2020 Prospect Draft Preview

2020 Prospect Draft Overview

The MLB Dynasty League 2020 Prospect Draft features a fairly high level of talent on the topside mainly consisting of Cuban imports and international signees.  This current draft includes all players not currently in the Yahoo database but have been signed or granted free agency via MLB.  Like all drafts this year, there continues to be a vacuum of pitchers available leaving some to take chances on unproven prospects with big skill levels.  

Beer and Brat Brigade Draft Preview
With the 1st overall selection, BBB will likely focus on the top offensive talent with the two most likely being Yoelkis Cespedes (FA-OF) or Pedro Leon (FA-OF).  Cespedes has the pedigree considering his brother has been a productive major leaguer when healthy while Leon might have the more rounded game.  Neither Cuban born player is an imposing figure though Cespedes is more muscular though Leon is a few inches taller and year younger.  While neither have signed with a team yet Cespedes has been linked to the Mets while Leon is a lock to sign in Houston giving him the park advantage.  BBB was the original owner of the elder Cespedes and will likely keep it in the family at this spot.  


Prediction 
RD 1: Yoelkis Cespedes (FA-OF) - See above
RD 2: Jaylan Palmer (NYM-3B) - Big power potential and frame but needs to cut down on Ks
RD 3: Heriberto Hernandez (Tex-C,1B,OF) - Keeper

Gotham City Knights Draft Preview
If BBB zags than GCK will zag and likely select Pedro Leon (FA-OF).  As previously mentioned, Leon is a bit taller and potentially a little faster than Cespedes leaving him a little more well-rounded and capable of playing all three outfield spots comfortably.  While he may not have the same power potential, playing Houston won't hurt if he indeed signs there. If GCK goes pitching than Norge Carlos Vera (ChW-SP) and his blazing fastball will be here. 

Prediction 
RD 1: Pedro Leon (FA-OF) - See above
RD 2: John Doxakis (TB-SP) - Tall polished lefty from Texas A&M with nice velocity
RD 3: Luis Garcia (Phi-2B,SS) - Keeper

Wildcard Blue Jays Draft Preview
If all goes well, WBJ will be here to scope up the best pitcher in the class in Norge Carlos Vera (ChW-SP).  With Vera 6'4 frame and 97 mph fastball he has the makings of an ace and at age 20 he could add a tick or two on the mph. WBJ is in dire need of pitching and would gladly welcome Vera with the 3rd overall pick. 

Prediction 
RD 1: Norge Carlos Vera (ChW-SP) - See above
RD 2: Drew Rom (Bal-SP) - While not imposing the lefty has an affinity for K's that is rare
RD 3: Garrett Frechette (SF-1B) - Sleeper prospects blessed with good frame and quick hands

Chevy Chase Coopers Draft Preview
One recent phenomenon is the idea of dual players capable of playing both offense and pitch.  Liu Chih-Jung (Bos-P,2B,SS) and his 98mph heater would be an interesting prospect here.  He's capable of playing the infield at a high level though the Red Sox like his arm more.  CCC needs arms and why not take a voucher on one so highly regarded?  

Prediction 
RD 1: Liu Chih-Jung (Bos-P,2B,SS) - See above
RD 2: Andy Pages (LAD-OF) - Projectable and can't help but think Manny Ramirez when you watch him

RD 3: Tahnaj Thomas (Pit-SP) - Keeper

Third Day Draft Preview
Wouldn't it be great to find a player that many believe would be a Top 5 draft pick that many compare to Carlos Correa or even Derek Jeter?  If Yiddi Cappe (FA-SS) falls to here than that would exactly the situation here.  Cappe possess a nice frame capable of producing power as he ages.  Slatted to sign with the Marlins he would be the next great shortstop and potentially be a big steal at this spot. By the time he is ready, TD could be getting a game changer. 

Prediction 
RD 1: Yiddi Cappe (FA-SS) - See above
RD 2: Gunnar Hoglund (Pit-SP) - Keeper
RD 3: Nick Sandlin (Cle-SS) - Keeper

Hair of the Dog Fred Draft Preview
Finding a quality pitcher in any draft has proven to be difficult though Justin Martinez (Ari-SP) would fit the mold.  Martinez is a late bloomer capable of hitting 100mph with his fastball.  He is fairly new to pitching so there might be some growing pains but he owns a cannon that can mow down hitters at will. 

Prediction 
RD 1: Justin Martinez (Ari-SP) - See above
RD 2: Darryl Collins (KC-OF) - Young projectable lefty bat with power potential and speed combo
RD 3: Mason Martin (Pit-1B) - Big time masher capable of lots of homers but stuck at 1B

Squeeze Play Draft Preview
Without doubt William Holmes (LAA-SP, Util) is one of the finest athletes in baseball at any level.  His ability to hit and throw 4 different pitches at the next level could separate him as the next best two-way player in baseball.  The Angels have some familiarity in this matter making all the more attractive at this spot.

Prediction 
RD 1: William Holmes (LAA-SP,Util) - See above
RD 2: Richard Gallardo (ChC-SP) - Big international bonus baby has too much talent to forget about at age 18
RD 3: Jose Rodriguez (ChW-SS) - Keeper

The Judgesicles Draft Preview
While not much is known about Roberto Campos (Det-OF), he does possess some of the physicality seen in fellow Cubans Eloy Jimenez or Luis Robert. Discovered by scouts when they came to look at his brother, Campos is still very young but if he tap into his power potential he could end of being the best player in this draft by a big degree. 

Prediction 
RD 1: Roberto Campos (Det-OF) - See above
RD 2: Bryce Ball (Atl-1B) - At 6'6 he has a lot of power potential and could be the heir to Freeman in Atlanta
RD 3: Gus Varland (Oak-SP) - Keeper

Slimedog Draft Preview
You can teach some things but you can't teach size and speed.  Well, maybe speed to some degree but size is god-given and Anthony Garcia possess that in his 6'6 frame.  Garcia is still bery young but if he can ever put it together you could be looking at an Aaron Judge clone. 

Prediction 
RD 1: Anthony Garcia (NYY-OF) - See above
RD 2: Joshua Meares (SD-OF) - Sleeper prospect with uber tools capable of being an impact player
RD 3: Michel Triana (Cin-1B) - Cuban slugger could be the heir to Votto in Cincinnati

Loveable Losers Draft Preview
LL has been successful in the past by investing in talented dual threat players with a nice combination of size, power and speed.  With that trend, look no further than Colorado's Brenton Doyle (Col-OF).  Doyle has proven doubters wrong and has risen from unheralded draft pick to legit prospect.  He would fit in well on this team at this point in the draft. 

Prediction 
RD 1: Brenton Doyle (Col-OF) - See above
RD 2: Brayan Medina (SD-SP) - International bonus baby with great stuff and capable of more as he matures
RD 3: Ronnier Quintero (ChC-C) - Probably one of the best catching prospects in baseball 

Tenth Man Out Draft Preview
Like most times, TMO will attempt to draft the best player available. The Braves Michael Harris (Atl-OF) encompasses many skills that this team typically looks for as he is well rounded.  Harris is a lefty and is capable of playing all outfield positions while batting near the top of the order.  

Prediction 
RD 1: Michael Harris (Atl-OF) - See above
RD 2: Alexis Ramirez (Mil-SP) - An improving arm with nice velocity in an improving organization
RD 3: Alex De Jesus (LAD-SS) - Nice power potential as he grows though he will likely need to move to 3B

2020 MLB Dynasty League Preview

2020 Draft Overview

The MLB Dynasty League 2020 Draft looks to have many intriguing players available likely being headlined by its top prospects and quality closers.  The biggest deficiency in this draft appears to be its lack of quality starters.  This absences will lead most teams with no other choice then to gamble on previously injured producers or high-risk/high reward arms and hope for the best. 

Beer & Brat Brigade Draft Preview

While this team does have some nice building blocks, it needs a lot more support to re-claim its days of competing.  Owning the #1 overall pick allows BBB to control its own destiny.  Most people would see Adley Rutschman (Bal-C) as the slam dunk choice here but BBB may choose another option.  It owns 2 very coveted backstops already and Rutschman will likely be a better reality player than fantasy player (ex: Joe Mauer).  For this reason, BBB could easily select masher Andrew Vaughn (ChW-1B) to fill a weakness at first base while adding a power bat for the long-term. 

Prediction (NA Need = 2)

RD 1: A. Vaughn (ChW-1B) - See above

RD 2: K. Hayes (Pit-3B) - Has nice pedigree and Pirates want to extend him already

RD 3: D. Bundy (LAA-SP) - If healthy he could finally live up to his potential

RD 4: K. Kim (Stl-SP) - A left-handed Japanese Miles Mikolas?

RD 5: H. Bishop (SF-OF) - At 6'5, one of the biggest college bats available

RD 6: B. Lowe (TB-1B,2B,OF) - Rule 5

Gotham City Knights Draft Preview

Not much is known about this rookie manager in terms of tendencies and risk vs reward aversion. Still, being armed with the 2nd overall pick might could be like being armed with the 1st pick since Adley Rutschman (Bal-C) would still be on the board in this case.  Rutschman would be the best and most seamless heir to HOF Buster Posey possible. 

Prediction (NA Need = 2)

RD 1: A. Rutschman (Bal-C) - See above

RD 2: J. Jimenez (Det-RP) - Young fireballer could close in Detroit for the next decade

RD 3: B. Anderson (Mia-3B,OF) - Needs a 3B, sneaky good and very versatile 

RD 4: Yoe. Cespedes (NYM-OF) - IF he can come back healthy, would pay big dividends this late

RD 5: C. Abrams (SD-SS) - Toolsy shortstop with room and time to grow into his frame 

RD 6: R. Laureano (Oak-OF) - Rule 5

Wildcard Bluejays Draft Preview

After Picks 1 and 2, things get a little murky in terms of prospects.  The team need some pitching so focusing on prospect pitching might be the play here.  Brendan McKay (TB-SP/Util) could be an option here but Wildcard could wait until in the draft since he'll take up 2 spots so fellow lefty Tarik Skubal (Det-SP) makes a lot of sense here.  Skubal should move fast up the ranks but not too fast. 

Prediction (NA Need = 0)

RD 1: T. Skubal (Det-SP) - See above

RD 2: G. Gallegos (Stl-RP) - Many predicting good things and it'll be his job to lose on a good team

RD 3: M. Melancon (Atl-RP) - The apparent closer in Atlanta will a lot of experience

RD 4: N. Solak (Tex-2B,3B) - Injury to Calhoun make him fantasy relevant right now

RD 5: J. Bleday (Mia-OF) - Bats from the left with mature and refined approach, will move fast

RD 6: C. Kimbrel (ChC-RP) - Rule 5

Chevy Chase Coopers Draft Preview

In a year where finding a legit pitching breakout candidate is so difficult, look no further than Adrian Houser (Mil-SP,RP).  Houser averaged more than a K an inning while maintaining a sub 4.00 era.  Playing on an improving team doesn't hurt and is at the magic age of 27 where many pitchers find their grove.  Is he perfect?  No.  But he has a lot less warts than most of the guys available and he offers some upside to boot. 

Prediction (NA Need = 0)

RD 1: A. Houser (Mil-SP,RP) - See above

RD 2: S. Akiyama (Cin-OF) - Ichiro-lite? Hitting atop improved Cincy lineup won't hurt

RD 3: B. Bradley (Cle-1B) - Big bopper is having a nice spring on a good team

RD 4: A. Wood (LAD-SP) - High upside when healthy and being back in LA helps

RD 5: F. Whitley (Hou-SP) - Rule 5

RD 6: S. Apostel (Tex-3B) - Keeper

Third Day Draft Preview

With the 5th overall pick, TD finds itself in a great position to snag who most people believe to be the best prep prospect in last year's draft in Bobby Witt, Jr.  The son of a former big league pitcher, scouts have been ooing and awing at this guy since he was a freshman in high school.  In time, fully expect this guy to be a difference maker in fantasy and in reality.  

Prediction (NA Need = 0)

RD 1: B. Witt, Jr. - See above

RD 2: K. Lewis (Sea-OF) - Had a great call up last year with big power, tools galore

RD 3: W. Davis (Col-RP) - Could be a steal here if he can reclaim his past 9th inning heroics

RD 4: T. Walker (Sea-SP) - Great arm that has yet to put it together, will this season be the season?

RD 5: M. Givens (Bal-RP) - Everybody needs saves 

RD 6: L. Arraez (Min-2B,3B,OF) - Rule 5

Hair Of The Dog Fred Draft Preview

While fairly rounded, this team does need some upper echelon pitching.  But where do you find that this season?  Well, if you squint hard enough at Matthew Boyd (Det-SP) on some nights he might look like the 10th best strikeout artist in baseball last year because he was. Boyd doesn't play on the best team and he can be erratic at time but when he's on, he's on and 238 strikeouts don't grow on trees. 

Prediction (NA Need = 0)

RD 1: M. Boyd (Det-SP) - See above

RD 2: G. Polanco (Pit-OF) - Another guy that is well rounded and productive if healthy

RD 3: T. Watson (SF-RP) - Looking more and more like he'll be the closer in SF 

RD 4: Y. Puig (FA-OF) - The guy is going to sign somewhere and put up near 20/20/80 stats

RD 5: L. Brinson (Mia-OF) - Killing it in spring training and hoping it translates to season

RD 6: O. Mercado (Cle-OF)- Rule 5

Squeeze Play Draft Preview

Look!  Another team that needs pitching. Are you noticing a trend?  After Houser and Boyd, it might be best to focus on a good pitcher on a winning team rather than banking on a breakout or a big statline.  In that case, look not further than Kenta Maeda (Min-SP) who is the only pitcher available in the draft that ranked inside the Top 100 (No.99).  On the verge on contending, SP could go another direction here but if the teams waits to long the pickings become thinner quickly. 

Prediction (NA Need = 0)

RD 1: K. Maeda (Min-SP) - See above

RD 2: J. Means (Bal-SP) - All-Star last year and finished 2nd in AL ROY voting

RD 3: K. Kela (Pit-RP) - Entrenched as the 9th inning man in Pit, could do worse 

RD 4: T. Edman (Stl-3B,2B,OF) Rule 5

RD 5: R. Paulson (Oak-SS) Keeper

RD 6: T. Freeman (Cle-SS) Keeper

The Judgesicles Draft Preview

After taking a small step back last year, TJ wants to get back to its winning ways.  With that in mind, the team will likely look at safe returns with some chance of over performing.  No better player exemplifies that possibility than Justin Upton (LAA-OF).  Upton suffered an injury marred 2019 season but his peripherals were in line with his 2018 numbers where he hit 30 home runs with 80 RBIs. 

Prediction (NA Need = 0)

RD 1: J. Upton (LAA-OF) - See above

RD 2: Z. Plesac (Cle-SP) - Another of the rare potential breakout arms this season

RD 3: N. Eovaldi (Bos-SP) - A nice arm when healthy on a good team but risky any earlier

RD 4: Z. Thompson (Stl-SP) - Probably the best 2019 draft arm after Lodolo but better system

RD 5: J. Davis (NYM-3B) Rule 5

RD 6: M. Nunez (Stl-3B) Keeper

Slimedog Draft Preview

This team is poised to contend this year and in the future.  It needs a few more pieces to help it along and that looks doable due to its talent and youth.  Finding players to provide depth will be key in both offense and pitching.  The versatile Ian Happ (ChC-2B,3B,OF) looks to have a starting gig in Chicago and can be counted on to accentuate this already good team. 

Prediction (NA Need = 0)

RD 1: I. Happ (ChC-2B,3B,OF) - See above

RD 2: F. Peralta (Mil-SP) - Big arm and high K rate might be enough to entice here

RD 3: M. Chavis (Bos-1B,2B) - Good bat at very thin position could be in play

RD 4: S. Murphy (Oak-C) - Needs a catcher and Murphy is a popular name for catchers

RD 5: J. Lester (ChC-SP) - Veteran depth is not the worst thing to have when games are meaningful

RD 6: M. Bumgarner (Ari-SP) Keeper

Loveable Losers Draft Preview

LL surprised some with its late season push and success but it wasn't with smoke and mirrors.  Instead, it was with balance and peripheral stats that allowed this team to succeed.  Not one hitter had more than 86 RBIS but experienced a fine balance of homeruns and stolen bases.  One hole the team has is in saves so why not draft the closer for the World Champion Nationals?  Sean Doolittle (Was-RP) is one of the best closers in the game, plays on a team predicted to contend again and already has the job.  Health has been a factor but when he's on in the game he's a worthy selection. 

Prediction (NA Need = 3)

RD 1: S. Doolittle (Was-RP) - See above

RD 2: R. Mauricio (NYM-SS) - Young but possesses some of the best offensive tools in game

RD 3: C. Kelly (Ari-C) - Former Cardinals farm hand has found a place in Arizona

RD 4: J. Jung (Tex-3B) - Polished college bat that will stay in the hot corner

RD 5: R. Greene (Det-OF) - Projectable bat capable of great fantasy numbers in time

RD 6: A. Bradley (Ari-RP) Rule 5

Tenth Man Out Draft Prospect

What more can you say?  This team is stacked and continues to find gems where there shouldn't be.  Look for that trend to stay the same as TMO attempts to keep the status quo here. If there is a crack in its armor, it might be its starters.  The team is top heavy and then kinda of falls flat at the end.  So why not add the best pitching from last years draft to mix?  Nick Lodolo (Cin-SP) posses everything TMO looks for in a prospect.  Lobolo is a projectable lefty, looks to be a quick moving college arm and he's a Texas transplant.  What is not to love?

Prediction (NA Need = 1)

RD 1: N. Lodolo (Cin-SP) - See above

RD 2: S. Matz (NYM-SP) - When's healthy he can be one of the best lefties in baseball

RD 3: S. Hilliard (Col-OF) - Pros: Powerful, fast, Coors Field. Cons: Strikes out a lot

RD 4:  B. Kintzler (Mia-RP) - Endorsed by Mattingly as closer, cheap saves

RD 5: B. Marquez (ChC-SP) - Many see him as the next great Cubs arm in the minors

RD 6: R. Lewis (Min-SS) Rule 5

Prospect Draft Projections still to come...