Los Angeles Dodgers 2016 Fantasy Outlook

October 15, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager (5) hits a single in the first inning against New York Mets in game five of NLDS at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

Los Angeles Dodgers 2016 Fantasy Outlook

Los Angeles lost Zack Greinke, but they have ridiculous pitching depth in the minors that looks like it could be ready soon. They might need it.

Los Angeles Dodgers 2016 Projected Starting Lineup:

C: Yasmani Grandal (.234, 16HR, 47RBI in 355AB)
1B: Adrian Gonzalez (.275, 28HR, 90RBI)
2B: Howie Kendrick (.295, 9HR, 54RBI, 6SB)
SS: Corey Seager (.337, 4HR, 17RBI, 2SB in 98AB)
3B: Justin Turner (.294, 16HR, 60RBI)
LF: Andre Ethier (.294, 14HR, 53RBI in 395AB)/Carl Crawford (.265, 4HR, 16RBI, 10SB in 181AB)
CF: Joc Pederson (.210, 26HR, 54RBI)
RF: Yasiel Puig (.255, 11HR, 38RBI in 282AB)

Grandal’s numbers are no longer worthy of standard leagues. He still has the potential to put up numbers like that, but with a very capable backup in A.J. Ellis and him not being the pillar of health, that makes him an unnecessary risk in any league of 12 teams or less.

Gonzalez is past his prime, but he can still put up good numbers. He certainly wont hurt you like a lot of power hitters will. There is good depth at first base this year, so don’t reach for AGon, but if he is still around in the eighth round or so, you can do much worse.

Second base isn’t the fantasy wasteland that it used to be. Howie Kendrick still hits for a good average, but he wont get you much else. He is better left for deeper leagues, but if your starter falters or gets hurt, Kendrick is a very capable fill in.

Seager put up great numbers in September last year. That has him flying off draft boards. He is going in the first round of dynasty leagues, and rightfully so, but in redraft leagues, I don’t know if he is worth the late second or early third round pick you have to use to get him. Use your gut here. I would rather have a more established player, but there is a chance that Seager could perform like a first rounder. You just have to decide if you want to take the risk.

Remember Justin Turner? He was supposed to be the next great Rockies slugger and fell on some hard times. Well, don’t sleep on him yet. Turner put up solid numbers in a potent lineup that could be even better this year. He is worth a look near the end of your standard league drafts.

The Dodgers’ outfield is still a mess. How much does Carl Crawford have left? We will find out with Ethier missing at least three months with a broken leg. Crawford is a sneaky pick late in drafts because he still has really good speed. Now that he has an everyday lineup position, he could really help you out if you need steals.

Pederson’s average suffered in his first major league season, but that isn’t much of a reason to sour on him. If anything, it means you might be able to get him cheaper. His best years are still in front of him, and he is a strong bet for 30 homers. The RBI and average will come. He is worth taking in the 8th-10th round.

When Puig is in the lineup, he still hits. He battled injuries last year, and he is still a bit of a powderkeg, but you can’t deny the talent. His stock may fall a little, but that makes him a good bounce back candidate. He is a solid pick in the middle rounds.

Next: How Will The Rotation Shape Up?

Mar 21, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Kenta Maeda (18) pitches during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

Los Angeles Dodgers 2016 Projected Pitching Rotation:

Clayton Kershaw (16-7, 2.13 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, 301K)
Scott Kazmir (7-11, 3.10 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 155K with Houston)
Brett Anderson (10-9, 3.69 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 116K) out until at least mid-June
Kenta Maeda (15-8, 2.09 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 175K in Japanese League)
Hyun-Jin Ryu (14-7, 3.38 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 139K in 152IP in 2014)
Alex Wood (12-12, 3.84 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 139K)
Mike Bolsinger (6-6, 3.62 ERA, 1.36 ERA, 98K in 109.1 IP)
Kenley Jansen (2-1, 2.41 ERA, 0.78 WHIP, 80K in 52.1 IP, 36/38 saves)

Kershaw will be the first pitcher off the board in every format, and he should be. Do you want to use a first round pick on him? You will have to. He is the only pitcher that will get anywhere near 300 strikeouts and the WHIP and ERA are stellar. With this offense behind him, he is a solid pick to win 20 as well.

Kazmir is the replacement for Greinke. He wont put up the numbers that Greinke did last year – I doubt Greinke will either – but Kazmir is a solid veteran who knows how to pitch. He is a nice pick for your number 3 or 4 fantasy starter.

You could hide Anderson away if you have a spare bench slot, just be aware that he will likely be a shadow of his former self if and when he does pitch this year.

Maeda has good numbers in Japan and great numbers this spring, but can it translate to major league success? Many fantasy players will think so and probably overdraft Maeda. He should have good numbers, but probably not number 2 fantasy starter good, which is where he has been going.

Ryu is still out from shoulder surgery, but he should be back sometime in May. The good thing is that it wasn’t elbow surgery, so his recovery should be easier. He may not get on track until June, but he is worth grabbing late and stashing on your DL in case he pitches well.

Until then, Alex Wood will try to hold down a rotation slot. He could be worth a look in 12 team leagues for spot starts. Also, keep an eye on which prospect makes the rotation if Mike Bolsinger misses significant time. If Urias takes it, he deserves to be drafted.

Jansen, when healthy, is an elite closer. He is a notch below Kimbrel or Chapman, but not much. I may even take him over Chapman now since Chapman is serving a one month suspension. Jansen will be the second or third closer off the board. Plan accordingly if you want him.

Next: What Prospects Are Worth Watching?

Feb 23, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Julio Urias (78) throws in the bullpen during camp at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports /

We will take a look at a few prospects that could crack the majors for the Dodgers this year, and in what type of leagues you should be looking for them in. Let’s get started!

Julio Urias, LHP: Urias has been the hottest pitching prospect in the game for two years now. The future could be immediately with all of the injuries to the Dodgers’ rotation. If it is, Urias should be owned in all leagues, even standard ones. He has a very high ceiling, and is even going in the first round of some dynasty drafts.

Jose De Leon, RHP: De Leon has been the talk of the minors since he broke Clayton Kershaw’s class A record for strikeouts in a single game. Like Urias, he has blown through the minors, and also like Urias, he could help out the Dodgers’ injured rotation from the start this year. If he does, he is also worth a look in all leagues. Don’t start him unless the matchup is right in standard leagues, but he could really help your strikeout total.

Frankie Montas, RHP: Montas, if he sticks as a starter, would be the hardest throwing starting pitcher in the majors. He routinely hits triple digits. Scouts are still split on whether he should be used out of the rotation or the bullpen. Chances are the Dodgers will find out at some point this season whenever injuries hit. He is worth a look if he gets a shot at the rotation in leagues of 12 teams or larger.

Jharel Cotton, RHP: Cotton is another hybrid pitcher that could wind up in the rotation or the bullpen. His superb changeup has him as a good prospect, but his command is still a work in progress. There are enough other players in front of him that Cotton could have trouble getting to the majors. If he does as a starter, he could be worth a look in deep leagues.

Austin Barnes, C: He is blocked by Grandal, but considering that Grandal isn’t the picture of perfect health, Barnes could get a shot at some point this year. He hit .315 in the minors last year, and could be an asset in deeper leagues or two catchers leagues.

Next: Can Alfred Morris Bounce Back?

Stay tuned for the rundown of every MLB team before Opening Day, our daily FanDuel picks, and the round by round picks for the NCAA Tournament!

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