2022 High-skilled part/no-timers

by Curt Brooks

No matter how your fantasy roster is constructed, it’s always advisable to save a pick (or a dollar) in reserve for a late draft dart throw. There is essentially no downside in taking a flyer on a stash with no immediate path to playing time. If at-bats or innings don’t materialize, these lottery tickets are easily jettisoned when a FAAB favorite comes about.

For those drafting in deep or draft-and-hold leagues, these players can give you a much-needed edge in your title hunt. And even for shallow or re-draft leagues, these are some names you want to keep an eye on for waiver wire pickups when they get the call.

All the following players listed have ADPs around 500 and higher. Be aware that many of these names will also carry experience as a liability risk. Finally, to make this list most meaningful, we are avoiding any hitters with power or batting effectiveness liabilities and pitchers with strikeout or pitching effectiveness liabilities.

Tyrone Taylor (pictured) with his triple skills (p,SB,a) has been mentioned in other articles. However, do not overlook like-skilled Ryan McKenna (P+,SB,a,*) with his rare plus-power – he has the potential to force the Orioles to give him more playing time. Likewise, A’s outfielder Skye Bolt (p,s,a) is currently buried on the depth chart but this Bull Durham prospect could generate more ABs with a strong showing this spring.

Alan Trejo (PW,a) could muscle his way up the depth chart with solid power and batting skills. Kevin Smith (PW,s) could be in line for full-time AB in Oakland, and is an exciting prospect based on his .931 OPS in AAA last year. The Rangers’ Yohel Pozo (p,AV) is likely to be limited to DH given his defensive liabilities, but he could earn some ABs if his home run prowess in last year’s AAA assignment carries over.

If you’re searching for hidden speed sources, check out Edward Olivares (SB,a) who has stolen as many as 36 bases in the minors as recently as two seasons ago. BABS also suggests that Mauricio Dubon (s,a) could contribute, as he is currently only blocked by 35-year-old Brandon Crawford at the shortstop position. And CJ Abrams (SB) will likely get a serious shot in spring training to prove himself following Fernando Tatis’ wrist injury.

For pitchers, we’ve also mentioned Cole Winn (ER,KK) previously, but he certainly bears watching as he could crack the starting rotation out of spring training. BABS suggests that Nick Lodolo (E+,K+) has elite skills possessed by very few other starting pitchers – he is also challenging for a starter’s role among a weak group of incumbents. And keep an eye out for Max Meyer (e,k), who may start the year in AAA, but could get a call-up if he has success at that level. Remember James Paxton (KK,Rg+)? Although he will be starting the season on the 60-day IL (following TJS), he is expected to return this summer – don’t forget that he logged over 200 strikeouts only four years ago with excellent ratios.

Among relievers, free-agent Trevor Rosenthal (ER,K+) is coming off surgery but stands out as a potential saves source at an ADP of 510. BABS can also suggest two other late-round possible saves sources, each with identical ratings (e,KK), in Pierce Johnson and Tyler Duffey – keep a lookout on how each performs during spring training. And if you happen to be in a Holds league, highly-skilled Aaron Bummer (E+,KK) could be a very useful roster addition.