Often in fantasy baseball, what we know and value in real baseball must be adjusted for the fantasy game. A great prospect built primarily on defense, for example, will not be nearly as valuable. Strong all-around players are often overhyped for fantasy purposes, even though they mean far more to an actual team. One of the biggest examples of this disconnect happens every spring training.
I would tell fans of the New York Yankees to be excited about their collection of young pitching talent, but for fantasy managers, that optimism should be tempered. In fact, none of these arms are likely draft worthy in standard leagues this season. Ben Hess, Carlos Lagrange, and Elmer Rodriguez all possess immense upside, but each will be limited by a contending Yankees roster. Their individual skill sets are impressive across the board.
Rodriguez is the closest to the majors, having started 70 of his 75 minor league appearances, and scouting reports suggest he could make an impact soon. Lagrange may have the loudest raw stuff, recently touching 103 miles per hour with his fastball, a feat that prompted Aaron Judge to publicly note his frontline potential. Hess, the highest drafted of the trio, features the most refined delivery and approach and profiles as a future mid-rotation starter.
The issue for fantasy purposes is opportunity. The Yankees’ projected rotation includes Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, Will Warren, Luis Gil, and newly acquired Ryan Weathers. Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón are also expected back before summer, while Paul Blackburn and Ryan Yarbrough provide additional depth.
Bullpen speculation is tempting, but without saves or consistent holds, the value simply is not there. Dynasty managers can invest long term, but spring hype alone should not drive draft decisions. For redraft leagues, patience now will likely be rewarded later eventually.