With the 2018 MLB season just around the corner, know what Fantasy Baseball young guns there are to stash.
Are you still reeling from your favorite MLB team running out of steam down the stretch in 2017? Did your Fantasy Baseball follow suit, leaving you with a bitter taste in your mouth?
Or, did you flip the script, taking home the Fantasy Baseball crown?
Whether you are starting from scratch, or rebuilding around an elite “keeper”, we have you covered with the top American League youngsters to stash for the 2018 MLB season.
If you’re seeking MLB superstars such as Mike Trout, Aaron Judge, Chris Sale, or any AL All-Star, you won’t find them on our list.
Our goal is to offer you those sleepers who may have slipped off the radar, or, ones that only Minor League Baseball nuts know.
You don’t win Fantasy Baseball titles by snagging that sexy first round pick — although that doesn’t hurt your chances.
What will win you 2018 is building depth — it’s all about that depth, bout that depth, no starters.
Injuries seem to pop out of nowhere, so knowing who to keep locked away on your deep Fantasy Baseball bench is vital.
If you’re going to play Fantasy Baseball, you might as well win the whole thing, right? If you fail to heed insightful wisdom, we will be the ones to say “I told you so.”
You will have zero excuses for not winning the 2018 Fantasy Baseball crown, or at least putting your self in a proper position to achieve such goal.
Make sure to stash these American League young-guns for the 2018 campaign
The American League Central
Minnesota Twins:
Akil Baddoo, Outfield: Statline in 2017: .323/.436/.527, four home runs, 29 RBI, nine stolen bases.
The Georgia native has raw, untamed power, but beyond that something truly special.
He has enough pop in his bat to hit the occasional long bomb. However, you need to stash him for entirely different reasons.
Speed, high on-base potential, run-scoring ability, and stolen bases.
Categories in Fantasy Baseball that are often overlooked, but could make the difference in making the playoffs or not. Or even, winning the coveted title.
Kansas City Royals: With the boys in blue (likely) in full-out rebuilding mode, many youngsters will have a shot to rise through the rankings quickly in Kansas City in 2018.
None better to rise above the rest like Jake Junis, who in a small sample size last season, displayed his Fantasy Baseball worth — 4.30 ERA/1.28 WHIP/7.3 K/9 — in less than 100 MLB innings.
He’s currently off the scopes as being a top 50 MLB pitcher, but by the time the playoffs roll around, you’ll be glad he’s on your roster, that’s for sure.
Cleveland Indians: With the Indians coming off a 2016 World Series appearance and another stellar campaign in 2017, you would think any players worth stashing are already exposed.
Wrong. Francisco Mejia — no doubt the best catching prospect since Gary Sanchez. In a small dose of playing time in 2018, the future star shined brightly — .297/.346/.490, 14 home runs, 52 RBI, 7 SB.
Even though he’s slightly on the radar of some of your draftee opponents, you may be able to snag Mejia up before any of them do and with great value — even as late as the 7th or 8th round.
Chicago White Sox: Yoan Moncada, a former top prospect in the Sox organization, didn’t perform as such when he first arrived in the Big Leagues.
Hitting below .240 for most of the season, Moncada caught fired and finished September with this more viable stat line — 276/.349/.469 and five home runs.
No doubt you will be able to snag Moncada in the late rounds, and you’ll be thrilled you snagged him up.
TOKYO, JAPAN – NOVEMBER 12: Shohei Ohtani /
The American League West
Los Angeles Angels: The sexy, trendy young gun to snag from the Angels is easily Shohei Ohtani.
No doubt the (soon to be) MLB superstar will be selected in the first round, but, do not sleep on the other Ohtani.
So, if you play your cards right, you may end up with two of the same player, and that would be an excellent thing.
Seattle Mariners: In less than 50 Major league at-bats, Dan Vogelbach did not turn any heads in the process — .175/.250/200.
However, his Minor League statistics the past two season have been a bit more promising — .291/.403/.480. 40 home runs. 79 RBI.
If he can earn some playing time, Vogelbach could be a 20 HR and 80 RBI guy in 2018, which would be a nice addition to your Fantasy Baseball depth.
Texas Rangers: After a very disappointing 2017 slate, the Texas Rangers will have to rely on some younger players in 2018.
A position in Fantasy Baseball which is often overlooked is relief pitching. Finding a reliable closer is essential, but having two or three is even better.
With 11 saves in 2017, Alex Claudio is no doubt the favorite to retain the role in 2018.
If he builds upon his 2017 success, snagging up this sleeper will bolster your bullpen Fantasy Baseball statistics.
Houston Astros: The 2017 World Series champions are completely loaded, so finding a sleeper on this team is like finding a needle in a haystack.
Thankfully, we have the technology and whereabouts to find this “needle” with a youngster who may just fit your Fantasy Baseball sleeper fancy.
Lance McCullers is one who is at the bottom of the Astros’ rotation, but may not stay there for long.
Boasting 10 wins in 2017, look for the lefty to build upon that mark in 2018, if he can cut down on his inflated 2017 ERA (4.25) back down to the 2016 variation — 3.22.
American League East
New York Yankees: Now, this sleeper may not pan out until beyond 2018, but those of you in Dynasty leagues may want to snag him ASAP.
Now, Jorge Guzman could make a Fantasy Baseball impact this season if he keeps rolling in Staten Island and climb through the ranks, but he’s worth thinking big picture on too.
The hurler tops out at over 100 MPH on the radar gun and has wicked, nasty stuff. Maybe a once in a generation pitching prospect, one you want on your roster in 2018 — if you play for “keeps.”
Boston Red Sox: Eduardo Rodriguez is a pitcher you may want to keep your eyes before your 2018 Fantasy Baseball draft.
Lower on the Red Sox starting staff, he may be one you want to think of in higher regard for 2018 Fantasy Baseball purposes.
His 6-7 2017 record and ERA above 4.00 didn’t impress much, but there’s potential for 2018 of 15 plus wins and an ERA around 3.00.
Tampa Bay Rays: A youthful team heading into 2018, Mallex Smith may lead the charge for the Rays in 2018.
Stolen bases and runs scored may be his forte, so if he can play a full 2018 season at the Big Leagues, he may be a youngster that sneaks up on some.
Baltimore Orioles: A team loaded with brute strength and not much else, if you’re looking for home runs, you’ve come to the right place with the Orioles.
Second basemen who can mash are a rarity, but this particular 25-year-old may be just what you needed.
Somehow not catching as much attention as deserved, his 2017 slate was incredible — .293/.338/.503. 32 home runs. 105 RBI and .841 OPS.
Likely to go in the late first round/early second round, make sure you snag him as soon as possible in your 2018 Fantasy Baseball draft.
Keep these AL Fantasy Baseball sleepers close to your chest, treating it as top secret information.
Don’t forget to use our NL Fantasy Baseball version in the link above. With this dynamic duo, you’re sure to be the “hit” of your 2018 Fantasy Baseball draft.
