X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Player Comparisons
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

MLB Rookies, Prospects & 2nd Year Hitters: 2014's Biggest Impacts

Have you ever been so sure of something that you bragged to everybody about it, only to have been so wrong?  Me neither!  As a fantasy writer, I admit that I’m probably wrong more than I’m right, but it is pretty close. I joke, I joke-- of course I'm always right, why else would you want to read this?  Anyway, let’s take a look at five players heading into their second year in the show and five rookies who are hoping to make it to their second year.

 

Sophomore Slump? I Think Not

mlb-fantasy-baseball-advice-yasiel-puig

Yasiel Puig - If he can behave, be humble and play smart, he will be a stud.  I know that is a lot to ask of a 23-year-old “phenom,” but I think manager Don Mattingly has some good influence on him.  Puig didn’t make his MLB debut until June 3rd but he still managed 19 HR, 42 RBI, 66 R and 11 SB while hitting .319.  All this in 104 games played! This led to him finishing second in NL Rookie of the year voting, behind Jose Fernandez, again playing in just 64% of the season.  Projected to bat leadoff for a great Dodger team, Puig will be a force.  He will come close to being a 30/30 guy-- there were none of those in 2013.  Watch this-- even though it won’t help your fantasy team, it’s just awesome.

Wil Myers - No matter what you hear, the Kansas City Royals have to be regretting trading away this no-batting-glove-wearing stud of a hitter.  Myers did what he was projected to do, hit.  He led all AL rookies with 53 RBI, playing in only 88 games.  If you’re looking for extra-base hits, Myers is your man, as he hit 23 doubles and 13 HR in the short season.  Myers was instrumental in helping the Rays make the playoffs, hitting .308 with 4 HR and 14 RBI in September.  Despite not making his MLB debut until June 8, Myers went on to win the AL Rookie of the Year award.  He will continue to mash in his second year, with or without batting gloves.

Matt Adams - The big man can flat out hit fastballs.  He is the real Pedro Cerrano, except that he is a big American left handed hitter.  Slated to start the season at 1B for a great Cardinals team, Adams should put up solid numbers in all the power categories.  Read more about him here.

Jedd Gyorko - There aren't many power hitters playing second base.  If you’re looking for extra power in your lineup, look no further than this San Diego Padres second basemen.  He hit 23 HR in only 125 games-- what can he do in a whole season?  Read this to find out.

Evan Gattis - The former janitor squashed those pundits who said he was only a splash and he couldn’t have continued success as the season went on last year.  Gattis proved them wrong by leading ALL rookies with 65 RBI.  He added 21 HR in only 105 games played.  Atlanta let Brian McCann walk, and they'll hand over the starting catcher spot to Gattis, as well as the cleanup spot in the lineup.  Another batting-glove-free hitter like Myers, Gattis hit the longest HR in MLB last year, 488 feet off of Cole Hamels.  488 FEET!!!!! Watch it here.

 

Rookies & Prospects Hoping to Make A Splash

I will be releasing my list of top 20 2014 fantasy relevant rookies soon. Stay tuned!

Billy Hamilton - 13 steals in only 13 games as a September call up last year, that’s Ricky Hendersonesque!!  If he can get on base, he can single-handedly win you the SB category.  Check out fellow RotoBaller @JustBerglund's  article on steals here.

Jose Abreu - The $68M man has to really bash to justify that kind of money, and bash he will!  He’s been called the best pure hitter from Cuba in the last 10 years by Cuban baseball expert and author Peter Bjarkman.  Abreu flirted with winning the Triple Crown in Cuba the last two years.  In the 2013 World Baseball Classic, he hit .360 with 3 HR  and 9 RBI in six games.  Supposed to be better than Cespedes and Puig?  Imagine what he will accomplish if that's true.

Nick Castellanos - Current Spring Training RBI leader with 16 while hitting a cool .400 in 45 at bats.  I know it’s only Spring Training and the stats don’t mean diddly squat, but Castellanos will be the everyday third baseman for the Tigers.  He’s not the typical power-hitting 3B, but he can be good in about every hitting category, especially hitting in the potent Tigers lineup.

Xander Bogaerts - How would you perform at the age of 21 in the World Series after just being called up?  Bogaerts played well enough to earn a World Series ring, and he was a key piece in the Red Sox’s run to a championship.  Moving to shortstop this year, Bogaerts looks to add to his stellar late-season call up and produce in his first full year.  I expect him to become one of the best young shortstops in the game.

Mike Olt - Olt is currently tearing up Spring Training with 4 HR and 9 RBI in 31 AB.  He is a former top-20 MLB prospect with the Texas Rangers.  Olt had eye problems that led to a forgettable 2013.  A throw-in for the Matt Garza trade, Olt had surgery on his eyes and says he is hitting the ball like he used to.  That is good news for the Cubs, as he can add much-needed power from the hot corner.  Olt hit 28 home runs in AA in 2012 and will look to provide that kind of power for the up-and-coming Chicago Cubs.  With half his games in Wrigley Field, 20+ HR is attainable.

 




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Player Comparisons
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Maxi Kleber3 mins ago

Out Indefinitely
Lonzo Ball15 mins ago

Exercises Option For 2024-25
Trea Turner1 hour ago

Out Six Weeks With Hamstring Strain
Alek Manoah4 hours ago

To Start Sunday For Blue Jays
Seiya Suzuki4 hours ago

Could Be Activated In The Coming Week
Cody Bellinger4 hours ago

Could Be Activated Soon
Trea Turner4 hours ago

Placed On 10-Day Injured List
Kevin Kiermaier5 hours ago

Activated From Injured List
Dylan Carlson6 hours ago

With The Cardinals On Saturday
Bryan Ramos6 hours ago

White Sox Call Up Bryan Ramos
Cody Bellinger6 hours ago

Seiya Suzuki, Cody Bellinger Working Out On Saturday
Gerrit Cole6 hours ago

Throws Successful Bullpen Session
Jose Altuve10 hours ago

Records 300th Career Stolen Base
Jacob Young17 hours ago

Leaves With Back Spasms Friday
Brett Baty17 hours ago

Erupts With Two Long Balls
Cal Quantrill18 hours ago

Silences Pirates For First Win
Drew Rasmussen18 hours ago

Jeffrey Springs, Drew Rasmussen Set For Extended Spring Games
George Kirby18 hours ago

Dealing With Knee Issue
Taj Bradley18 hours ago

Throws 94 Pitches In Second Rehab Start
Braxton Garrett18 hours ago

Slated For Another Rehab Start
Sean Murphy18 hours ago

Resumes Swinging Off A Tee
Jesús Luzardo18 hours ago

Jesus Luzardo Set For Rehab Start Sunday
Christian Yelich18 hours ago

Targeting Return During Road Trip
Evan Mobley20 hours ago

Fizzles Offensively In Game 6
Darius Garland20 hours ago

Plays Well On Friday Night
Donovan Mitchell20 hours ago

Explodes Offensively In Game 6
NYI1 day ago

Lou Lamoriello, Patrick Roy To Return Next Season
Mason Marchment1 day ago

A No-Go For Friday
Terance Mann1 day ago

Active At Shootaround
Arturs Silovs1 day ago

Expected To Go Again Friday
Adin Hill1 day ago

Back In Goal Friday
Los Angeles Lakers1 day ago

Darvin Ham Dismissed As Lakers Head Coach
Auston Matthews1 day ago

Uncertain For Game 7
Aaron Rodgers1 day ago

No Restrictions For Aaron Rodgers During Offseason Workouts
Mac Jones1 day ago

Jaguars Don't Pick Up Mac Jones' Fifth-Year Option
Jayden Daniels1 day ago

Has A Chance To Start Immediately
Chase Claypool1 day ago

Bills Sign Chase Claypool
Steve Erceg1 day ago

Has A Chance To Become A Champion
Alexandre Pantoja1 day ago

Looks To Defend Flyweight Title
Jarrett Allen1 day ago

Spotted At Shootaround On Friday
Gary Harris1 day ago

Remains Game-Time Decision
Josh Hart1 day ago

Shines Again In Game 6 Victory
Michel Pereira1 day ago

Ihor Potieria Faces Michel Pereira On UFC 301
Joel Embiid1 day ago

Fouls Out With Big Stat Line In Losing Effort
Odell Beckham Jr.1 day ago

Signing One-Year Deal With Dolphins
Michel Pereira1 day ago

Looks To Extend Win Streak To Eight
Paul Craig1 day ago

Looking To Rebound At UFC 301
Jalen Brunson1 day ago

Leads Knicks To Series Win Over 76ers
DJ Chark Jr.2 days ago

Signs With Chargers
Kadarius Toney2 days ago

Chiefs Decline Kadarius Toney's Fifth-Year Option
Khris Middleton2 days ago

Can't Lift Milwaukee To A Win
Damian Lillard2 days ago

Plays Well In Return
Jarrett Allen2 days ago

Officially Questionable For Friday
Tim Hardaway2 days ago

Jr. Still Out For Game 6
Terance Mann2 days ago

On The Injury Report For Game 6
Kawhi Leonard2 days ago

Remains Out On Friday
Mitchell Robinson2 days ago

Will Play In Game 6
Joel Embiid2 days ago

Ready For Action Thursday
Tyrese Haliburton2 days ago

Officially Available On Thursday
Steven Stamkos2 days ago

Begins Contract Talks With Lightning
Brett Pesce2 days ago

A Potential Option For Round 2
Sam Bennett2 days ago

Should Be Good For Round 2
Adam Fox2 days ago

Doesn't Skate Again On Thursday
Luke Schenn2 days ago

Hopeful For Game 6
Auston Matthews2 days ago

Out For Game 6
Justin Fields2 days ago

Steelers Decline Fifth-Year Option On Justin Fields
Najee Harris2 days ago

Fifth-Year Option On Najee Harris Declined By Steelers
JuJu Smith-Schuster2 days ago

Could Be On His Way Out
Khalil Herbert2 days ago

A Trade Candidate?
T.J. Hockenson2 days ago

Ahead Of Schedule In His Rehab
Nick Chubb2 days ago

"Progressing Nicely"
Caio Borralho2 days ago

Gets Ranked Opponent At UFC 301
Vitor Petrino2 days ago

Puts Undefeated Record On The Line At UFC 301
Anthony Smith2 days ago

A Massive Underdog At UFC 301
Jonathan Martinez2 days ago

Faces A Legend At UFC 301
Jose Aldo2 days ago

Returns At UFC 301
New York Giants3 days ago

Giants Could Sign A Veteran Running Back
Dallas Cowboys3 days ago

Trevon Diggs Expected To Be Ready For Training Camp
Daniel Jones3 days ago

Has Been Cutting, Plans To Be Ready For Camp
Malik Nabers3 days ago

To Be No. 1 Receiver Immediately
Trey Lance3 days ago

Cowboys To Decline Trey Lance's Fifth-Year Option
Tyler Boyd3 days ago

To Meet With Chargers, Titans
Jonathon Brooks3 days ago

On Track For Training Camp
Zach Wilson3 days ago

Broncos Not Picking Up Zach Wilson's Fifth-Year Option
Taylor Pendrith3 days ago

A Volatile Option For CJ Cup
Seamus Power3 days ago

Rounding Into Form Ahead of CJ Cup
Davis Thompson3 days ago

A Player To Watch At CJ Cup
Aaron Rai3 days ago

Lacks Upside At TPC Craig Ranch
Min Woo Lee3 days ago

A Dangerous Pick For CJ Cup
Tom Hoge3 days ago

Seeking Second Tour Victory At CJ Cup
Filip Forsberg4 days ago

Collects Two Apples In Game 5 Win
Juuse Saros4 days ago

Comes Through For Predators In Game 5
Nathan MacKinnon4 days ago

Posts Two More Points In Series-Clinching Win
Mikko Rantanen4 days ago

Helps Finish Off Jets With Three Points
Joseph Woll4 days ago

Excellent In Series-Saving Win
Matthew Knies4 days ago

Bangs In Overtime Winner In Game 5
Evgeny Kuznetsov4 days ago

Posts Goal And Assist In Game 5
Seth Jarvis4 days ago

Puts Up Three Points In Series-Winning Game
Mark Hubbard4 days ago

Will Return To Mediocrity At TPC Craig Ranch
Doug Ghim4 days ago

Putting History In Texas Makes Him A Hard Sell
Nate Lashley4 days ago

Looking To Rebound At Byron Nelson
Kevin Yu4 days ago

A Flier Pick With Likeable Upside At Byron Nelson
Andrew Novak4 days ago

Playing Well Heading To TPC Craig Ranch
Patrick Rodgers4 days ago

Withdraws From CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Luke List4 days ago

In Solid Form Heading To TPC Craig Ranch
Tom Kim4 days ago

A Safe Option With A Questionable Ceiling At Byron Nelson
Taylor Montgomery4 days ago

Searching For Form At TPC Craig Ranch
Jason Day4 days ago

To Defend Title At TPC Craig Ranch
Adam Scott4 days ago

Returns To Action At TPC Craig Ranch
PGA4 days ago

Sungjae Im As Good Of A Pick As Any At TPC Craig Ranch
PGA4 days ago

Alex Noren Looks To Take Another Step At TPC Craig Ranch
Mackenzie Hughes4 days ago

Brings Hot Putter To TPC Craig Ranch
Cole Perfetti4 days ago

To Make NHL Postseason Debut Tuesday
Si Woo Kim4 days ago

Trendy Si Woo Kim Heads To Byron Nelson
Connor Hellebuyck4 days ago

Looking To Get Right Tuesday
Chase Elliott5 days ago

Notches Another Top-Five Finish At Dover
Alex Bowman5 days ago

Frustrated After Finishing Eighth At Dover
Matheus Nicolau5 days ago

Knocked Out At UFC Vegas 91
William Byron5 days ago

Botched Pit Stop and Crash Eliminate William Byron From Contention at Dover
NASCAR5 days ago

Martin Truex, Jr. Faded to Third at Dover, but Remains Fastest Driver of 2024
Kyle Larson5 days ago

Late-Race Charge at Dover Comes up Short
Denny Hamlin5 days ago

Takes Checkered Flag at Dover for Third Win of Season
Alex Perez5 days ago

Scores Second-Round Knockout Win At UFC Vegas 91
MMA5 days ago

Ariane Lipski Loses A Decision At UFC Vegas 91
Karine Silva5 days ago

Remains Undefeated In The UFC
Jonathan Pearce5 days ago

Suffers Decision Loss
David Onama5 days ago

Wins Second Fight In A Row
Brad Keselowski5 days ago

A Tire Issue On Lap 118 Impacts Brad Keselowski's Day At Dover
Ryan Blaney5 days ago

Finishes Seventh At Dover
Noah Gragson5 days ago

Nabs A Quality Top 10 Finish At Dover
Kyle Busch5 days ago

Scores His Second Top-10 Finish Of The Year At Dover
Daniel Hemric6 days ago

Ends Up Ninth At Dover
Ty Gibbs6 days ago

Sneaks Into Tenth At Dover On Sunday
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF