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The 2020 MLB season is going to happen! Maybe. And we could probably have baseball! So, that means it is time to take a look back at our draft prep from back in the pre-Covid era. What year was that?
Below I’ve got some interesting outfielder sleepers for the 60-game season. The designated hitter coming to the National League should help some players see more work this season than they might have and you’ll see that play out in a couple of these suggestions.
Andrew McCutchen, Philadelphia Phillies
McCutchen got some much needed extra healing time for his ACL injury and should be full-go to start the 60-game season. He could also see time at DH to take some of the stress off his knee, giving him plenty of at bats coming off injury. He’s not nearly the player he was but he’ll be in a good hitting lineup and still has a little juice left. He’s undervalued and should be a useful piece with is 232 ADP.
Ian Happ, Chicago Cubs
Happ is a post-hype sleeper who should get a boost from the extra at bats the DH will bring to the north side. Happ also has a good shot at winning the centerfield job while having flexibility to play in the infield as well. Happ’s main trouble has been finding playing time, but that shouldn’t be a problem this year. Happ has 30 home run upside and with the season starting in the heat of the summer, I like having some Cubs players due to the possibility of some easy home runs at Wrigley Field.
Willie Calhoun, Texas Rangers
Calhoun has spent more time in the minors than he probably should have, but after a strong 2019 in 83 games, he should be in line for a full workload this season. Last season, he hit 21 home runs in 309 at bats with an .847 OPS
David Peralta, Arizona Diamondbacks
Peralta’s injury history has kept his total numbers down, but his efficiency per at bat is up there with players going much earlier in drafts. In 2018 he played 147 games and hit 30 home runs with 87 RBIs and an .868 OPS. Can Peralta stay healthy for 60 games? I’d say the odds are better than 162 games.
Trent Grisham, San Diego Padres
Grisham is another player who could benefit from the DH coming into the NL. If the Padres end up giving Wil Myers the majority of the DH role, Grisham should have the centerfield position locked down. Grisham’s plate discipline keeps his peripherals strong and at his ADP of 300th overall, he is a nice flier.