Fantasy Baseball 2020: Same faces in new places

The MLB offseason is underway with three big signings in the books, which will impact the fantasy baseball landscape this season.

We are about a month into the MLB offseason and there already have been some interesting moves made by some teams. Teams have non-tendered some veterans that could make an impact and added depth to their current team. These moves will have an impact on the fantasy baseball world in 2020.

While people are focused on the fantasy football playoffs, now is a good time to start your preparation for the upcoming fantasy baseball season. Pitchers and catchers report in just about two months. Opening Day is on March 26, just 113 days away.

The top-three names are still available, Gerrit Cole, Stephen Strasburg and Anthony Rendon, but there were a couple of the second-tier players signed with new teams. Let’s see what their fantasy value is with a new park, new supporting cast and new pitchers to face.

Yasmani Grandal to the White Sox

This signing was announced on November 21. Grandal agreed to a four-year, $73 million deal with the White Sox. This was a surprising move on both fronts. First, Grandal is coming from Milwaukee, a playoff contender. The White Sox are not known for spending but with this deal and the Jose Abreu extension, the ownership’s thinking may be changing.

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Looking at the White Sox starting lineup, it’s not that bad. Leury Garcia (RF), Tim Anderson (SS), Abreu (1B), Grandal (C), Yoan Moncada (3B), Eloy Jimenez (LF), James McCann (DH), Danny Mendick (2B) and Adam Engel (CF) is the projected starting nine.

The White Sox need help in the starting rotation and bullpen. But, the addition of Grandal’s switch-hitting bat in the lineup improves the offense. Chicago was 24th in runs scored last season.

Grandal will be facing lesser pitching in the AL Central compared to the NL Central. I haven’t done my official rankings but Grandal is easily a top-three catcher.

Mike Moustakas and Cincy agree to a deal

Another former Brewers hitter, Moustakas and the Reds agree to a four-year, $64 million deal. Moose stays within the division, which helps his projections. He’s familiar with the ballparks and most of the pitching.

However, this was a surprising deal because the Reds didn’t seem to have a spot for Moustakas. Eugenio Suarez and his 49 home runs are planted at third base. Veteran Joey Votto is at first base. The only spot left was second base, leaving Nick Senzel in center field.

Unless the Reds make another move, this offense is stacked. Jesse Winker (LF), Votto (1B), Suarez (3B), Moustakas (2B), Aristides Aquino (RF), Freddy Galvis (SS), Senzel (CF) and Tucker Barnhart (C).

The difference between the Reds and White Sox is that the Reds don’t have a glaring need for pitching. They can focus on improving the bench and a couple of bullpen arms.

Moustakas will have second and third base eligibility to start the season. Third base is stacked with stars for fantasy. Second base, on the other hand, is not. If you can land Moustakas as your starting second baseman, you’ll be in good shape. Hitting in Great American Ballpark for 81 games will help his value.

Cole Hamels to Hotlanta

Hamels is coming off a decent season with the Cubs, making 27 starts. He finished with a 3.81 ERA, 1.391 WHIP, 9.1 K/9, 3.6 BB/9 and a 7-7 record in his age-35 season.

The Braves had good success last season when they signed Josh Donaldson to a one-year deal and a half-season rental of Dallas Keuchel. They are looking to do it again this season with 36-year-old Hamels.

The Braves offense is stacked with Freddie Freeman, Ronald Acuna and Ozzie Albies. The Braves have done a good job developing pitching. Hamels is just a stop-gap before one of their young pitchers are ready. But with Hamels, Mike Soroka and Max Fried and a revamped bullpen, the Braves can win the division again.

Hamels will be facing tough offenses in the Phillies and Nationals, even without Rendon. He’s familiar with these parks during his time with the Phillies. Hamels will make a good SP3 in 12-team leagues.

Philly pays big for Zack Wheeler

This deal was announced as I was writing up this piece. The rumors on Wheeler grew over the last 24 hours as his value was eclipsing over $100 million. It turns out the Phillies were ready to pay and signed Wheeler to a five-year, $118 million deal.

Wheeler had two great seasons in 2018 and 2019. He went 11-8 with a 3.96 ERA, 1.259 WHIP, 9.0 K/9 and 2.3 BB/9. Wheeler missed 2015 and 2016 while recovering from Tommy John surgery. He made 17 starts in 2017 but did not look good.

Wheeler has plenty of experience pitching in the NL East. He did not pitch well against the Braves and Nationals, over 6.00 ERAs against each team. Citizens. Bank Park was the seventh-most favorable park last season. Though, in three starts, Wheeler had a 2.37 ERA in Philly.

The Phillies rotation is now Aaron Nola, Wheeler, Jake Arrieta, Vince Velasquez and Zach Eflin (for now).

Wheeler will be ranked inside my top 25 among starting pitchers. He’ll be an SP3.

Other Moves

Jharel Cotton signed with the Cubs. He could make an impact as Chicago’s back-end starter. A change of scenery could be what Cotton needs. He’ll be draftable as a sixth starter.

Kyle Gibson lands with the Rangers. Texas hit it big with Mike Minor and Lance Lynn last season. They will try it again with Gibson. Getting away from the AL Central may not be the best thing as he’ll have to face the A’s, Astros and Angels multiple times this season.

Next. Fantasy Football 2019 week 14 waiver wire adds. dark

It’s been an interesting offseason, to say the least. We may have to wait another week or two for the big names to drop but the names that have signed have made an impact already. The 2020 fantasy baseball season is just a couple of months away. Get excited!

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