Out of all the major professional sports, baseball has the most casino-like vibes when it comes to the draft. Nolan Ryan was drafted in the 12th round. Albert Pujols was selected in the 13th round. There are countless examples of late-round success stories. In addition, there are numerous high-drafted players who were unable to succeed.
This is not to say that all high-drafted players are busts.
Bobby Witt Jr. ($6,300; 28 FPTS) was selected by the Kansas City Royals with the second overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft. He spent two seasons in the minor league system before getting the call to the majors.
And like a bowl of Cup Noodles, he was an instant success. He hit 20 home runs and stole 30 bases in his rookie campaign with a 4.7% walk rate, 21.4% strikeout rate, .174 ISO and slashed .254/.294/.428 in 632 plate appearances.
He improved in every statistical category the following season, finishing with 30 home runs and 49 stolen bases. The walk rate increased to 5.8%, the strikeout rate ticked down to 17.4%, the ISO went up to .218 and the slash was .276/.319/.495.
In his third season, Witt Jr. leveled up AGAIN! The walk rate is 7%, the strikeout rate is 15.4%, the ISO is a whopping .263 and he’s slashing a ridiculous .349/.397/.612 in 532 plate appearances. He currently has 24 home runs and 25 stolen bases.
On Friday, he continued the torrid play, going 3-for-4 with a home run, a double, a walk and scoring three runs.
Vinnie Pasquantino ($5,000; 23 FPTS) went 2-for-5 with a home run, three RBI and two runs scored.
On the mound, Michael Lorenzen ($7,200; 17.75 FPTS) went 5.2 innings, struck out three, walked three and only allowed one earned run on two hits.
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I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is sontzu) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
