2014 Fantasy Baseball Sleepers are based on a single season outlook for the 2014 fantasy baseball season. Sleepers are established for a standard fantasy baseball scoring system in mixed AL/NL leagues. Sleepers are based on players who have the potential to make a significant statistical impact in 2014 fantasy baseball leagues. These sleepers include players who are typically ranked and drafted lower in fantasy baseball leagues than what their potential stats warrant for the 2014 season.
C — 1B — 2B — 3B — SS — OF — SP — RP
Sonny Gray – Oak – SP
An instant rookie sensation after his July call-up last season, Gray is a talented 24 year old with the potential to take over as the ace of the Athletics staff in 2014. Cruising to the tune of a 2.67 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and 67 strikeouts over just 64 innings pitched as a rookie in 2013, Gray offers excellent upside for fantasy baseball teams in 2014.
Brad Miller – Sea – SS/2B
Providing an immediate impact for both the Seattle Mariners and fantasy baseball teams as a rookie in 2013, Miller provides a unique combination of power and speed as a leadoff hitter. As the Mariners’ everyday starting shortstop, Miller could tally 15 home runs, 15 stolen bases, and 100 runs scored during the 2014 season, with the added boost from the newly acquired talented group of hitters batting behind him in the Seattle lineup.
Anthony Rendon – Was – 2B/3B
Making his highly anticipated major league debut in 2103, Rendon quickly cruised to a .301 batting average over his first 43 games, and then quickly came crashing back to earth with a .234 batting average over his final 55 games to close out his rookie season. Expecting a return to the .300 batting average plateau to go along with 10-15 home runs over the 2014 season, should be within reach for Rendon during his sophomore campaign.
Alex Wood – Atl – SP
A hidden name among the Braves’ outstanding line of starting pitchers, Wood dominated the minor leagues during the 2012 and 2013 seasons before earning his major league debut as a call-up in June. Initially serving as a relief pitcher behind the stacked Braves starting pitching staff, Wood excelled as a rookie during the 2013 season, as he racked up a 3.13 ERA and 77 strikeouts over 77 innings pitched. With a starting spot in the Braves rotation in 2014, Wood offers significant upside and stat potential for fantasy baseball teams.
Anthony Rizzo – ChC – 1B
Struggling mightily during the 2013 season, Rizzo still managed to tally 23 home runs, 80 RBI, and 40 doubles. However his .233 batting average made his overall stat line unappealing for fantasy baseball teams. Luckily though, Rizzo has plenty of potential to be a .280 average hitter, so there is lots of upside for fantasy baseball teams willing to take Rizzo in 2014.
Jonathan Villar – Hou – SS
Making his major league debut in a July call-up in 2013, Villar quickly took over the everyday starting shortstop job in Houston, while posting 18 stolen bases over just 58 games. As a speedy leadoff hitter, Villar could easily push the 30-40 stolen base mark in 2014.
Adam Eaton – CWS – OF
After entering the 2013 season a a sleeper and breakout candidate, a spring training injury derailed Eaton’s season, as he wasn’t able to make his 2013 season debut until July. Now with a home in Chicago, Eaton will look to take his proven 40 stolen base and .300 batting average track record from his minor league seasons to the leadoff spot in the White Sox lineup in 2014.
Wilson Ramos – Was – C
After an injury derailed the start to his season last year, Ramos returned to post a rock solid 12 home runs, 42 RBI, and a .261 batting average over the his last 55 games post all-star break last season. If he can stay relatively healthy in 2014, a 20 home run season could be in store for Ramos.
Chris Archer – TB – SP
The return prize that the Rays net in trading Matt Garza a few years ago, Archer showcased his ability to the tune of a rock solid 3.22 ERA and 1.13 WHIP over 128 innings pitched in 23 starts. Expecting more of the same in 2014 from Archer seems like a good bet.
Peter Bourjos – StL – OF
Dealing with injuries throughout his 4 year major league career thus far, Bourjos will look to settle into his new home in St. Louis as the Cardinals leadoff hitter. Offering easily 30 plus stolen base ability, Bourjos could rack up 100 plus runs scored and 30 stolen bases during the 2014 season.
