2021 Fantasy Baseball Sleepers: One potential breakout player from every team

Spring coaching is the last word time for optimism as a baseball fan and fantasy baseball proprietor. Every team is a contender (not likely, however go along with it), and every player is a potential breakout (once more, not likely, however embrace the spirit). We mix these two concepts and do our greatest to seek out one potential sleeper from every MLB membership. 

Some groups have a seemingly limitless provide of potential sleepers; others actually make us work, both as a result of all of their worthwhile fantasy choices are established or they merely do not have (m)any good gamers. Either approach, we plow forward and do our greatest to hype not less than one potential contributor, although not less than just a few gamers on this record are solely choices in deep leagues (and a pair others are solely suited to waiver wire watchlists). 

Now’s the time to dream large, so open your thoughts and take a look at our record of 30 potential fantasy sleepers. If nothing else else, let this record provide you with a motive to concentrate to all 30 groups…not less than for per week or two earlier than actuality units in.

• #1

  Arizona Diamondbacks: Daulton Varsho, C/OF

  Varsho is not a lock to have on a regular basis taking part in time when the season opens (and even be on the main league roster), however he is the uncommon catcher-eligible player who may not essentially be behind the plate. The 24-year-old lefty additionally has expertise within the outfield, which will increase his chance of taking part in time. Once he does play, he might be an elite-hitting, catcher-eligible fantasy contributor, proven by his profession .301/.372/.507 line within the minors. Even extra noteworthy, he stole 21 bases in 108 video games at Double-A in 2019

• #2

  Atlanta Braves: Cristian Pache, OF

  Pache is one other player who may begin the season within the minors, however the 22-year-old defensive whiz might simply discover his approach into the lineup quickly. His bat remains to be a piece in progress, however with strong contact abilities, growing energy, and good pace, Pache may very well be a pleasant all-around contributor as soon as he does get taking part in time.

• #3

  Baltimore Orioles: Anthony Santander, OF

  Santander is not an entire unknown after hitting 20 HRs in 93 video games in 2019 and 11 HRs in 37 video games in ’20, however as a result of he performs on the Orioles and hasn’t had a monster season but, fantasy homeowners may not notice simply how excessive his breakout potential is. The 26-year-old switch-hitter surprisingly would not strike out a lot for an influence hitter (only a 15.2-percent strikeout share final 12 months, 21.2 the 12 months earlier than), and he will not kill your common, settling in round .260. He would not run, however given his residence park, homers and RBIs appear inevitable.

• #4

  Boston Red Sox: Bobby Dalbec, 1B

  Dalbec hit eight homers in simply 23 main league video games final 12 months after hitting not less than 27 within the minors in each 2018 and ’19. The 25-year-old slugger is a traditional high-strikeout, high-walk, big-power hitter. That kind of player can appear to be a dime-a-dozen in shallow leagues, however relying on simply what number of homers Dalbechits, he’ll seemingly be a worthwhile contributor in deeper codecs, particularly these with a CI spot.

• #5

  Chicago Cubs: Adbert Alzolay, P

  Alzolay has had an up-and-down minor league profession, however one thing appeared to click on in 2019 when he dialed up his Okay/9 ratio to 12.5 in 15 begins. Last 12 months, in six main league appearances (4 begins), he struck out 29 and gave up just one HR in 21.1 innings. The 26-year-old righty might pitch in quite a lot of roles all through the season , however he figures to rack up Ks both approach. If he can maintain his walks at a semi-reasonable stage and proceed to maintain the ball within the yard, he ought to settle in as a pleasant mid-rotation fantasy contributor.

• #6

  Chicago White Sox: Andrew Vaughn, 1B

  Vaughn has a superb likelihood of breaking camp as Chicago’s on a regular basis DH, and the 22-year-old slugger is prone to produce not less than first rate numbers in that function. An elite school hitter who’s performed simply 55 skilled video games (plus frolicked within the expanded player pool final 12 months), Vaughn also can man first base and probably third base. Either approach, his bat will seemingly make an impression, and given his above-average contact abilities and function in Chicago’s stacked lineup, the fantasy numbers are positive to observe.

• #7

  Cincinnati Reds: Taylor Mahle, SP

  Most fantasy homeowners have in all probability streamed Mahle in favorable spots over the previous couple years, however the 26-year-old righty is perhaps due for a full-fledged breakout. We hate his residence park, however Mahle raised his Okay-rate (11.3) to an elite stage final 12 months whereas considerably slicing down on the HRs (1.13 HR/9 ratio). Obviously, final 12 months’s numbers got here in restricted appearances (10 whole, 9 begins), so we’re taking these with a grain of salt, however Mahlehas the stuff to be extra constant and submit regular numbers at a discount worth.

• #8

  Cleveland Indians: Amed Rosario, SS

  While many are targeted on fellow SS-eligible player Andres Gimenez (and for good motive), his youth (22) and all-around hitting profile leaves a bit to be desired, not less than at this level in his profession. Rosario has his warts, too, however the 25-year-old infielder has legit 20/20 upside whereas taking part in a number of infield spots. Rosario will seemingly be an afterthought in lots of drafts, however given his expertise and transfer to a greater hitters park, he generally is a low-cost supply of not less than a bit energy and pace.

• #9

  Colorado Rockies: Sam Hilliard, OF

  The Coors Field issue makes virtually every Rockies hitter a potential sleeper, however Hilliard is especially intriguing due to his power-speed mixture. The 27-year-old lefty may wind up being a “Quad-A” player, however he hit 42 HRs and stole 24 bases between Double-A and Triple-A in 2019. The common seemingly will not be nice due to a excessive strikeout share, however Hilliardshould get a spot at common taking part in time within the majors this 12 months.

• #10

  Detroit Tigers: Willi Castro, SS/3B

  Castro impressed throughout his 36-game stint within the majors final 12 months, hitting .349/.381/.550, however a ridiculous .448 BABIP is a clue that his common will not be practically pretty much as good this 12 months. Nonetheless, the 23-year-old switch-hitter has an honest quantity of energy and pace. Given his versatility, that has worth in deeper leagues.

• #11

  Houston Astros: Cristian Javier, P

  In 377 profession minor league innings, Javier posted a 2.22 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and 12.2 Okay/9 ratio. In 12 appearances (10 begins) final 12 months with the Astros, he posted a 3.48/0.99 line with an 8.9 Okay/9 ratio. His superior numbers prompt he was pretty fortunate final season, however clearly the 24-year-old righty has elite stuff. Regardless of his function, he’ll have fantasy worth, and he may very well be an upper-tier starter as quickly as this season.

• #12

  Kansas City Royals: Brady Singer, P

  Singer was regular in his 12 begins final 12 months, posting a 4.06/1.17 line with an 8.5 Okay/9 ratio, which was according to his one 12 months within the minors (2.85/1.19, 8.4 Okay/9 ratio). The 24-year-old righty is unlikely to be an upper-tier pitcher, not less than this 12 months, however he generally is a strong back-of-the-rotation man for fantasy homeowners, particularly in favorable matchups.

• #13

  Los Angeles Angels: Jared Walsh, 1B

  Playing time may very well be a difficulty, because the 27-year-old lefty might simply fall right into a platoon with Albert Pujols, however Walsh had a mini breakout final 12 months, clubbing 9 homers in 32 video games. Perhaps much more important, he considerably reduce down on his strikeout share (13.9), which appears unsustainable. Either approach, Walsh, who hit 36 HRs at Triple-A in 2019, has big-time energy and RBI upside.

• #14

  Los Angeles Dodgers: Tony Gonsolin, P

  Over the previous two years, Gonsolin has posted a 2.60/0.92 line with an 8.6 Okay/9 ratio in 20 main league appearances (14 begins). Despite having a low ground-ball price (37.7 percent0, Gonsolin would not surrender many homers (0.62 HR/9 ratio), which bodes properly for his future outlook. His function is actually up within the air heading into this season, however he’ll have worth a technique or one other.

• #15

  Miami Marlins: Sixto Sanchez, P

  Sanchez made good on all of his promise in seven begins final 12 months, posting a 3.46/1.21 line with 33 Ks in 39 innings. Perhaps surprisingly, the 22-year-old righty was by no means a high-strikeout man within the minors (7.9 Okay/9 ratio) regardless of a 97.6-mph common fastball, in order that’s nonetheless one thing that would develop, however whilst is, Sanchez has main breakout potential this 12 months.

• #16

  Milwaukee Brewers: Josh Lindblom, P

  In his first season again from pitching abroad, Lindblom posted a 5.16/1.28 line with a ten.3 Okay/9 ratio in 12 appearances (10 begins). That would not sound nice, but it surely’s price noting he had a 3.88 FIP, and his Okay-rate actually suggests he has extra upside. His ground-ball price (26.9 p.c) is a priority, however Lindblom must be a gradual, high-Okay, back-end producer.

• #17

  Minnesota Twins: Ryan Jeffers, C

  Jeffers held his personal in his 26-game main league debut final 12 months, hitting .273/.355/.436, which is according to his two-year minor league profession (.296/.383/.453). After Mitch Garver’s no-show final 12 months, Jeffers has a path to constant taking part in time if Garver begins sluggish once more, and he might produce a gradual common and first rate energy at fantasy’s thinnest place.

• #18

  New York Mets: Brandon Nimmo, OF

  Nimmo is a kind of gamers who’s higher in actual life than fantasy due to his excessive BB-rate, however he quietly confirmed an enchancment in energy final 12 months, slugging .484 whereas slicing down on the strikeouts. If that development continues, it is not loopy to assume Nimmo can hit near 25 HRs and steal round 10 bases whereas producing a excessive OBP. That’s price a late-round flier, not less than in OBP leagues.

• #19

  New York Yankees: Deivi Garcia, P

  Garcia has electrical stuff regardless of a small body, however he is yet one more younger pitcher whose function is undefined heading into the season. Regardless of when he pitches, he’ll strike out hitters. His profession minor league line of three.77/1.14 with a 12.7 Okay/9 ratio is much more spectacular while you notice he is nonetheless simply 21.

• #20

  Oakland A’s: Sergio Romo, P

  Romo is ticketed for setup responsibility this 12 months, however with Trevor Rosenthal’s current points (did not pitch in 2018, struggled badly in ’19), he is not a lock to remain within the nearer’s function all season. Romo would seemingly have a superb likelihood to choose up some saves if one thing occurs to Rosenthal. At the very least, Romo will get an honest quantity of holds should you’re in a saves + holds league, so he is somebody to maintain in your watchlist.

• #21

  Philadelphia Phillies: Alec Bohm, 1B/3B

  Bohm impressed with a .338/.400/.481 line in 44 video games final 12 months, and whereas his .410 BABIP figures noticeably drop, the gifted 24-year-old infielder can hit for a strong common and first rate energy. In Philadelphia’s lineup, run-producing alternatives will observe, giving Bohm loads of potential worth in deeper leagues.

• #22

  Pittsburgh Pirates: Ke’Bryan Hayes, 3B

  Hayes is one other BABIP darling from final 12 months (.450) who ended his debut stint within the majors with a .376/.442/.682 line in 24 video games. Those numbers are going to leap out to anybody, and whereas they won’t symbolize Hayes’s true upside, they nonetheless present the 24-year-old righty has loads of expertise. If his bat continues to develop, he ought to submit a strong common, average energy, and round 10-15 steals. That’s price one thing in deep leagues, however watch out to not overdraft.

• #23

  San Diego Padres: Jake Cronenworth, 1B/2B/SS

  The Padres have a number of infield choices, however Cronenworth initiatives to have an on a regular basis function when the season opens. The versatile 27-year-old lefty hit .285/.354/.477 in 54 video games final 12 months, constructing off a 2019 Triple-A marketing campaign when he hit .334/.429/.520 with 10 HRs and 12 SBs in 88 video games. Cronenworth’s lefty splits are a fear, as he might discover himself in a platoon, however his multi-position eligibility, first rate power-speed mixture, and strong contact abilities make him a pleasant bench player.

• #24

  San Francisco Giants: Joey Bart, C

  Bart will begin the season within the minors, however with Buster Posey getting up there in years, it may not be lengthy earlier than Bart is getting common taking part in time behind the plate in San Francisco. The 24-year-old backstop has hit .284/.343/.532 within the minors, and he may very well be one of many uncommon catchers who hits for a strong common with first rate energy.

• #25

  Seattle Mariners: Dylan Moore, 2B/3B/SS/OF

  Moore is “everyone’s sleeper” this 12 months, so he is perhaps getting overvalued at this level. That stated, even with all of the hype, Moore has the instruments to essentially repay, particularly along with his multi-position eligible. The 28-year-old righty hit eight HRs and stole 12 bases in simply 33 video games final 12 months, and getting that 20-HR, 30-SB potential is at all times going to be extraordinarily useful, even when it comes with a mediocre common. Chances are, he will not steal fairly that many bases, however Moore can be a worthwhile fantasy contributor.

• #26

  St. Louis Cardinals: Dylan Carlson, OF

  Carlson struggled in his first main league motion final 12 months, hitting simply .200/.252/.364 in 35 video games, however his 2019 numbers spent principally at Double-A (.292/.372/.542 with 26 HRs and 20 SBs spent) present his upside. His strikeouts are a fear, if he holds onto his job and will get on a regular basis taking part in time in St. Louis’s strong lineup, he’ll be price a beginning spot in five-OF leagues.

• #27

  Tampa Bay Rays: Mike Brosseau, 1B/2B/3B

  Brosseau would not have a set place to play, however given his versatility, it would not be a shock to see him discover his approach into Tampa’s lineup most days. He impressed final 12 months with a .302/.378/.558 line (although it did include a .412 BABIP), and that adopted a season the place he hit 22 HRs in 124 video games between Triple-A and the majors. At 27, a full-fledged breakout appears a bit unlikely, however along with his multi-position eligibility, strong energy, and first rate common potential, Brosseau is a worthwhile bench possibility in deep leagues.

• #28

  Texas Rangers: Leody Taveras, OF

  Texas has a number of OF and DH choices, so Taveras cannot afford a sluggish begin, however the 22-year-old switch-hitter has legit power-speed upside. Right now, he is extra pace than energy — and his common will seemingly disappoint — however fantasy homeowners are at all times on the lookout for pace. If he hits leadoff for the Rangers, he may be a significant supply of runs, particularly if his 10.4-percent BB-rate from final 12 months is legit.

• #29

  Toronto Blue Jays: Alejandro Kirk, C

  Kirk would not determine to start out the 12 months with on a regular basis taking part in time, however with Danny Jansen displaying little, Kirk might finally take over as Toronto’s starter. The 22-year-old backstop has impressed in opposition to lower-level pitching within the minors, hitting .315/.418/.500 in 151 video games, and his preliminary 9 video games within the majors final 12 months resulted in a .375 common. Obviously, that small of a pattern dimension does not imply a lot, however Kirk is a strong contact hitter who not often strikes out and takes an honest quantity of walks. That’s a lot useful at catcher.

• #30

  Washington Nationals: Carter Kieboom, 3B/SS

  Kieboom hasn’t proven a lot in his 44 video games within the majors (.181/.309/.232), however at simply 23, he nonetheless has time to seek out his swing. His minor league numbers (.287/.378/.469) portend to eventual main league success, and he ought to get every likelihood to succeed (or fail) this 12 months.

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