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Fantasy baseball: 5 breakout hitters to target late in drafts

By Alvie Unglesbee

Sep 23, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies shortstop Ezequiel Tovar (14) hits a single during the second inning in his MLB debut against the San Diego Padres at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: John Leyba-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies shortstop Ezequiel Tovar (14) hits a single during the second inning in his MLB debut against the San Diego Padres at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: John Leyba-USA TODAY Sports /
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Opening Day is quickly approaching. With that in mind, let’s take a look at five late-round hitters to target in your last-minute fantasy baseball drafts.

5 breakout hitters to target late in 2023 fantasy baseball drafts

  • Tristan Casas will be the Opening Day first baseman for the Boston Red Sox. He has a ton of power and I expect him to do a lot of damage against right-handed pitching this season. He hit five home runs in only 76 at-bats last season and has already hit three this spring.
  • Ezequiel Tovar will be the Colorado Rockies starting shortstop on Opening Day. He is a very good defender, which will help him work through any early struggles. He showed both power and speed in the minors in 2022. He had 14 home runs and 17 steals before getting called up. He will be playing half of his games in Coors Field, which is always a plus.
  • Garrett Mitchell showed last season why he should be a nice source of steals late in drafts, one of several players who could benefit from the bigger bases in 2023. He stole eight bases in only 61 at-bats and will be the Opening Day center fielder for the Milwaukee Brewers. He also batted .311 and has an opportunity to lead off against right-handed pitching.
  • CJ Abrams is the starting shortstop for the Washington Nationals. He was the key piece that sent Juan Soto to the Padres so they will give him every opportunity to hold onto the job. He needs to cut down on the strikeouts but should be a nice source of stolen bases.
  • Darick Hall has had his stock go up with the season-ending injury to Rhys Hoskins. He immediately steps in as the Phillies starting first baseman. He has a ton of power and he put it on display in 2022. He had nine home runs in only 136 at-bats. I think there is 30-homer potential here and he will have every opportunity to fill those big shoes.

Each of these players has a current average draft position of 215 or later. I would draft a few of them to help your production in the power and speed categories this season.

Next. Sleeper pitchers to take late in fantasy drafts. dark

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