A blank slate. That is the case before every draft. However, when it comes to dynasty leagues, that is amplified. The direction your initial draft goes in truly determines your fate. There is more to it than simply knowing the player pool and completing your rankings. Roster management takes on a larger role here as it’s not just drafting off your rankings. A brand new dynasty league is very exciting and one of the best things in fantasy baseball. However, there is a lot to think about, so let’s dig into first-year dynasty baseball draft strategy.
First Year Dynasty Draft Strategy
Prior to the Season
Choose Your Path
Dynasty leagues are all about the journey. Sure, you can go for instant gratification, and who doesn’t like that, but there is more to it. A dynasty league, at least a good one (and they all should be) is forever. That doesn’t mean you can’t attack the present as if it is a redraft league, but there are divergent strategies here.
In redraft leagues, everyone is going for first place. Yes, there are differences in draft strategy, but it is all in roster construction as each team is going for the present. With dynasty leagues, that is not the situation. While you always have to be nimble throughout the draft process, begin with a plan. Are you playing for the present, or is it the future you are after?
Whatever you choose though, do it before the draft begins, and be nimble.
Be Realistic
Is your strength prospect evaluation? Are you better at drafting pitching or hitting? Will you be happy in a situation in which you are guaranteeing yourself a multi-year roster build and commitment to be able to compete for first place?
You need to draft to your strengths as a manager in building your team. More so than in any other format, the team you begin the season with is not going to be the one you end the year with. Everyone, and everything, has value whether it be as a roster piece or a trade chip.
Hitters Over Pitchers
While you need to fill out a pitching staff, and arms are always hard to come by, they take a back seat here. However, there is good reason for that. Arms are risky. Pitchers get hurt. Risk, regression, and luck are all around us. Replacement value is that much easier with a hitter than a pitcher.
The majority of closer jobs turnover on a yearly basis, and new pitchers always emerge. With prospects, that risk level is even more amplified. There are control issues, command issues, and most of all the specter of Tommy John surgery. If value presents itself, pitching prospects make great trade chips.
Ultimately, you still need to fill out a staff, especially if you want to be competitive, but you also need to manage risk.
Target Talent
I know this sounds like common sense, but building a dynasty team is all about compiling assets. While you don’t want to truly rely on trading, these leagues are generally more active. The intention here is less about finding the best middling fourth outfielder or corner infielder, but instead about adding the most talent you can find that fits your chosen path.
Focus on Youth
Remember, it is all about the larger, long-term picture here. Regardless of your true intentions, it is all about youth. By youth, I don’t mean to draft every 18-to 20-year-old prospect you can find at the top of rankings lists, but go for that sweet spot.
Players in their mid-20s with some level of MLB track record are the intention here. You want to draft players just entering, or about to enter their prime. The fewer players on the wrong side of 30 that you have, the better. At the same time though, don’t forget about value. Just because a player is 31, don’t blacklist him. Once you get to a multiple-round discount on where you have a player ranked for redraft leagues, it might be time to strike.
Minimize Injury Risk
Injuries are inevitable. You can’t ignore them, and while you can plan for them and try to avoid them, you will be bitten by the injury bug. Some players though have more lengthy injury histories than others, and while you can’t plan for injuries, you can try to avoid them. Unless you are getting value that is impossible to ignore, there is no reason to take on more risk than necessary.
Don’t Punt the Present
Yes, we need to follow the value and declare a path toward long-term success, but we are still playing in the present. Anything can happen at any time in fantasy baseball, and until proven otherwise, give yourself a chance at being successful.
Don’t Ignore Veterans
While you are at least keeping an eye on the present and targeting players in the first halves of their careers, there is still plenty of production from players outside of our target group. One of the biggest objectives here is to go after value. After you build the long-term, sustainable, core of your team, then take a draft choice or two and hunt some value. Whether it comes from a 22-year-old or 33-year-old is simply irrelevant.
Follow the Value
Above all else, this is the objective. Build the best team you can by winning every round. Ultimately, you have to do so by following the path set out for your team and your rankings but take the best player available that allows you to do so. Don’t reach for the sake of reaching as you may do in a redraft league for that second catcher or fifth outfielder.
After the Draft
Be Realistic
I know we covered this during the draft, but this is something that never ends. The direction of your team and its place in the standings must be continuously evaluated. Ultimately, this dictates your roster moves and overall philosophy, but be real. Don’t sell the future to chase a fifth-place finish.
Stick to your Plan
You chose your path, executed your draft strategy, and you were realistic about your team and place in the standings. Now, don’t deviate. Stay true to yourself and your team and don’t make any rash decisions to derail yourself.
Have Some Mobility
I want to scream “Pivot” here, but we need to do so carefully. After you are realistic while adhering to your plan, don’t forget that nothing ever goes according to plan. Be prepared for that to be the case. Build roster depth and be prepared to attack value in every market; both with trades and waivers.
Have Fun
Most of all, that has to be the objective. The best way to have fun, is by winning, but you want to build a sustainable team at the top of the league. Enjoy both the journey and destination.
For more of the great fantasy baseball rankings and analysis you’ve come to expect from FantraxHQ, check out our full 2024 Fantasy Baseball Draft Kit! We’re here for you all the way up until Opening Day and then on into your championship run.