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

Pierre Camus' 10 Bold Predictions for 2019

Pierre Camus continues RotoBaller's 2019 Bold Predictions series with 10 outside-the-box calls for the 2019 fantasy baseball season.

"The best way to predict the future is to create it." If only that were the case in fantasy sports...

Other than tampering with the fabric of time-space, which is a bad idea (ask Marty McFly), we just don't know what the future really holds. We can predict whatever we want, but that doesn't mean it'll come even close to actualization. In fact, the bolder our predictions become, the closer we inch toward becoming easy money in our competitive leagues. Too many sleepers on one roster can prevent a team from ever waking up.

That said, this series is a chance to take our unfulfilled desires and hopeful predictions for the coming season and then take them to a place that nobody would expect. Some are afraid to go out on a limb, but personally I've always been one who likes to go as far as possible, jump up and down on said limb while screaming from a bullhorn, "Lewis Brinson IS YOUR SAVIOR!!!" Now that I've properly warmed you up, here is my 2019 edition of bold predictions for fantasy baseball.

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

 

Nomar Mazara breaks out to the tune of 36 HR

I'll start with the one I'm most confident in. This very well could have happened last year, if not for a thumb injury that not only shelved Mazara for four weeks but predictably sapped him of his power in the second half. Mazara was regularly among the hard-hit and exit velocity leaders in the first two months of last season. You may recall his tremendous run in early May when he ripped seven homers in the first nine days of the month. After his DL stint, he wasn't quite the same and ended the year without a single bomb in the final three weeks of the season.

Many predict the Rangers for a last-place finish, which doesn't really matter for our purposes here, but I can say that I believe their offense will be better than expected. Hitting behind Rougned Odor and Elvis Andrus is going to be hit or miss at times but this is nothing close to the 2018 Baltimore Orioles. Mazara also hits in the ballpark that was fifth-highest in HR Factor for left-handed batters in 2018. Expect a power surge and a great return on investment for someone going outside the top 100 players on draft day.

 

Ronald Guzman earns an invitation to the Home Run Derby

Speaking of left-handed power in Texas, Ronald Guzman flashed some in his rookie season, stroking 16 HR and driving in 58 runs over 387 at-bats. The .235 average and 28.3% K% don't inspire much confidence but for a 24-year old getting his feet wet, there's certainly room to grow.

Guzman not only benefits from his home stadium, he's already got a hold on the first base job with little competition waiting in the wings. Guzman could be this year's Jesus Aguilar, or at least a slightly lesser version.

 

Sean Newcomb is this year's Blake Snell

Here's another I'm definitely personally invested in, as I currently own shares of Newcomb in at least seven leagues (and counting). Newcomb is a hard-throwing lefty who simply needs to keep the ball in the zone more and adjust his pitch mix to take advantage of his electric stuff. Sound familiar?

Snell lowered his walk rate from 12.7% as a rookie to 10.8% in 2017 and then 9.1% last year. That's still above league-average but it was good enough given his jump to a 31.6% K%. His biggest adjustment was doubling the rate at which he throws his curveball and keeping hitters off balance more often. An uptick in velocity helped too.

Newcomb offers four pitches, relying on a four-seamer 63.2% of the time last year. He also throws a changeup, curveball, and slider, just like Snell. Newcomb's K-rate dipped a bit last year, as he relied more on the change and less on the curve, even though it had been a more effective pitch the previous year. If he can find the right mix of offspeed stuff or fully develop his slider, which generated a 42.2% Whiff rate last year, Newcomb could be one adjustment away from a major breakthrough.

 

Yu Darvish recaptures his old form and is a top-20 SP

Let's just throw last year's stats out the window - it was a lost season for Darvish in his first trial with the Cubbies. He barely kept his ERA below five before being shut down in May, never to return. Darvish appears fully healthy this spring and is ready to fulfill last year's promise.

He admitted that he felt extra pressure to live up to his lofty $126 million contract in Chicago, which may explain why he was pressing, adding a little extra velocity to all his pitches. This calls for a mulligan, which means Darvish should return to an ERA in the low threes, a strikeout rate above 11% and 15+ wins.

 

David Robertson doesn't register double-digit saves and is the third-best RP in Philly

When the Phils signed Robertson, many automatically assumed it was to assume the closer role. I have a couple of issues with this. First, skipper Gabe Kapler is the antithesis of the old school baseball manager who feels he needs a set guy in that (or any) role. Nine different pitchers registered a save in Philadelphia last year, the leader being Seranthony Dominguez, who earned 16 saves.

This is the other problem - Robertson may not even be the best reliever available when it comes to clutch time. He's got the track record but Mr. Tony and his .157 BAA is still there, as is Hector Neris, whose ratios look ugly on the surface (5.10 ERA, 1.30 WHIP), may have the best stuff of all. He pitched to a 2.28 SIERA and had a 19.1% SwStr% which is almost six points higher than Robertson. Don't forget a fastball spin rate in the 92nd percentile and a strikeout rate in the 98th percentile.

Robertson is a fine addition for deeper leagues and a must-own in leagues counting SV+HLD but he shouldn't be counted on for 30+ saves.

 

The Astros don't have a single hitter finish top-five at his position

I'm not writing off the 'Stros as a contender or saying any of their players is going to be a bust. I simply think a few of their studs will provide a lesser return on value for various reasons. Alex Bregman is no longer a future superstar, he is already one of the best young infielders in the league. But offseason surgery on his right elbow could lead to a slow start and decreased plate appearances.

Jose Altuve also had offseason knee surgery and may be hard-pressed to return to his 20-steal ways; his power also took a dive last year, which we can't necessarily blame on the knee. Carlos Correa has only reached 500 plate appearances once in four years and has been inconsistent throughout his MLB tenure.

All told, this is a very talented lineup with the potential for stardom but circumstances may conspire against them putting up elite numbers in 2019.

 

Yasiel Puig is a top-10 fantasy outfielder

It seems like we've been following Puig forever but he enters the 2019 season at just 28 years of age. With another year of maturity, away from the distractions of L.A., Puig could be in line for not only his finest campaign but one that could reward fantasy owners handsomely.

Puig no longer has to compete for playing time and should manage to top 500 AB for just the second time in his career. He moves to GABP, which was the very best in terms of HR Factor (120) for right-handed hitters. He managed a career-high 15 steals the last two seasons but that number should also go up with more playing time.

The Reds, on average, run more often than the Dodgers too. Puig could put it all together for a line of .290/30/95/90/20 that would make him damn-near a first-round value.

 

Wil Myers is wearing a different uniform by September

My man Nick Mariano has a similar notion on Myers but I'm going a slightly different route. On paper, the Padres should be markedly better than last season. They suddenly have too many good players on offense! Where will they put top prospects like Francisco Mejia, Luis Urias, and Fernando Tatis Jr.? How do they fit in all those talented outfielders? Where does Wil Myers stick with Manny Machado holding down third base and Eric Hosmer and first?

He will start the season in left field and hit cleanup behind Machado, which sounds pretty cush. Truth is, he's had trouble staying healthy, doesn't seem to love his manager, and has been bounced around diamond because his defense is a liability.

For a team suddenly looking to win now, if Myers continues to have the same issues and posts another declining BB/K rate (his has gone down four straight seasons), he could find himself on the market in exchange for pitching help that the team still desperately needs if they fancy themselves real contenders.

 

Byron Buxton goes 25-25

I originally had 20-20, which is a nice even benchmark, but this is supposed to be bold predictions after all. Hey, if Wil Myers can do it, why not uber-prospect Buxton?

Buxton is absolutely raking this spring, hitting .423 with four homers and 13 RBI in 26 at-bats as of this writing. Of course, this means absolutely nothing to those who drafted him last year and watched their batting average tank for nearly two months before he was sent down for good. For the record, I was one of those who kept him stashed until damn near August in hopes that he would come back in full force to be a second-half savior. Those were desperate times.

The talent has never been in question. Buxton just needs to find some semblance of plate discipline and move up to a more favorable lineup spot in order to resemble the #1 prospect in baseball. For those still hating, remind them that this isn't just a pipe dream. Point to his second-half stats from 2017 then quietly go find yourself a nice voodoo doll wearing a Twins uniform to imbue with special magic. Not that he'll need it. Now this next one, maybe...

 

Lewis Brinson breaks out! (for real this time)

If you caught my bold predictions last season, you know I'm all about doubling down. I guess you could consider this tripling down. Also, this is for you Kyle...

Needless to say, Brinson didn't exactly match Christian Yelich last year in fantasy value, Then again, pretty much nobody did in the second half of the year. Of course, Brinson was a special kind of bad in his rookie year, slashing .199/.240/338 with a strikeout rate of nearly 30% and a below-average 4.2% BB%. The projection systems aren't overly generous, predicting an average in the .240s and fewer than 20 HR for Brinson in his second campaign.

So far, Brinson is off to a good start, with a Grapefruit League-leading five HR and .343 average. While I won't go crazy, I can say that if he reaches 550 plate appearances, Brinson could easily pop 20 homers and combine for 140 R+RBI. As far as average, remember this is a top prospect who hit .382 and .331 in his last two stints at Triple-A in the Milwaukee farm system. I won't say he'll get close to .300 but... aw what the hell, let's go for it! Brinson hits .292 with 27 HR and stays in fantasy lineups all year. Hey, a Marlins fan has to hold out hope for something good, doesn't he?

More Fantasy Baseball Predictions




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

Sam Burns

Hoping to Keep Quality Form Going This Week in Napa Ahead of Ryder Cup
Jalen Carter

Receives One-Game Suspension, Will be Eligible for Week 2
Maverick McNealy

Will Show U.S. Team What They're Missing This Week at Procore
Scottie Scheffler

Making Unusual Start at Procore Championship for Ryder Cup Prep
Bo Bichette

Goes on Injured List With Knee Sprain
George Kittle

Placed on Injured Reserve
Max Homa

A Good Week at a Favored Silverado Resort is Desperately Needed for Max Homa
Tyreek Hill

Accused of Domestic Violence
Davis Riley

Has a Ton of Question Marks Ahead of Procore Championship
Emiliano Grillo

Returns to a Familiar Silverado Resort for Procore Championship
Brian Campbell

Strange Season Continues At Procore Championship
Jauan Jennings

Avoids Serious Shoulder Injury
Garrett Crochet

Shuts Out the Athletics
Royce Lewis

Launches Two Homers Monday Night
NBA

Mason Jones Takes His Talents to Australia
NBA

Talen Horton-Tucker Joins Reigning EuroLeague Champions
New York Knicks

Malcolm Brogdon on Knicks' Radar
Andrew Wiggins

Attracting Interest From Lakers
Miami Heat

Heat Interested in Reunion With Precious Achiuwa
Tyler Glasnow

Fans 11 in Seven No-Hit Innings Monday
Slade Cecconi

Takes No-Hitter Into Eighth Inning Monday
Max Muncy

Batting Cleanup in Return to Dodgers
New York Knicks

Ben Simmons Reportedly Declined Knicks' Contract Offer
Younghoe Koo

Falcons Auditioning Kickers, Could Replace Younghoe Koo
Denver Broncos

Sean Payton Says Broncos Need to be Better With Run-Pass Balance
Tank Bigsby

Eagles Acquiring Tank Bigsby From Jaguars on Monday
George Kittle

Likely Out 3-5 Weeks, Could Land on Injured Reserve
Chase Burns

to be Activated on Friday
Brock Purdy

Dealing With Multiple Injuries, Could Miss Week 2
Tyler Glasnow

Cleared to Start on Monday
Logan O'Hoppe

Placed on Concussion Injured List
Christian Yelich

Returning on Monday
Elias Pettersson

Feeling "Good" Ahead of Season
NHL

Alex Formenton Rejoins Swiss Team
NHL

Grigori Denisenko Heads Back Home
CAR

Kevin Labanc Joins Hurricanes for Tryout
Ross Colton

Healthy for Start of Season
Daniel Palencia

Cubs Place Daniel Palencia on Injured List With Shoulder Strain
Pete Crow-Armstrong

Returning on Monday
Sean Murphy

Done for the Year With Hip Labral Tear
Alec Bohm

Lands on Injured List With Cyst in his Shoulder
Trea Turner

Going on Injured List, Phillies Hope to Have him Back for Playoffs
Brock Bowers

Considered Day-to-Day With Knee Injury
Jonathan Taylor

is "Good" After Taking a Hit to his Neck in Week 1
Caio Borralho

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Kyle Stowers

Suffers Setback on Rehab Assignment?
Nassourdine Imavov

Extends Win Streak
Mauricio Ruffy

Gets Submitted
Benoît Saint Denis

Benoit Saint Denis Taps Out Mauricio Ruffy
Michael King

Expected to Return on Tuesday
Russell Wilson

Remains the Giants Starter
Trea Turner

Undergoing MRI Exam on Monday
Paul Craig

Retires After UFC Paris Loss
Denny Hamlin

Earns his First Cup Victory at Gateway
Kyle Larson

Damage Ruins Kyle Larson's Chance At a Top Finish at Gateway
Christopher Bell

Scores his Third Top-10 Finish at Gateway
Joey Logano

Maintains his Perfect Top-Five Streak at Gateway
Ryan Blaney

Struggles and Recovers for a Top-Five Finish at Gateway
Modestas Bukauskas

Scores First-Round Knockout
Bolaji Oki

Suffers Second-Round TKO Loss
Xavier Worthy

Week-to-Week with Dislocated Shoulder
Mason Jones

Scores Comeback Win
Rhys McKee

Suffers Third-Round TKO Loss
Axel Sola

Successful In His UFC Debut
Robert Ruchała

Robert Ruchala Unsuccessful In His UFC Debut
William Gomis

Bounces Back In The Win Column
Derrick Henry

Scores Twice but has Costly Fumble on Sunday
Lamar Jackson

Shines With Three Total Touchdowns in Loss to Bills
Keon Coleman

Leads the Team With 11 Targets on Sunday
Josh Allen

Totals Four Touchdowns in Win Over Ravens
Chase Elliott

Gets Lucky but Still Has Best Run at Gateway
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Wins Stage 2, but Was Let Down by Strategy
Tyler Reddick

Despite Bad Luck, Tyler Reddick Does What he Needed to Do
Chase Briscoe

Recovers from Incident with Daniel Suarez to Finish Second
William Byron

Late Caution Foils William Byron's Shot at Gateway Victory
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Dominates Targets in Seattle, Records 124 Receiving Yards in Week 1
Puka Nacua

Leads Rams in Targets, Catches, and Receiving Yards in Week 1
Logan O'Hoppe

Exits After Concussion Scare, Status Remains Unclear
Christian McCaffrey

Logs 31 Touches in Season Opener
Travis Etienne Jr.

Dominates Backfield Touches in Jacksonville, Posts Monster Day
Jayson Tatum

"Moving Around Way Better"
Daniel Palencia

to Miss Time With Shoulder Injury
Byron Buxton

Exits Early With Knee Contusion
Ryan Blaney

Should Contend at Gateway
Denny Hamlin

Fastest in Qualifying, the Favorite to Win at Gateway
Christopher Bell

Looking for Redemption at Gateway
Joey Logano

Has Been Elite at Gateway
Austin Cindric

Should Be On Your Radar at Gateway
AJ Allmendinger

Could Be a Sleeper Again at Gateway
Tyler Reddick

Southern 500 Near-Miss Makes Tyler Reddick a Stronger Option for Gateway
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace a Likely Gateway Contender
Alex Bowman

a Long Shot to Advance in Playoffs
Austin Dillon

Richard Childress Racing Looks Slower at Gateway, Which Will Hurt Austin Dillon
Shane Van Gisbergen

Starts 18th in Gateway Debut
Jeremy Swayman

Ready to Get Back on Track
Connor McDavid

Aiming for More Goals
NJ

Luke Glendening Signs Tryout Deal With Devils
Dylan Harper

Hoping to be Ready for the Opener Versus Dallas
EDM

Derek Ryan Retires From Hockey
Connor Zary

Agrees to Three-Year Deal With Flames
Carey Price

Canadiens Trade Carey Price to Sharks
Rasmus Hojgaard

Finishes Tied For Second at Omega European Masters
Tyrrell Hatton

Finishes Tied for 32nd at LIV Indianapolis
Matt Fitzpatrick

Finishes Fifth at Omega European Masters
Patrick Cantlay

Finishes Tied For Second in 2025 FedEx Cup Standings
Xander Schauffele

Finishes 42nd in 2025 FedEx Cup Standings
Caio Borralho

Set For A Title Eliminator Bout
Nassourdine Imavov

Looks To Earn A Title Shot
Mauricio Ruffy

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Benoît Saint Denis

Benoit Saint Denis Set For UFC Paris Co-Main Event
Modestas Bukauskas

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Paul Craig

In Dire Need Of Victory
Mason Jones

Set for Main-Card Bout
Bolaji Oki

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Rhys McKee

Set To Open Up UFC Paris Main Card
Jon Rahm

Looks to Prove His Importance on European Ryder Cup Team
Tommy Fleetwood

Among Leaders of European Ryder Cup Team
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Close to Triple-Double Versus Serbia
Nikola Jokić

Nikola Jokic Fills Box Score Against Turkey
Nikola Jović

Nikola Jovic Shakes Off Minor Injury
E.J. Liddell

Inks Two-Way Deal With Nets
NBA

Ben Simmons Reportedly Considering Retirement
P.J. Washington

Agrees to Four-Year, $90 Million Extension
Sepp Straka

Gets Captain's Pick to Join Team Europe
PGA

Victor Hovland to Make Third Ryder Cup Appearance for Team Europe
J.J. Spaun

Set to Represent Team USA for First Time at Bethpage
Russell Henley

Makes First Ryder Cup Appearance at Bethpage
Harris English

Named to Ryder Cup Team for Second Time

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP