2023 Asset Group Analysis – (SB,a)
(Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire)
by Pat Cloghessy
Nothing is certain, but there is a real possibility we will see an increase in stolen bases in 2023. The new rules have been around in the minor leagues since 2019, and there is data:
YEAR: SBA/G (SB%)
2019: 2.23 (68.2)
2021: 2.52 (75.7)
2022: 2.81 (78)
(No MiLB season in 2020 due to pandemic.)
Will the MLB follow suit and embark on a bag-stealing renaissance? Time will tell, but we as fantasy managers need to account for it.
And account for it is what BABS does. The (SB,a) asset group highlights players who may be in line to take advantage of the new rules.
| ADP | R$ | BATTER | Pos | Lg | Tm | PT | Pw | Sp | Av | * | Pk | Rg | Sk- | Inj | Ex | Nw | Ag | Pk | Rg | Cost | |
| 50 | $19 | Mullins,Cedric | O | A | BAL | F | SB | a | 0 | ||||||||||||
| 75 | $15 | Edman,Tommy | 2S | N | STL | F | SB | a | 0 | ||||||||||||
| 85 | $14 | Gimenez,Andres | 2 | A | CLE | F | SB | a | e | Rg- | 1.50 | ||||||||||
| 125 | $10 | Yelich,Christian | OD | N | MLW | F | SB | a | * | 0 | |||||||||||
| 183 | $6 | Grissom,Vaughn | 2 | N | ATL | F | SB | a | EX | 2.00 | |||||||||||
| 709 | $(6) | Slater,Austin | O | N | SFG | P | SB | a | * | inj- | 1.00 | ||||||||||
| 717 | $(6) | Sosa,Edmundo | S3 | N | PHI | P | SB | a | – | e | 1.00 |
While not a large contingent, these batters all own skills that work well in tandem. The ability to hit their way on base, then capitalize on those opportunities. Cedric Mullins (pictured) is beginning to find his level (ADP 50) after a helium-filled 2022 draft season. Mullins will be running for his 3rd consecutive season of 30+ steals this year.
There is always risk in passing on a player in the hopes of rostering a BABSian pseudo-equivalent later on. Lucky for us, BABS gives two options in the same area of the draft if you want to pass on Mullins. Tommy Edman, like Mullins, is gunning for a 3rd straight campaign of 30 or more stolen bases. The other option in this phase is 2022 breakout Andres Gimenez. His first full season in Cleveland did not disappoint, and another 15/20 season could be in the offing. He’s still a bit green, which cuts both ways: lower floor/potential higher ceiling.
If the fountain of youth is what you seek, Vaughn Grissom is a name to consider. Over 156 plate appearances in 2022, Grissom nabbed 5 bags. Extrapolate his stats over a full season (a dangerous game, to be sure), and 20/20 could be in play. Acquiring a skill set of his caliber in the 13th round is fully endorsed by BABS.
Christian Yelich was once a power threat, but BABS hasn’t seen that in a few years. He’s now squarely in this group, which isn’t all bad. Yelich has stolen 30 bases just once in his career. Even under the most bullish outlook, it may be a tall order to reach that again, especially at 31 years old. The good news: Christian will only cost an 11th round pick in 2023.
If playing time materializes, both Austin Slater and Edmundo Sosa could pay dividends. For now, they are best categorized as watchlist/waiver-wire fodder.
NOTES: The ratings in the above analysis may vary slightly from the latest database update which was run after this analysis was written. To engage with other readers on this topic, head over to the Reader Forums. If you have a question that would be best answered by one of our experts and benefit everyone, submit it on our Contact Page and put MAILBAG in the Subject Line.