Spring training games are nearly here, which means the regular season is right around the corner. It also means now is the perfect time for managers to scout prospects and under-the-radar names who could provide real value this season. After all, who doesn’t love seeing a late-round draft pick pay off? That’s where we come in, because at NBC Sports EDGE, we’re always trying to give you the upper hand against competition.
Our 2021 MLB Draft Guide is loaded with an arsenal of content -- from positional rankings, ADP reports and season-long projections, to mock drafts, projected lineups and draft cheat sheets. We are as proud as we’ve ever been of what we’ve put together and eager to share it with you in the coming weeks. No matter the format or size of your league, we are confident we can deliver the tools you need to help you secure that championship hardware.
We recently looked at 2021 sleepers. This week, we highlight the top-10 prospects for the 2021 season and how they can help this year, compiled by Christopher Crawford.
Check it out:
2021 Top Fantasy Prospects
1. Randy Arozarena, OF, Tampa Bay Rays
Why he can help: Anyone who watched Arozarena in the postseason can answer this one. He makes hard contact thanks to his bat speed, and he has plus power to all parts of the field. He also has above-average speed and should also be able to provide a decent number of steals. After his performance this October – and a 1.022 OPS in the regular season as well – it’s impossible to place any other player in the top spot to begin the 2021 draft season.
2. Sixto Sánchez, RHP, Miami Marlins
Why he can help: Sanchez was sensational for the Marlins once given the chance to pitch in 2020, finishing with an ERA of 3.46 and a 33/11 K/BB ratio and impressing in the postseason for the surprising Marlins. The right-handed hurler has an elite fastball that can touch triple digits, and he shows an above-average curveball with a swing-and-miss change for good measure. He’s also skilled at locating all three of his pitches for strikes.
3. Ian Anderson, RHP, Atlanta Braves
Why he can help: Arozarena was the star of the postseason, but Anderson wasn’t far behind, firing three scoreless outings for the Braves and getting the start in Game 7 of the NLCS. He also posted a 1.95 ERA and 41/14 K/BB ratio in his six regular season starts. The third-overall pick of the 2016 draft has already shown an elite change, and he can miss bats with a well above-average curveball and a fastball that sits in the low-to-mid 90s.
4. Dylan Carlson, OF, St. Louis Cardinals
Why he can help: A first-round pick by the Cardinals in 2016, Carlson was one of the most improved prospects in baseball in 2019, and he was able to reach the majors in 2020. The switch-hitting outfielder has above-average power from both sides of the plate, and he makes enough hard contact to project an above-average hit-grade. While not a speed demon, he’s a smart base runner with good enough wheels for him to steal double-digit bases. He also should have a path to being an everyday player, assuming he performs well in the Grapefruit League.
5. Nate Pearson, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays
Why he can help: Pearson has electric stuff and got a brief chance to show it off in 2020. When he’s at his best, he shows a high 90s fastball that can touch 100 mph without much effort. He also has a quality slider, and his change gets better each season. He should get a chance to earn a spot in the Toronto rotation this spring, and he’s as good of a bet as any pitching prospect to miss bats in 2021.
6. Ke’Bryan Hayes, 3B, Pittsburgh Pirates
Why he can help: Hayes got off to a late start because of a positive COVID-19 test, but he was as good as any rookie in the National League in his limited time with the Pirates with a .376/.442/.682 slash over 24 games. The son of long-time third baseman Charlie Hayes, the 24-year-old makes hard contact to all parts of the field, and he’s the rare third baseman who has the ability to make an impact on the bases as a stolen-base threat. He’s also a terrific defender, so there’s no worry about him switching positions.
7. Jarred Kelenic, OF, Seattle Mariners
Why he can help: Traded to the Mariners from the Mets in the deal for Robinson Canó and Edwin Díaz, Kelenic is considered one of the top outfield prospects in baseball and for good reason. The left-handed hitter has a smooth, line-drive stroke that makes hard contact to all parts of the field, and he has enough power to immediately project 20-plus homers. He’s an above-average runner with strong instincts, so he should put up a similar number of steals for good measure.
8. Alex Kirilloff, 1B/OF, Minnesota Twins
Why he can help: Kirilloff would have made the list regardless, but his stock has been bumped up after the Twins decided to non-tender Eddie Rosario. The 23-year-old made his MLB debut in the playoffs – and picked up a hit in his first game – and he has a swing that suggests hitting for average won’t be an issue. There’s also above-average power in his left-handed bat, and a handful of steals isn’t out of the question.
9. Ryan Mountcastle, 1B/OF, Baltimore Orioles
Why he can help: Mountcastle was excellent when finally given a chance in 2020, hitting .333 with an .878 OPS over 140 plate appearances in 35 games. The right-handed hitter has talent that suggests he can hit for both average and power at the highest level, and his bat-to-ball skills should allow him to keep strikeouts to a minimum.
10. Casey Mize, RHP, Detroit Tigers
Why he can help: Mize was the first overall pick in the 2018 draft, and in a limited sample this summer, there were moments that showed why he ranks among the best pitching prospects in baseball. The 23-year-old has a devastating splitter he can throw for strikes or bury when ahead in the count. His fastball can get into the high 90s, and he shows a strong slider along with a usable curve to keep hitters off-balance.
To see the full top prospect list, as well as rankings at every position, in addition to season-long projections, ADP reports, mock drafts and much more you can purchase our EDGE+ Roto here for as low as $3.99 per month, which includes access to NHL, NBA and NFL tools as well. And if you’re into DFS and betting, be sure check out our EDGE+ Pro package that includes our DFS Tools, our EDGE+ Bet package with just our Betting Tools, both as low as $7.99 per month or get it all with EDGE+ Max for as low as $11.99 per month.
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