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

Top Fantasy Baseball Sleeper and Value Picks to Crush RIVAL Best Ball

Jake Burger - Fantasy Baseball Rankings, Waiver Wire Pickups, MLB News

Ryan Kirksey brings you RIVAL fantasy baseball best ball sleepers and values for 2024. He recommends targeting these MLB players for best ball fantasy baseball drafts.

The 2024 fantasy baseball season is right around the corner but season-long best ball drafts are still in full swing right up until Opening Day. Fantasy baseball best ball formats are an excellent way to get get the experience of drafting without the hassle of in-season management. RIVAL Fantasy is one of the best formats out there for baseball's best ball drafts.

I recently completed a draft on RIVAL Fantasy and found several players who I could identify as values throughout the draft. RIVAL uses the standard positional format, so some positions naturally see good players fall down the draft board as managers stock up elsewhere.

It is very important to know your league settings and scoring depending on where you play best ball. Be sure and pay attention to your league settings as RIVAL scores differently for best ball than many other sites offering a similar product. Here is the scoring breakdown at RIVAL plus a list of fantasy baseball draft targets for best ball this season. Join a RIVAL Fantasy draft now by visiting their draft lobby.

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

 

RIVAL Fantasy Baseball Best Ball Scoring

For this article, we are going to focus on RIVAL Fantasy best ball scoring, as it is one of the best new popular platforms to play on. The table below shows you how each category is scored for their season-long best ball game.

Scoring Group Category Points
Batter Single 3
Batter Double 5
Batter Triple 8
Batter Home Run 10
Batter Run 2
Batter Runs Batted In 2
Batter Base on Balls 2
Batter Hit By Pitch 2
Batter Stolen Base 5
Pitcher IP 2.25
Pitcher Strikeout 2
Pitcher Earned Run -2
Pitcher Hit Against -0.6
Pitcher BB Against -0.6
Pitcher Hit Batter -0.6
Pitcher Win 4
Pitcher Complete Game 2.5
Pitcher Shutout 2.5
Pitcher No Hitter 5

 

Pitcher Values for RIVAL Fantasy Baseball Best Ball Drafts

Dylan Cease, San Diego Padres

Draft Spot: 109

Considering the emphasis RIVAL and other best ball sites place on wins in this format, Dylan Cease got a tremendous bump when he moved from the Chicago White Sox to the San Diego Padres. He now has an elite offense and a much better defense at his back, which should allow him to approach his career best in wins set back in 2022 (14).

We know Cease gets strikeouts by the basketful, but his issue has always been too many walks. However, with strikeouts counting for two points and walks only -0.6 on RIVAL, those free passes are minimized if he comes close to his K:BB ratio from 2023 (214:79). Cease is unlikely to get any of the complete game or shutout bonuses (he has two of each the last three seasons combined), but more innings, higher win equity, and elite strikeouts make him a standout after pick 100 in RIVAL drafts.

Merrill Kelly, Arizona Diamondbacks

Draft Spot: 176

Innings eaters who are in line for wins are like gold in RIVAL Fantasy best ball formats. Merrill Kelly has been that for years, throwing at least 178 innings in three of his four full professional seasons. ATC projects Kelly for another 180 innings with 171 strikeouts and 11 wins this season, all coming off a career-high 9.47 K/9 in 2023.

Kelly eased on his usage of his fastball last season (just 41% of his pitches) and increased his more dangerous pitches like his changeup (23.4%) and his cutter (19%). These induced more swings and misses (career-high 12% swinging strike rate) and got him easier innings, allowing him to go deeper in games last year. He has 25 wins the last two seasons combined, and is certainly in line for another 12-14 this year.

 

Infielder Values for RIVAL Fantasy Baseball Best Ball Drafts

Jake Burger, Miami Marlins

Draft Spot: 162

I just can't quit ordering more Burger this draft season. Jake Burger burst onto the scene in his first full season with 34 home runs and 80 RBI split between two teams and in just 140 games. His strikeout rate was a reasonable 27% last season and his .250 batting average was dragged down slightly by a .284 BABIP, suggesting there could be improvement as he turns 28 years old.

After pick 160 in RIVAL drafts, there are not many players available who you would feel confident will hit 30 home runs in 2024, but with 150 games, there is little doubt Burger can get there this season. With improvements last season to his barrel rate, average exit velocity, and launch angle, if Burger can find a few more fly balls in 2024, a season with 35-40 home runs is not out of the question.

Edouard Julien, Minnesota Twins

Draft Spot: 174

The 2024 ATC projections predict that just 17 players will have at least 15 home runs and walk more than 75 times this season. One of those players is Edouard Julien, who should bat leadoff for the Twins this season on most days. Julien, despite being just 24 years old last year, had a 15.7% walk rate and 16 home runs in just 109 games. He strikes out too much (31% last year), but RIVAL Fantasy does not deduct points for hitter strikeouts.

There is certainly room for growth for Julien heading into his second season at second base. He needs to improve on his 50% ground ball rate and 23% fly ball rate to generate more power, but with his patience and discipline at the plate, he could someday look like the player who hit 17 home runs, stole 19 bases, and walked 98 times in the minors in 2022.

 

Outfielder Values for RIVAL Fantasy Baseball Best Ball Drafts

Daulton Varsho, Toronto Blue Jays

Draft Spot: 236

Daulton Varsho is never going to lead the league in batting average or walks, but despite a career .229 average, he only strikes out 23% of the time and is one of the few candidates at the end of drafts who have legitimate shot at a 20-home run, 20-steal season. Varsho already has campaigns of 27 and 20 home runs the last two years, and has exactly 16 steals in each of those seasons. This spring, he has debuted a new plate approach that is already paying off.

Now entering his age-27 season and moving up to a top-five spot in the batter order, this could be a career year for Varsho. Last year, despite the .220 batting average, Varsho improved his swinging strike rate, his contact rate, and his swing rate on pitches outside the zone. Those gains should translate to this season and he will bat behind on-base machines George Springer, Bo Bichette, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Jake Fraley, Cincinnati Reds

Draft Spot: 271

If Jake Fraley stays at this ADP on RIVAL, he might be the best pick of the draft for the remainder of spring training. With Noelvi Marte out for 80 games due to suspension and TJ Friedl suffering a fractured wrist, Fraley is now penciled into the cleanup spot in one of the better offenses in baseball at one of the league's most home-run-friendly venues (first in home run Park Factor the last three years).

But Fraley's 16 projected home runs by ATC are just part of his story. He is also projected for 18 steals and a 10% walk rate. Those extra points become very valuable in best ball leagues, particularly this late in drafts. With a spot in right field now secure for likely the whole season, Fraley is a steal in the last two rounds of a RIVAL best ball draft.



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 Advice




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

Trey Yesavage

Sets Franchise Strikeout Record On Monday
Yordan Alvarez

To Receive MRI For Sprained Left Ankle On Tuesday
Willson Contreras

Exits Early Monday With Right-Biceps Tightness
Yordan Alvarez

Exits With Ankle Sprain
Brock Bowers

Officially Active on Monday Night
Jauan Jennings

Day-to-Day With Ankle Injury
Logan O'Hoppe

Activated Off Seven-Day Injured List
CBJ

Denton Mateychuk Dealing With Groin Issue
Bo Horvat

Fine for Training Camp
Kirby Dach

on Track to Be Ready for Opening Night
Jose Altuve

Returns Against Rangers
J.J. McCarthy

Expected to Miss 2-4 Weeks With High-Ankle Sprain
J.J. McCarthy

Likely Out for Week 3 With High-Ankle Sprain
Jean Silva

Gets Finished For The First Time In His Career
Aaron Jones Sr.

Unlikely to Play in Week 3 Due to Hamstring Injury
Diego Lopes

Returns To The Win Column
Jayden Daniels

' Week 3 Status in Doubt
Rob Font

Outclassed In The Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
David Martinez

Wins His Second UFC Fight
Jared Gordon

Suffers Brutal TKO Loss At Noche UFC 3
Rafa Garcia

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Brian Thomas Jr.

Dealing with Wrist Injury
Dustin Stoltzfus

Drops A Decision At Noche UFC 3
Kelvin Gastelum

Gets Back In The Win Column
Diego Ferreira

Suffers Second-Round TKO
Alexander Hernandez

Extends His Win Streak With A Brutal TKO
Quang Le

Suffers First-Round Knockout
Santiago Luna

Shines In His UFC Debut
Christopher Bell

Earns his First Bristol Cup Series Victory
Alex Bowman

Falls Short of Advancing Through Cup Series Playoffs
Chase Briscoe

Collects his Third Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Ryan Blaney

Strong Top-Five Bristol Performance Advances him to the Playoffs
Corey Heim

Earns his First Career Cup Series Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Leads Greece to Bronze Medal
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Drops 28 Points in EuroBasket Finals
CFB

Indiana's Lee Beebe Jr. Out for Season with Knee Injury
Dennis Schröder

Dennis Schroder Named EuroBasket MVP
Bryce Eldridge

Giants to Promote Bryce Eldridge
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Progressing in Recovery
Jonathan Kuminga

Receives New Offer From Warriors
Kenneth Walker III

Bounces Back with Big Week 2 Performance
Bijan Robinson

Rushes for 143 Yards in Week 2
Justin Fields

Currently in Concussion Protocol
Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals Calling Around to Available Free-Agent Quarterbacks
Joe Burrow

to Undergo Surgery, Out at Least Three Months
Emil Heineman

Aiming to Take the "Next Step" This Season
Braeden Cootes

Good to Go for Camp
Ivan Fedotov

Blue Jackets Acquire Ivan Fedotov From Flyers
Aaron Jones Sr.

Injures Hamstring During Sunday Night Football
Darren Waller

Not Expected to Play in Week 3
Garrett Crochet

Punches Out 12 in Win
Cole Ragans

to Return on Wednesday
Jameson Williams

Records Long Touchdown in Week 2, Still Limited to Downfield Role?
George Kirby

Strikes Out 14 in Win
Jayden Daniels

Considered "Day-to-Day" with Knee Injury
Carlos Estévez

Carlos Estevez Exits with Back Tightness
Jonathan Taylor

Tops 200 Yards From Scrimmage in Week 2 Win
Joe Burrow

Could Miss Three Months if he Requires Toe Surgery
Davante Adams

Headlines Rams Receiving Corps Sunday
Wan'Dale Robinson

Explodes for 142 Yards, Touchdown in Overtime Thriller
Joe Flacco

Browns Not Considering Benching Joe Flacco After Week 2
Quentin Grimes

Still Not Close to a New Contract Agreement
Joel Embiid

"Looking Slender, Spry and in Positive Spirits"
Ty Gibbs

Has Arguably his Best Career Drive, but Only Finishes 10th
Chase Elliott

Despite Crashing Out at Bristol, Chase Elliott Advances to Round of 12
Austin Dillon

Misses Round of 12 After Extremely Mediocre Bristol Run
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Fails to Advance to Round of 12
Josh Berry

Finishes Last in All Three Round of 16 Races to Fail to Advance
Luis Arraez

Takes a Seat on Sunday With Head Injury
Adolis García

Adolis Garcia Activated, Starting on Sunday
CFB

Ryan Williams Explodes In Return To Field
CFB

Drew Allar Plays Mediocre Game In Blowout Win
CFB

LaNorris Sellers Exits Game In Blowout Loss
CFB

DJ Lagway Tosses Five Interceptions In Loss
CFB

Garrett Nussmeier Plays Game Manager in Saturday's Win
CFB

CJ Carr Remains Poised In Narrow Loss
CFB

John Mateer Leads Oklahoma In Rout
CFB

Arch Manning Struggles Against UTEP
CFB

Jeremiah Smith Impresses In Win
Bryan Woo

Records Career-High 13 Strikeouts
Max Muncy

Exits Early on Saturday
CFB

Sam Leavitt Shines As Arizona State Rebounds From Week 2 Loss
Salvador Perez

Reaches 300 Home Runs, 1,000 RBI
Jose Altuve

Exits Early With Foot Discomfort
Trey Yesavage

Heading to Big Leagues
Will Smith

Placed on 10-Day Injured List
Ivan Demidov

Turning Heads in Rookie Camp
NHL

Calvin de Haan Signs With Swedish Team
Samuel Girard

Skates With Non-Contact Jersey
Mackenzie Blackwood

Dealing With Injury Ahead of Training Camp
Spencer Knight

Signs Three-Year Extension With Blackhawks
Chris Buescher

May have Another Solid Run at Bristol
Corey Perry

Out 6-8 Weeks Following Surgery
Kyle Busch

Should DFS Managers Roster Kyle Busch at Bristol?
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Is Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Too Risky to Consider Rostering at Bristol?
Michael McDowell

Could be A Solid Value Option For Bristol DFS Lineups
Chase Elliott

Probably Won't Factor in for Bristol Win
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Not as Strong at Bristol as Other Short Tracks
Alex Bowman

Needs to Win to Make Round of 12
Ross Chastain

has Never Led at Bristol but Has Been Pretty Consistent
Austin Dillon

Richmond Speed Unlikely to Carry Over to Bristol
Josh Berry

Might Run Well at Bristol, but Almost Certainly Won't Win to Advance
Justin Haley

Bristol One of Justin Haley's Few Recent Bright Spots
Tarik Skubal

Avoids Serious Injury, Expected to Make Next Start
CFB

Austin Simmons Listed As Game-Time Decision Against Arkansas
CFB

Nico Iamaleava Struggles In Fourth Straight Loss
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Dealing With a "Tweak"
BUF

Alexandar Georgiev Joins Sabres on One-Year Deal
Corey Perry

Injured During Pre-Camp Skate
Tanner Bibee

Fans 10 in Two-Hit Shutout
CFB

Antonio Williams Out Against Georgia Tech
CFB

CJ Bailey Flashes Again in Win Over Wake Forest
CFB

Jaxson Moi a Game-Time Decision for Tennessee on Saturday
Jean Silva

A Favorite At Noche UFC 3
Diego Lopes

Set For Noche UFC 3 Main Event
Rob Font

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
David Martinez

Set For Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
Rafa Garcia

An Underdog At Noche UFC 3
Jared Gordon

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Dustin Stoltzfus

Looks To Return To The Win Column
Kelvin Gastelum

In Dire Need Of Victory
Diego Ferreira

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Malcolm Brogdon

Heading to Knicks on One-Year Deal
CFB

David Sanders Jr. Won't Play Against Georgia
Landry Shamet

Staying with the Knicks
CFB

Dylan Edwards Slated to Return on Friday
Adam Lowry

Aims for Early-Season Return
CFB

Ryan Williams Expected to Play Against Wisconsin
CFB

Billy Edwards Jr. Unlikely to Play on Saturday
P.J. Washington

Officially Signs Contract Extension
CFB

David Sanders Jr. Questionable to Make Debut Against Georgia
Lauri Markkanen

Big at Both Ends as Finland Books Place in EuroBasket Semis
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Notches 39 Points in Losing Effort
NBA

Cam Reddish Expected to Move to Europe
NBA

Trey Lyles Joins Real Madrid
Charles Bassey

Signs Exhibit 10 Deal With Hawks
Sacramento Kings

Terence Davis Waived by Kings
Matthew Knies

Ready for Bigger Role With Maple Leafs
Jack Eichel

Unbothered by Lack of Extension
Sidney Crosby

Not Thinking About Leaving Pittsburgh
SJ

Michael Misa Signs Entry-Level Contract With Sharks
Rutger McGroarty

Nursing an Injury
Cameron Champ

the Ultimate Wild Card at Procore
Cameron Young

Looks to Extend Momentum in Napa
Davis Thompson

Searching for a Spark at Procore
Sahith Theegala

Looking to Reignite Form at Procore
Mackenzie Hughes

Aims for Another Strong Showing at Procore
Luke Clanton

Brings Ball-Striking Upside to Napa
Seamus Power

Looking to Overcome Poor Course History at Procore
Joe Highsmith

Hoping to Find Form in Napa
Kristaps Porzingis

Reportedly Still Not Completely Healthy
Kelly Oubre Jr.

Reportedly on the Trade Block
Andre Drummond

Future in Philadelphia in Doubt
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Helps Greece Reach Semis at EuroBasket
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Posts Historic Triple-Double

RANKINGS

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