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
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Mid-Round Shortstop (SS) Fantasy Baseball Draft Values and Targets in 2024

Oneil Cruz - Fantasy Baseball Rankings, Draft Sleepers, MLB Prospects

Analysis of five shortstop fantasy baseball targets to draft in the mid rounds. Potential 2024 fantasy baseball sleepers and undervalued SS to target in drafts.

Welcome officially to the 2024 fantasy baseball season! Spring training is in full force, and fantasy managers are gearing up for another exciting season in MLB. Once you reach the middle rounds of drafts, everyone is looking to draft players who can provide a great return on value. You can start taking calculated risks on emerging prospects, overlooked veterans, players returning from injury, or even players with some playing time concerns out of the gate. The early rounds are critical, and the late rounds are where you can take your chances on dart-throw sleepers, but the middle rounds can make or break your roster.

Today, we're looking at some middle-round shortstops for you to consider drafting in your season-long leagues this season. Are their ADPs undervalued? Will they make significant fantasy contributions and become a priority mid-round draft target? Read on to see our take.

Our editors have hand-picked these specific MLB players for your draft prep enjoyment. Usually only available to Premium subscribers, the five outlooks below are meant to give you a taste of the in-depth analysis you receive with our industry-leading 2024 Draft Kit. Be sure to subscribe today to start reading all of our in-depth 2024 player outlooks and many other premium articles and tools, including Team Sync, the Live Draft Sync assistant, Custom Rankings Service, and so much more – available exclusively in our 2024 Draft Kit.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

 

Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates

The hype train for Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Oneil Cruz steamed right on into the 2023 season, only to see it come to a screeching halt just nine games in with a fractured ankle. During his 2022 call-up, it took a while to really get rolling, posting an 85 wRC+ in June, 70 in July, 89 in August, then finally breaking out with a 146 wRC+ in September/October. The final line was .233-17-54-45-10 with a .320 wOBA and 105 wRC+ in about half of a season's worth of action (361 PA, 87 games).

The 35% K% from 2022 needs to come down, but he offered a glimmer of hope in the small 2023 sample, collecting seven BB to eight K in 40 PA (20.0% K%). The fleet-footed Cruz had a 98th-percentile sprint speed in 2022, so a full season of bigger bases and limited pitcher disengagements will be exciting to watch.

FGDC projections are modest, with a .251-23-64-79-19 line, a wOBA of .338, and wRC+ of 110 in only 128 G (553 PA). RotoBaller ranks the 25-year-old at 80 overall, on par with his NFBC ADP. If he can manage closer to 145 G in the leadoff spot, he could easily finish top seven at his position.

-- Jarod Rupp - RotoBaller

 

Jackson Holliday, Baltimore Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles selected Jackson Holliday first in the 2022 MLB Draft and immediately hit the ground running. After spending the entire season as a 19-year-old, Holliday moved from Single-A Delmarva to Triple-A Norfolk to end the season, posting a combined slash of .323/.442/.499 with 12 home runs and 24 stolen bases. Having strong contact skills and an elite eye at the plate, Holliday was not fazed by better pitching as he moved up levels, making contact on over 82 percent of pitches in the zone while chasing at a rate under 20 percent.

Considering the home run output, you may not think Holliday hits the ball hard. Still, he posted strong exit velocities in the minors, including a 91 mph average exit velocity. To get into more game power, Holliday will need to lift the ball more consistently.

Holliday was reassigned to minor league camp but has a chance to make an impact later with the Orioles this season. His current ADP of 208 is a good value, especially since Holliday can provide in all five categories. ATC projects Holliday to slash .259/.345/.386 with a .322 wOBA and a 106wRC+ across 115 games in 2024.

-- Chris Clegg - RotoBaller

 

Anthony Volpe, New York Yankees

New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe is coming off a 20/20 season in his rookie year. While that's nothing to get upset over, it wasn't the most rewarding season for Volpe and fantasy managers. There are no excuses to be made for a .209/.283/.383 slash line. It was just an overall poor performance on his part. In the times Volpe was bad, it was tumultuous. And when he was good, it wasn't good enough to carry his season. The 22-year-old was probably a year ahead of schedule with his MLB debut, and you wouldn't be judged if you wanted to throw away his 2023 stats.

If you're looking for positives, however, they were there. His 9% barrel percent, 88.7 exit velocity, 14.2-degree launch angle, and 43% hard-hit percent were all above league average. As were his walk rate and sweet spot percentage.

The biggest hole in the youngster's game is his strikeouts. His 27.8% K% rate put him in the bottom 11% in that category. His 179.5 ADP doesn't match his RotoBaller ranking at 119, and you could get good value from him in that draft spot. If he doesn't improve his strikeouts, it could be a long season for fantasy managers.

-- Justin Raffone - RotoBaller

 

Xander Bogaerts, San Diego Padres

In his first season with the San Diego Padres in 2023, shortstop Xander Bogaerts had a solid year, slashing .285/.350/.440 with 19 home runs, 31 doubles, two triples, 58 RBI, a career-high 19 stolen bases, and 83 runs scored in 665 plate appearances over 155 games played.

However, when considering the fact that he signed for 11 years and $280 million last winter, the 31-year-old four-time All-Star's overall numbers were somewhat disappointing. He bookended a strong start to his Padres tenure with strong finish, but in between Bogaerts was merely average at a premium position.

His underlying numbers also show that he was fortunate to finish with the kind of numbers he did. Bogaerts had a .252 expected batting average and a .395 expected slugging percentage while also regressing slightly in his hard-hit percentage. He has a solid track record of producing high batting averages (career .291 hitter over 11 seasons), but his luck could run out quickly if his hard-hit numbers continue to regress as he nears his mid-30s.

Even though ATC projects Bogaerts for a .281 average, 19 home runs, 69 RBI, and 12 stolen bases in 2024, there's no guarantee his counting stats will improve in his second year in San Diego, especially after the Friars traded away one of their best offensive weapons in Juan Soto. RotoBaller has Bogaerts ranked as the No. 62 overall position player and just inside the top-15 fantasy shortstops at No. 14.

UPDATE: Adding second base eligibility -- he's making the move to the keystone full-time in 2024 -- will soften the blow if Bogaerts continues to decline offensively.

-- Keith Hernandez - RotoBaller

 

Dansby Swanson, Chicago Cubs

Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson has produced at least 22 HRs, 80 RBI, 78 R, and nine SB each of the past three seasons but has a career BA of just .253. His first season in Chicago saw him reduce his K% two full percentage points down to 24.1% while raising his BB% from 7.0% (below average) to 10.3% (above average).

The former No. 1 overall pick's below-average career Contact% of 74.0% results in cold spells at the plate; however, his chase rate (28.4% in 2023) is better than the league average. With 18 SB in 2022, 77th percentile sprint speed, and rule changes that made it easier to swipe bags, managers would have liked more SB in 2023 but instead saw a decline to just nine steals.

Swanson's projections have him stealing more in 2024, but not to the level we saw in 2022. The two-time All-Star's ATC line is projected at .252-22-82-81-12 with a wOBA of .323 and wRC+ of 103. His NFBC ADP of 128 matches his RotoBaller rank of 128 overall. The 30-year-old should be a solid contributor with a reliable floor and a small amount of upside, but it seems he is what he is at this point in his career.

-- Jarod Rupp - RotoBaller



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!



More Fantasy Baseball Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

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

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Los Angeles Angels

Tyler Bremner Selected Second Overall in 2025 MLB Draft
Washington Nationals

Nationals Select Eli Willits First Overall
Cooper Flagg

Shut Down for Rest of Summer League
LeBron James

Hasn't Requested a Trade
Quinshon Judkins

Following Quinshon Judkins Arrest, NFL Declines Comment
Travis Hunter

Earning Praise in Jaguars Camp for Work Ethic
Memphis Grizzlies

Cole Anthony, Grizzlies Agree to Contract Buyout
Edward Cabrera

Hopeful to Avoid Injured List
Oneil Cruz

Absent on Sunday
Lars Nootbaar

Placed on 10-Day Injured List
Jake Burger

Scratched on Sunday
Iván Herrera

Ivan Herrera Back in Action on Sunday
Sean Manaea

Reinstated From Injured List
Shane Van Gisbergen

Can Anyone Beat Shane van Gisbergen at Sonoma?
Tyler Reddick

Better at Sonoma Than Record Shows
Chase Elliott

a Prime DFS Option at Sonoma
Julius Chestnut

Kalel Mullings Competing for RB3 Role
Michael McDowell

Struggling a Bit at Sonoma
Carlos Correa

Returns to Twins Lineup
Connor Norby

Placed on 10-Day Injured List
Kimani Vidal

Fighting for No. 3 Job
Cam Hart

Recovering From Shoulder Surgery
NASCAR

Christopher Bell Has Never Finished Better Than Ninth at Sonoma
Ryan Blaney

Has Top-10 Upside at Sonoma
Quentin Johnston

Might Not Get Many Chances to Prove Himself
Tre Harris

Officially a Holdout
NASCAR

Sunday at Sonoma Will Likely Be a Long Race for Bubba Wallace
Kyle Larson

Is A Likely Top-Five Contender for Sonoma
Ryan Preece

Points Position Could Affect Race at Sonoma
Todd Gilliland

Struggling to Find Speed at Sonoma
Ty Gibbs

May be an Underrated Favorite to Compete for the Win at Sonoma
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

. Should Move Up on Sunday
Ross Chastain

is a Likely Top-Five Contender for Sonoma
Josh Berry

Should Be Avoided in Fantasy at Sonoma
Chris Buescher

is A Great DFS Option to Consider for Sonoma Lineups
Riley Herbst

a Deep Sleeper at Sonoma
Joey Logano

May be A Sneaky DFS Option Who Can Pay Off for Sonoma Lineups
Austin Cindric

Could Austin Cindric Work for DFS Lineups at Sonoma?
Carson Hocevar

Is Carson Hocevar Worth Rostering For Sonoma DFS Lineups?
John Hunter Nemechek

Is John Hunter Nemechek A Sneaky DFS Play for Sonoma?
AJ Allmendinger

A.J. Allmendinger Probably More Valuable for DFS If He Doesn't Flip the Stage
Alec Bohm

Unlikely to Play on Sunday
Travis Etienne Jr.

Needs to Bounce Back in 2025
Wan'Dale Robinson

Wants More Downfield Opportunities this Season
Brady House

Homers Twice on Saturday
Quinshon Judkins

Arrested on Saturday for Battery and Domestic Violence
Alec Bohm

Makes Early Exit on Saturday
Brandon Woodruff

Records 10 Strikeouts
Byron Buxton

Continues to Shine, Hits for Cycle in Win
Garrett Crochet

Dazzles in Complete Game Shutout of Rays
Terry McLaurin

Could be a Holdout at Training Camp
Roger McCreary

a Candidate for a Contract Extension?
Max Fried

Exits Start With Blister
Mike Evans

Buccaneers Could Have Difficult Time Retaining Mike Evans
Charles Cross

Could Sign Extension Before Training Camp
Xavier Restrepo

One to Watch Going into Training Camp
Calvin Ridley

Appears Re-Energized
Mark Andrews

Still a Key Piece in Ravens Offense
Ndamukong Suh

Officially Announces his Retirement
Jaylen Waddle

Motivated After Disappointing Season
Tre Harris

Still Unsigned
Hunter Dobbins

to Miss Rest of Season With Torn ACL
Nolan Arenado

Held Out of Lineup on Saturday
Alexandre Sarr

Plays Well in Summer League Loss to Phoenix
Yang Hansen

Looks Good on Friday Night
Carlos Correa

Sitting on Saturday
Austin Riley

Placed on 10-Day Injured List
Erik Karlsson

Open to Move Away From Pittsburgh
Zach Hyman

Hopes to be Ready for Start of Next Season
SJ

Jeff Skinner Joins Sharks on One-Year Contract
Kon Knueppel

Struggles in Summer League Win
Walter Clayton Jr.

Plays Well on Friday Night
Cody Williams

Scores 21 Points in Summer League Loss
Kyle Filipowski

Leads the Way on Friday Night
Sauce Gardner

Wants to be Highest-Paid Cornerback
Isaiah Jackson

Signs Three-Year Extension
Marvin Bagley III

Joining the Wizards
Herbert Jones

Signing Extension with Pelicans
Jacob Toppin

Returning to Hawks
Dalton Knecht

Avoids Serious Injury
Javon Small

Signs Two-Way Deal
Ryan Reaves

Traded to Sharks
Vladislav Kolyachonok

Moves to Dallas
Matt Dumba

Lands in Pittsburgh
Mackie Samoskevich

Re-Signs with Panthers on One-Year Deal
Josh Manson

Inks Two-Year Extension with Avalanche
EDM

Isaac Howard Signs Three-Year, Entry-Level Contract With Oilers
Tallison Teixeira

Set For His First UFC Main Event
Derrick Lewis

Set To Headline UFC Nashville
Gabriel Bonfim

Looks For His Third UFC Win
Stephen Thompson

Returns At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Calvin Kattar

In Dire Need Of Victory
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere A Favorite At UFC Nashville
Nate Landwehr

Aims To Bounce Back
MMA

Austen Lane Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Vitor Petrino

Set For His Heavyweight Debut
Tuco Tokkos

Set To Open Up UFC Nashville Main Card
Junior Tafa

Set For Light-Heavyweight Bout
Jalen Williams

Signs Contract Extension With Thunder
Alijah Martin

Agrees to Two-Way Deal With Raptors
Tristan Vukcevic

Set to Return to Washington
Anfernee Simons

Celtics Are "Actively Trying to Trade" Anfernee Simons
NBA

Alex Ducas Heading to Australia
Dominick Barlow

Inks Two-Way Deal With 76ers
Gary Woodland

Looking to Find Rhythm at Scottish Open
Aaron Rai

Brings Consistent Play to Scottish Open
Maverick McNealy

a Solid Value Play at Scottish Open
Aldrich Potgieter

Making Scottish Open Debut
Tom Kim

Looks to Rebound at Scottish Open
Brian Harman

a Safe Option at Scottish Open
Luke Clanton

a Sneaky Value Play at Scottish Open
Sam Burns

Looking to Stay Hot at Scottish Open
Nicolai Hojgaard

May Feel More at Home in Europe
Harry Hall

Showing Fine Form Heading to Scotland
Ryan Fox

Playing Well Since Early Spring Struggles
Max Greyserman

has Solid History at the Genesis Scottish Open
Harris English

Aims High for Scotland Next
Corey Conners

Primed for the Genesis Scottish Open
Daniel Brown

Attempts the Scottish Swing Again
Jacob Bridgeman

Needs Putter to Work at Genesis Scottish Open
Scottie Scheffler

Headlines Field at Genesis Scottish Open
Rory McIlroy

a Smart Play for Scottish Open
Adam Scott

Looking to Build on History at The Renaissance Club
Justin Rose

Hopes Month Hiatus Helps Him Bounce Back at Scottish Open
NHL

Tyler Johnson Retires After 13 NHL Seasons
Jack McBain

Inks New Five-Year Deal with Mammoth
Cam York

Re-Signs with Flyers for Five Years
Jake Knapp

Fits the Mold for Success at The Renaissance Club
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF