Towards 2023 fantasy baseball As the season draws to a close, it’s important to recognize this year’s top performers.
Injuries to top stars such as Mike Trout, Aaron Judge, and Shohei Ohtani often draw attention as fantasy players lament what could have been, but they look to hoist a championship trophy as soon as next week. There are many other players to whom I would like to express my gratitude. should be provided.
Whether they’re a rising star or it turns out to be a great deal, we should always acknowledge their efforts.
catcher: Jonah Heim, Rangers. He had a batting average of .278, 16 home runs, and 88 RBIs, which led all catchers. Heim likely would have claimed waivers in most leagues. Although he wasn’t the team’s main star this season, he was certainly an aspirational player for many.
First base: Matt Olson, Braves. Heading into the weekend, Olson leads baseball with 54 home runs and 136 RBIs. Add in a .281 average and .387 OBP and you have fantasy gold in the early rounds.
Second base: Cubs’ Nico Hoerner. There were several second basemen who deserved this honor. An afterthought in most fantasy drafts, Horner stole 43 bases, the fifth-most in the majors. Imagine punting the position on draft day and winning the title thanks to a steal.
Third base: Austin Riley, Braves. Jose Ramirez’s power and speed combo is coveted, but it’s hard to look away from Riley and his 37 home runs. He also hit .282 and led the league with 96 RBIs. Like Olson, he’s a great example of a stud doing research stuff.
shortstop: Bobby Witt, Royals. In his second year as a superstar, he hit .273 with 29 home runs and 49 RBIs. Although he has earned his primary position at shortstop, he also has added eligibility as a third baseman, making him an excellent draft pick.
Do you want to bet on the NFL?
outfield: Ronald Acuña Jr., Braves. Jose Rodriguez, Mariners. Corbin Carroll of the Diamondbacks. The outfield nod was easy. Acuña and Rodriguez posted strong numbers across five major fantasy categories. Carroll, the National League Rookie of the Year, also had a great performance with 24 home runs and 52 stolen bases. These three are likely to be solid top-five fantasy picks in every 2024 draft.
pitcher: Blake Snell, Padres. On the mound, let’s give a round of applause to National League Cy Young Award candidate Blake Snell, who has 14 wins, an 11.70 K/9, and a 2.25 ERA. His first half was dominant, but he was even more impressive after the All-Star break. Special mention to Justin Steele and super bargain Michael Wacha.
Closer: David Bednar, Pirates. He may have had five fewer saves than league leader Emmanuel Clase, but expectations weren’t that high for Pittsburgh, and Bednar was impressive.
If any or all of these players led you to a fantasy baseball championship, congratulations. This is truly a marathon of a season, and players who perform at this level are impressive both as players and managers.
Enjoy the MLB Playoffs. May your offseason be full of excitement. See you in February.
Howard Bender is responsible for the following content. fantasyalarm.com. Follow him on X @rotobuzzguy Catch him on the award-winning SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Channel on the “Fantasy Alarm Radio Show” weekdays from 6-8 p.m. fantasy baseball advice.
