Fantasy Baseball is coming quicker than a Aroldis Chapman 100-miles-per-hour fastball. In preparation of another competitive fantasy season, check out my Top “players 25 and under” for the 2014 season.
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No. 5: Chris Sale (CHW)
Sale just continues to improve each season for the White Sox. The 24-year-old right hander went 11-14, with a 3.07 ERA in 2013. He led the American League with four complete games and was third in the league in strikeouts with 226. Sale has been selected to the American League All-Star team each of the last two seasons. Other than Clayton Kershaw, Sale may be the best left-handed pitcher in baseball.
I expect the young lefty to go win 18 games, post an ERA under 3.00 and strikeout 230 batters for the White Sox in 2014.
No. 4: OF Bryce Harper (WAS)
Someone once asked me if Bryce Harper was still going to be a great baseball player. I told him that was “ clown question.” Puns aside, Harper is one of baseball's brightest young stars. Harper, 21, had an injury-plagued 2013 season, but still produced enough to make the National League all-star team. He hit .274, smacked 20 home runs and drove in 58 RBI in 118 games. Despite the limited numbers of games. Harper scored 71 runs and walked 61 times. His overall ability to get on base is crucial for any winning fantasy team.
I suppose fans can call Harper's 2013 season “a sophomore slump,” if for no other reason because he was injured. The kid is a two-time All-Star and will have a breakout season in 2014. I project Harper will hit .290, smack 28 home runs and drive in 102 RBI for the Nationals next season.
No. 3: OF Giancarlo Stanton (MIA)
Stanton had a lackluster 2013 season due to injuries and overall unhappiness with the Marlins. The Marlins, led by owner Jeffery Loria, seem content in producing a losing team year after year. Stanton is the only major offensive threat the team has. The 24-year old slugger hit .249, smacked 24 home runs and drove in 62 RBI last season.
I would've put Stanton higher on my list had he been traded to a different team in the off-season. He is the only threat the Marlins have at the plate. I expect his walk total to increase dramatically in 2014 because opposing managers are going to give him the “Barry Bonds” treatment. I expect Stanton to hit .281, smack 29 home runs and drive in 78 RBI. I also expect him to walk 106 times and have an OBP around .415.
No. 2: RHP Jose Fernandez (MIA)
No was better at keeping batters off pace than Fernandez in 2013. The 21-year old right hander went 12-6, with a 2.19 ERA in 28 starts. He struck out 187 batters in 172.2 innings and held opposing batters to a .182 average. He led the National League in allowing the fewest hits per nine innings with 5.8. Fernandez is in a league all his own and will continue to improve heading into the 2014 season. I project Fernandez will win 18 games, post a 2.28 ERA and strikeout 210 batters next season.
No. 1: OF Mike Trout (LAA)
This should come as no surprise because Trout is arguably the best player in Major League Baseball. Trout, the 2012 American League Rookie of the Year, hit .323 with 27 home runs, 97 RBI and stole 33 bases during the 2013 season. At age 22, he continues to improve at the plate and in the field. It's a scary thought for pitchers to think that Trout still has room to improve. He finished second in the American League MVP voting to Miguel Cabrera each of the last two seasons. I project Trout will hit .333, smack 34 home runs, drive in 110 RBI and steal 35 bases. My guess is Trout wins the American League MVP in 2014.
I guess “third Trout's the charm!”
Did I leave anyone off the list? Let us know in the comments section below!
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