Tips for MLB short season fantasy drafts

Your Actual Draft

If you value your money at all, there is no reason to be doing your fantasy MLB draft right now. There are obviously too many risks with players opting out of the season and groups from different organizations contracting COVID-19. Do yourself a favor and wait until the last possible moment to draft your teams. Opening day is July 23, so aim for July 22 for your home league drafts. 

Universal DH 

The MLB has implemented a universal designated hitter (DH) for both the American and National League. This is new for the NL and will benefit power hitters who are not daily starters. Take, for example, the Dodgers – they are obviously a stacked squad but a small issue with playing them last year was how much they would pull hitters (based on the pitching matchup) after a couple of at-bats. This is, of course, a great coaching decision for winning baseball games, but bad for fantasy production. Having a DH would lead me to believe that guys such as Joc Pederson could get more solid playing time while starting as the DH or because whoever is the DH will even out the batting rotation when he is starting. Other bats that come to mind are Marcell Ozuna, Howie Kendrick, Ryan Braun, Eric Thames, Matt Adams, and Jay Bruce. 

Pitchers wear and tear 

I am not as concerned with drafting pitchers who usually fizzle out after the all-star game or have to be closely monitored for minutes due to being vulnerable to injury. I would be willing to take arms such as Tyler Glasnow and Chris Paddack, who I would usually shy away from in season drafts, above their ADP because the season is so short. These guys will likely only see around 80 innings before the playoffs. James Paxton is also a guy I would not have touched in drafts three months ago due to minor back surgery in February; however, he is pitching in simulated games now and "feels healthy." He would be a decent late-round add. 

Player Mindset 

When COVID-19 hit, the MLB season was literally about to start. It has now been three months and some players put in more work in the “offseason” than others. Think about it, half the people at your office probably got in great shape and the other half put on some COVID-19 insulation. Which players were like Joey Gallo and put a batting cage in their condo and which came back looking like Pablo Sandoval? As the season gets closer, keep an ear the ground about who's game ready and who is still getting back in shape. We will keep you updated at FTN.