Breaking Down the Best Fantasy Baseball Sleepers for the 2021 Season
Fantasy baseball players are always on the lookout for hidden gems that can give them an edge over their opponents. These players are often referred to as sleepers – undervalued and underappreciated athletes who have the potential to outperform expectations. Identifying sleepers is a crucial factor in winning your fantasy league, and the 2021 season is no exception.
Let’s dive into some of the best fantasy baseball sleepers for the upcoming season:
1. Dylan Carlson (St. Louis Cardinals, Outfielder):
Carlson made his major league debut in 2020 and showed flashes of his potential. He possesses a combination of power and speed, making him a valuable asset in fantasy baseball. With an everyday role in the Cardinals’ lineup, Carlson has the potential to provide a steady stream of home runs, stolen bases, and runs scored.
2. Nate Pearson (Toronto Blue Jays, Pitcher):
Pearson is one of the most highly touted pitching prospects in recent years and made his MLB debut in 2020. While he experienced some growing pains, he showcased his electric stuff, consistently hitting triple digits on the radar gun. With an improved supporting cast, Pearson could blossom into a dominant strikeout pitcher and contribute greatly in fantasy leagues.
3. Andrew Vaughn (Chicago White Sox, First Baseman):
Vaughn is a highly regarded prospect who has excelled at every level of the minor leagues. With a strong hit tool and power potential, he has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s best hitters. The White Sox are expected to give him ample opportunities to showcase his skills, making Vaughn an enticing fantasy sleeper at first base.
4. Jarred Kelenic (Seattle Mariners, Outfielder):
Considered one of the top prospects in all of baseball, Kelenic possesses a well-rounded skill set that translates well to fantasy baseball. With a combination of power, speed, and plate discipline, he has the potential to be a five-category contributor. Once Kelenic gets the call-up, he could make an immediate impact in the fantasy realm.
5. Tarik Skubal (Detroit Tigers, Pitcher):
Skubal made his MLB debut in 2020 and showed flashes of his potential as a strikeout pitcher. While he struggled with command at times, his ability to generate swings-and-misses is an enticing fantasy trait. With a full year under his belt and expected improvements in his control, Skubal has the potential to put up impressive fantasy numbers in the 2021 season.
6. Jeter Downs (Boston Red Sox, Second Baseman/Shortstop):
Acquired as part of the Mookie Betts trade, Downs is a versatile infielder with a strong hit tool and promising power potential. He has shown the ability to contribute across multiple categories in the minors, including home runs and stolen bases. Once he gets the opportunity at the big league level, Downs could become a valuable fantasy asset.
7. Randy Arozarena (Tampa Bay Rays, Outfielder):
Arozarena burst onto the scene during the 2020 playoffs, setting numerous records and earning World Series MVP honors. He showcased excellent power and speed, giving fantasy players plenty of reasons to be excited about his potential. While he may not replicate his postseason heroics, Arozarena has the potential to be a strong contributor in multiple categories.
Identifying potential sleepers is crucial in fantasy baseball, as they can provide significant value while costing less in drafts or auctions. These players often lead to unexpected breakout performances and can be the difference between success and failure in your league. Keep an eye on these players mentioned above, as they have the potential to be the best fantasy baseball sleepers for the 2021 season.