Taking a chance on a rookie player can be a daunting task even for an experienced Fantasy Baseball owner. More often than not rookies will either be overhyped or not receive significant playing time to merit serious consideration during the draft. However, for those owners playing in keeper leagues drafting a player just breaking in can pay dividends in the future. Here then are 10 rookies to consider this season.
Bryce Harper (Nationals) OF
Few players come with more hype than Harper. Add to that the fact that Washington may not even bring him up to the majors this season, and this former number one pick becomes a high risk -high rewards pick. Having said all that, this eighteen year old phenomenon hit extremely well across two levels of minor league ball last season. Splitting time between A and AA ball, Harper hit .297 with 17 homeruns and 26 stolen bases. While Harper may never live up to the hype that has him being compared to the likes of Mickey Mantle, he still merits being picked up in any keeper league.
Mike Trout (Angels) OF
Only 19, Trout has torn up the minor leagues the last three seasons, hitting .338 with 22 homeruns and 102 steals in 266 games. Most likely, Trout who showed decent power in a late season call up last year, will earn himself a major league job this season. If he does, and if his swing continues to develop at the next level, this is a rookie who may add late season value to your team. In keeper leagues, go ahead and gamble on him this year, since most likely he is only a year or two from helping your team across the board in all Fantasy Baseball categories in years to come.
Jesus Montero (Yankees) C
Anyone who remembers the likes of Kevin Maas and Hensley Meulens should be weary of overly hyped Yankee prospects; having said that, 21 year old Jesus Montero certainly seems to have all the tools necessary to become an overnight Fantasy Baseball sensation. In a late season call up last season Montero hit .328 with 4 homeruns in just 18 games. Given his potential and the position he plays, drafting Montero and hoping that he develops into a solid 20-80-.280 major league catcher is not that farfetched.
Yonder Alonso (Padres) OF/1B
Alonso hit .330 and 5 homer runs for the Reds last season in a limited appearance for the club. He was traded to the Padres over the winter which may affect is numbers somewhat this season if he sticks with the club. Still, it’s not out of the question for Alonso to put together a 20-80 season for San Diego this season while flirting with a .300 average; which makes him a late round flyer in most leagues.
Devin Mesoraco (Reds) C
Mesoraco is another rookie catcher worth taking a look at this season. A former first round pick, Devin hit ,289 with 15 homers and 71 RBI’s in AAA last season. That he only hit .180 in an 18 game call up with the parent club should not discourage you from keeping an eye on him during spring training. Most likely Mesoraco will start the season in the majors and deliver 15-20 homeruns to lucky Fantasy Baseball owners this season.
Anthony Rizzo (Padres) 1B
Rizzo is a high risk high rewards pick. The bad news is that he has a propensity to whiff and hit a platy .141 in the majors last season. The good news is that this slugger has done all that he could do down in the minor leagues having hit .331 with 26 homeruns in only 93 games at AAA Tacoma last season. If he can adjust to major league pitching this season, Rizzo may just make himself a candidate for rookie of the year.
Zach Cozart (Reds) SS
A bit old for a rookie (26) Cozart has nevertheless delivered good numbers throughout his minor league career, and batted .324 with 2 homeruns in a brief call up to the majors last season. A strong candidate to take over shortstop duties in Cincinnati, Cozart has the potential to deliver a 15 homerun and 20 steals this season.
Starling Marte (Pirates) OF
It’s time for the Pirates to give Marte a shot at a starting spot in the majors, after all the 22 year old has hit .309 with 110 stolen bases over five minor league seasons (364 games). If he sticks to the parent club this season, look for the speed outfielder to deliver at least 30 steals and a .290 average for your club. Most likely though, Marte is still a full season away from making his way into a major league lineup.
Manny Machado (Orioles) SS
Forget the comparisons to Alex Rodriguez, this former 1st round pick will never be another A-Rod. However having said that, this 19 year old 6-3, 190 lbs shortstop will be an above average major leaguer some day. Based on his minor league numbers though, it may not be this season. Still, If you are an owner in a Fantasy Baseball keeper league, drafting Machado may pay off handsomely in the near future.
Scott Van Slyke (Dodgers) 1B/OF
The son of former major league All-Star Andy Van Slyke, Scott put together impressive minor league numbers at Chattanooga last year, hitting .348 with 69 extra base hits in only 130 games in 2011. So don’t be put off by the fact that this 6-5, 200 lbs prospect has toiled for seven seasons in the minors, Van Slyke has the potential to end up on the parent club this season. Watch him closely in spring training and take a chance on him if it looks like he will be added to the club this season.