Fantasy Baseball

Season Long – All Sports

Fantasy Baseball Pitching Strategy

March 22, 2024 Jody Smith

Fantasy Baseball Pitching Strategy Shawn Childs is a legend in the fantasy baseball world and his advice is invaluable. A member of the NFBC Hall of Fame, Shawn has several top-5 finishes in the National Fantasy Baseball Championship as well […]

Fantasy Baseball Pitching Strategy

Shawn Childs is a legend in the fantasy baseball world and his advice is invaluable. A member of the NFBC Hall of Fame, Shawn has several top-5 finishes in the National Fantasy Baseball Championship as well as five NFBC auction championship titles under his belt. He also boasts several prominent in the high-stakes market and multiple huge DFS wins. Shawn’s process and evaluation are among the most thorough in the sport and his exclusive FPGscore metric is changing the game. This 2024 Fantasy Baseball Pitching Strategy and insight are courtesy of the brilliant mind of one of the sport’s best. 

 

This Fantasy Baseball Pitching Strategy is courtesy of Shawn Childs. Read Shawn’s expert fantasy analysis at his Substack.

 

Also, check out Shawn’s detailed 2024 Fantasy Baseball Strategy Guide and Auction Strategy for the most thorough tips and advice that you will find anywhere.

Dealing Aces

The fantasy world is an ever-changing market. More information and tools help drafters make better-educated decisions each year. When I first came to the high-stakes market in 2004, I sat in my seat and took the player I thought was the most valuable to my team at that time. It was the purest time in fantasy baseball. It was about understanding the player pool and having vision within the draft. The better I see the future, the better I predict draft flow and future opportunities. 

Early Days of Fantasy Baseball

As each year passes, fantasy managers have more information to help them become better players. After the first year in the high-stakes market, winning results and the final category totals helped fantasy teams better prepare for future years. In addition, these pieces of information helped drafters plan their strategy for the following year.

As the high-stakes fantasy market grew, fantasy managers had more draft results to help them make educated decisions within the draft. The draft flow was a significant part of data for fantasy managers who had the foresight to see the critical components for their team development while understanding how they wanted to build their teams. 

This next tool of information was called ADPs (average draft position). Of course, each draft will be different, but fantasy managers now know how other drafters feel about the player pool.

There was always an information edge in the early days of fantasy baseball. In the home leagues, there were fantasy managers who were more informed than their competition. The more knowledge a drafter had, the bigger the edge over their competition. 

The most challenging part of fantasy baseball is pitching. A fantasy manager with a complete understanding of the pitching inventory had an advantage at the draft table. The knowledge imbalance between drafters created strategies like the LIMA plan, formulated by Ron Shandler of Baseball HQ. 

The term LIMA means Low Investment Mound Aces. By understanding the pitching inventory, a fantasy manager had the opportunity to buy his pitching staff at lower prices. Sometimes, a knowledgeable drafter could find an ace for the small investment of $1 in auction leagues.

From a fantasy perspective, the LIMA plan is a great tool. It is a theory that fantasy teams must embrace to succeed in this game. The goal is always trying to find top talent at a discount. Most early fantasy baseball games were American or National auction leagues, which stressed the importance of finding good players at low prices.

Next Generation of the Game…

 

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2024 San Francisco Giants Preview

March 19, 2024 Shawn Childs

2024 San Francisco Giants Preview Shawn Childs is a legend in the fantasy baseball world and his advice is invaluable. A member of the NFBC Hall of Fame, Shawn has several top-5 finishes in the National Fantasy Baseball Championship as […]

2024 San Francisco Giants Preview

Shawn Childs is a legend in the fantasy baseball world and his advice is invaluable. A member of the NFBC Hall of Fame, Shawn has several top-5 finishes in the National Fantasy Baseball Championship as well as five NFBC auction championship titles under his belt. He also boasts several prominent in the high-stakes market and multiple huge DFS wins. Shawn’s process and evaluation are among the most thorough in the sport and his exclusive FPGscore metric is changing the game. This 2024 San Francisco Giants preview and insight is courtesy of the brilliant mind of one of the sport’s best. 

 

This 2024 San Francisco Giants Preview is courtesy of Shawn Childs. Read Shawn’s expert fantasy analysis at his Substack.

After a surprising season in 2021 (107-55), the Giants have been four games under .500 over the past two years with no tickets to the postseason. They scored 130 fewer runs (674) than in 2021 (804). San Francisco has nine playoff appearances since 1989, with their highlight run coming between 2010 and 2014 (three World Series titles). The Giants have five other championships (1905, 1921, 1922, 1933, and 1954).

San Fran ranked 11th in ERA (4.02) while dropping three notches with their relievers (3.92 ERA – 14th). Their bullpen led the majors in wins (50) while finishing four in saves (50). They pitched 705.1 innings (most in baseball), leading to 703 strikeouts (1st) and 33 losses. The Giants slipped to 24th in runs (674), 19th in home runs (174), and 23rd in RBIs (651). They had the league’s lowest stolen base total (57) on 73 attempts (78.1%).

In the offseason, San Francisco signed DH Jorge Soler, 3B Matt Chapman, C Tom Murphy, and P Jordan Hicks while landing Korean import OF Jung Hoo Lee. They moved on from SP Sean Manaea, OF Joc Pederson, SS Brandon Crawford, SP Alex Wood, SS Paul DeJong, OF AJ Pollock, and RP John Brebbia. SP Robbie Ray came via a trade with Seattle for OF Mitch Haniger and SP Anthony DeSclafani. 

The Giants’ offense has an exciting blend of veteran bats paired with three players (Jung Hoo Lee, Patrick Bailey, and SS Marco Luciano) with upside. There will be many strikeouts, but more balls will land in the seats. 

The ninth inning should be in good shape with the development of RP Camilo Doval. The structure and depth of San Francisco’s starting rotation behind SP Logan Webb and SP Kyle Harrison aren’t ideal. SP Jordan Hicks has an injury history, and he hasn’t made a start since 2022. The fourth and fifth starting options will be an open competition in spring training.

Starting Lineup

OF Jung Hoo Lee

Over seven seasons in Korea, Lee hit .340 with 581 runs, 65 home runs, 515 RBIs, and 69 stolen bases over 3,746 at-bats. His best two years came in 2020 (.333/85/15/101/12 over 544 at-bats) and 2022 (.349/85/23/113/5 over 553 at-bats). He had more walks (383 – 9.7%) than strikeouts (304 – 7.7%). His average hit rate (1.444) in his career suggests 15 home runs would be a lot to ask in his rookie year. 

Last year, Lee missed time due to a broken left ankle that required surgery. His exit velocity is projected to be lower than 89.0%. His groundball rate was high over the past two seasons (58% and 59%), hurting his power early in his major league career, especially when adding his new home ballpark.

Fantasy Outlook: Lee has an ADP of 248 in the high-stakes market, as fantasy drafters don’t have a good feel for how to rate him in his rookie season. I almost view him as a player making the jump from AA to the majors. The Giants saw enough in his game to pony up $113 million for six seasons in December. I won’t be drafting Lee in any league this year. I view him as a player with a 10/15 skill set out of the gate. A possible .290 hitter with about 70 runs and 65 RBIs unless he gets well over 600 at-bats.

2B Thairo Estrada

Estrada had a slow path to the path majors after signing with the Yankees in the summer of 2016 at age 16. He hit .285 over nine seasons in the minors with 294 runs, 35 home runs, 224 RBIs, and 58 stolen bases over 1,994 at-bats. His bat progressed in 2021 at AAA (.333/37/9/40/6 over 210 at-bats), giving Estrada a path to the majors.

He made the Giants’ opening-day roster in 2022, but Estrada struggled in April (.234/14/2/14/3 over 77 at-bats) while showing an uptick in average in May (.322/13/0/6/3 over 87 at-bats). Over his final 324 at-bats, he hit .250 with 44 runs, 12 home runs, 42 RBIs, and 15 steals. His strikeout rate (16.5) beat the league average with a below-par walk rate (6.1). 

Last year, Estrada missed 10 days in late May (left wrist) and a month in midsummer (broken right hand). After an excellent start to the year in April (.346/19/4/10/8 over 104 at-bats), he hit .251 with 44 runs, 10 home runs, 39 RBIs, and 15 stolen bases over his final 391 at-bats. His bat has minimal value against left-handed pitching (.257 with one home run and 10 RBIs over 140 at-bats).

His average hit rate (1.537) remains below his resume in 2019 and 2021. Estrada posted his highest contact batting average (.357) in his time in the majors. His flyball rate (34.9) was a career-high, with a step back in his HR/FB rate (10.9). He ranked 371st in exit velocity (85.9) and 306th in hard-hit rate (33.7). His strikeout rate (22.6) and walk rate (4.2) were below his previous results with the Giants.

Fantasy Outlook: Estrada has a winning floor in home runs and stolen bases, especially if he can stay on the field for 550 at-bats. His ADP (137) ranks him 12th at second base. His speed clears a path to hit higher in San Francisco’s lineup, but his approach isn’t ideal. Don’t consider him a stud, but Estrada offers a steady five-category skill set…

 

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2024 San Diego Padres Preview

March 18, 2024 Shawn Childs

2024 San Diego Preview Shawn Childs is a legend in the fantasy baseball world and his advice is invaluable. A member of the NFBC Hall of Fame, Shawn has several top-5 finishes in the National Fantasy Baseball Championship as well […]

2024 San Diego Preview

Shawn Childs is a legend in the fantasy baseball world and his advice is invaluable. A member of the NFBC Hall of Fame, Shawn has several top-5 finishes in the National Fantasy Baseball Championship as well as five NFBC auction championship titles under his belt. He also boasts several prominent in the high-stakes market and multiple huge DFS wins. Shawn’s process and evaluation are among the most thorough in the sport and his exclusive FPGscore metric is changing the game. This 2024 San Diego Padres preview and insight is courtesy of the brilliant mind of one of the sport’s best. 

 

This 2024 San Diego Padres Preview is courtesy of Shawn Childs. Read Shawn’s expert fantasy analysis at his Substack.

The Padres tried to compete with the Dodgers over the past few seasons by adding some top-tier players. Their choices weren’t thought out well, leading to a flawed plan and a regressive team build. San Diego made the postseason twice over the past four years after 13 consecutive missed playoff trips. They come off back-to-back winning seasons (89-73 and 82-80). The Padres made the postseason only five times in the team’s 55-year history. Their only World Series appearance (loss) came in 1998.

San Diego had the second-best ERA (3.73) in baseball in 2023, thanks to Blake Snell (2.25 ERA over 180.0 innings). The bullpen only had 22 wins (lowest in baseball), 30 losses, and 36 saves over 577.1 innings with a 3.80 ERA (10th) and 575 strikeouts. The Padres ranked 13th in runs (752), home runs (205), and RBIs (719). They stole 137 bases on 169 attempts (81.1%).

In the offseason, the Padres acquired SP Michael King, SP Drew Thorpe, SP Randy Vasquez, SP Jhony Britto, and C Kyle Higashioka for OF Juan Soto and OF Trent Grisham. They lost SP Blake Snell, SP Seth Lugo, SP Michael Wacha, CL Josh Hader, SP Nick Martinez, C Gary Sanchez, and SP Rich Hill to free agency. San Diego signed RP Yuki Matsui, RP Wandy Peralta, RP Woo-Suk Go, and OF Cal Mitchell while claiming SP Luis Patino off waivers.

Two veteran arms (Joe Musgrove and Yu Darvish) lead their starting rotation. They hope that their three “New Editions” can dance their way to the mound every fifth day in the near future. The ninth inning is in flux, inviting more drama late in games.

San Diego has two star bats (Fernando Tatis and Manny Machado) supported by two complementary players (Xander Bogaerts and Ha-Seong Kim). The rest of the offense looks below the league average as a group.

Starting Lineup

OF Fernando Tatis

In 2021, Tatis had a sensational first 274 at-bats (67 runs, 28 home runs, 60 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases). Unfortunately, his bat had a step back in value after the All-Star break (.278/32/14/37/5 over 205 at-bats). He missed 10 days over the first half of April (shoulder), another nine days in May (COVID-19), a slight scare in June (one game), and 16 more days in late July and early August (shoulder).

After missing all of 2022 with his suspension and recovery from shoulder surgery, Tatis returned to the Padres starting lineup on April 20th. Despite hitting nine home runs over his first 150 at-bats, he had weakness in his runs (21) and RBIs (19) with a short batting average (.240). He played much better over the next third of the season (.293/38/9/34/12 over 215 at-bats). Tatis drove the bus home with more subpar play (.233 with 32 runs, seven home runs, and 25 RBIs) except for 12 stolen bases.

His strikeout rate (22.2) was the best of his career, with a league-average walk rate (8.4) that was below his two best seasons (10.5 and 11.4). He had a sharp decline in his contact batting average (.341 – .432 over his first 1,036 at-bats with the Padres). In addition, his average hit rate (1.743) was below his first three years.

Tatis had regression in his exit velocity (91.9) and hard-hit rate (49.3). He finished with a lower flyball rate (33.6) than in 2021 (39.9), and his HR/FB rate (17.0) was well below his previous three seasons (31.9, 29.3, and 32.1).

Fantasy Outlook: The luster of Tatis looks diminished this year due to the loss of Juan Soto hitting behind him in the lineup and the lower outlook of the Padres offense in 2024. In addition, he lost his shortstop qualification. His ADP (8) fits his potential, plus his five-category skill set. A correction in batting average is expected while offering a 30/30 floor in home runs and steals. I don’t expect elite RBI chances, so he must drive himself in more to help his counting stats…

 

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2024 Los Angeles Dodgers Preview

March 17, 2024 Shawn Childs

2024 Los Angeles Dodgers Preview Shawn Childs is a legend in the fantasy baseball world and his advice is invaluable. A member of the NFBC Hall of Fame, Shawn has several top-5 finishes in the National Fantasy Baseball Championship as […]

2024 Los Angeles Dodgers Preview

Shawn Childs is a legend in the fantasy baseball world and his advice is invaluable. A member of the NFBC Hall of Fame, Shawn has several top-5 finishes in the National Fantasy Baseball Championship as well as five NFBC auction championship titles under his belt. He also boasts several prominent in the high-stakes market and multiple huge DFS wins. Shawn’s process and evaluation are among the most thorough in the sport and his exclusive FPGscore metric is changing the game. This 2024 Los Angeles Dodgers preview and insight are courtesy of the brilliant mind of one of the sport’s best. 

This 2024 Los Angeles Dodgers Preview is courtesy of Shawn Childs. Read Shawn’s expert fantasy analysis at his Substack.

 

The Dodgers Express has been on the fast track for the past 11 seasons, leading to a playoff berth each year and three World Series appearances (win in 2020). At this point in the franchise, anything short of a championship title is disappointing. Over the past three seasons, they’ve won 317 of 486 games (65.2%). Los Angeles has six other World Series titles (1955, 1959, 1963, 1965, 1981, and 1988). The Dodgers lost their first seven trips to the World Series from 1916 to 1953 while also losing seven other times when the MLB championship was on the line.

The big prize in the free agency this offseason was Shohei Ohtani. LA invested $700 million into his bat and right pitching arm for the next decade. If that wasn’t enough, the Dodgers also signed SP Yoshinobu Yamamoto, OF Teoscar Hernandez, and SP James Paxton. Los Angeles also acquired SP Tyler Glasnow from Tampa for OF Manuel Margot, SP Ryan Pepiot, and OF Jonny DeLuca. The Dodgers promptly signed Glasnow to a four-year extension for $110 million.

Los Angeles slipped to 13th in ERA (4.06), but their bullpen ranked third (3.42 ERA). The Dodgers relievers had 38 wins, 25 losses, and 44 saves over 644.2 innings with 644 strikeouts. They finished second in runs (906), home runs (249), and RBIs (877). Their base stealer swiped 105 bases on 130 attempts (80.8%).

The top of LA’s lineup is elite, with plenty of veteran experience at the back end of the batting order. The shortstop position remains a question mark until Gavin Lux proves himself at the major league level. Their bench has plenty of experience, giving the Dodgers a chance to survive short-term injuries.

Despite improvements to the front end of their starting rotation, Los Angeles needs their aces to prove they can handle the spotlight in the biggest moments of a baseball season. If Walker Buehler’s right arm is healthy, the Dodgers have another special player with potential impact value. Bobby Miller and Emmet Sheehan give this rotation length and upside, and LA has multiple options as backup plans over the long baseball season – James Paxton, Clayton Kershaw, Michael Grove, and Gavin Stone. The ninth inning will be in the hands of RP Evans Phillips until someone knocks him off the closer podium. 

Starting Lineup

2B Mookie Betts

The only shortfall for Betts in 2022 was his batting average (.269) due to a weaker contact batting average (.324) and 2022 (.329). In his best season in 2018, he hit .420 when putting the ball in play. He played at an elite level in May (.342/31/12/27/1 over 114 at-bats) and August (.330/30/9/18/5 over 109 at-bats). His combined production in April, June, and September (.217 over 248 with 38 runs, eight home runs, 30 RBIs, and five steals) left something to be desired while also missing the final two weeks in June with a rib injury. Betts played well against left-handed pitching (.308 with 38 runs, 11 home runs, and 29 RBIs over 156 at-bats).

Last season, his contact batting average (.375) moved back into an elite area. Betts has had about the same strikeout rate (15.7) over the past four seasons while seeing his walk rate (13.9) reach a new ceiling. His swing was in beast mode in August (.455/35/11/30/3 over 112 at-bats), along with winning production in May and June (.287 with 47 runs, 18 home runs, 44 RBIs, and six steals over 2022 at-bats). Betts lost his rhythm in September (.244/10/1/9/4 over 86 at-bats), possibly due to a minor foot issue. 

His swing path continues to push higher in flyballs (48.5% – 43.8 in his career), with progression in his HR/FB rate (16.7) over the past couple of seasons. Betts ranked 18th in exit velocity (92.4) and 44th in hard-hit rate (48.5). He finished with 60 barrels, compared to 30 in 2021 and 46 in 2022.

Fantasy Outlook: In 2023, Betts ranked fourth in FPGscore (10.01) for hitters (eighth in 2022 – 7.11). His flyball swing path invites some earlier outs unless he repeats his success in power this year. He tends to rank poorly in RBI chances due to his slot in the batting order. Betts does create one of the higher edges in runs scored. His ADP (5) in the National Fantasy Baseball Championship is helped by him qualifying at second base, where his profile creates a more significant edge. His average hit rate supports 30+ home runs with 550 at-bats. Let’s go with 135 runs, 30 home runs, 90 RBIs, and 15 steals with a pullback to .290 in batting average…

 

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2024 Arizona Diamondbacks Preview

March 14, 2024 Shawn Childs

2024 Arizona Diamondbacks Shawn Childs is a legend in the fantasy baseball world and his advice is invaluable. A member of the NFBC Hall of Fame, Shawn has several top-5 finishes in the National Fantasy Baseball Championship as well as […]

2024 Arizona Diamondbacks

Shawn Childs is a legend in the fantasy baseball world and his advice is invaluable. A member of the NFBC Hall of Fame, Shawn has several top-5 finishes in the National Fantasy Baseball Championship as well as five NFBC auction championship titles under his belt. He also boasts several prominent in the high-stakes market and multiple huge DFS wins. Shawn’s process and evaluation are among the most thorough in the sport and his exclusive FPGscore metric is changing the game. This 2024 team preview and insight is courtesy of the brilliant mind of one of the sport’s best. 

 

This 2024 Arizona Diamondbacks Preview is courtesy of Shawn Childs. Read Shawn’s expert fantasy analysis at his Substack.

The Diamondbacks made the postseason last year for the first time since 2017 despite being outscored by 15 runs (746-761). They turned their surprising run into a World Series appearance against the Texas Rangers, but they failed to take down the championship. Arizona made the playoffs seven times in the team’s 26-year history, with their only World Series title coming in 2001. The last four times the Diamondbacks made the postseason, they failed to follow through with another playoff berth.

Arizona ranked 21st in ERA (4.47), just two spots lower than the Rangers. Their bullpen posted a 4.22 ERA (18th) over 595.0 innings with 38 wins, 27 losses, 44 saves, and 586 strikeouts. The Cardinals’ offense finished 14th in runs (746), 22nd in home runs (166), and 15th in RBIs (706). They had the second-best output in steals (166-for-192) with an excellent success rate (86.5%).

Arizona signed OF Joc Pederson, OF Randal Grichuk, SP Eduardo Rodriguez, and C Tucker Barnhart in the offseason. Arizona parted ways with OF Tommy Pham, 3B Evan Longoria, SP Madison Bumgarner, OF Kyle Lewis, and RP Mark Melancon. The Diamondbacks acquired 3B Eugenio Suarez in a deal with the Mariners for C Seby Zavala and P Carlos Vargas. 

Their offense has a blend of promising young players – OF Corbin Carroll, C Gabriel Moreno, and OF Alek Thomas, paired with a veteran presence. Based on their early starting lineup, SS Jordan Lawlar looks poised to earn many at-bats with Arizona this year. If this team is going to make another run at a postseason appearance, they must score more runs and produce a higher total in home runs.

SP Zac Gallen gives the Cardinals one ace, but he is coming off a massive workload in innings pitched (243.2). The combination of SP Merrill Kelly and SP Eduardo Rodriguez allows Arizona to offer competitive innings for hopefully another 60+ starts. If SP Brandon Pfaadt reaches his potential in 2024, this team will be in the hunt for another playoff appearance. The bullpen doesn’t stand out as a difference-maker heading into the spring training. 

Starting Lineup

OF Corbin Carroll

Over his first 49 games in the minors, Carroll hit .316 with 45 runs, four home runs, 25 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases over 177 at-bats. He missed a year of development time in 2020 due to no minor league baseball (COVID-19) while seeing his next season cut short by a shoulder injury that required surgery. 

His bat hit the ground running in 2022 between AA and AAA (.307 with 89 runs, 24 home runs, 62 RBIs, and 31 steals over 362 at-bats). His walk rate (15.5) screamed top-the-order bat, but his strikeout rate (23.6) came in just above the league average. The Diamondbacks gave Carroll 104 at-bat experience (.260/13/4/14/2). He finished with a few more strikeouts (27.0%) and a weaker walk rate (7.0%), but his pedigree suggested he was a stud in the making. 

The Diamondbacks gave Carroll 155 games of action in 2023, leading to impressive stats in all categories, highlighted by his exceptional value in steals (54). He battled a left knee injury, a right shoulder issue, and a minor wrist injury during the year, but he never missed more than two games for any issue. Before the All-Star break, Carroll had the most value in power (.289/63/18/48/26 over 308 at-bats), so his late June/early July shoulder issue may have been the reason for his decline in power (seven home runs over his final 257 at-bats). In September, he cranked up stolen base output (13) to reach the 50-mark. 

His swing path was more balanced last season, leading to a career-high (all levels) flyball rate (37.1). Carroll had posted a lower HR/FB rate (15.4) than his more league resume in 2021 and 2022. He improved his strikeout rate (19.4) and walk rate (8.8) while expecting his free passes to rise with more experience. 

Carroll only had 34 barrels, with 25 leaving the yard. His exit velocity (90.0) and hard-hit rate (40.9) remain below the top 100 players in baseball. 

Fantasy Outlook: Carroll finished last year as the fifth-best batter by FPGscore (9.23) for hitters. Based on his average hit rate (1.776) and contact batting average (.366), there is more upside in power and batting average when looking at those stats in his minor league career. His ADP (5) in the National Fantasy Baseball Championship supports his results from 2024. Carroll has the profile of someone who could hit over .320 with 30+ home runs.

If he reaches those totals, added to his value in steals, Carroll has a unique foundation skill set to start a fantasy team. Between walks and hits, he could potentially get only base 40 to 50 more times in 2024, creating a higher ceiling in runs and steals. I am starting to fall in love, and my wheels are spinning on how to build my team with him. Sometimes, the runner-up prize is the best-looking option in the room…

 

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2024 St. Louis Cardinals Preview

March 13, 2024 Shawn Childs

2024 St. Louis Cardinals Preview Shawn Childs is a legend in the fantasy baseball world and his advice is invaluable. A member of the NFBC Hall of Fame, Shawn has several top-5 finishes in the National Fantasy Baseball Championship as […]

2024 St. Louis Cardinals Preview

Shawn Childs is a legend in the fantasy baseball world and his advice is invaluable. A member of the NFBC Hall of Fame, Shawn has several top-5 finishes in the National Fantasy Baseball Championship as well as five NFBC auction championship titles under his belt. He also boasts several prominent in the high-stakes market and multiple huge DFS wins. Shawn’s process and evaluation are among the most thorough in the sport and his exclusive FPGscore metric is changing the game. This 2024 St. Louis Cardinals preview and insight is courtesy of the brilliant mind of one of the sport’s best. 

 

This 2024 St. Louis Cardinals Preview is courtesy of Shawn Childs. Read Shawn’s expert fantasy analysis at his Substack.

From 2000 to 2022, the Cardinals reached the postseason 16 times with two World Series titles and two losses in the big dance. Last year, they went 71-91, leading to a last-place finish in the NL Central, their worst ranking in division play since 1990. St. Louis has nine other championships (1926, 1931, 1934, 1942, 1944, 1946, 1964, 1967, and 1982).

They finished 24th in ERA (4.79), with only a slight uptick in pitching from their relievers (4.47 ERA – 23rd). The Cardinals’ bullpen had 28 wins, 27 losses, and 36 saves over 579.2 innings with 562 strikeouts. Their offense also underperformed expectations in runs (719 – 19th), home runs (209 – 12th), and RBIs (697 – 17th). St. Louis swiped 101 bases on 130 attempts (77.8). 

In the offseason, the Cardinals tried to beef up their starting rotation by signing Sonny Gray, Lance Lynn, and Kyle Gibson. They also added 1B Matt Carpenter and RP Keynan Middleton via free agency. In a minor trade with Tampa Bay, St. Louis acquired RP Andrew Kittredge for OF Richie Palacios. RP Ryan Fernandez was added in this year’s Rule 5 Draft. Their only losses to free agency were SP Dakota Hudson, C Andrew Knizner, RP Jacob Barnes, SP Jake Woodford, and RP Ryan Tepera.

St. Louis has a veteran foundation to their offense, but it needs OF Jordan Walker, SS Masyn Winn, and 2B Nolan Gorman to reach new heights this year. They have enough depth and power to be a top-10 offense in baseball if their key players produce as expected.

The front of their starting rotation will keep the Cardinals in many games, and they have enough depth to contend in the NL Central if their key pitchers make 30 starts. A healthy season out of RP Ryan Helsley will set up their bullpen much better in 2024.

Starting Lineup

2B Brendan Donovan

Over four short seasons in the minors, Donovan hit .285 with 157 runs, 21 home runs, 127 RBIs, and 23 steals over 867 at-bats. His walk rate (12.0) had top-of-the-batting-order order upside while offering a favorable strikeout rate (17.9). His contact batting average (.339) regressed as he moved up the Cardinals’ system.

With 169 at-bats of experience at AAA (.296/35/7/31/4), St. Louis called him up in April of 2022. From May 10th to June 28th, Donovan gave the Cardinals reasonable replacement value stats (.325/26/2/24/2 over 160 at-bats). Other than runs (35), he wasn’t much of a fantasy factor after the All-Star break (.274 over 175 at-bats with three home runs and 15 RBIs). Donovan didn’t have a home run off a lefty pitcher over 61 at-bats.

In 2023, Donovan drew attention in March due to his expected starting role, some spring training buzz, and his 2022 approach with the Cardinals. Unfortunately, his bat didn’t fire last year in any month, and he ended the year on the injured list for the final two months with an elbow injury (flexor strain) that required surgery. 

His swing path did improve based on his lower groundball rate (46.5), paired with his higher flyball rate (30.3) and HR/FB rate (13.4). Donovan has a favorable strikeout rate (14.3) with some pullback in his walk rate (8.9). Donovan finished with a higher exit velocity (89.3 – 87.7 in 2022) and hard-hit rate (40.6 – 37.7 in 2022).

Fantasy Outlook: The early reports have Donovan having limited range in his throwing to him seeing more time at second base. The Cardinals only gave him 55 at-bats vs. lefties last year, leading to a .236 batting average with no home runs and one RBI. His ADP (292) in the high-stakes market looks too high, with him expecting to have a platoon role. Donovan is trending higher in power, and he has some speed (19 steals) on his minor league resume. I only see 450 at-bats with no defining edge at the point of his career, so I’ll leave this club in the bag, especially coming off an injury…

 

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