Every year there are certain players that fly under the radar that can help your team. Here are nine players (position players and pitchers) that you should consider drafting.
Enrique Hernandez, SS/OF/2B, Dodgers: Hernandez will be the Dodgers starting second baseman but like his predecessor Chris Taylor, he will also play shortstop and in the outfield. Hernandez belted 21 home runs and had 462 plate appearances. He could easily match those numbers playing everyday.
Jeimer Candalario, 3B, Tigers: Candalario hit 19 home runs and drove in 54 runs. He only hit .224 but Candalario has good power and could easily hit 20-25 home runs and drive in 80 runs this season.
Zack Cozart, 3B, Angels: Cozart tore his labrum last June and ended up missing the rest of the season. Cozart is hoping to regain the form of his 2017 season in which he slashed .297/24/63. If he can stay healthy, Cozart could be a sneaky bench option.
Carlos Rodon, SP, White Sox: I’ve written about Rodon three times this week but why not? He is a terrific bottom of the rotation fantasy starter. He finished strong at the end of last season and is worthwhile addition because of his stuff and ability to pitch 250 innings plus.
Peter Alonso, 1B, Mets: Alonso had a great spring and will have every opportunity to be the Mets every day first baseman. It will be interesting to see how much of an opportunity he gets if he struggles out of the gate.
Tim Beckham, SS/3B, Mariners: Beckham signed a one year deal with the Mariners in January. He might end up being one of the steals of free agency. I am not kidding. He can play shortstop and second base and he has legitimate power. Beckham is worth drafting in 10 and 12 team leagues and is great DFS option.
Randall Grichuk, OF, Blue Jays: Grichuk is hitting lead off for the Blue Jays. I think that is a great spot for him because of his power and speed. Grichuk hit 25 home runs last season. 23 of them cane after June 1st. Grichuk got off to a slow start last season and also missed time with an injury. He is a prime candidate to carry over last season’s production and continue to hit.
Matt Strahm, SP, Padres: The Padres rotation is a bit of an anomaly but there are some good young arms on the staff like Strahm and Joey Lucchesi. Strahm went 3-4 last season but averaged 10.13 strikeouts per nine innings and had an ERA of 2.05 in five starts. He is a sleeper add in 10 and 12 team leagues and a worthy DFS candidate.
Dereck Rodriguez, SP, Giants: Rodriguez was a feel good story to an otherwise abysmal second half of last season for the Giants. Rodriguez was a revelation starting 19 games and going 6-4 with an ERA of 2.81. Rodriguez is worthy of drafting but if nothing else, he could be a quality addition as a streamer or in DFS.