Top 20 Fantasy Baseball Draft Selections for 2019

By Kevin Freiheit | February 12, 2019

Baseball is almost here and it’s time to get yourself prepared for fantasy draft season! When should you take a pitcher? Is it worth it to reach on a player who steals a ton of bases? I’ll answer those questions as we go down the list. There is so much talent available in the first couple of rounds that it’s tough to “lose” a fantasy season in the early stages. However, there are some players you can grab that will set you up for the best chance at success. 

Here are my top 20 fantasy selections for 2019: 

1. Mike Trout (LAA)

Eligible Positions: OF

If you’re lucky enough to own the first overall pick, there’s really not much of an option. There are some elite and exciting players, but you have to take Mike Trout with this pick. It’s that simple. This is coming from a Red Sox fan who watches Mookie Betts on a nightly basis. Take Trout. He’s been baseball’s best player and continues to back it up. 

He’s actually had a couple seasons in a row in which his numbers could have been better. He has missed some time over the past two seasons with injuries, but that didn’t stop him from hitting 33 and 39 home runs in 2017 and 2018, respectively.

He also managed to set a career-high in walks last year with 122 in 140 games. You should expect close to 40 home runs and 100 RBIs from him, along with a .300 average and 20 stolen bases. 

The only negative that comes with the first round pick is that you have to scroll down this list to see who you might get with your next pick. Don’t let that deter you. Trout is a stud and will be a catalyst for your team all year long.

2. Mookie Betts (BOS)

Eligible Positions: OF

Okay, now it’s time to take Betts. Owning the second pick in fantasy drafts isn’t a consolation prize because there’s so much elite talent available. Betts is an electric player coming off a monster season, winning the A.L. MVP and the World Series. He’s a threat at the plate, on the bases, and in the field on any given night.

His numbers were sensational last season – 136 games played, 129 runs, 32 home runs, 80 RBIs, 30 stolen bases, and a .346 average.

Betts did most of his damage from the leadoff spot, which likely limited his RBI total, but manager Alex Cora has stated that he intends to move him down a spot or two. Fantasy owners should expect the batting average to drop, but Betts could be in a position to battle for the MVP award again in 2019.

3. Jose Ramirez (CLE)

Eligible Positions: 2B, 3B

Jose Ramirez continues to get better and better.  His 2018 season was worthy of an MVP award, but he’s in the same league as Betts and Trout. Even though he didn’t get enough first-place votes, Ramirez solidified himself as one of the best players in baseball with 39 home runs and 105 RBIs. He went 34-for-40 in stolen base attempts and batted .270. 

If you think there’s room to improve in terms of average, you’d be right, and that may be the only area fantasy owners could complain about with this player. Fangraphs shows that his BABIP in 2018 was actually the second-lowest of his career, at .252. Imagine what those numbers would have ballooned to if he ran into some better luck. For comparison, it was .333 in 2016 and .319 in 2017.

(Warning: You may want to turn your volume down before playing the highlight below.)

Ramirez demonstrated a tremendous amount of patience at the plate and saw 3,002 pitches last year, the second-highest total in MLB. The only player who saw more was Cesar Hernandez, who saw 3,009 in 10 more plate appearances. Ramirez also drew 106 walks and struck out just 80 times.

Ramirez deserves to go very early in drafts as he provides owners with elite stats in every category. Whether or not he can actually surpass last year’s numbers is irrelevant. He has the tools to once again be Cleveland’s best player and make a run for MVP. 

4. Francisco Lindor (CLE)

Eligible Positions: SS

Francisco Lindor probably wasn’t even considered a household name a couple years ago, but now he is one of the league’s top players. He’s a classic five-tool player who can help in every category and should be selected quickly in the first round of any draft.

Lindor did sustain an injury that could have him miss a portion of the season, though:

Lindor has put together three strong seasons in a row, with the home runs and RBIs increasing in each. His 2018 campaign, which included 129 runs and 38 homers was no fluke. The 25-year-old has serious power and, according to Fangraphs, his hard-hit rate has spiked from 25.5% in 2015 to 41.6% in 2018, increasing in each of his first four seasons.

Lindor was also a threat on the basepaths last year as he swiped a career-high of 25 bases. Although he was thrown out on 10 occasions, it’s not unreasonable to think he can get close to 20 again in 2019. 

The Indians have a legitimate shot at nearing 100 wins this season and Lindor should continue to be a big part of a potent offense. There aren’t many shortstops in today’s game who can do it all, but this guy certainly can. He’s an elite player and would make for a fine first selection for any fantasy owner.

5. Nolan Arenado (COL)

Eligible Positions: 3B

This is a pick focused on pure power. Nolan Arenado hits in one of the friendliest ballparks and is perfectly capable of delivering 40+ home runs and 120+ RBIs. He actually had a down year in terms of driving in runs with only 110, compared to the three seasons prior in which he knocked in 130, 133, and 130.

Arenado consistently hits the ball hard and keeps up a solid batting average as a career .291 hitter. It’s part of the reason the Rockies inked him to a one-year deal, $26M contract. 

The one thing Arenado won’t provide for fantasy owners is stealing. He may get one or two stolen bases, but that’s not what you’re looking for from him. He’s been healthy and is a staple in the Rockies’ lineup and is a sure bet to put up big numbers again this season.

6. Ronald Acuna Jr. (ATL)

Eligible Positions: OF

There are a lot of different avenues you could take with the fifth overall pick. You could go for straight up power, or maybe the top pitcher on the board, but how about taking 2018’s N.L. Rookie of the Year?

There are some great players that you could take at this spot, but don’t overlook Acuna. 

Ronald Acuna Jr. gave Braves fans a renewed hope with a terrific rookie season, posting 26 home runs and 64 RBIs in just 111 games played. Acuna also batted .293 over that span and stole 16 bases, showing he can help out in every category. 

With a full season ahead of him, the sky is the limit. Acuna is a player who can do it all. There has been some discussion among fans as to whether or not the Braves will have Acuna hit atop the order or be moved to cleanup. From a fantasy perspective, it doesn’t matter because he’ll be able to get on base and steal or drive in runners. 

Fangraphs data shows that Acuna’s hard-hit rate was 44.4%, the same as Trout’s was last year. This kid just turned 21 and is electrifying. Draft him with confidence and reap the rewards.

7. Max Scherzer (WAS)

Eligible Positions: SP

You might’ve been wondering when it would be a good time to draft the top pitcher off the board. Well, here it is and he’s a guy who racked up 300 strikeouts in just over 220 innings last year. Max Scherzer is an animal and has seven consecutive seasons with at least 230 strikeouts. 

No matter what stats you look at, Scherzer has dominated in every category. Opponents hit just .188 off him in 2018, which was actually an increase from the year prior when they hit .178. He’s kept his ERA under 3.00 in each of the last four seasons and no other pitcher deserves to go before him in drafts.

Taking Scherzer is a great way to kickstart your rotation. Sure, you’re sacrificing the raw power players we’ve been talking about, but you can still add some in the later rounds, it just won’t be elite-level stuff. Taking a pitcher in the first rounds means you’ll likely want to grab a hitter in the next one unless you plan on grabbing two stud flamethrowers. 

8. J.D. Martinez (BOS)

Eligible Positions: OF

Coming off a career year in his first season with the Red Sox, J.D. Martinez will look to add to his impressive resume in 2019. He hit the 40-home run mark for the second straight year and drove in a career-high 130 runs. His patience at the plate also allowed him to set a personal best in walks, with 69. 

Boston’s top of the order was able to get on base frequently, forcing opposing pitchers to challenge Martinez, and it usually didn’t go their way.

Martinez will turn 32 in the summer but should benefit from another potent Red Sox offense and has the benefit of playing half of his games at Fenway Park. Owners can expect around 40 homers again, but his .330 average from 2018 may drop after he boasted a lofty .375 BABIP. He’ll only steal a few bases, but his powerful bat should be taken in the first round of all drafts.

9. Alex Bregman (HOU)

Eligible Positions: 3B, SS

While he spends most of his time at third base, Alex Bregman qualifies at shortstop after 28 appearances at that position last year. After clubbing 31 home runs and accumulating 103 RBIs in 2018, Bregman deserves consideration as one of the top players in the game.

The former 1st round pick in 2015 has already lived up to the hype, but he is just getting started. Bregman possesses immense talent in nearly every category and is thriving in a powerful offense.

If his offseason surgery worries you at all, it apparently hasn’t affected Bregman, himself, as he believes he will be ready to go by Opening Day.

Bregman is coming off his best season to date, but some question whether or not he can replicate last year’s success. 

Even if his numbers do dip a little, he should still be among MLB’s best. Bregman’s BABIP was actually the lowest of his career at .289 last season, but his hard-hit percentage was his highest, at 35.4%, according to Fangraphs. 

There’s a lot to like about Bregman’s game and he should take another big step forward in 2019. Draft him with confidence.

10. Manny Machado (Free Agent)

Eligible Positions: SS

At this point in the draft, the key factor is whether you’re looking for power or speed, and even though Manny Machado has yet to sign with a team, he warrants being selected this early.

What you should be expecting from Machado is a consistent source of power and RBIs, and he’s proven capable of that with four consecutive 30-homer seasons. He also racked up a career-high 107 RBIs last season with the Orioles and the Dodgers. It’s the type of production that is too much to pass up at this position.

Machado will turn 27 this season and is entering his prime. With his best years likely still ahead of him, and on a new team, Machado could thrive in a new lineup, especially if he finds himself with a better supporting cast than he was used to in Baltimore for seven seasons.

The lack of steals may be the only con to grabbing Machado at this stage as some others surrounding him offer significantly more upside on the basepaths. However, Machado rewards owners with raw power while maintaining a solid batting average as a career .282 hitter.

Over the last four seasons combined, Machado has missed just 11 games. He’ll be in the lineup every day no matter where he ends up and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him club 30+ home runs and drive in 100+ once again.

11. Christian Yelich (MIL)

Eligible Positions: OF

We’re at the point in most drafts where if you have one of the last picks in the first round, you get to use two picks close together, if not back-to-back. This guy deserves your attention.

Selected by the Florida Marlins in 2010, Christian Yelich spent five MLB seasons with the team, becoming a pretty good player during his time there. None of that could compare to the type of production he had in his first year with the Brewers, though. 

Yelich simply destroyed baseballs on a nightly basis, racking up 36 home runs and 110 RBIs on his way to winning the National League MVP. Fangraphs data shows that Yelich had the eighth-hardest hit ball rate at 47.6 among MLB players who had at least 400 plate appearances.

According to Fantrax, Yelich put up a .770 slugging percentage after the All-Star break, baseball’s highest in 14 years. The stats are hard to ignore and he should put up another strong season in Milwaukee with solid numbers in all five categories. No one has won the N.L. MVP twice in a row since Albert Pujols did it in 2008 and 2009. Maybe Yelich could challenge that feat.

12. Trea Turner (WAS)

Eligible Positions: SS

The Nationals struggled last season and finished with an 82-80 record, missing the postseason for the first time since 2015. Now, they could be forced to move on without Bryce Harper. While that may pose a tough challenge, that Nats should still have a strong lineup and an opportunity to win the N.L. East.

Trea Turner was the only player to play in all 162 games for Washington last season, pacing the team in runs (103), hits (180), and stolen bases (43). He could be relied upon more heavily this year and has the tools to be an all-around All-Star.

He’s only 25 years old and has gotten better each season. With a pick like this, you can get great, but not elite, help in all five categories. The main difference here is that Turner can steal 40+ bases. He’s swiped 33, 46, and 43 respectively in the last three seasons.

Some fantasy owners may value those stolen bases much more, but I believe you can find the speed at other positions. Turner is not a discouraging pick at all, though. It’s just that he often goes too highly in drafts when there are better options who come with bigger bats.

13. Jacob deGrom (NYM)

Eligible Positions: SP

Set to make $17M this year on a one-year deal, Jacob deGrom looks to repeat his historic 2018 season in which he won the N.L. Cy Young Award. His 10-9 record wouldn’t indicate nearly anything of what he accomplished as the right-hander who posted a 1.70 ERA while striking out 269 and walking only 46 batters over 217 innings.

Demonstrating pinpoint control all year long, deGrom limited opponents to 10 home runs and earned 28 quality starts in 32 games. He now has 1,000 career strikeouts and has ascended to an elite pitcher with ace-level performances over the last four years.

Some of his stats will likely take a hit in 2019, they almost have to because he was that good last season. He’s proved that he can be consistent and is a good bet to deliver another terrific season. 

14. Chris Sale (BOS)

Eligible Positions: SP

You could easily flip flop deGrom and Chris Sale as it’s really just a matter of preference. They’re both outstanding pitchers but I give the edge to the Mets for this one.

Sale missed some time with shoulder inflammation and really had a hard time staying healthy in the second half because of it. He still finished the season with 237 strikeouts in 158 innings, setting a career-high 13.5 K/9. When he’s performing at the top of his game, hitters seemingly have no chance. His slider was devastating all year long and he threw it 34.5% of the time, according to Fangraphs.

Numerous reports have come out and Sale, himself, said that he feels back to normal and is ready to go. In two years with the Red Sox Sale is 19-12 with 545 strikeouts. He’s locked in as the team’s ace and is one of baseball’s best. The one cause for concern is his second-half struggles, something he was trying to work on last year before the injury. 

It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Sale get closer to the career-high 308 strikeouts he recorded in 2017. 

15. Aaron Judge (NYY)

Eligible Positions: OF

There are several players I mentioned earlier that supply raw power, but the New York Yankees have a guy who could challenge the rest of the league with the long ball this year. Aaron Judge dealt with a wrist injury in 2018 but still managed to put up 27 home runs in 112 games. 

Judge hits the ball with authority and is a threat every at-bat. Fangraphs data shows that he had a hard-hit rate of 48.1%, sixth-highest in the league last season: 

2016: 48.8%

2017: 45.3%

2018: 48.1%  

It’s swings like the one in that highlight that has opposing pitchers terrified to face him. With a healthy season ahead of him, Judge could easily top 40 home runs and flirt with 50. In his rookie season, he hit 52 and drove in 114 runs. 

Judge should be taken higher than what he is projected for. The Yankees have a strong team and could win the A.L. East. Expect Judge to be a big part of that.

16. Jose Altuve (HOU)

Eligible Positions: 2B

It’s safe to say that Jose Altuve had a bit of a down season last year. He missed some time and then underwent surgery in the offseason to repair a fracture in his knee. Assuming he’s ready to go, Altuve remains a top-20 player based on his attractive power-speed combination. 

A career .316 hitter, Altuve has stolen at least 30 bases six different times, reaching 56 at one point. But he can also hit 20+ home runs and drive in 80-90 runs. His 5’6″ stature is deceiving and Altuve is one of the hardest-working players in the game.

There is some risk in taking a player coming off a surgery, but Altuve has been relatively healthy his whole career and will turn 29 this season. There’s plenty of time for him to get closer to the elite seasons he enjoyed for Houston. Expect a bounce-back year from Altuve.

17. Javier Baez (CHC)

Eligible Positions: 2B, 3B, SS

Javier Baez nearly captured the NL MVP crown with a spectacular season in 2018, drilling 34 home runs and recording 111 RBIs only to finish second in the voting. He also batted .290 and stole 21 bases on 30 attempts.

He managed to post those numbers even by seemingly swinging at every pitch. Baez swung at 57.7% of pitches, the fifth-highest rate in the league last year, and he also swung at 43.8% of pitches that were outside of the strike zone, according to Fangraphs.

He certainly has the raw power and abilities to be a superstar, and if he makes a few adjustments, he could surpass his 2018 totals and make a stronger case for the NL MVP.

Addison Russell is slotted in as the team’s regular shortstop, but he is suspended for the first 40 games for violating the team’s domestic abuse policy. Even when Russell returns, Baez will have no problem finding playing time given the fact that he can play all over the infield.

Baez strikes out often (167 times in 2018), but when he makes contact, he makes it count. He can help owners out in every category, however, it’ll be a tall task to match last year’s totals.

18. Trevor Story (COL)

Eligible Positions: SS

You couldn’t ask for a better 2018 campaign from Trevor Story. He set career-highs across the board with 37 home runs and 108 RBIs, as well as 27 stolen bases and a .291 average.

Even in the friendly confines of Coors Field, matching those type of numbers could be a bit of a challenge, but if there is anyone capable of doing it, it’s Story.

Story has been hitting the ball hard in his first three big-league seasons. In fact, Fangraphs data shows that Story is just one of four MLB players to maintain at least a 40% hard-hit rate in each of the last three seasons (minimum of 400 plate appearances). Miguel Sano, J.D. Martinez, and Matt Carpenter are the only others to accomplish the feat.

What’s even more impressive is that Story isn’t just pulling everything to left field. His pull percentage for batted balls is at a career 40.9 percent, 35% for centered, and 24.1% going the opposite way.

There’s no reason to doubt Story’s offensive talents and he should continue to rake in 2019.

19. Bryce Harper (Free Agent)

Eligible Positions: OF

Bryce Harper has yet to sign with a team, but his destination shouldn’t make too much of an impact in drafts because of his powerful bat. He is worthy of a second-round pick even without a team and is coming off his first 100-RBI season, although his average was just .249.

Harper belted 34 home runs walked a career-high 130 times in his seventh season with the Nationals. 

Now 26 years old, Harper will look to make bigger noise with his bat as he joins a new team. Fantasy owners should hope that Harper can even out his stats a bit and have a better all-around game. Harper struck out 169 times in 2018, the ninth-most in the league. His average took a hit and while he stole 13 bases, it wasn’t as good what we saw in 2015. That year, Harper hit .330 with 42 homers and 99 RBIs. 

He has all the tools to deliver in every category, and he likely will, but don’t reach for him in drafts. He should fall late into the second round.

20. Paul Goldschmidt (STL)

Eligible Positions: 1B

No longer a member of the D-backs, Paul Goldschmidt sneaks into the top 20. He was traded to St. Louis over the offseason and brings his powerful bat to Cardinals’ lineup. Goldschmidt’s most appealing feature is his power. He can hit home runs and at age 31, that may be more of his focus. He has stolen 124 bases over his eight-year career, but the speed may start to decline in the near future.

Don’t let that stop you from taking him, though. The four-time 40-home run hitter has plenty to offer and can easily drive in over 100 runs. He was, and still is, beloved in Arizona, and now St. Louis fans will get a chance to see what he can do.

30 home runs and 100 RBIs is definitely a possibility for Goldschmidt this season and he can top it off with a solid batting average. Don’t rely on him for steals, but if you can nab Goldschmidt in the second round, you could set yourself up a very nice first two picks.

Just missed: Corey Kluber (CLE), Giancarlo Stanton (NYY), Freddie Freeman (ATL), Clayton Kershaw (LAD), Andrew Benintendi (BOS) 

Kevin Freiheit
I’m an experienced sports writer with a journalism degree from Buffalo State College and I am thrilled to be part of the team here at FantasyData. I have a huge passion for hockey, specifically the Sabres. Even though I’m from Buffalo, NY, I can’t stand the Yankees. I’m a proud Red Sox fan living in enemy territory.
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