I used Yahoo! auction and draft prices in this article. I was going to make a list of my own rankings, but then I realized that it’s pointless. There are so many lists out there and mine isn’t going to be much different. By the way you should also check out some player projections for the season. I used them as well.
I’m not going to tell you that Rhys Hoskins is better than Freddie Freeman for example (he’s not by the way). More importantly, the major sites have their prices and rankings and that’s what matters. An independent evaluation isn’t going to change them and you’ll still have to bid or draft based on their rankings. What’s important is VALUE, as in who it’s best to target based on their price.
I prefer auctions but this applies to drafts as well. I’m not mentioning relief pitchers, as the strategy I recommend is not spending more than $5/late pick on any of them. You can win saves by loading up on closers during the season, and you can find resources for that here during the season! I don’t like any catchers this season due to their production being overrated due to positional scarcity.
SP
For H2H quantity is the way to go. You want good pitchers who will provide as many innings as possible. Some good options include Jesus Luzardo, Braxton Garrett, Merrill Kelly, Jordan Montgomery, Sonny Gray, Justin Steele, Tanner Bibee, Shane Bieber, Zach Eflin, Joe Musgrove, Logan Gilbert and Kodai Senga.
You need aces more in Roto and you can always go after aces in H2H as well. The best options are Gerrit Cole, Zack Wheeler, Logan Webb, Max Fried, Kevin Gausman, George Kirby, and Framber Valdez.
Aaron Nola is overpriced as he’s certainly not an ace level SP. Freddy Peralta is overpriced after a 3.86 ERA/3.84 performance in 2023.
I’m on the fence with Corbin Burnes, with a move to another hitter’s park and the AL East, after declining in 2023. Zac Gallen is in a similar boat for me, after his ERA rose from 3.04 in the first half of 2023 to 4.03 in the second.
I would avoid anyone who is unlikely to reach 150 innings pitched in H2H. Roto specific options include Tyler Glasnow, Bobby Miller, and Chris Sale.
C
I don’t like any catchers this season due to their production being overrated due to positional scarcity. I would prefer going after someone who plays daily at a different position, but is eligible for catcher. Sadly, MJ Melendez may be the only such option, though he is projected for decent numbers for a fantasy catcher (19-23 HR 67-74 RBI 69-81 R 4-6 SB). Salvador Perez is interesting as well.
1B
The easiest position to stream doesn’t require a large investment, however I like Bryce Harper quite a bit at his price, as he’s the only real five category producer at the position. Anthony Rizzo is a great bargain pick-up. He’s been completely written off, despite the fact that he batted .304/.376/.505 prior to playing through post-concussion symptoms. He’s now in his contract year. There are also elite power options if you’re willing to pay the price. Those options are of course Matt Olson and Pete Alonso.
I would stay away from options with little power such as Yandy Diaz, or unproven bats who can easily turn into busts such as Triston Casas and Spencer Torkelson due to serious contact issues. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is simply not worth the price as it’s inflated based on name value.
2B
Mookie Betts is the elite option, however there are great value options too. Gleyber Torres in his contract year really stands out to me. Call it a gut feeling, but he seems like the type to do so. Jorge Polanco is quietly a good bargain option in Roto.
SS
Mookie Betts is eligible in some leagues. Otherwise, Corey Seager is the best option. Bobby Witt Jr. is too costly and will likely not live up to the expectations. Willy Adames is quietly a great option for counting stats for cheap, especially since his projected counting stats are as follows: 3 less HR, -3 RBI, -6 Runs, +4 SB compared to Seager. Carlos Correa may have a bounceback year as well. I’d also keep my eye on Trevor Story.
3B
Austin Riley and Rafael Devers are your top options. José Ramírez is overpriced based on SB’s. Jake Burger and Nolan Gorman are excellent power options who may have big years. Nolan Arenado is an interesting bargain priced option, considering his consistency.
OF
Ronald Acuña Jr. is elite but overpriced with no room for error. He’s only a great option in a draft. Mookie Betts is obviously good as well. The best options are Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, Kyle Tucker and Yordan Alvarez. Judge and Soto are bargains as the were worth more just recently and can put up numbers comparable to more expensive options. Kyle Schwarber is a good value power pick.