2023 High-Skilled Part/No-Timers

by Curt Brooks

In the long run, BABS believes that skills will win out and is blind to current depth charts. However, be aware that most of these highly skilled players not projected for significant playing time  will carry liability risk either due to injury, experience, or both. These names could prove extremely valuable for anyone playing in a league in which depth becomes an important issue.

Bryce Harper (P+,AV,*|INJ+) is usually mentioned among the game’s elite. Of course, his PT has been cut drastically following TJS, but even with fewer ABs, his elite skills will still help your squad later in the season. Danny Jansen (PW,a|INJ) is a bat without a home as he slots in as a backup at both catcher and DH on a club stacked with talent – however, if he stays healthy, it’s a good bet that his skills will garner him a few extra ABs. Mitch Garver (PW,a,*,Rg+|INJ) has an almost identical profile to Jansen, but has a better path to playing time as he plays in a weaker lineup.

BABS has mentioned these triple-skill players elsewhere, but she just can’t help but talk about them again (she has a “thing” for this level of prowess). Nick Gordon (p,SB,a|INJ,e) has already made inroads into the Twins’ lineup, and the uniquely-talented Elly De La Cruz (P+,S+,a|EX) just needs to prove himself a little more in the minors before he gets called up. And don’t forget that Trevor Story (PW,SB,a|INJ+) could return sometime after the All-Star Break — he will be out to prove that he can return to his pre-injury elite self. BABS has also mentioned keeping an eye out for Royce Lewis (PW,SB,a|INJ+,EX) as he returns from knee surgery sometime mid-season.

The Cubs’ top prospect, Matt Mervis (p,a|EX), will likely open the season at Triple-A. However, if he rakes like he did last year at that level, he will be called up soon and has the tools to help any fantasy roster. Luke Voit (PW,a|inj-) is currently fighting for a roster spot and has so far put up good numbers this spring. Franmil Reyes (PW|inj-) is looking to recover from a rough 2022 season as he looks to scratch out ABs between the OF and DH on his second new team in as many seasons.

If you’re looking for speed, a couple of players can help you out in the later rounds. Nicky Lopez (SB,a|-P) carries multi-position eligibility and could see enough ABs to help your squad – just have your power needs covered elsewhere. Having stolen double digit bases at each of his stops in the minors, Ji Hwan Bae (S+|-P,EX) is looking to earn a spot on the Pirate’s roster and could end up with multi-position eligibility.  The Yankees’ Anthony Volpe (S+|EX) has a chance to make the roster out of spring training based on a good showing so far this spring.

As for pitchers, uber-talented Tyler Glasnow (ER,K+|INJ) leads the way with gaudy skills. His trouble is staying on the field as he’s never topped 120 IP in his seven MLB seasons, and, surprise, he’ll be starting this season on the IL. Heralded rookie Grayson Rodriguez (e,KK|EX) has an ADP of around 200 and has the skills to help your staff, but may have workload limitations this year. Three other pitchers with injury histories come next – Edward Cabrera (e,KK|INJ,EX), Andrew Heaney (ER,K+|INJ), and Lance McCullers (ER, K+|INJ,Rg-). Each of these starters have solid skills and is worthy of a pick somewhere in the late teen’s rounds.

There are talented starters available even later in the draft. Aaron Ashby (ER,KK,Rg+|INJ+,EX) is currently sidelined with a left (pitching) shoulder issue that will keep him out until mid-May at the earliest. But, when healthy, his stuff is superb and he will definitely be an asset. Kenta Maeda (e,KK|INJ) didn’t pitch last year while recovering from TJS, but has demonstrated his value with a career sub-4.00 ERA and the ability to ring up Ks. Tylor Megill (e,KK,Rg+|INJ,EX) has real skills and is vying for a spot in the Met’s rotation but is coming off IL stints last year for both shoulder and biceps problems. Coming off back surgery for a disc issue last year, Boston’s Tanner Houck (e,KK|INJ,EX) looks to start the season in the rotation after largely serving in the bullpen last year.

Some very talented relievers can be had late in drafts, and they can do wonders for both your ratios and strikeout totals. Evan Phillips (ER,KK|e) seemingly came out of nowhere last year and boasts skills comparable to Camilo Doval and Paul Sewald, but can be had about 8-10 rounds later than either. His stable-mate in the Dodgers’ pen, Alex Vesia (ER,K+|e), is essentially going undrafted. If Jose Alvarado (E+,K+|) continues to make progress with controlling walks, these are absolutely electric skills. Rafael Montero (ER,k|) comes complete with no liabilities and will likely be pitching in high-leverage situations again this year. Many fantasy managers have a love-hate relationship with James Karinchak (ER,K+|INJ,e,Rg-), but if he’s healthy, those Ks can come in bunches. An even more stable pick with the same skills, and no liabilities other than a slight regression tick, would be A.J. Minter (ER,K+|Rg-).