:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68947995/usa_today_15086479.0.jpg)
With 2021 MLB Opening Day only a couple of months away, it is a perfect time to discuss fantasy baseball and what should you do in your fantasy draft. After a 60-game sprint last season, this season could be one of the best with the talent across Major League Baseball.
In regards to fantasy baseball, you cannot go wrong with who you could select with the first overall pick, let alone the first round. We are going to discuss some of the best players in the league, who should be in the running for the first overall pick.
Ronald Acuna Jr., OF, Atlanta Braves
A lot of fantasy baseball managers, who have the top pick in their respective drafts, will opt to select Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. Acuna Jr. is a five-tool player that has an ADP of 1.0 and at worst could be select with the fourth overall pick, per Fantasy Pros.
Last season, the 23-year-old outfielder slashed .250/.406/.581 with 14 home runs and 29 RBI. While his batting average dipped from the previous season (.280), Acuna is still a threat to change the game with one swing. He will likely be in store for a good 2021 season as opposing pitchers not only have to worry about him, but also Marcell Ozuna, and Freddie Freeman. Fantasy Pros projects Acuna to hit .284 with 39 home runs, 98 RBI, and produce 30 stolen bases this season.
Mookie Betts, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers
If Acuna Jr. does not interest at No. 1 overall, then you could take Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts. In his first season with Los Angeles, Betts was a part of a dynamic duo with Cody Bellinger that made life tough for opposing pitchers in the regular season and postseason.
The veteran outfielder’s ADP for this season is 2.0, with the lowest pick he could be selected at is fifth overall. In 2020, Betts slugged .292./.366/.562 with 16 home runs and 39 RBI. He also had nine stolen bases and only 38 strikeouts in 219 at-bats. Betts is a five-tool player as well, who is another great player to build your fantasy team around. Fantasy Pros projects the 28-year-old to hit .291 with 33 home runs and 92 RBI and rack up 21 stolen bases this season.
Gerrit Cole, SP, New York Yankees
If you want to shake up the apple cart in your fantasy baseball draft, taking a pitcher at No. 1 overall will do it. If you decide to take that dubious route, then Gerrit Cole or Jacob deGrom are two great quality options.
Last season, Cole had a tremendous first season in New York with the Yankees. The veteran ace had a record of 7-3 and ERA of 2.84. Within the seven wins, he produced two complete games and a shutout. The flame-throwing starting pitcher also accumulated 94 strikeouts in 73 innings pitched.
According to Fantasy Pros, Cole’s average draft position is sixth overall, but he could be drafted high as fourth and low as 25th. The Yankees’ ace will likely not fall to 25th in no league, but he could find himself at No. 1, especially there being a ton of talent at the other positions on the diamond. Cole is projected to have 14 wins, 3.27 ERA, 263 strikeouts, and a WHIP of 1.07 this season.