Every season, we all fall in love with certain fantasy players. Nothing can turn us away from them as we develop man-crushes on them and target our favored guys throughout the draft. Here are some players I must have on my team in 2019 Fantasy Baseball, and I will be disappointed if or when someone else gets them. This list is subject to change at some point. My research and scouting will continue heavily throughout spring training. If I am drafting today, though, my eyes are on these 20 players. Damn, I just gave everything away to those who will be in auction leagues with me!
The time is now! It’s time to start thinking fantasy baseball. Leagues are already forming at Fantrax.com, so head on over and start or join a league today.
The King’s 2019 Fantasy Baseball Gotta Have ‘Ems
Aaron Judge: I don’t think his batting average will fall as low as some speculate, and now that he is healthy again, I expect monster power totals to return.
Trevor Story: He has truly arrived as one of the premier shortstops in fantasy baseball. Like Judge, I don’t think his BA will crash big time, even though he is not a ,290 hitter, either.
Andrew Benintendi: He is already a 20-20 guy and is still improving.
Noah Syndergaard: I think he believes he has not delivered his best seasons yet. I’m with him on that. Thor has a beard this year, making him look even more menacing.
Mike Clevinger: He showed he belonged among the better fantasy pitchers last year, and this season he will again confirm he is here to stay as a higher-end guy.
Miguel Andujar: He has a sweet swing that is going to help him even possibly better last year’s impressive burst onto the fantasy scene.
Michael Conforto: Soon he will prove that he is one of the best all-around hitters in the game. This could be the year that he provides the numbers he will be compared to for many years ahead. There is a big-time campaign coming in the next two years.
Max Muncy: He is no longer a secret. But I will gladly pay the No. 108 FanTrax ADP for Muncy.
Mallex Smith: An early injury will drive his price down some more. He is at 116 right now, I took him in the eighth round before he was hurt. The further he drops, the more I love getting him for mid-round speed.
Eduardo Rodriguez: He is the talk of Boston camp. Look at last year’s first half and with reports he has added a slider that Chris Sale taught him, E-Rod could finally stay healthy and come through with a big breakthrough year. I will be thrilled to get him as a fourth starter in a mixed league.
Nomar Mazara: You’re going to see more power than ever before this year. One of the most mature youngsters in the game, I am expecting Mazara to have a true breakthrough campaign in 2019.
Kyle Freeland: Any guy that can pitch so effectively in Colorado has to be considered for my fantasy staff.
Nick Pivetta: Really struggled down the stretch, as did most of the Phillies. But the strikeout promise was evident, and a 3.42 xFIP points to much better times ahead. I’ll easily take him at the FanTraz ADP of 161.
Sean Newcomb: He was inconsistent last year, and very bad in August. But for a 181 ADP I am taking the chance that he becomes more dependable this year, and I like the strikeout potential.
Austin Meadows: Seems like we have been hearing hype on him for decades. This is the year when he gets the full-time opportunity and produces counting stats better than some other guys taken well ahead of him.
Joey Wendle: One of my favorite later-round players. A good batting average, speed, and a bit of pop thrown in.
Forrest Whitley: The Astros have refused to trade him, and once he gets the call this season, he will be in the majors to stay.
Drew Steckenrider: Having Sergio Romo tutoring him will accelerate his development as a closer. Terrific one dollar guy for some saves speculation.
Teoscar Hernandez: For as late as you are going to get him (286 ADP) there is certainly some power and speed potential.
Hunter Strickland: He is going to bounce back with a change of scenery. Mariners fans will grow to love him and Mallex Smith.
Scott Engel is a 20-plus year veteran of the Fantasy industry and an inaugural member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association’s Hall of Fame.
Fantrax is one of the fastest growing fantasy sites of 2018. With multi-team trades, designated commissioner/league managers, and drag/drop easy click methods, Fantrax is sure to excite the serious fantasy sports fan – sign up now for a free year at Fantrax.com.