Unveiling Hidden Gems: Your 2023 Sleeper Picks for Fantasy Baseball
Alright, guys! It's that time of year again when we fantasy baseball enthusiasts start gearing up for draft season. You've probably seen all the big-name players getting scooped up in mock drafts, but today, we're here to shine a light on some sleeper picks that could make a significant impact on your team this year. So, grab your coffee (or tea, no judgment here), and let's dive in! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and sleeper picks fantasy baseball.
Why Sleeper Picks Matter
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's talk about why sleeper picks are so darn important. In fantasy baseball, sleeper picks refer to players who are undervalued or underrated by the majority of fantasy managers. These players often have the potential to outperform their average draft position (ADP), providing you with a significant advantage in your league.
Snagging a sleeper or two can help you build a well-rounded team, fill in those crucial middle-round picks, and even provide some trade bait later in the season. Plus, there's just something satisfying about showing off your hidden gems to your league mates, isn't there?
Our Sleeper Picks Strategy
To create this list, we've focused on players who are currently being drafted outside the top 200 in most leagues. We've considered a mix of factors, including injury history, breakout potential, and favorable matchups. Remember, the goal here is to find players who could realistically finish as top-100 assets at their position.
Now, without further ado, let's unveil our sleeper picks for the 2023 fantasy baseball season!
Starting Pitchers
1. Zac Gallen, Arizona Diamondbacks
Zac Gallen has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride since joining the Diamondbacks in 2020, but there's no denying his talent. The 27-year-old right-hander boasts a career 3.23 ERA and has shown impressive strikeout potential, fanning 105 batters in just 92 innings last season.
Gallen's ADP has been creeping up in recent weeks, but he's still available outside the top 200 in many leagues. If he can stay healthy and continue to develop his changeup, Gallen has the potential to be a steal in the later rounds.
2. Tony Gonsolin, Los Angeles Dodgers
Tony Gonsolin has been a bit of a forgotten man in fantasy circles, but the 28-year-old right-hander could be in line for a breakout campaign in 2023. Gonsolin posted a sparkling 2.10 ERA and 1.03 WHIP in 104 innings last season, striking out 111 batters along the way.
With Clayton Kershaw's future uncertain and Walker Buehler recovering from elbow surgery, Gonsolin could find himself in a prominent role in the Dodgers' rotation. If he can maintain his impressive strikeout rate and limit walks, Gonsolin has the potential to be a top-50 starting pitcher.
Relievers
1. Ryan Pressly, Houston Astros
Ryan Pressly has been one of the most reliable relievers in baseball over the past few seasons, but he's currently being drafted outside the top 200 in many leagues. The 34-year-old right-hander has posted a sub-2.50 ERA in each of the past three seasons and has converted 38 of 41 save opportunities since the start of the 2021 campaign.
With Houston's bullpen in flux, Pressly could once again find himself in the closer's role. Even if he doesn't secure the ninth-inning gig, Pressly's high strikeout rate (32.5% in 2022) and low walk rate (5.8% in 2022) make him an attractive late-round option.
2. Scott Alexander, Los Angeles Dodgers
Scott Alexander has been a bit of a journeyman throughout his career, but the 32-year-old left-hander has found a home in the Dodgers' bullpen. Alexander has posted a sub-3.00 ERA in each of the past three seasons and has shown impressive strikeout potential, fanning 81 batters in just 61 innings last year.
With the Dodgers' bullpen thin on proven commodities, Alexander could find himself in a high-leverage role in 2023. If he can maintain his impressive strikeout rate and limit walks, Alexander has the potential to be a top-15 reliever.
Catchers
1. Will Smith, Texas Rangers
Will Smith has been a bit of a disappointment since being traded to the Rangers in 2021, but the 28-year-old catcher has the potential to bounce back in a big way in 2023. Smith posted a .251/.365/.482 slash line with 24 home runs and 76 RBIs in 2019, his last full season with the Dodgers.
With a new home in Texas and a fresh start, Smith could return to form as one of the game's premier power-hitting catchers. If he can improve his contact rate and limit his strikeouts, Smith has the potential to be a top-10 catcher.
2. Francisco Mejía, Milwaukee Brewers
Francisco Mejía has been something of a forgotten man in fantasy circles, but the 27-year-old catcher has the potential to make a significant impact in 2023. Mejía has shown impressive power potential, slugging 20 home runs in just 282 plate appearances in 2021, and has a career .236/.303/.450 slash line.
With Omar Narváez's future uncertain and the Brewers in need of a long-term solution behind the plate, Mejía could find himself in a prominent role in 2023. If he can improve his contact rate and limit his strikeouts, Mejía has the potential to be a top-10 catcher.
Infielders
1. José Abreu, Houston Astros
José Abreu has been one of the most consistent hitters in baseball over the past decade, but the 36-year-old first baseman is currently being drafted outside the top 200 in many leagues. Abreu has posted a .286/.351/.515 slash line with 240 home runs and 763 RBIs in 10 major league seasons, and has finished as a top-10 first baseman in each of the past three seasons.
With the Astros' lineup loaded with talent, Abreu could find himself in a prime run-producing role in 2023. If he can maintain his impressive power output and limit his strikeouts, Abreu has the potential to be a top-10 first baseman.
2. Jeimer Candelario, Detroit Tigers
Jeimer Candelario has been something of a disappointment since being traded to the Tigers in 2019, but the 29-year-old third baseman has the potential to bounce back in a big way in 2023. Candelario has shown impressive power potential, slugging 17 home runs in 2021, and has a career .244/.332/.432 slash line.
With the Tigers' lineup improving and Candelario set to play in a hitter-friendly ballpark, he could find himself in a prime run-producing role in 2023. If he can improve his contact rate and limit his strikeouts, Candelario has the potential to be a top-15 third baseman.
Outfielders
1. Jake Fraley, Seattle Mariners
Jake Fraley has been something of a journeyman throughout his career, but the 28-year-old outfielder has the potential to make a significant impact in 2023. Fraley has shown impressive power potential, slugging 15 home runs in just 268 plate appearances in 2021, and has a career .235/.321/.435 slash line.
With the Mariners' lineup loaded with talent and Fraley set to play in a hitter-friendly ballpark, he could find himself in a prime run-producing role in 2023. If he can improve his contact rate and limit his strikeouts, Fraley has the potential to be a top-30 outfielder.
2. Hunter Renfroe, Los Angeles Angels
Hunter Renfroe has been something of a disappointment since joining the Angels in 2021, but the 31-year-old outfielder has the potential to bounce back in a big way in 2023. Renfroe has shown impressive power potential, slugging 33 home runs in 2020, and has a career .239/.297/.498 slash line.
With the Angels' lineup loaded with talent and Renfroe set to play in a hitter-friendly ballpark, he could find himself in a prime run-producing role in 2023. If he can improve his contact rate and limit his strikeouts, Renfroe has the potential to be a top-25 outfielder.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, folks! Our top sleeper picks for the 2023 fantasy baseball season. Remember, the key to success in fantasy baseball is finding those hidden gems who can outperform their ADP and provide you with a significant advantage in your league.
So, keep an eye on these players as draft day approaches, and don't be afraid to take a chance on a sleeper or two. After all, that's where the real fun is, isn't it?
Happy drafting, and we'll see you on the diamond!