Fantasy baseball: 2020 Arizona Diamondbacks fantasy preview
By Mike Marteny
2020 Arizona Diamondbacks projected starting lineup:
Starling Marte, CF (.295, 23 HR, 82 RBI, 25 SB in 539 AB with PIT)
Ketel Marte, 2B (.329, 32 HR, 92 RBI, 10 SB in 569 AB)
Eduardo Escobar, 3B (.269, 35 HR, 118 RBI, 5 SB in 636 AB)
David Peralta, LF (.275, 12 HR, 57 RBI, 0 SB in 382 AB)
Christian Walker, 1B (.259, 29 HR, 73 RBI, 8 SB in 529 AB)
Kole Calhoun, RF (.232, 33 HR, 74 RBI, 4 SB in 552 AB with LAA)
Nick Ahmed, SS (.254, 19 HR, 82 RBI, 8 SB in 556 AB)
Carson Kelly, C (.245, 18 HR, 47 RBI, 0 SB in 314 AB)
We really have to be careful with overpaying for Arizona players here. Walker and Escobar have nice power numbers, but the average will get you. Escobar is probably my favorite here, but 3B is loaded this year.
Marte is a better pick because of the 30/30 potential and the relative scarcity of good outfielders. This is a much better home park than PNC, so the power numbers should be better than his Pittsburgh ratios.
Calhoun had a career high in homers at the age of 31 last year. The park upgrade is nice, but don’t expect the average to climb much since he’s a career .249 hitter. Calhoun is a nice power grab in later rounds.
Ketel Marte had just 22 homers in 1,399 at bats before last season’s 32. It seems unlikely he’ll go over 20 in a shortened season, but the high average will keep him in the top five at the position.
I’m not sold on Peralta as a cleanup hitter, but he has solid power, hits for a good average, and should have plenty of RBI opportunities. He’s an interesting pick in the middle rounds if he doesn’t wind up in a platoon with Yasmany Tomas.
Nick Ahmed’s average is going to hurt, but that kind of power at MI later in the draft makes him worth it.
Prospects to watch:
How long can Kelly hold off Daulton Varsho? Varsho hit .301 with 18 homers at AA Jackson last year. The addition of Stephen Vogt is insurance only. If Varsho shows he’s ready, he’ll be up in the majors before the end of July and would be worth an add in any league.
Seth Beer, the prize of the Zack Greinke deal, dazzled with 26 homers and 103 RBI in his first full season in the minors last year. His gaudy numbers and position versatility will land him in the majors quickly since he can play 1B and both corner outfield slots. He’s worth a stash on your bench if he gets the call.
Kevin Cron smacked six homers in just 71 major league at bats last season. He has power, but can he jump over Christian Walker? If he does, Cron is a nice sleeper.