Arizona Diamondbacks: 2016 Fantasy Preview

N.L. West

Arizona Diamondbacks

Must Own Fantasy Player: Paul Goldschmidt

Potential Fantasy Bust: Shelby Miller

Prospect to Watch: Archie Bradley

There has been no other team in baseball that has made more possible impact roster changes this offseason than the Arizona Diamondbacks. They have brought in the likes of Jean Segura, Zack Greinke, and Shelby Miller, and are now firmly positioned to challenge for the NL West crown.

In terms of fantasy value, it does not get better than owning Paul Goldschmidt. He supplies average, power, and even ample speed, making him one the few players that could be in discussion for the first overall pick. Last season the D’Backs were also welcomed with a breakout from A.J. Pollock, who looks poised to be selected within the first two rounds as well.

If we look further at the outfield, the trade of Ender Inciarte free the logjam the D’Backs had to work around last season. While there are still rumblings that Yasmany Tomas may be moved to left field, it looks as though he will get a lion share of the playing time along with David Peralta manning which ever other corner outfield spot is open.

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Tomas hit for average last season, but the power was missing. He shapes up to be more a late round flier this season in a packed OF fantasy market. Peralta on the other hand, looks like an intriguing value pick this last season after he mashed 17 homers in 2015. He could very well develop into a 25 HR/10 SB option with a decent average to boot in 2016, so look to target him this spring.

Outside of Goldy, the D’Backs infield is made up of interesting later round targets. Segura has shown flashes of being a dynamic fantasy asset but has struggled to sustain that form the last few seasons. So with him still qualifying as MI in 2016, he looks to still be worth a late round flier. Jake Lamb also showed potential last season, but his season was derailed by an injury. He could be a 15+ homer option taken in the last rounds of the draft.

Welington Castillo will get the starting catcher nod, and his second half home run barrage in 2015 will have many owners looking to him as a popular late round catching selection. While the power surge was fun to watch, it may hard to bank on that production again in 2016. The D’Backs rotation is easily the most improved aspect on the team as the additions of Greinke and Miller will hopefully go a long way in offering quality innings. Greinke’s numbers last season were video game like and owners cannot expect them again, but he should still post SP1 caliber numbers in 2016.

Miller on the other hand, is a fantasy option that will harder to gauge heading into 2016. Last season he was great for the Braves even though they failed to offer him any run production. But, his K did slip and the transition to a hitter’s ballpark in Arizona, will have many fantasy owners on the fence when it comes to his value. While he may not be as good as 2015, he should profile nicely as fantasy SP3 or SP4.

Do not sleep on Patrick Corbin either though, as he had a solid 2015 after returning from TJ surgery. He is only two years removed from a breakout 2013, and has the upside to be a co-ace for the D’Backs and fantasy owners.

The D’Backs are still mulling adding another relief pitcher but as it sits currently, Brad Ziegler is the starting closer. While he lacks the crazy strikeout upside that nearly all closers have nowadays, he has shown the ability to get outs and would be worth a selection in the latter rounds this spring. For those in holds league, former starter, Daniel Hudson, has shown to be solid in a set up capacity and would fill in nicely as their closer.

Next: Top Fantasy Catchers 10-1

Archie Bradley is listed as the prospect to watch in 2016, but that is somewhat an obvious pick thanks to his extended debut last season. He did suffer a vicious injury to his face after a line drive struck him flush, and that really derailed any momentum he had for the rest of the season. If Robbie Ross or Rubby De La Rosa falter in the rotation, Bradley would be a solid waiver wire add this season as he certainly has the potential to shine.

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NL West: L.A. Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres, Colorado Rockies

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