Every fantasy owner is looking for the next J.D. Martinez, Steve Pearce, or Michael Brantley.
Those players broke out with huge spikes in production last season and cost next to nothing to acquire in fantasy drafts. Sounds like a hell of a competitive advantage.
We’re here to help. Here is one sleeper per position to target in your fantasy draft:
Catcher: Travis d’Arnaud, New York Mets
The former Toronto Blue Jay batted .265/.313/.474 with seven home runs in 53 games after the All-Star break last season, and his strikeout rate improved as well. The 26-year-old just needs to stay healthy. If so, he could be a breakout candidate at a very affordable draft price (average draft position of 205).
First Base: Brandon Belt, San Francisco Giants
Belt doesn’t fit the mold of a typical sleeper. He had a standout 2013 season (17 home runs, .841 OPS) before injuries derailed the majority of his 2014 campaign. However, he produced at a high level in September and October, batting .395 in the playoffs with a .397 on-base percentage. Belt hit one home run per every 17.8 at bats last year and will not be all that expensive to acquire.
Second Base: Marcus Semien, Oakland Athletics
The Athletics could end up playing Semien at shortstop, but he has second base eligibility in most leagues. He has a clear path to playing time that didn’t exist with the Chicago White Sox and could provide a intriguing combination of speed and power. If he’s available in the late rounds of your draft, he would be a smart stash as a middle infielder with 15/15 upside.
Shortstop: Jung-Ho Kang, Pittsburgh Pirates
Kang is one of the most fascinating fantasy options entering the 2015 season. He’s coming off a 40 home run, 117 RBI season in Korea, so it’ll be interesting to see whether his power translates against MLB pitching. Initially, Kang will likely be used as a utility player (he can play third base, second base, and shortstop) with Jordy Mercer projected to start at shortstop. However, Kang could take over on a full-time basis as the season progresses. Shortstop is thin this season, so Kang looks like a great risk-reward proposition for any fantasy owner.
Third Base: Ryan Zimmerman, Washington Nationals
As an established player, Zimmerman doesn’t fit the traditional sleeper definition. Here’s why he’s on the list: Zimmerman’s fantasy stock has plummeted due to health issues in recent years. His ADP has dropped to 110. If anything, the move to first base should help improve his durability. If he can stay relatively healthy — obviously a big if — Zimmerman still can contribute a solid balance of power and batting average at a heck of a draft discount. He’s especially valuable to leagues that employ corner infield positions.
Outfield: Avisail Garcia, Chicago White Sox
There were plenty of options for this spot. Travis Snider could break out in Baltimore, Steven Souza is getting a lot of hype in Tampa Bay, but Garcia is the top choice. Chicago’s starting right fielder has an ascending power bat and he plays in a hitter-friendly park. Garcia offers a power-speed combination with an ADP of 216.
Sure, he’s a bit unproven but if he was a sure thing, he wouldn’t be on the sleeper list. He’s likely going to bat in the middle of a much-improved lineup. Steamer’s projection system forecasts 18 homers and nine steals, with a .264 batting average. Not bad for a 23-year-old who was once compared to Miguel Cabrera. Invest while you can!
Starting Pitcher: Carlos Carrasco, Cleveland Indians
After Corey Kluber’s monster year, another Indians pitcher is on our radar. Carrasco has solidified a spot in the rotation following a dominant stretch to end 2014. It was a small sample, but Carrasco had 78 strikeouts, 11 walks and a 1.30 ERA while holding batters to a .179 average in 69 innings. With a nasty arsenal of pitches, he could be a high-end starter at a modest price.
Relief Pitcher: Ken Giles, Philadelphia Phillies
Giles is a bit of a deep sleeper. The Phillies aren’t going to win too many games this season, but Giles is the closer-in-waiting behind Jonathan Papelbon. He posted exceptional numbers out the bullpen last year — 64 strikeouts in 45.2 innings. Those stats combined with potential save opportunities make for a solid value play — especially if your league counts holds.