While it’s easy to find the big names in the draft and take them early, it’s a completely different skill set to find players, whether they are recovering veterans or unheralded rookies, deep in the draft who will become something no one expects. Guys who make everyone in your draft room go, “Who is he?” or “Why are you taking that guy?”
It’s about taking the risk in drafting a recovering veteran like Francisco Liriano in the late rounds as he tries to get his career back on track in Pittsburgh en route to a 16-8 record to go along with a 3.02 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 163 strikeouts.
It’s about grabbing Jose Fernandez, the highly-touted 20-year-old rookie pitcher on the Marlins who people keep talking about, but don’t have the guts to draft, as he becomes a Cy Young candidate while going 12-6 with 186 strikeouts and a 2.19 ERA.
It’s being a real daredevil and finding someone really late in the draft like Marlon Byrd, who not even the Mets expected much from last year, and watch him explode for 24 homers, 88 RBIs and a .291 batting average.
It’s the sleepers of the draft who will make your team. The big names can only carry you so far. It’s the guys everyone else overlooks who will get you the title. Here’s a look at some players you won’t want to fall asleep on:
Mike Moustakas, Royals: Horrific sophomore season, but that’s all the more reason to love Kansas City’s third baseman this year. Look at his teammate, Eric Hosmer. He had a terrible sophomore season, but became a reliable fantasy player last season. Moustakas’ stock has fallen big time (273.6 average draft position, according to fantasypros.com, which averages the draft position in Yahoo, ESPN, CBS and MockDraftCentral), but Roto Files is expecting a nice turnaround. Take a shot and draft him earlier than expected. (Oh, did we mention Moustakas is killing it this spring — .450, four homers and 16 RBIs?)
Jose Dariel Abreu, White Sox: In 2012, Yoenis Cespedes joined the A’s with a bang. In 2013, Yasiel Puig blasted onto the scene. Abreu (102.6 ADP) will be the next big Cuban import in 2014. Draft him with confidence in the middle rounds.
Josh Johnson, Padres: To say injuries have plagued Johnson throughout his career is an understatement. But he has talent, he’s only 30 years old and he’s with a new, young team (and back in the NL). With an ADP of 296.3, no one really has had their eyes on him. But, that’s a mistake; he could be a heck of a steal late in the draft.
Scott Kazmir, A’s: After finishing last season strong with the Indians (3-2, 43 strikeouts and a 2.57 ERA over the last five games), Kazmir is off to a hot start this spring and looks like he could be a viable late-round option for your team.
Christian Yelich, Marlins: The resume for the 22-year-old outfielder is not all that extensive, but if you look at the last youngster the Marlins rushed to the majors (Fernandez), this one might be worth a late-round pick.
Eric Young Jr., Mets: Figures to be a big part of the Mets’ outfield, and if you’re looking for a boost in speed (38 steals in 91 games with the Mets), using a late-round pick on Young could pay off.
Travis d’Arnaud, Mets: The 25-year-old catcher may be asleep at the plate this spring (.125, no homers, no RBIs), but the Mets are depending on him to be their No. 1 catcher. Luckily, you can draft him and stash him on your bench in hopes he avoid injuries and comes out of hibernation.