts this year?
Jed Lowrie is coming off a fantastic 2018 season, but he's being ignored in drafts so far. What other late-round bats should we target?
Clayton Kershaw posted some strong numbers in limited action last year, but they were not up to his usual standards. What other top-flight pitchers should we consider fading?
After a down 2018 campaign, Zack Godley is an intriguing bounce-back candidate late in drafts. Which other starting pitchers should you target deep into drafts?
Looking at early odds, which teams should bettors target to win the 2019 World Series?
Can the Dodgers figure out a way to win Game 3 and avoid falling in a 3-0 hole?
The Dodgers and Red Sox square off for Game 2 tonight, with two more left-handers taking the mound.
Tonight, two of the best starters in baseball square off at Fenway Park. How do our models see the series -- and Game 1 -- playing out?
Is it worth paying up for Clayton Kershaw, or should you pivot elsewhere on Tuesday's two-game slate?
Will the Brewers take a 3-1 lead back to Milwaukee, or will the Dodgers hold at home and even the series at two games apiece?
J.D. Martinez has been relatively quiet at the plate since homering in Game 1 of the ALDS. Will he bust out against Dallas Keuchel and the Astros on Tuesday's two-game slate?
Milwaukee's star outfielder had a career year in 2018 as his power numbers spiked across the board. Can he maintain the power going forward, or is he someone to sell in dynasty formats?
As the series shifts to Los Angeles, will the Dodgers hold and take a 2-1 lead over the Brewers?
On Saturday night, the Red Sox and Astros tangle in the American League Championship Series. Who is the odds-on favorite?
Which bets should you be targeting as Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers visit the Brewers for Game 1 of the NLCS?
On Friday night, the Brewers and Dodgers open their National League Championship Series. Who is the odds-on favorite?
Can the Braves even the series tonight in Atlanta? Or will the Dodgers win and advance?
Aaron Judge has been a beast this postseason, slugging a home run in all three of the Yankees' games. Can he make it four in a row on Monday?
Ryan Brasier (toe) returns to Red Sox camp
Boston Red Sox reliever Ryan Brasier (right little toe infection) has returned to Red Sox camp and hopes to resume workouts soon.
What It Means:
Brasier was sent back to Boston earlier this week, but he should have no problem getting ready in time for Opening Day. The 31-year-old right-hander appears to be the current frontrunner for ninth-inning duties.
numberFire's models expect Brasier to convert 18 saves and record a 2.95 ERA with 58 strikeouts over 58 innings in 2019.
Source:
Pete Abraham
Trea Turner attempting 75-80 steals ideal for Nationals
Washington Nationals manager Davey Martinez said Thursday that if shortstop Trea Turner "attempts 75-80 [stolen bases], we’ll be in great shape.”
What It Means:
That would be a pretty big leap after Turner led the National League with 42 steals on 53 attempts last season. Over the last decade, only nine major leaguers have attempted 75-plus steals in a season and only four have attempted 80 or more. Still, the comment is a testament to the sort of upside Turner can provide for fantasy owners.
numberFire’s models expect Turner to bat .278 with 42 steals, 98 runs scored, 65 RBI, and 7 home runs this season.
Source:
MASN
Carlos Martinez (shoulder) offseason program displeasing Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Carlos Martinez's (shoulder) offseason training regimen is irking Cardinals president John Mozeliak.
What It Means:
"Obviously, there’s a history with Carlos’ shoulder," said Mozeliak, "and it would be probably in everybody’s best interest if he maintained a constant or perpetual approach to [club-implemented workouts]." The Cardinals placed Martinez on a no-throw program Tuesday morning at camp due to concerns about the strength of his right shoulder, indicating the 27-year-old right-hander may not be ready for the start of the season. He was limited to 118 2/3 innings (18 starts, 15 relief appearances) last season due to multiple upper-arm injuries.
numberFire's models currently expect Martinez to record a 3.70 ERA and 1.27 WHIP with 181 strikeouts and 75 walks across 180 innings this season.
Source:
Mark Saxon
Manny Machado reportedly agrees to 10-year, $300 million deal with Padres
The San Diego Padres and infielder Manny Machado have agreed to a 10-year, $300 million contract, reports Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.
What It Means:
The deal will be the largest free-agent contract in the history of American sports once it becomes official, at least until Bryce Harper signs. Machado, 26, slashed .297/.367/.538 with 37 home runs, 107 RBI, 84 runs scored, and 14 steals across 709 plate appearances for the Baltimore Orioles and Los Angeles Dodgers last season.
numberFire's models project Machado for a .295 batting average with 34 dingers, 99 RBI, 90 runs scored, and 13 steals for the Padres in 2019.
Source:
MLB.com
Mariners' Mallex Smith (elbow) may miss Japan series
Seattle Mariners center fielder Mallex Smith (right elbow strain) is unlikely to be ready to play the field for games in Japan against the Oakland Athletics on March 20-21.
What It Means:
The Mariners are taking it easy with Smith to start the spring as he continues to recover from his elbow injury, but even if he's not cleared for defensive duties, the 25-year-old could contribute as a designated hitter or pinch-runner in Japan. That said, it wouldn't be surprising if Smith is held out until Seattle's season opener against the Boston Red Sox at home on March 28. He slashed .296/.367/.406 with 40 stolen bases over 141 games (544 plate appearances) last season, adding 65 runs scored, 40 RBI, and 2 homers.
numberFire's models currently expect Smith to bat .271 with 34 steals, 66 runs scored, 4 dingers, and 38 RBI in 2019.
Source:
MLB.com
Cardinals' Carlos Martinez (shoulder) not throwing for 2 weeks
St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Carlos Martinez will be on a no-throw program for two weeks in order to strengthen his shoulder.
What It Means:
The positive news is that an MRI taken Monday revealed no structural damage in Martinez's shoulder, but this does create some doubt about the 27-year-old right-hander's availability for the start of the season. Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Martinez will be re-evaluated on March 5.
numberFire's models currently expect Martinez to record a 3.70 ERA and 1.27 WHIP with 181 strikeouts and 75 walks across 180 innings this season.
Source:
Jennifer Langosch
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