The fantasy baseball season is a long one. Players are daily added and dropped as owners look to make their teams stronger. Those that win championships are often not the ones who draft the best team, but make the best moves throughout the year. Here is a look at a pickup at each position that can help put teams over the top.
C Josmil Pinto-Minnesota Twins
While Josmil Pinto is not yet the everyday catcher in Minnesota, he will almost certainly get there soon. As a minor leaguer Pinto hit double digit homeruns and batted over .300 at many levels. Last year, he hit 15 minor league homers and added four more in his late call-up with the Twins. His power bat could provide above average numbers at a usually weak catching position.
Other Pickup Option: Yan Gomes Cleveland Indians
1B Chris Colabello-Minnesota Twins
In his first 16 games this season, Colabello has led the American League in both doubles and RBIs. The former Independent League star has also slugged an impressive .550 while batting a sizzling .350. He is not only a player who can be picked up for first base help, but he is also has outfield eligibility, too.
Other Pickup Option: Brandon Belt SF Giants
2B Anthony Rendon-Washington Nationals
After an impressive college career, Anthony Rendon was on the fast track to the big leagues. Playing in his first full season this year, Rendon already has three homeruns in 17 games while batting .313. The only question that has surrounded Rendon is whether or not he could stay healthy a full season. With the injury to Ryan Zimmerman, Rendon has also played third base this year giving him two position eligibility. He should not only hit for high average in the strong Nationals lineup, but he is also a bat that could slug 25 plus homeruns.
Other Pickup Option: Scooter Gennett Milwaukee Brewers
3B Nolan Arenado-Colorado Rockies
Last season in 133 games, Nolan Arenado slugged 10 homeruns and batted .267. This year with a full season under his belt, much more is expected of him. Already in his first three weeks, he has homered twice and raised his batting average near .300. Hitting in a powerful Rockies lineup, Arenado should have plenty of RBI opportunities all year. Last year he won a Gold Glove, but this season his bat could be an even more dangerous weapon.
Other Pickup Option: Nick Castellanos Detroit Tigers
SS Dee Gordon-Los Angeles Dodgers
If Dee Gordon is still available, he is a must add. His is a stolen base machine, who is also currently hitting for a high average for the Dodgers. In 196 career games, Gordon has swiped 76 bases. Whenever he is on base, he is a threat to steal and score. If he can continue to hit, he could become a top-tier fantasy player. He has been playing a majority of his games at second base this season, so he has two position eligibility this season, too.
Other Pickup Option: Chris Owings Arizona Diamondbacks
OF George Springer-Houston Astros
George Springer has a great chance to be this season’s Wil Myers. He is a player who does not only hit for average and power, but he also has 40 stolen base potential. With the early call-up, there is a strong chance that he could win put up numbers to win this year’s AL Rookie of the Year. If he is available, he is a must add.
Other Pickup Option: Marcell Ozuna
SP Wily Peralta-Milwaukee Brewers
Although he is the number five starter on the Brewers staff, Wily Peralta may turn out to be their best pitcher. He is one of the hardest throwing pitchers in the league and is a big ground ball pitcher. Pitching behind the potent Brewers offense, Peralta should get plenty of run support this season. He is a pitcher that can give quality numbers in wins, strikeouts, and runs allowed.
Other Pickup Option: Martin Perez Texas Rangers
RP Joakim Soria Texas Rangers
When closing for the powerhouse Texas Rangers, closers expect to have plenty of save opportunities. Although Joakim Soria has not closed since 2011, he is back in that role in Texas. At one point he was one of the best closers in the league until injury. If he can return to form this season, he could finish the year among league leaders in saves.
Other Pickup Option: Francisco Rodriguez Milwaukee Brewers
Statistics Provided by Baseball Reference
