Uncovering Hidden Gems: Fantasy Baseball Deep Sleepers for 2023
Alright, guys, let's dive into the exciting world of fantasy baseball and talk about something that every manager loves - fantasy baseball deep sleepers. You know, those diamonds in the rough that can turn your season around with their unexpected brilliance. So, grab your prospecting hats, and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and fantasy baseball deep sleepers.
What Makes a Fantasy Baseball Deep Sleeper?
Before we jump into our list, let's quickly define what we mean by a fantasy baseball deep sleeper. These are players who are widely available in drafts, often unowned or owned in only a small percentage of leagues. They're not just bench players; they have the potential to start or contribute significantly to your team's success. To qualify as a deep sleeper, a player should be owned in less than 10% of leagues.
Why Chase Fantasy Baseball Deep Sleepers?
Chasing deep sleepers can be a thrilling game. It's like going on a treasure hunt, and the satisfaction of finding a diamond in the rough is unmatched. Plus, it's a great way to stay one step ahead of your league mates. But remember, it's a gamble. Some sleepers will pan out, while others will leave you wondering what went wrong. The key is to find the right balance between taking risks and making safe picks.
Our Top Fantasy Baseball Deep Sleepers for 2023
Now, let's get to the main event. Here are our top fantasy baseball deep sleepers for the 2023 season, organized by position. Remember, these are players who were owned in less than 10% of leagues as of this writing.
Starting Pitchers
1. Spencer Turnbull, Detroit Tigers
Turnbull had a breakout season in 2021, posting a 3.97 ERA and striking out 109 batters in 132 innings. He's a fly-ball pitcher with a ground-ball heavy approach, which could make him a sneaky good fantasy option in the right park. He's currently owned in less than 5% of leagues.
2. José Urquidy, Houston Astros
Urquidy has shown flashes of brilliance, but he's yet to put it all together over a full season. With a career 3.57 ERA and a strikeout rate that's been creeping up, he could be a solid SP5 or SP6 in fantasy leagues. He's currently owned in around 8% of leagues.
Relievers
1. Ryan Tepera, Los Angeles Angels
Tepera has been one of the most reliable relievers in baseball over the past few seasons. He's notched a sub-3.00 ERA in each of the past three seasons and has picked up 30 or more holds in two of those seasons. He's currently owned in around 7% of leagues.
2. Trevor May, Minnesota Twins
May had a breakout season in 2021, posting a 2.88 ERA and striking out 85 batters in 60.2 innings. He's a high-strikeout, low-walk reliever who could be a fantasy goldmine if he can secure the closer role. He's currently owned in around 5% of leagues.
Catchers
1. Will Smith, Texas Rangers
Smith had a disappointing 2021 season, but he's still just 27 years old and has shown plenty of promise in the past. He's got a career .255/.333/.483 slash line and could provide a sneaky power source at a position that's often thin. He's currently owned in around 8% of leagues.
2. Francisco Mejía, Milwaukee Brewers
Mejía has yet to put it all together at the major league level, but he's still just 26 years old and has shown flashes of power and speed. He's currently owned in less than 5% of leagues and could be a sneaky source of power and steals if he can secure regular playing time.
Infielders
1. Nick Madrigal, Chicago Cubs
Madrigal was traded to the Cubs in the offseason and could be in line for a significant role in their lineup. He's a contact hitter with a career .315 batting average and could provide a steady stream of hits and runs. He's currently owned in around 7% of leagues.
2. Jonathan Araúz, Miami Marlins
Araúz is a versatile infielder who showed some promise in limited action in 2021. He's a contact hitter with some speed and could provide some value in deeper leagues. He's currently owned in less than 5% of leagues.
Outfielders
1. Jake McCarthy, Arizona Diamondbacks
McCarthy is a speedy outfielder who could make an impact in Arizona's lineup. He's got a career .277/.366/.463 slash line in the minors and could provide some steals and runs if he can secure regular playing time. He's currently owned in around 8% of leagues.
2. Kyle Lewis, Seattle Mariners
Lewis had a promising rookie season in 2020, but he struggled in 2021 due to injuries. He's still just 26 years old and has shown plenty of power potential. He's currently owned in less than 5% of leagues and could be a sneaky source of power if he can stay healthy.
Final Thoughts on Fantasy Baseball Deep Sleepers
There you have it, folks! Our top fantasy baseball deep sleepers for the 2023 season. Remember, finding sleepers is all about doing your homework and taking calculated risks. It's not always about picking the players with the most upside; sometimes, it's about picking the players who are most likely to outperform their ADP.
So, get out there and start prospecting. The treasure hunt is on!