The MLB draft is a magical time for dynasty leagues. Hundreds upon hundreds of new players enter the professional ranks for dynasty owners to duke it out over at their FYPD drafts. The beauty of it all is that talent can come from anywhere in the MLB draft. Yes, you can say that about the NBA and NFL as well, but it’s especially true in MLB. If your dynasty squad needs a boost, your FYPD draft is a great place to start and this year’s class was fairly deep on both sides of the ball with plenty of exciting international prospects mixed in from the J2 signing period.
NOTE: I did not rank Merrill Kelly here as he spent several seasons in the minors before pitching in South Korea. If he’s available in your FYPD, I’d rank him around 50 here.
Final FYPD Rankings from 2018 MLB Draft & J2 Period
1. Nolan Gorman, 3B, STL | Round 1, Pick #19
(Wrestling Bell Sounds)
Introducing your 2018 FYPD prospect champion of the world! Nolan Gorman! Don’t make this difficult on yourself. If you have the No. 1 pick in your league’s FYPD, take Gorman. The immense power upside and average or better hit tool are going to make him an offensive star in this league for years to come. Nobody, and I mean nobody, popped more than Gorman’s 17 taters from this draft class. He’s already a top-25 overall prospect in my mind with the upside to be top-10 at this time next year. ETA 2020/2021
Nolan Gorman open faced slow mo – line drive 2B to RCF with good carry#Cardinals pic.twitter.com/6wreOSLsyu
— Peace, love, and dirty feet (@mufuhkajones) July 17, 2018
2. Jonathan India, 3B, CIN | Round 1, Pick #5
India is a great blend of high floor and a relatively high ceiling. He doesn’t possess huge power or speed, but should be in the vicinity of 20/20 with a strong AVG and OBP thanks to plus contact skills and plate discipline. ETA 2020
3. Jarred Kelenic, OF, SEA | Round 1, Pick #6
Drafted by the Mets and traded to Seattle in the Robinson Cano deal, Kelenic has a beautiful swing from the left side with an intriguing power/speed blend. Projects to hit for a high average with 20/30 upside. Might only be a prep bat but should move rather quickly due to the advanced hit tool. ETA 2021
4. Trevor Larnach, OF, MIN | Round 1, Pick #20
Followed up a power outburst at Oregon State with a strong showing in the minors. Clean and quick swing from the left side is geared for both power and average. Should be a relatively quick mover through the Twins system. ETA 2020
5. Casey Mize, RHP, DET | Round 1, Pick #1
The top pitcher in this draft class. Mize checks all the boxes for a future staff ace with a workhorse frame and a dynamic three-pitch arsenal, headlined by a splitter that brings back memories of Roger Clemens and Curt Schilling. ETA 2019/2020
6. Victor Victor Mesa, OF, MIA | International Signing
It took a while, but Mesa is finally a Miami Marlin. The upside here was certainly worth the wait as Mesa is an advanced bat with plus speed and 15-20 homer pop. Should be up by the end of 2020 at the latest if all goes according to plan in 2019. ETA 2020
7. Joey Bart, C, SF | Round 1, Pick #2
Taking a catcher this high in FYPD drafts is usually risky, but this particular catcher is worth it. Bart’s above-average contact skills and plus raw power give him both high upside and a high floor as well. Like I’ve said, he’s the top dynasty catching prospect in the minors right now. ETA 2020
8. Nick Madrigal, 2B, CHW | Round 1, Pick #4
Madrigal arguably has one of the best hit tools in the minors already. The problem is, there’s not a ton of category juice. He should approach 25-30 SB, but is likely capped around 10-12 home runs. If you like safe, Madrigal is your guy. ETA 2020
9. Xavier Edwards, SS, SD | Round CBA, Pick #38
Edwards stock has taken off since the Padres drafted him 38th overall. Having plus speed, plate approach, and contact skills will do that. Don’t expect much power, but the rest of the profile is phenomenal. ETA 2021
10. Nico Hoerner, SS, CHC | Round 1, Pick #24
The upside might not be massive here, but Hoerner is one of the most polished hitters from this draft class with plus contact skills, phenomenal bat speed, and good wheels. Will likely be one of the first to reach the Majors also. One of the highest floors you’ll find from this draft class.
I asked Fall League players about the work ethic they respect and opinions primarily pointed to #Cubs Nico Hoerner and #Angels Jahmai Jones.
Asked Jahmai Jones & he pointed to Nico.
For a player still at the grass roots level of his career, Nico has collected massive respect.
— Emily Waldon (@EmilyCWaldon) November 5, 2018
11. Jordan Groshans, 3B, TOR | Round 1, Pick #12
Bat speed for days with developing power. Could develop into a .280/30 type with a touch of speed as well. ETA 2021
12. Alec Bohm, 3B, PHI | Round 1, Pick #3
Still searching for his first professional homer, but don’t let the lack of power in his debut scare you off. This is a polished hitter with the upside to hit .280 with 30-plus homers at the hot corner or across the diamond at first base. ETA 2020/2021
13. Yusei Kikuchi, LHP, SEA | International Signing
Kikuchi signed with Seattle in the 11th hour of the 2018 calendar year and offers the most immediate return out of anyone on this list. The 27-year-old Japanese southpaw finished his JPL career with a 2.81 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in a eight-year career. While the floor is fairly high due to a diverse arsenal and plus command, the pedestrian strikeout rate limits his ceiling in fantasy.
14. Grant Lavigne, 1B, COL | Round CBS, Pick #42
Hailing from the baseball hotbed of New Hampshire (kidding), Lavigne brings plus raw power with a good feel for hitting and strike zone judgment. And hey, Coors Field. From what I’ve seen of Lavigne, the offensive upside is for real and he’s surprisingly quick for a big man. ETA 2021
15. Cole Winn, RHP, TEX | Round 1, Pick 15
California fireballer with the potential for two plus offspeed pitches and more projected velocity on his fastball. The Rangers held him out of games after the draft to limit his workload, but he should start mowing down hitters in 2019. Ace upside. ETA 2021
16. Travis Swaggerty, OF, PIT | Round 1, Pick 10
An 80-grade last name with a bunch of 50 or 55-grade tools. Incredibly high floor and has the upside of a poor man’s Andrew Benintendi. Swaggy-T is an advanced bat that should move quickly. ETA 2020
17. Matthew Liberatore, LHP, TB | Round 1, Pick 16
An Arizona prep arm with solid command and the potential for four plus pitches when it’s all said and done. Not a flame-thrower but has the upside to turn into a lefty version of Aaron Nola. He’s good buddies with the top dog on this list and they like to hang out during the offseason and do stuff like this… ETA 2021
Just messin’ around🤯 @NolanGorman pic.twitter.com/EooehYEUmx
— Matthew Liberatore (@libby3232) November 28, 2018
18. Alek Thomas, OF, ARI | Round 2, Pick 63
I recently raved about Thomas in my Arizona Diamondbacks top-25 prospects piece. I love the hit tool, advanced approach, and blazing speed that Thomas brings to the table. All the makings of a future dynamic leadoff hitter and fantasy stud. ETA 2021
19. Jordyn Adams, OF, LAA | Round 1, Pick 17
Like the raw power, love the elite speed, but still not a fan of his swing. Adams would likely win a footrace with anyone in this draft class and immediately becomes one of the fastest players in the minor leagues. If he can refine his swing and improve the contact skills, we’re likely looking at a dynamic leadoff hitter. ETA 2022
20. Malcom Nunez, 3B, STL | International Signing
I recently went over Nunez in my new St. Louis Cardinals top-25 prospect rankings, and to sum that up, I’m a fan. A big fan. He’s years away but has the raw offensive tools to become a fantasy star. ETA 2023
21. Seth Beer, OF, HOU | Round 1, Pick 28
Beer silenced some of his critics that questioned his ability to transition to wooden bats with an .885 OPS in 260 AB this season. Plus raw power and an average or better hit tool could lead to some seasons in the vicinity of .270-.280 with 30 homers. ETA 2020
22. Brady Singer, RHP, KC | Round 1, Pick 18
I’m a big fan of Singer. Fastball and slider are both plus or better pitches for him and the changeup is developing nicely and flashes plus at times with good fade. Singer has the look of a future ace with high strikeout upside. That slider is truly filthy.
Brady Singer, Slider. pic.twitter.com/Eu5Qsj5rKt
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) February 17, 2018
23. Marco Luciano, SS, SF | International Signing
Arguably the top international signing until Mesa came along. Regardless of whether he ends up at shortstop or in the outfield, Luciano has the tools to become a star with insane bat speed and the ability to hit for both average and power with some speed mixed in for good measure. ETA 2023
24. Tristan Casas, 1B/3B, BOS | Round 1, Pick 26
Big power and a better hit tool than he gets credit for. Lack of range will likely force a move over to first base long-term, but Casas has the contact skills and massive raw power to become one of the top offensive contributors at the position. ETA 2022
25. Orelvis Martinez, SS, TOR | International Signing
Like most international prospects these days, Martinez has easy plus bat speed and a good feel for hitting. Already has good loft to his swing with 30-homer upside and the defensive tools to remain at shortstop moving forward. ETA 2023
26. Grayson Rodriguez, RHP, BAL | Round 1, Pick 11
Rodriguez is a big 6’5 right-hander with the fastball to match and a slider that flashes plus. Continued development of his secondary offerings could make him a borderline workhorse ace. ETA 2021
27. Jake McCarthy, OF, ARI | Round CBA, Pick 39
Another speedy outfielder taken by the Arizona Diamondbacks. McCarthy doesn’t quite have the hit tool that Thomas has, but the bat speed, clean swing, and raw strength lead me to project a .280/15/30 type of hitter. ETA 2020
28. Parker Meadows, OF, DET | Round 2, Pick 44
While his brother is more of a contact-first with moderate power outfielder, Parker Meadows shows plus raw power but a hit tool that needs some work. Upside here is that of a .260-.270 hitter with 30-plus homers if he can shorten his swing and improve his pitch selection. ETA 2022
29. Jackson Kowar, RHP, KC | Round 1 Comp, Pick 33
Just wrote up Kowar in my Royal’s top-25 prospects piece and I’m a big fan. He already has two plus pitches in his fastball and changeup and the curveball has flashed plus at times, though, it’s very inconsistent. ETA 2021
30. Mike Siani, OF, CIN | Round 4, Pick 109
A speedster with above-average raw power, Siani has the upside to turn into a fantasy star if he can develop his contact skills and keep the strikeouts in check. ETA 2022
31. Noelvi Marte, SS, SEA | International Signing
Marte is very similar to Luciano, just with a less polished hit tool. He could grow into 30-plus homer pop once he’s done developing. ETA 2024
32. Jeremiah Jackson, SS, LAA | Round 2, Pick 57
An advanced prep bat, Jackson has a good feel for hitting and blossoming raw power. He’s not a speedster, but we can safely project 15-20 steals to go along with something in the ballpark of a .280 average and 20-25 dingers. ETA 2021
33. Shane McClanahan, LHP, TB | Round 1 Comp, Pick 31
It took a lot of willpower to not rank McClanahan higher. I mean, he’s a southpaw that sits in the mid to upper-90’s and can touch triple-digits at times. And he has a plus changeup with solid fade to go along with it. However, his slider lags behind and there’s a lot of effort to his delivery. Tampa Bay has been one of the best organizations at developing pitching prospects over the years, so I’m hoping they can help him tone down that delivery. ETA 2021
34. Kyle Isbel, OF, KC | Round 3, Pick 94
One of the more impressive FYPD debuts in 2018 with a .326 average, 31 extra-base hits, and 24 steals, Isbel combines a good feel for hitting with plus speed and double-digit pop. ETA 2021
35. Ethan Hankins, RHP, CLE | Round 1 Comp, Pick 35
The easiest way to describe Hankins is raw with a ton of projection left. He already sits in the mid-90’s and likely will add a little velocity as he develops. Already has a good feel for his changeup, although, his breaking pitches need refinement. ETA 2022
36. Greyson Jenista, OF, ATL | Round 2, Pick 49
A teammate of Bohm’s at Wichita State, Jenista is a big 6’4 left-handed power bat with 30-homer upside and the contact skills to hit north of .270. ETA 2021
37. Blaze Alexander, SS, ARI | Round 11, Pick 339
It didn’t take long at all for Alexander to prove that the Diamondbacks got an absolute steal with their 11th round selection, registering a .955 OPS, 29 extra-base-hits, and 10 steals in 210 at-bats. Alexander has a quick right-handed stroke with above-average contact skills and raw power. The upside here offensively is in the .280/25/15 range. ETA 2021
38. Mason Denaburg, RHP, WAS | Round 1, Pick 27
A workhorse right-hander with two plus pitches already in his mid-90’s running fastball and hammer curve. Has the upside of an innings-eating #2 starter with high strikeout upside if he can develop the changeup some. ETA 2021
39. Brock Deatherage, OF, DET | Round 10, Pick 285
Another double-digit round steal, and one with an awesome name, Deatherage dominated across three levels after the MLB draft. With a developing hit tool, easy plus speed, and double-digit pop, Deatherage has the upside of an above-average offensive outfielder. ETA 2020
40. Triston Pompey, OF, MIA | Round 3, Pick 89
Pompey doesn’t have one plus tool right now, but carries three average or better offensive tools with plus raw power potential. ETA 2021
41. Connor Scott, OF, MIA | Round 1, Pick 13
A tall and lanky outfielder with blazing speed and additional power projection. Scott has above-average contact skills and more room to develop at least average power. ETA 2022
42. Jonathan Ornelas, 3B/SS, TEX | Round 3, Pick 91
Ornelas is a good athlete with a quick right-handed swing that generates plenty of hard contact. Doesn’t have big power or speed upside but could churn out some 20/20 seasons with a solid batting average to go with it. ETA 2022
43. Brice Turang, SS, MIL | Round 1, Pick 21
A contact and speed profile, Turang is one of the more advanced prep bats in this draft class. Due to a line-drive approach, the power is likely capped in the 12-15 homer range, but the contact skills and plus speed give him plenty of value. ETA 2022
44. Jameson Hannah, OF, OAK | Round 2, Pick 50
This ranking could look silly 12 months from now. Hannah is a superb athlete with plus speed, developing raw power, and a good feel for hitting. Ultimate upside is in the .280/20/30 range. ETA 2021
45. Logan Gilbert, RHP, SEA | Round 1, Pick 13
A big 6’5 right-hander, Gilbert works in the low to mid-90’s with his fastball with clean mechanics and the potential for two above-average offspeed pitches in his slider and changeup. Upside of a No. 2 starter.
46. Kevin Alcantara, OF, NYY | International Signing
If you’re looking for a sleeper outside the elite international signings this year, Alcantara is your man. He’s displayed solid contact skills with the projection for more power and plus speed to go with it. ETA 2024
47. Richard Palacios, SS, CLE | Round 3, Pick 103
I’m admittedly higher on Palacios than most but I like the skill set. Mainly, his above-average contact skills and plus speed. Could grow into 15 homers, too. ETA 2022
48. Bo Naylor, C, CLE | Round 1, Pick 29
This could end up being way too low, but I’m not as big a believer in his power as most are. He’s a strong kid, but projects as a 20 homer guy with a .270ish average to me right now. But again, I wouldn’t be shocked if he outperformed my expectations. ETA 2022
49. Daniel Lynch, LHP, KC | Round 1 Comp, Pick 34
Lynch doesn’t blow hitters away with his fastball, sitting in the low-90’s, but he knows how to attack hitters and mix pitches well. Potential for four 55’s in his arsenal with solid command of them all. ETA 2021
50. Alexander Vargas, SS, NYY | International Signing
Advanced feel for hitting with solid contact skills, plus speed, and developing power. Has the defensive skills to remain at shortstop longterm. ETA 2023
Rest of the 2018 MLB Draft Top-100
51. Nick Schnell, OF, TB
52. Raynel Delgado, MIF, CLE
53. Cole Roederer, OF, CHC
54. Josh Stowers, OF, SEA
55. Gabriel Rodriguez, SS, CLE
56. Misael Urbina, OF, MIN
57. Nick Decker, OF, BOS
58. Jayce Easley, MIF, TEX
59. Joe Gray, OF, MIL
60. Luken Baker, 1B, STL
61. Steele Walker, OF, CHW
62. Ryan Weathers, LHP, SD
63. Lenny Torres, RHP, CLE
64. Simeon Woods-Richardson, RHP, NYM
65. Osiris Johnson, SS, MIA
66. Griffin Roberts, RHP, STL
67. Alvin Guzman, OF, ARI
68. Adam Kloffenstein, RHP, TOR
69. Griffin Conine, OF, TOR
70. Richard Gallardo, RHP, CHC
71. Starlyn Castillo, RHP, PHI
72. Josiah Gray, RHP, LAD
73. Terrin Vavra, MIF, COL
74. Diego Cartaya, C, LAD
75. Micah Bello, OF, MIL
76. Tristan Beck, RHP, ATL
77. Osiel Rodriguez, RHP, NYY
78. Ryan Rollison, LHP, COL
79. Juan Guerrero, SS, COL
80. Kris Bubic, LHP, KC
81. Cal Raleigh, C, SEA
82. Freddy Valdez, OF, NYM
83. Tanner Dodson, OF/RHP, TB
84. Brennen Davis, OF CHC
85. Victor Mesa Jr., OF, MIA
86. Blaine Knight, RHP, BAL
87. Nick Northcut, 3B, BOS
88. Niko Decolati, OF, COL
89. Kody Clemens, 2B, DET
90. Alex McKenna, OF, HOU
91. C.J. Alexander, 3B, ATL
92. Sandy Gaston, RHP, TB
93. Cal Stevenson, OF, TOR
94. Jeremy Eierman, SS, OAK
95. Anthony Seigler, C, NYY
96. DaShawn Keirsey, OF, MIN
97. Lyon Richardson, RHP, CIN
98. Alejandro Pie, SS, TB
99. Jose De La Cruz, OF, DET
100. Gage Canning, OF, WAS
101. Kyler Murray, OF, OAK | Round 1, Pick 9
UPDATE: With Murray declaring for the NFL draft, his baseball future is very much in question. He’s a top-25 talent on this list, but with the uncertainty, it makes him the riskiest target out of this FYPD crop. ETA 2022 (Or Never)
Photo/Video Credit: Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire, Lance Brozdowski (Nolan Gorman Image), Rob Friedman, Matthew Liberatore, Jason Woodell.
Eric Cross is the lead MLB writer and prospect analyst here on FantraxHQ and has been with the site since March 2017. He is also a member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association (FSWA). For more from Eric, check out his author page and follow him on Twitter @EricCross04.
Hey great list, where would you rank Nate Lowe? He’s eligible in my first year player draft this year, very interesting player to me
Did I miss Dodgers C Diego Cartaya on this list? He would qualify as a FYPD prospect right?
Yes he does. I have him 74th. I’m not nearly as high on him as most. Solid feel for hitting, but don’t envision him hitting for much power.
Where would Merrill Kelly slot? If at all…
Sorry, missed this. He’d be in the 50-60 range
Great work as always Eric!!! Where would Kristian Robinson be ranked on this list if he was eligible? Thanks!
Thank-you Matt! I’d have him in the 4-6 range. My top-3 is set in stone, but I could rank him as high as 4th.
Sorry about basically asking the same question as another comment they just didn’t show up until I switched to desktop mode on my phone… my bad. Thanks for the reply! Much appreciated.
No worries at all!
I have seen it many times, but I am really beginning to wonder why X Edwards is higher than Turang? Aren’t they pretty similar? Except the fact that Turang will stick at SS and has the longer track record. One is 10th and one is 40th, which is something to think about.
They have similar skillsets, but Edwards has the advantage in hit, power, and speed I’d say. I project Edwards as a .300-.310/15/40 guy and Turang as a .280/12/25-30 guy.
Is Seth Beer not an improved version of Alec Bohm?
Beer is close to Bohm, but I’d give Bohm the slight edge in both raw power and hit tool.
It blows my mind how much speed prospects, like X Edwards are being overvalued. You can look back over any period and find a million small guys that steal a ton of bags in the low minors and then never do anything like that in the big leagues. BHam is the epitome of that archetype and he is a moderate success at best. Most of them end up something like Andrew Toles or Corey Spangenberg. I personally learned my lesson with John Raynor about a decade ago. Go ahead and peep those stats. It is just not a skill-set that translates to MLB. I would rather bet on someone with multiple paths to success and a much higher ceiling at that.
I can see where you’re coming from, but I ranked Edwards high for his total skill set, more than just his speed. Yes, the speed is great, but he also has exceptional contact skills (.300 type hitter) and enough power to hit 12-15 homers.
Great work! Was curious where Kristian Robinson would fall on this list if you had to pick a spot? Thanks!!!
Thanks Lincoln. He would rank very high. Off the top of my head, I’d probably slot him around 4-6.
Thanks for the reply! Just curious what would you say a peak projection stat line would like for him?
Any time. I’d say the ceiling is .280, 35 HR, 15-20 SB. His raw power is easily plus.
Chris Carpenter is from New Hampshire. Anybody else? Probably a bunch of old timers who played the Boston game back in the day.