Fantasy Baseball Dynasty Mock Draft 2020

With the world in a frenzy and baseball still at a standstill while MLB and the Player’s Association continue their hissy fits and fighting, we (Nathan Dokken and Eric Cross) decided to assemble 15 writers, podcasters, and analysts from across the industry for a 33-round Fantasy Baseball dynasty mock draft. We filled a 23-player active roster and drafted 10 prospects for a standard 5×5 roto format. Below are the results, participant responses, best value picks, and of course, the mock draft results. Enjoy and stay safe out there!

Our Strategies Going In

Nathan Dokken

Those who say you shouldn’t draft to win right away are suckers. I cannot in good conscience bring myself to draft a team knowing I’m throwing away my money in year one. Oh, you’re drafting all prospects early on so you can have the ultimate dynasty in five years? Good luck with that. Even the elite prospects flame out all the time. You’ll be going to church at Our Lady Of Perpetual Rebuilding, praying for everything to finally come together. However, I didn’t want to be blowing up a team of veterans in two years, either. So, my strategy going into this draft was to draft not only a team that will compete in year one but also for several years to come. It’s a real balancing act that requires some sacrifices.

To draft a team that is not only competitive out of the gate but also won’t require a rebuild in two years, you need to monitor age meticulously. I wasn’t going to draft a team full of thirtysomethings to compete the first year only to have my whole roster fall victim to age-related decline in 2-3 years. I’ve seen plenty of those teams crumble quickly in my dynasty leagues over the years. It’s one thing to draft veterans for today and eschew prospects for immediate gratification – it’s another to take the balanced approach I attempted.

My goal was to build a core of players in their early-to-mid 20’s. I wasn’t going to touch anyone over 30 in the first 7-8 rounds unless it was an obscene discount. By the same token, I wasn’t going to draft any prospects that early either. There are so many established young stars in the game today that I figured this strategy was feasible. I want a player who has exhibited proven production who I don’t have to worry about falling off any time soon. This strategy eliminates any chance to own elite prospects, but I’m just fine with that.

I knew going in that this was a very sharp group. I wasn’t going to get any crazy bargains. Your mileage will vary in non-industry leagues, so don’t be afraid to be flexible if players fall when they shouldn’t. If JD Martinez had fallen to the fifth round, you bet I would have taken him even though it would’ve gone against my age-discriminatory strategy. There’s just too much value there. On the young end, I knew I wasn’t going to get a bunch of great prospects. That was because, in a league where only 10 prospects are owned per team, there would be plenty of solid names still floating around in the final rounds. Furthermore, if you pay attention to the pop-up prospects during the season, you can set yourself apart quickly from those who aren’t monitoring the minor leagues. Before you know it, your farm system is stout.

Eric Cross

In a dynasty startup draft, I always try and remain as balanced as possible. That applies to both the MLB/prospect balance and win-now/win-later balance. I want to be competitive every single year of this league, and that starts right away in year one. While some go with the “win-later” strategy, I don’t personally ever go that route. The idea of instantly being in a rebuild just doesn’t appeal to me in the slightest. The same can be said for going with only veterans and likely having to rebuild a few years in.

The way I approach the initial draft is to get a rock-solid core of young MLB players and mix in a combination of nearly MLB-ready prospects, high-upside prospects that are further away, and some “boring” veterans that always seem to fall in these types of drafts. This sets me up nicely for sustained success now and into the future. Those older veterans (think Andrew McCutchen, Nelson Cruz, Edwin Encarnacion) give me production now while I wait for my younger prospects in the lower levels to come up and contribute. If I can get close to the below split coming out of the initial draft, I’m usually very happy with the turnout.

Young MLB Core: 40%

Nearly MLB-Ready Prospects: 20%

Lower-Level Prospects: 20%

Older MLB Veterans: 20%

Also, I try to remain balanced in the statistical categories as well while establishing a higher AVG/OBP baseline. As I mentioned in a previous article, I would much rather spread out my speed instead of relying on 1-2 big speed guys like Adalberto Mondesi or Mallex Smith.

Did It Work Out?

Nathan Dokken

Not to toot my own horn too loudly, but I was very happy with the team I compiled. There weren’t too many surprises in the early rounds. I was able to nab Cody Bellinger from the five slot, and Jack Flaherty in the second round. In the past, I’ve built up my hitting much more before I have attacked pitching. However, these days it is very hard to acquire elite starting pitchers, and I wanted to make sure I landed at least one if not two of the young studs.

I was ecstatic to have Javier Baez fall to me in the third round. He’s still just 27 and provides a solid five categories in this standard roto format. I backed up Flaherty with Aaron Nola in the fourth, giving me that warm fuzzy feeling when I think about the top of my rotation. Then it was time to focus on the bats. I went Ramon Laureano, JT Realmuto, and Franmil Reyes in the ensuing rounds until Zack Wheeler eyeballed me too hard to pass up in the 8th.

Now, I hadn’t planned to go so pitching-heavy in this draft. Not at all! I’ve always said that I prefer to build with bats first since they aren’t as inconsistent as pitching. Nor do you have to worry about Tommy John surgeries with position players, typically. However, I just can’t quit Forrest Whitley and snapped him up in the 9th. He is ready to contribute as soon as baseball is back, and has pure ace upside. Then in the 10th, since I was already off the rails, I took Roberto Osuna. That was actually one of my favorite picks. Obviously the off-field stuff is gross and concerning, but at a player, he has never not been an elite closer and is still just 25.

Closers, in general, fell far more than I ever imagined. I wound up with four closers, increasing my odds of competing in year one. I feel like I struck a strong balance between hitting and pitching without having to go super veteran-heavy. I was still able to get some strong prospect talent, as I anticipated, even in the final rounds of the draft. My one regret is JT Realmuto. I felt like he was a solid bargain where I drafted him at the time. However, in this single-catcher format, catchers fell precipitously. I would have been much happier with Sal Perez in the 23rd or Carson Kelly in the 29th, just as two examples. In future single-catcher leagues, I’ll be much happier waiting and waiting on the position.

Eric Cross

This is a team that I’m incredibly pleased with. Due to certain players like Jacob deGrom, Justin Verlander, and Noah Syndergaard falling, I was able to establish a dynamite pitching staff without having to invest too heavily in them. That’s the best kind of pitching staff as far as I’m concerned. In the early rounds, I was able to establish my young MLB core and grab several high-upside prospects that are going to contribute in 2020 like Gavin Lux and Luis Robert. Then, as the draft wore on, I was able to pick up my veterans and younger prospects like Noelvi Marte and Bayron Lora that will help me several years down the road.

In general, this draft was quite interesting with multiple strategies being played out. You had someone like Andrew McQuiston going very young and other going with a firm win-now strategy. This creates some good values throughout the draft that I believe I was able to capitalize on in certain rounds.

Mock Draft Participants/Order

1. Andrew McQuiston: Co-Host of the Baseball365 Podcast | Twitter: @AMcQ82

2. Chris – BaseballPods: Owner of Baseball-Pods.com | Twitter: @baseballpods

3. Matt Williams: Host of the Turn Two Podcast, Co-Founder of rotofanatic.com  | Twitter: @MattWi77iams

4. Eric Cross: Lead Baseball Writer & Prospect Analyst at FantraxHQ, Co-Host of the Five-Tool Fantasy Baseball Podcast | Twitter: @EricCross04

5. Nathan Dokken: Host of the NastyCast and Fantrax Dynasty Podcasts, MLB Writer at FantraxHQ | Twitter: @NathanDokken

6. Jake Devereaux: Lead Voice and Podcast Manager Over The Monster, Staff Writer at The Dynasty Guru, and Podcaster at FantraxHQ | Twitter: @devjake

7. Doug Anderson: Managing Editor at FantraxHQ | Twitter: @rotodaddy

8. Van Lee: Fantrax Producer, Co-Host of the Fantrax Dynasty Podcast, NastyCast, and Launch Angle Podcast | Twitter: @ManlyVanLee

9. Dave Eddy: Writer at Prospects1500 and Fantasy Six Pack | Twitter: @CorporalEddy

10. Brian Bubba Entrekin: Writer at Rotoballer and FantasyDegens, Host of Benched with Bubba | Twitter: @bdentrek

11. Ron Rigney: Co-Host of NastyCast and Fantrax Dynasty Podcasts, Writer at Fantrax HQ and BGFS | Twitter: @therealmaday

12. Jesse Roche: Writer at Baseball Prospectus, Co-Host of the Five-Tool Fantasy Baseball Podcast | Twitter: @jaroche6

13. Shelly Verougstraete: Writer at Pitcher List, Over The Monster, The Dynasty Guru, RotoGraphs, & Prospects 365, Voice on The Dynasty Child Podcast and Red Sox on Deck @ Over The Monster | Twitter: @ShellyV_643\

14. Vlad Sedler: Co-Owner and Fantasy Analyst at FantasyGuru | Twitter: @RotoGut

15. Ben Wilson: Prospect Analyst & Dynasty Fantasy Baseball Writer at FantraxHQ and Prospects 1500

Participant Responses

Jake Devereaux

Best Value – Own Pick: Adley Rutschman (145)

Best Value – Other Pick: Jordan Hicks (316)

Biggest Reach: Willie Calhoun (81)

Strategy Going In: I wanted to try and target outfield early since we had to start five outfielders. The position thins out quickly. Other than that the strategy was to build a team that is ready to compete over the next 1-3 years with strong prospects behind my starters who are over 30.

How did it Work?: I was able to execute this strategy by taking Betts in the first and then outfielders in rounds 6-8. I capped off my outfield in round 14 and was able to add future stars like Brennen Davis, Triston Casas, and Adley Rutschman. I love how it all came together.

Jesse Roche

Best Value – Own Pick: Carlos Correa (72)

Best Value – Other Pick: Willy Adames (285)

Biggest Reach: Jesus Luzardo (53)

Strategy Going In: I always strive to build a balanced team in any dynasty draft–a team built to win now and into the future. While I normally target players 27 years old or younger, I will pull the trigger on any player if the price is right. Ultimately, I seek out value throughout the draft, which can be both a blessing and a curse.

How did it Work?: I believe I built a very competitive team, designed to excel in all categories. Incidentally, I went heavy at third base and shortstop early, which is far from ideal given the depth at both positions, but the values were too good to pass up. My pitching is a bit weak, without a true ace (at least until Severino returns to action) and with plenty of question marks. However, it should rest comfortably in the middle of the pack. The hope is the offense carries the day for this team.

Vlad Sedler

Best Value – Own Pick: Tyler O’Neill (314)

Best Value – Other Pick: Luis Patino (147)

Biggest Reach: Victor Robles (41)

Strategy Going In: Usually focus more on the “right now” more so than the unpredictability of the future but this squad built with winning 2021 in mind. I was happy to get talented guys like Seager, Carlson, Tucker, and Urias at decent prices.

How did it Work?: 

Shelly Verougstraete

Best Value – Own Pick: Luis Urias (258)

Best Value – Other Pick: Triston Casas (235)

Biggest Reach: CJ Abrams (80)

Strategy Going In: I was focusing on drafting young position players that hit both high in the lineup but also for great teams. I would also snag falling veterans where they will still contribute for the next couple of seasons. Then, I would focus on filling out the lineup with great ‘now’ players and close to the Majors prospects.

How did it Work?: I think it went pretty well. My team should be in the mix for the next couple of seasons.

Chris – BaseballPods

Best Value – Own Pick: Dansby Swanson (209)

Best Value – Other Pick: Kenta Maeda (295)

Biggest Reach: Hunter Dozier (144)

Strategy Going In: In start-up dynasty leagues, I prioritize talent for the next three years. I then draft high-upside prospects, the majority of whom are a few years away to provide my next wave of talent.

How did it Work?: It worked out very well here for me, and I got a lot of “my guys” as veteran talent fell. I think I have one of the teams that will contend for the title immediately, along with a strong group of prospects. I would love to play this draft out.

Brian Bubba Entrekin

Best Value – Own Pick: Mauricio Dubon (280)

Best Value – Other Pick: Dylan Bundy (340)

Biggest Reach: Joey Bart (131)

Strategy Going In: Drafting a team that can compete now or real soon while also keeping the team young and competitive for the future.

How did it Work?: Not too bad, I would love to play it out.

Ben Wilson

Best Value – Own Pick: James Paxton (195)

Best Value – Other Pick: Riley Greene (270)

Biggest Reach: Miguel Andujar (97)

Strategy Going In: My draft strategy was to build a sustainable competitor by being aggressive with hitters and waiting on good value for pitching and prospects. I built a five-category base with Story/Ramirez and took my ace in Snell with my first three picks, allowing me maximum flexibility for the draft. I was able to be patient and still have high K pitchers like Bauer, Paxton, Cease, and Canning fall to me while others attacked offense, and build a competitive lineup while still landing five top 75 prospects.

How did it Work?: I was very happy with my team and trying out the strategy with so many great managers in the draft room. Drafting out of the 15 spot, I didn’t get that top 6 mega talent to frontline my team, which side by side with other teams doesn’t look as impressive. But I felt like I was able to stay disciplined on pitching and prospects to allow me to set out what I accomplished to do in building a sustainable winner.

Matt Williams

Best Value – Own Pick: Grayson Rodriguez (273)

Best Value – Other Pick: Dansby Swanson (209)

Biggest Reach: Max Muncy (54)

Strategy Going In: In dynasty, I always focus on best value, regardless of age. I try to build a win-now team that can also compete for at least three years. Build proven hitting w/ young SP.

How did it Work?: I am very happy with the young SP staff I was able to build. Their progression will go a long way in determining the success of my team. I definitely built the offense I was hoping to have. I feel my team can win year one and compete for years afterward.

If you aren’t playing your dynasty leagues on Fantrax, you’re missing out on the deepest player pool and most customization around. Just starting out in a dynasty league? Then check out Eric Cross’ Top-250 Overall Fantasy Prospects and Top-500 Dynasty League Rankings.

Also, make sure to check out the Fantrax Dynasty Baseball Podcast and Five Tool Fantasy Baseball Podcast Weekly for more dynasty talk.

Fantrax Dynasty Mock Draft

Rounds 1-3

Best Value

Round 1: Nathan – Gerrit Cole (11) | Eric – Trevor Story (15)

Round 2: Nathan – Jacob deGrom (27) | Eric – Jacob deGrom (27)

Round 3: Nathan – Shohei Ohtani (42) | Eric – Xander Bogaerts (32)

Rounds 4-6

Best Value

Round 4: Nathan – Starling Marte (57) | Eric –  Jo Adell (60)

Round 5: Nathan – Ramon Laureano (65) | Eric – Ramon Laureano (65)

Round 6: Nathan – Matt Chapman (82) | Eric – Jarred Kelenic (87)

Rounds 7-9

Best Value

Round 7: Nathan – Frankie Montas (100) | Eric – Gary Sanchez (102)

Round 8: Nathan – Michael Kopech (114) | Eric – Michael Kopech (114)

Round 9: Nathan – Nate Pearson (123) | Eric – Paul Goldschmidt (132)

Rounds 10-12

Best Value

Round 10: Nathan – Roberto Osuna (146) | Eric – Adley Rutschman (145)

Round 11: Nathan – Tommy Pham (159) | Eric – Eddie Rosario (155)

Round 12: Nathan – Jorge Polanco (174) | Eric – Noah Syndergaard (177)

Rounds 13-15

Best Value

Round 13: Nathan – James Paxton (195) | Eric – Sam Hilliard (194)

Round 14: Nathan – Spencer Howard (200) | Eric – Spencer Howard (200)

Round 15: Nathan – Justin Turner (216) | Eric – Trey Mancini (214)

Rounds 16-18

Best Value

Round 16: Nathan – Mitch Garver (227) | Eric – Michael Chavis (233)

Round 17: Nathan – Cristian Pache (244) | Eric – Matthew Boyd (245)

Round 18: Nathan – Luke Voit (268) | Eric – Sixto Sanchez (256)

Rounds 19-21

Best Value

Round 19: Nathan – Avisail Garcia (272) | Eric Cross – Willy Adames (285)

Round 20: Nathan – Carlos Martinez (289) | Eric Cross – Carlos Martinez (289)

Round 21: Nathan – Starlin Castro (306) | Eric Cross – Alex Reyes (301)

Rounds 22-24

Best Value

Round 22: Nathan – Edwin Encarnacion (323) | Eric – Jean Segura (322)

Round 23: Nathan – Salvador Perez (334) | Eric – Salvador Perez (334)

Round 24: Nathan – Corey Knebel (348) | Eric – Shane Baz (354)

Rounds 25-27

Best Value

Round 25: Nathan – Will Myers (362) | Eric – Anthony Santander (370)

Round 26: Nathan – Aaron Hicks (379) | Eric – Aaron Hicks (379)

Round 27: Nathan – Ryan Braun (395) | Eric – Nick Lodolo (396)

Rounds 28-30

Best Value

Round 28: Nathan – Daniel Murphy (414) | Eric – Brailyn Marquez (406)

Round 29: Nathan – Carson Kelly (421) | Eric – Carson Kelly (421)

Round 30: Nathan – Michael Pineda (450) | Eric – Jordan Balazovic (442)

Rounds 31-33

Best Value

Round 31: Nathan – DL Hall (462) | Eric – Kevin Cron (451)

Round 32: Nathan – Steven Matz (478) | Eric – Francisco Mejia (471)

Round 33: Nathan – Franklin Barreto (488) | Eric – Luis Campusano (485)

Final Mock Draft Rosters

Media Credit: Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire

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