Best Players At Each Position
Welcome to the 2024 Fantasy Baseball Season! With pitchers and catchers having completed their reports to spring training, the anticipation for the regular season is at its peak. Fantasy baseball enthusiasts are poised to draft their dream teams, ready to immerse themselves in the thrill of strategic decision-making and friendly competition. As we venture into this season, we’ll be spotlighting the top players at each position.
Top Fantasy Cards to Collect
Catcher: J.T. Realmuto, Philadelphia Phillies
In most drafts, either Realmuto or Adley Rutschman should be the first catcher off the board. Here, we’re going with the Phillies’ stud and seasoned veteran. In 2023, the three-time All-Star hit the 20-homer mark for the fourth time in his career and stole 16 bases, which is double the next closest catcher. That combination of power and prowess on the base paths makes him a prime target for fantasy players looking for a catcher early. Invest wisely
First Base: Freddie Freeman, Los Angeles Dodgers
The best ability is availability, and Freeman has been present for all but seven games over the last three seasons. The Iron Man is also one of the game’s elite hitters, boasting a batting average of .300 or higher in seven of the last eight seasons. He’s surpassed the 20-homer mark seven times during that span and consistently drives in over 100 RBIs. Buy fast!
PS: He’s also a problem on the basepaths — hence his 23 stolen bags in 2023.
Second Base: Marcus Semien, Texas Rangers
Semien was an absolute standout for the reigning World Champion Rangers last season, delivering yet another stellar performance and clinching his first championship ring. The star second baseman not only led the AL in hits (185) and runs (129), but he also blasted 29 homers, racked up 100 RBIs, and recorded his third consecutive season with at least 161 games played. Talk about consistency, right? And here’s the kicker – his prime baseball years seem to be unfolding as he ages.
Shortstop: Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals
Much could be said about Witt and his second season with the Royals in 2023, but let’s simplify things. He made franchise history by becoming the first player to achieve a 30-30 season, tallying 30 homers and swiping 49 bases and is only scratching the surface of his immense potential. As he gears up for Year 3, Witt’s primed to replicate or surpass those numbers. Stay tuned!
Third Base: Jose Ramirez, Cleveland Guardians
The image above from the 2024 Topps Series One set perfectly captures why Ramirez is our pick for the third base spot. He’s a wizard on the base paths, tallying 20 steals in five of his last six seasons, while also packing the punch to hit 20 or even 30-plus homers in any given year. He’s also led the AL in doubles twice and secured All-Star nods in each of his last three seasons, totaling five appearances overall. At 31, Ramirez is still in his prime.
Outfield: Ronald Acuna Jr., Atlanta Braves
The NL’s reigning MVP became the first player in MLB history to total at least 30 homers and 70 stolen bags in a season. He enters 2024 with a clean bill of health and could replicate those numbers on an Atlanta team primed to compete for the World Series. Look at the stats from 2023: .337 batting average with 41 homers, 73 steals, 106 RBIs, 149 runs scored and a 1.012 OPS. There’s an ocean-large chance he’ll be the top pick in most drafts.
Outfield: Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners
It sounds crazy, but J-Rod’s 32-homer, 37-steal season in 2023 only feels like the tip of the iceberg. And it very well could be. The 2022 AL Rookie of the Year and two-time All-Star improved nightly across his first two seasons and could be in line for a legendary campaign in 2024. Wouldn’t be surprised if he’s the top pick in a lot of leagues.
Outfield: Aaron Judge, New York Yankees
Despite an injury-riddled season that limited Judge to just 106 games in 2023, the Yanks’ outfielder still managed 37 homers and 75 RBIs. If he’s able to stay off the DL, would it be that surprising if the Bronx Bombers’ slugger came close to his 2022 numbers when he led the AL in homers (62), RBIs (131), and runs scored (133)? We think not.
Designated Hitter: Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers
Ohtani was on his way to challenging Aaron Judge’s AL homers record before an injury shortened his 2023 season. The two-way superstar still managed to finish with 44 homers, 95 RBIs, 102 runs scored and 20 steals. Though he may not see the mound the year, trust in Ohtani at the plate. He’s arguably the game’s best power hitter.
Starting Pitcher: Spencer Strider, Atlanta Braves
In 2023, Spencer Strider showcased exactly why he’s a force to be reckoned with on the mound. Clocking in an impressive 281 strikeouts over 186 2/3 innings, he boasted an eye-popping 13.55 K/9 rate. Moreover, his walk rate continued trending downward for the third consecutive season, while his expected batting average against stood at a mere .205. Strider’s our undisputed pick as the first pitcher off the board. Happy Drafting!
Relief Pitcher: Edwin Diaz, New York Mets
Diaz missed all of 2023 due to injury. He returns in 2024 ready to get back to his 2022 form when he struck out 50.2% of the batters he faced while posting a 1.31 ERA and recording 32 saves. Diaz is close to unhittable when he’s healthy. Be ready!
Utility: Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers
Ending this list without Betts would’ve been a grave mistake. He’s been one of the MLB’s best players for the last several seasons and is as consistent as they come. Last year, the seven-time All-Star starred at second base, shortstop, and outfield and tallied 39 homers, 107 RBIs, 126 runs scored, and 14 stolen bases. He could duplicate those numbers and get back to the 20-steal club for the first time since 2018.
