2021 Best BABS Targets

by Doug Gruber

BABS has a terrific track record for identifying multi-skilled players in the later rounds of drafts. A year ago, within the top 100 or so players listed in the BABS report were several players that the market valued outside the Top 200. These included players like Brandon Lowe, Kenta Maeda, A.J. Pollock, Luke Voit and Teoscar Hernandez.

This is what you came for! Let’s delve into 2021’s obscure jewels, namely multi-asset players who are being overlooked by the marketplace. For this exercise, we will bypass the top rounds. Instead, we will focus on the players in the last 16 rounds (rounds 8-23), and a few end game choices, who BABS reveals have the skills that could be difference-makers to your teams.

Rounds 8-9: A year ago BABS identified Ryan Pressly (E+,K+,sv-|inj-) as an arm to acquire in the later rounds. The only thing missing was an opportunity for the ninth inning role. Well, one week into the 2020 season, Roberta Osuna goes down. When Pressly assumed the role by week 3, he did not disappoint, delivering 15 saves including three in the post season. This year he owns the closer spot, but somehow those elite (E+,K+) skills are still available this late. Honorable mention: Jorge Soler (P+).

Rounds 10-11: For 2020, BABS bestowed Michael Brantley with an A+ rating, one of only six players at that time with such an elite batting skill. Brantley came through as expected, delivering another .300 season. A year later, BABS confirms that his batting skills remain extreme, a batting effectiveness rating found only alongside these names… Juan Soto, Freddie Freeman, DJ LeMahieu and Jeff McNeil. Yet Brantley’s market price is two rounds later than it was a year ago. Honorable mention: Nick Anderson (E+,K+,sv-).

Rounds 12-13: In 2019, Trey Mancini (p,s,a|INJ) had a breakout season — 35/97/.291 with 106 runs — good for $25. Then a diagnosis of colon cancer wrecked his 2020. Thankfully, all reports indicate that Mancini is now healthy and should have no restrictions entering 2021, other than some rust from a long layoff. BABS rates Mancini as a triple-asset skill set, and we’ve received a good number of questions regarding her assigning him a speed rating at all; but there are small indicators of latent speed skills, though they might not translate to SBs for the steals-averse O’s. Even if his return to form is gradual, Mancini could still bring considerable profit at his current ADP. Honorable mention: Rhys Hoskins (P+|INJ).

Rounds 14-15: Justin Turner (PW,AV) has spent the past seven seasons with the Dodgers and is back as expected with a new two-year deal. In 2020, his slash line of .307/.400/.460 was terrific, in line with his historical norms, and supported by strong batting and power metrics. BABS places Turner’s skill set in the same asset group with Corey Seager, Anthony Rendon and Nick Castellanos, though he’ll likely be more challenged for playing time. Honorable mention: Leody Taveras (p,S+|EX).

Rounds 16-17: The reasons to not draft Chris Sale (ER,K+|INJ) are easy to list: Tommy John surgery last March, track record of pitchers in seasons following TJS, news on setbacks in his throwing program, June estimated return date, and so on. But we are now 16 rounds into the draft, a much different scenario than his customary first round cost. BABS reminds us that Sale (pictured) has been one of the best SP arms for as long as BABS has been rating pitchers. If your roster is constructed to absorb the risk and your bench is deep enough to stash him, 100 innings of Sale could contribute beneficially when you need it the most. Honorable mention: Hunter Dozier (p,s).

Rounds 18-19: Garrett Hampson (S+|e) has been rated with extreme speed skills for the last few years, however this asset alone has not led to full time at bats in Colorado, due to his below average plate skills and a crowded Rockies infield and outfield. Arenado and Dahl have now departed, increasing the probability that Hampson could land a starting position at either CF or 2B. BABS places Hampson in the same asset class as Adalberto Mondesi, at a 250-pick markdown, making for a tantalizing choice that could finally deliver on his upside speed potential. Honorable Mention: Giovanny Gallegos (ER,K+,sv-|e).

Rounds 20-21: BABS continues to view Eduardo Escobar (p,a|INJ) as a double asset hitter, possessing both power and batting talents. Last year, however, saw Escobar’s production fall way below his historical levels, with reports suggesting that attracting COVID at the season onset may have heavily affected his conditioning level. The year prior, Escobar had a career year, delivering 35/118/.269. While BABS tells us that those numbers may not be repeatable, a return to his 2017 and 2018 levels are certainly attainable and would yield significant profit at his current draft price. Honorable mention: David Peralta (s,AV).

Rounds 22-23: BABS places Freddy Peralta (e,K+|e) in the same asset class as other skillful arms Lucas Giolito and Brewer teammate Corbin Burnes. The difference of course is Peralta’s role is unpredictable. BABS continues to remind us that elite skills generally find their way to increased playing time. Peralta was among the cream at a 28% K-BB rate last year and is no stranger to time in the Brewers rotation. BABS smiles at the prospects of rounding out a pitching staff with Peralta at pick 350. Honorable mention: C.J. Cron (P+,a|INJ).

Reserve Rounds: Joey Votto (p,a) turned it back on in 2020, hitting 11 HRs in the shortened campaign, after producing only 12 and 15 in the prior two full seasons. BABS says Votto still has the skills to be a fantasy asset in both power and batting average, a combination that is hard to find come round 26…  Injuries have been the story of Franchy Cordero’s (PW,s|INJ,EX) career thus far, including being limited to under 40 ABs in 2020. Now a member of the Red Sox OF, BABS says the skills are still evident, with health making Cordero worth a consideration in the late rounds… In 2020, Amir Garrett (ER,K+, sv-) posted ratios of 2.45/0.93 along with a 38% K rate and a ground ball slant. With Raisel Iglesias gone,  the Reds believe Garrett can assume the role; BABS says he has the elite skills to succeed. Other Considerations: Brandon Belt (PW,a|INJ), Jacoby Jones (p,s|INJ), Trevor Rogers (e,KK|EX).