Last week the top 25 players list was dropped. From there we will be going over the top 50 players in all of baseball. Let’s jump right into it!
1. Miguel Cabrera, Third Base, Detroit Tigers
Cabrera had himself a season for the ages, snagging the elusive Triple Crown award, while leading his Tigers to the World Series. They came short of their goal as Cabrera struck out looking to end their World Series chances. Look for him to bat above .300 easily, along with 40 home runs, 100 RBIs and 100 runs. This guy has the most dangerous bat in all of baseball.
2. Ryan Braun, Left Field, Milwaukee Brewers
After all the fuss that went down last offseason many skeptics had questions as to how Braun would react. His answer; a .320 average, 41 dingers and 112 runs batted in. This guy is out of this world and easily the best outfielder in baseball today. He is so consistent, that it’s scary. Look for Braun to put up nearly identical numbers in the next several seasons.
3. Andrew McCutchen Center Field, Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh is not exactly the biggest market when it comes to baseball, but McCutchen is here to put the Pirates back on the map. If this guy played for the Yankees or Dodgers, he would be one of the biggest stars in all of baseball. Some consider it to his advantage that he plays in a small market and doesn’t have to worry about as much media attention. Look for him to surpass 200 hits along with crushing 30 long balls this season.
4. Matt Kemp, Center Field, Los Angeles Dodgers
For this young Dodger, last season was not kind to him. He had to deal with several nagging injuries involving his hamstring. If he can look like the Kemp from 2011, he will be a stellar fantasy option. Consider his injuries a bit of a problem but don’t let it overshadow his overall value. Assume he will be back to his old ways driving in 100 runs and hitting at least 30 home runs.
5. Mike Trout, Center Field, Los Angeles Angels
Angels’ fans have to be super excited about the future in Los Angeles. Trout had an amazing rookie season, doing things never seen before. He can bat .300, hit 30 moon shots, drive in 80 runs a year and most importantly of all, score 130 runs! His speed on the base paths might be the quickest in all of baseball. Plus, he is the flashiest center fielder baseball has seen in a long, long while.
6. Robinson Cano, Second Base, New York Yankees
The best second baseman in all of baseball comes in at number six on our list. It’s surprising to think the best player on the New York Yankees isn’t named Rodriguez or Jeter, but the time is here. He batted .313 last season, along with 94 runs batted in and 33 dingers. He ranked number one last season for second basemen in the following categories; runs, hits, doubles, home runs, RBIs and batting average. That says it all right there.
7. Joey Votto, First Base, Cincinnati Reds
Votto had an injury burdened season that saw his home run rate drop exponentially. Look for that all to change and watch him hit 30 home runs this season. He leads all first basemen in walks and OBP. Having a first basemen that can get on base and hit for average and power is a dream come true for the Cincinnati Reds.
8. Carlos Gonzalez, Outfielder, Colorado Rockies
The friendly confines of Coors Field allow the big-power bat of Car-Go to crush home runs. This park is a launching pad for guys like him. Although his home run total dipped a bit last year there is no reason to think he can’t put up the 34 homers he hit in 2010. Keep this guy healthy and you’re looking at a big year.
9. Albert Pujols, First Base, Los Angeles Angels
Pujols signing with the Los Angeles Angels as a free agent last year left St. Louis Cardinals fans disgusted. That feeling turned when the Cardinals made the playoffs and the Angels sat at home watching. Pujols' numbers were “down” last year, only batting .280 but still driving in 105 runs and hitting 35 homers. This superstar should have a bounce-back year, and get back to his regular .300 average.
10. Prince Fielder, First Base, Detroit Tigers
The big man had another stellar season, his 30 home runs were a low for him but considering the numbers he puts up around that makes him extremely valuable. He drove in 108 runs along with his career high 182 hits. Look for Fielder to do what he does and not miss a single game. The workhorse of the Detroit Tigers has a lot left in the tank.
11. Clayton Kershaw, Starting Pitcher, Los Angeles Dodgers
This young blood has changed the blueprint for the Dodgers. His pitching is top notch and he will only be 25 years old when the season starts. His 2.53 ERA led all of Major League Baseball for starting pitchers. His strikeout numbers are in the low 200s which any team would be happy to have.
12. Justin Verlander, Starting Pitcher, Detroit Tigers
The elder of the two best pitchers in baseball is here. The most consistent pitcher in baseball looks to do it once again this season. His presence on the mound changes the entire vibe of a game. The Tigers can be confident that every fifth day they will receive a win from Verlander. The best part about watching him is what he does in the late innings. As opposed to most starting pitchers who throw heat early, Verlander gets stronger the longer the game goes. Last year he recorded pitches above 97 miles per hour in the 7th inning or later almost every single start.
13. Jose Bautista, Right Fielder, Toronto Blue Jays
This Dominican fielder came to the MLB and took it by storm. He hit 54 home runs in 2010 and followed that up with a 43 bangers the next season. His 2012 season was one of disappointment for the 32 year old who only played in 92 games. The positive here is that he still hit 27 homers in that time. The average dipped a bit, but overall this guy is set to hit some long balls this year.
14. Stephen Strasburg Starting Pitcher, Washington Nationals
I’m sure Strasburg has heard enough about pitch counts in the last few seasons. The Washington Nationals stuck by their word saying they would pull Strasburg when he pitched 160 innings. Fantasy owners do not have to worry about that this year, making him a much-hotter commodity. He started 28 games last season and finished the year with a respectable 3.16 ERA. His 197 whiffs ranked him 7th in the NL. Look for Strasburg to have another spectacular season.
15. Giancarlo Stanton, Right Fielder, Miami Marlins
I am super excited about this 23 year old! He has already proven that he can perform at the highest level. His 37 homers were a career high and put him second in the NL, trailing only Braun. The most exciting thing about this player is that when he was 20 years old, he hit 22 home runs! Look for Stanton to push the envelope once again and rock out 40 homers.
16. Justin Upton, Left Fielder, Atlanta Braves
The trade that sent Upton and Chris Johnson to the Atlanta Braves not only helped their team but also Upton’s draft stock. His 2012 season was riddled with injury and ownership in Arizona decided it was time to part ways with him. Just two years ago he was an MVP candidate, apparently that wasn’t good enough for Arizona. His speed allows him the opportunity to join the 30/30 club.
17. Felix Hernandez, Starting Pitcher, Seattle Mariners
Hernandez inked a $175 million, seven-year deal this offseason. He looks to be the bright spot on a bleak Seattle Mariners organization. His 3.06 ERA ranked him fifth in the American League last season. His high strikeout rate of 223 puts him third in the American League. Look for the king to be pitching here for a while.
18. David Wright, Third Base, New York Mets
Before the 2012 season started, a lot of pressure was on. Wright was in a contract year, looking to make some big bucks. He did just that signing an 8 year, $138 million extension. The main reason he received this deal is the great average he produces year after year, along with his flashy leather over at the hot corner.
19. Jason Heyward, Right Fielder, Atlanta Braves
Heyward is one of the most talked about players in baseball. He came into the league with expectations through the roof. On opening day of his first career at bat he crushed a 2-1 fastball off Carlos Zambrano and the legacy began. He had an injury prone season in 2011 but came back strong in 2012 and looks to do even more in 2013. He can join the 30/30 club if he stays healthy this season. Also don’t be surprised if he flirts with a .300 average.
20. Buster Posey, Catcher, San Francisco Giants
The reigning MVP and two-time World Series Champion is having a pretty good life for being only 25. In his two healthy seasons he has helped the Giants win it all and the year they didn’t make it, he broke his leg. This says a lot about the type of player Posey is. His high IQ along with his never say no mentality has moved him into the top 20 players in baseball.
21. David Price, Starting Pitcher, Tampa Bay Rays
Fresh off a Cy Young season this 27 year old looks to keep things rolling. His 2.56 was the best ERA in the AL last year. On a tough Tampa Bay Rays pitching staff he owns the highly respected number-one spot. Gazing at his recent numbers makes you assume that he will continue his dominance in the AL East.
22. Edwin Encarnacion, Designated Hitter, Toronto Blue Jays
Maybe the most underrated player in all of baseball comes in at the number 22 spot. For a guy who hit 60 home runs and 165 RBIs over the past two years, he doesn’t get talked about or the credit that he deserves. His 44 home runs last season put him 4th in the AL. Along with that he was third in RBIs with 110. This guy stays out of the spotlight and continues doing what he does.
23. Josh Hamilton, Left Fielder, Los Angeles Angels
Hamilton was chasing the Triple Crown winner all year but fell short in every single category. This makes him a hot commodity and was a big name in the offseason. The Los Angeles Angels signed him and hope he can continue to do what he did for the Texas Rangers for the past few years. His 128 RBIs also ranks him second in the AL. Look for his average to be around .280 and keep an eye out for all the home runs he will be hitting.
24. Hanley Ramirez, Shortstop/Third Base, Los Angeles Dodgers
His .260 batting average doesn’t necessarily turn heads but his fielding does. This guy makes some highly-skilled plays looks routine. A few attitude adjustments couldn’t hurt. He is one of the top-ten fastest players in all of baseball.
25. Matt Cain, Starting Pitcher, San Francisco Giants
At 28 years old, Cain had his greatest season of his career last year. He won 16 games and posted an ERA of 2.79. The only problem that has arisen is his knee. He took a line drive off his it while pitching in a spring training start. Besides that he should stay in line as the number one pitcher for the Giants.
26. Dustin Pedroia, Second Basemen, Boston Red Sox’s
Considering Pedroia was injured for most of last season, he still put together a very respectable year. His 290 average along with 15 homers is very good when you think of all the nagging injuries he played through last year. If he can stay healthy, he will be a top-three second baseman in baseball. He has the nickname Mighty Mouse, and his power to hit balls over the green monster is a positive.
27. Troy Tulowitzki, Shortstop, Colorado Rockies
When Tulowitzki was drafted his expectations were high and he climbs the ladder to achieve all the goals he sets out for. His best season was 2007 but since then he has not been able to stay healthy. This has to be frustrating for Colorado Rockies’ fans, who know the amount of skill this guy has. If he can stay healthy he can be the best shortstop in all of baseball. He can hit .300, 30 home runs and drive in 90 runs when at 100-percent.
28. Evan Longoria, Third Base, Tampa Bay Rays
Here is another example of a guy who is great at his position but injuries have slowed him down. He only played in 74 games and for a guy who is only 27; injury issues can make or break his career. When healthy, this guy is one of the best third basemen in all of baseball. Look for him to bat anywhere from .250-.275 along with anywhere from 20 to 30 homers. Cross your fingers and hope he can stay healthy.
29. Adrian Beltre, Third Base, Texas Rangers
We have a really big bat in this cat here. Over the past three years, Beltre has belted 96 home runs, along with 310 RBIs over that same span! This guy is what you would call a professional hitter. He will hit about 35 dingers and is money to drive in 100 runs. His defense is sketchy at times but is more than made up for with the lumber.
30. Cole Hamels Starting Pitcher, Philadelphia Phillies
His 8th best ERA led him to 17 wins along with two complete-game shutouts. The Phillies are in somewhat of a “rebuilding stage,” but with the pitcher depth and potential power; the Phillies and Hamels could shock the entire league. Look for Hamels to be the main piece to their run.
31. Starlin Castro, Shortstop, Chicago Cubs
Castro has been a hitting machine since he joined the Cubs in 2010, hitting over .300. Last season his average dipped a bit to .286 but he’s an overall great baseball player. He has some of the best range in baseball at the shortstop position, along with the potential to start stealing more bases. If his stolen base numbers go up, look for him to creep into the top 20 list.
32. Ian Kinsler Second Basemen, Texas Rangers
Even though he is a .260 batter, the fact that he plays second base makes him a hot commodity. His presence on the field is great and he can track a ground ball like it’s no one’s business. Look for his average to spike a bit to around .270 and his home run numbers go up. Expect around 25 to 30 for the long ball.
33. Brandon Phillips Second Basemen, Cincinnati Reds
'Dat dude BP' has become one of the most recognizable athletes in baseball. His .280 average ranks him near the top for second basemen in all of baseball. He ranked third in RBIs last season with 77 and is the best second baseman in the National League with no disrespect to Aaron Hill. Look for Phillips to continue his winning ways. He also flashes the leather, day in and day out.
34. Adam Jones, Center Field, Baltimore Orioles
Here is one of the main reasons why the Baltimore Orioles were so successful last season. This center fielder belted 32 home runs and is in line to do the same again this season. His high-intensity play in the field makes him a must watch when turning on an Orioles game. At 27 years old, look for Jones to have a career year in all categories. Draft this guy at any cost!
35. Jose Reyes, Shortstop, Toronto Blue Jays
The 2011 batting title champion had a bit of a hiccup season last year. He still batted .287, but was plagued with injuries throughout the season. One of the main reasons Reyes is such a hot product is his threat on the base paths. He stole 40 bases last year and should do the same this season. Along with all of that he has the most range of any shortstop on this list. Look for him to astonish fans with his superb play.
36. Gio Gonzalez, Starting Pitcher, Washington Nationals
There is a lot of talk with Gonzalez and the whole PED situation. Minus all of that his year was great. His ERA was stellar, coming in at 2.89 and he won a league-high 21 games. Don’t look for this to change anytime soon as Gonazlez is a major stud on a World Series favorite Nationals team.
37. Cliff Lee, Starting Pitcher, Philadelphia Phillies
If I told you a 3.16 ERA would only get a professional pitcher six wins would you believe me? Well believe it! This guy got the shortest end of the stick of any pitcher last season. He will win at least 10 games this season and get back to his winning ways. 'Cause let's be honest, there is no way this can happen to such a good pitcher two years in a row.
38. Jered Weaver, Starting Pitcher, Los Angeles Angels
The 30 year old Weaver has had some ups and downs in his career and it is safe to say last season was an up. His 2.81 ERA ranked him third for starting pitchers in the American League. Not only was his ERA phenomenal last season, he was also tied for first in the American League in wins, busting out a 20 spot. The wins could potentially go down a bit because no manager expects 20 wins season after season, but look for this guy to give you at least 15 wins.
39. Jay Bruce, Right Fielder, Cincinnati Reds
Bruce has hit at least 20 home runs in each of his first-five seasons in the bigs. For Reds' fans this is an exciting player when looking toward the future. Last year he was one RBI away from the flashy 100. His 34 home runs didn’t hurt either. He is a career .255 hitter and could touch .280 if he develops more focus at the plate. His 313 strikeouts in the past two seasons is a red flag but he is only 25 years old. Look for Bruce to continue to produce for many seasons to come.
40. Madison Bumgarner, Starting Pitcher, San Francisco Giants
Simply put, this youngin’ is good! He has a career 3.20 ERA along with back-to-back 191 strikeout seasons. His potential is through the roof. He can definitely reach 200 strikeouts by the end of September. His 16 wins puts him tied for 6th in the National League, his 191 strikeouts put him in the top-10 in the National League as well. At only 23 years old he could become one of the best pitchers in all of baseball.
41. Zack Greinke, Starting Pitcher, Los Angeles Dodgers
The 29 year old veteran has seen it all. From being kicked out of a game in the first inning to winning a Cy Young in 2009. Now the stakes are even higher. When Greinke signed his deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Magic Johnson put it all into perspective. “We want to win now.” And that is exactly what Greinke plans to do. He is a guarantee for 200 strikeouts and should put up at least 15 wins in 2013. The only question here is whether or not his anxiety disorder will affect his play in the big market of Los Angeles.
42. Billy Butler, Designated Hitter, Kansas City Royals
Only the second designated hitter to make the list, Butler is one consistent baller. He is a career .300 hitter who batted 313 last season. His 29 homeruns were a career high and at only 26 years old, he could easily reach 30. His 55 walks aren't eye popping, but it isn’t horrible either. He received his first Silver Slugger award last season and also led the Majors in doubles from 2009 through 2011. Also, his 107 RBIs put him at 6th in the American League last year.
43. Johnny Cueto, Starting Pitcher, Cincinnati Reds
The ace of the Reds is ready to put up another great season. The cocked-off hat gives him a big of swagger, and his confidence on the mound is like no other. His 2.78 ERA put him third in the National League for starting pitchers last year. If you can draft Cueto in the fourth round and you like pitching, do it! If you don’t like drafting pitchers but he is somehow around in the sixth do not pass up on him. This guy has some nasty stuff.
44. B.J. Upton, Center Fielder, Atlanta Braves
The second overall draft pick by the Tampa Bay Rays has lived up to the hype. He is a decent batter but it is his fielding that makes him so great. You are likely not to see him cracking the top-10 plays because he doesn’t have to dive for anything. The reads that he gets on pop flies is one of the best in the league. He averages 29 stolen bases a year, so his legs are a big part of his game. He is not a hockey player but it seems that way when he glides across center field to make hard plays look extremely easy.
45. Matt Holliday, Left Fielder, St. Louis Cardinals
The .313 career batting average for Holliday is very telling. This guy is what you call a professional hitter. Last season he cracked the top-10 in RBIs with 102 and ranked 14th in home runs with 27. He is 33 years old, so his decline is bound to come but it will not be this year. If you want 25 home runs and 95-105 RBIs on your team, draft this guy.
46. Michael Bourn, Center Fielder, Cleveland Indians
This offseason didn’t go exactly how Bourn wanted it to as his agent, Scott Boras, failed to get him a seven-year contract. He can’t be too upset with how things worked out though, receiving a four-year $48 million contract. He has two gold gloves under his belt and has been in the top-four in stolen bases over the past four years. He will be the everyday center fielder and leadoff hitter for the Cleveland Indians over these next few seasons.
47. Yu Darvish, Starting Pitcher, Texas Rangers
Last season Darvish was the biggest foreign prospect and he lived up to the hype. Obviously there is going to be some regression when changing your entire lifestyle but Darvish handled it professionally. His 3.90 ERA isn’t anything spectacular, but now that he is set and has a better feel for the American way of living; look for him to improve. His 221 strikeouts put him fifth in the American League, but he could definitely be your MLB strikeout king by season end.
48. Yoenis Cespedes, Left Fielder, Oakland Athletics
Here we have the other “top-foreign prospect” in Cespedes. The Athletics received a lot of backlash for signing him but it has worked out very well for them so far. He missed a fairly large number of games playing in only 129. When he was on the field he performed admirably; batting .292 with 23 home runs and an impressive 83 RBIs. Look for Cespedes to continue playing well and as long as he can stay on the field is a top-50 player for sure.
49. Chase Headley, Third Base, San Diego Padres
2012 was a breakout season for Headley who received his first Gold Glove along with a Silver Slugger. He ranked first in the NL in RBIs and second in walks. If he continue playing at this level for years to come is still unanswered, but if he plays like he did in the second half of last season he is a top-10 pick who will not go nearly as high as he should.
50. Craig Kimbrel Closer, Atlanta Braves
If there is any closer you want to take in the top-50, it is this guy. Kimbrel has a nasty fastball along with a powerful curve. His curve is considered one of the 'Bugs Bunny' kind because of how silly it is. A guy who strikes out 50-percent of the batters he faces is always something you want on your team. He set the record for Ks per-9 along with batting average allowed at an insane .126 average. If he can continue what he is doing we may be witnessing the best closer in history, but it is FAR too early for that.