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2017
MLB Rankings
  • Catcher
  • First Baseman
  • Second Baseman
  • Shortstop
  • Third Baseman
  • Outfield
  • Starting Pitchers
  • Relief Pitchers
  1. 1
    Buster Posey
    #1

    Buster Posey

    2016 was a down year in every way for the soon to be 30 year old catcher. He failed to break 15 homers for the first time in four years, and his batting average was down 30 points. You have to start worrying soon about the rigors of catching beginning to wear on him, but I don't think that starts this year. You can be confident that he will get back to a .310/22/85 type of line for the coming year

  2. 2
    Jonathan Lucroy
    #2

    Jonathan Lucroy

    Lucroy had his best fantasy season in 2016, and really seemed to excel after moving to Texas. Well, he will have a full season in the Lone Star State, and that should only help his home run totals. There's a strong chance he gets off to a slow start, but once the humidity gets up down there the ball starts flying out of the park. Getting a .290/24/90 season isn't out of the realm of possibility.

  3. 3
    Gary Sanchez
    #3

    Gary Sanchez

    After Trea Turner, no young player is being hyped more going into 2017 than Gary Sanchez. And it is kind of hard to blame people. The kid hit 20 home runs in just 53 games under the bright lights of New York City.Clearly he can't keep that pace up, but his power is no freakin joke! I fully expect a .275 average with 25-28 home runs and about 80 RBIs. He has to slow down, but he will still be great

  4. 4
    Willson Contreras
    #4

    Willson Contreras

    Contreras is just one in an insane line of talented young Cub position players. He came to the Majors later in the season and smacked 12 home runs in 76 games and took over the catcher's job. This will be his first full season, and while I don't expect it, having him duplicate his performance of last season isn't crazy. I'm expecting more of a .265 average with 18-21 homers and 75 ribbies.

  1. 1
    Paul Goldschmidt
    #1

    Paul Goldschmidt

    2016 - .297 average, 24 homers, 95 RBIs, 32 steals, 106 runs

    Goldschmidt is still the gold standard at first base.. His numbers across the board were down last season, although that is still a dynamite year. I am looking for him to get back over the 30 homer plateau, but under the 30 steal mark.

  2. 2
    Anthony Rizzo
    #2

    Anthony Rizzo

    2016 - .292 average, 32 homers, 109 RBIs, 3 steals, 94 runs

    One of the bright young stars in the Major Leagues, at just 27 years old he has three straight 30 home run seasons under his belt. He hits for a fine average, doesn't strikeout a ton, and could still be getting a little better. Rizzo is a fantastic anchor as a power source for your fantasy teams.

  3. 3
    Miguel Cabrera
    #3

    Miguel Cabrera

    2016 - .316 average, 38 homers, 108 RBIs, 92 runs

    It certainly seems like this guy has been around forever, but he will be just 34 in April. It was another vintage Miggy season in 2016, and as long as he stays healthy there's no reason there won't be another. He won't steal you any bases, but other than that he is a monster in every other category.

  4. 4
    Edwin Encarnacion
    #4

    Edwin Encarnacion

    2016 - .263 average, 42 homers, 127 RBIs, 99 runs, 2 steals

    Perhaps the biggest free agent signing in the history of the Indians franchise, Edwin has power on top of power. He has five straight 30+ home run seasons, and 2017 should be no different. His batting average isn't great and he doesn't run, but he is one of the best power hitters in baseball. He could hit 40 dingers again in 2017

  1. 1
    Jose Altuve
    #1

    Jose Altuve

    Altuve had 21 home runs in his first five seasons before hitting 15 in 2015 and 24 last season. His stolen bases are a little down, but if this power is for real you can still handle 30-35 steals. With his high batting average, he has become one of the more productive hitters in baseball. He is definitely the top second baseman in fantasy and worth a top 5 pick in all drafts.

  2. 2
    Robinson Cano
    #2

    Robinson Cano

    After a couple of down power years, Cano bounced back in a huge way as he threatened the 40 homer plateau. He doesn't steal bases, but his power combined with his really solid batting average keeps Cano among the best at the position. Some might be concerned that he is 34 years old and had a couple of off years, but I totally expect Cano to hit .300 with 30-35 homers and drive in 95-105 runs

  3. 3
    Brian Dozier
    #3

    Brian Dozier

    Dozier's power spiked in 2016 to a ridiculous 42 homers and 99 RBIs, and his batting average went up over 20 points. I don't think anyone expects him to repeat this performance, but even if he regresses to 30 homers, 80 RBIs, and 12 steals, are you going to be unhappy? He is one of the biggest power bats at the position and while he might not match 2016 he will be very good again this year.

  4. 4
    Jonathan Villar
    #4

    Jonathan Villar

    Villar was never given the chance with the Astros, but even when he did there wasn't many signs of his 2016 output. Villar broke out in a major way in 2016, and I didn't believe in him the entire way. I do expect his batting average to drop 15-20 points, and his home runs to be closer to 12. However, he is an elite stolen base threat and while he might not reach 60, 45-50 is very possible.

  1. 1
    Manny Machado
    #1

    Manny Machado

    Plagued by injuries earlier in his career, Machado has taken his spot among the fantasy elite. He has two straight 35+ homer seasons. He didn’t steal any bases last year, but his solid batting average and high end power make him a first round pick in any formats. He is their third baseman but had enough at-bats at short last year to put him in this spot.

  2. 2
    Carlos Correa
    #2

    Carlos Correa

    At just 22 years old, Correa is already considered one of the game’s best. His power/speed combination at a middle infield position makes him a rare commodity. He has the ability to mash 25 or more home runs, and 15 steals seems easily attainable. His batting average should remain in the .270s, which combined with his other tools makes him a late first round or early second round

  3. 3
    Corey Seager
    #3

    Corey Seager

    Another young stud, Seager didn’t disappoint at all in his first season. He isn’t going to steal more than five or six bases, but he is gonna hit .300 with 25+ home runs and has a shot at driving in 100. He will turn 23 just after the season starts , and still could get better. Seager is a really good second round pick in any fantasy draft.

  4. 4
    Xander Bogaerts
    #4

    Xander Bogaerts

    Perhaps my favorite is Xander Bogaerts. The guy has gotten a little better each year in the league, and became a bonafide stud in 2016. At 24 years old, he is just getting close to his prime, which could be scary for Major League pitchers. He will hit in a run producing spot in a loaded batting order and should have another phenomenal season.

  1. 1
    Nolan Arenado
    #1

    Nolan Arenado

    This guy has it all! The glove, the batting average, and 40 home run power. He has topped that mark two years in a row, while not being too far away from a .300 average. What's that you say, he doesn't steal bases? Well, aren't you a greedy bastard! Arenado is a top 5 overall pick in all drafts!

  2. 2
    Kris Bryant
    #2

    Kris Bryant

    The National League MVP at age 24, Bryant put it all together to answer all of the hype that came with his arrival to Chicago. He still needs to cut down the strikeouts some, but his batting eye was much better in 2016. He has 40 homer power, and can still steal nearly 10 bags. He has a chance to be a .300 hitter as well, and is definitely worth a first round pick in any fantasy draft.

  3. 3
    Josh Donaldson
    #3

    Josh Donaldson

    Donaldson is dealing with a mild calf strain, but nothing that should have any impact on the regular season. He has major power, and like the other guys on this list, also hits for a strong batting average. His stats were a little down in 2016, but that's because he had an MVP season in '15. He has been a major masher since coming to Toronto, and I expect another 35-40 homers, and 110 RBIs.

  4. 4
    Manny Machado
    #4

    Manny Machado

    Being shorstop eligible makes him a little more valuable, but it is Machado's play that is awesome as well. He has two straight 35 homer seasons, and also hits for a good average. The only thing that keeps him from being at the top of the rankings are his RBI totals. He has yet to drive in 100 runs, but that is really nit picking. Machado is a fantasy stud and a first round selection in all format

  1. 1
    Mike Trout
    #1

    Mike Trout

    The scary part about Mike Trout is he is won’t turn 26 years old until August and he already has two MVP awards. His stolen bases and home run numbers vary drastically from year to year, but it always seems when one is down, the other one goes up. And at the end of the day he is still the best fantasy player in the game. An easy number one pick.

  2. 2
    Mookie Betts
    #2

    Mookie Betts

    An easy second overall pick, Betts took the next step to superstardom in 2016. At just 24 years old he pounded 31 home runs and stole 26 bases. He also drove in and scored over 100 runs for the first time in his short career. He might not quite hit .300 again, but Betts is a monster and a great anchor for your squad.

  3. 3
    Bryce Harper
    #3

    Bryce Harper

    Harper took a monster step back after his MVP season of 2015. His homers dropped by 18, and his batting average dropped almost 90 points. He was able to have a new career high in steals though. So, which Harper is real? The MVP or the oft-injured middle of the road hitter. I know the talent is there but the risk is too high for me. The potential makes him a high ranked outfielder.

  4. 4
    Charlie Blackmon
    #4

    Charlie Blackmon

    I’m sorry, but I’m just not buying in on Charlie Blackmon. He never topped 20 home runs ever in his career on any level and I’m supposed to believe he’s going to repeat the 29 he hit last season? I am also not thinking he is going to hit .320 again. Blackmon is a nice player, but his value is out of control. I expect .290/18/70/35 but that’s it.

  1. 1
    Clayton Kershaw
    #1

    Clayton Kershaw

    Kershaw is just the best pitcher in baseball, no questions asked. He does everything. He goes deep into games, he strikes out a ton of people, and his ERA and WHIP are miniscule annually. He was injured some last season, but he is healthy with the season starting. I'm not a fan of taking him in the first round, but he is so far and away the best pitcher that I understand he is worth it.

  2. 2
    Max Scherzer
    #2

    Max Scherzer

    Scherzer is dealing with a stress fracture in his finger this Spring, but he should be fine for the opening of the year. He is a fantastic pitcher. He racks up a good win total, he's struck out 250 guys for three straight seasons, and his ERA has been under 3.00 with a WHIP under 1.00 in three of the last four years. He is an easy choice as the second starting pitcher off the board in drafts.

  3. 3
    Madison Bumgarner
    #3

    Madison Bumgarner

    MadBum is one of the more durable and reliable pitchers in baseball. He isn't quite as dominant as Kershaw and Scherzer, but he is an easy third. He strikes out over 200 batters, and his win total is strong. He does allow a few more runners than you want for second round pick, but if you want a pitcher with your second pick, you get a bonafide ace with Bumgarner.

  4. 4
    Noah Syndergaard
    #4

    Noah Syndergaard

    Thor became one of the best pitchers in baseball in 2016, and I think the scary part is he still might be getting better. He is a lock to strikeout 200 guys, and I believe his ERA will be under 2.75. Syndergaard pitches for one of the better teams in baseball and should be able to win 17-18 games. and is worthy of a top 20 overall pick.

  1. 1
    Kenley Jansen
    #1

    Kenley Jansen

    It has been three pretty dominant seasons for Jansen as he has become one of the best in baseball. He has struck out over 100 batters in his last three full season, and had 99 the year before that when he was an 8th inning guy. The Dodgers will remain among the top teams in the National League and he should have no trouble saving 45 games again in 2017.

  2. 2
    Aroldis Chapman
    #2

    Aroldis Chapman

    Chapman was traded midseason to Chicago and he had another dominant season. Although it was the first time in five years he didn’t have 100 strikeouts. It was, however, the third time in five years he had an ERA under 2.00. He is absolutely one of, if not the best, and will be awesome again. I wish Joe Maddon used him less in the playoffs, but that shouldn't be an issue

  3. 3
    Zach Britton
    #3

    Zach Britton

    Britton has been an elite closer over the past three seasons, and didn't blow a single save in 2016. He isn't the huge strikeout guy that the top couple of guys are, but he has had an ERA under 2.00 and a WHIP under 1.00 for three straight seasons. The strikeouts are what keep him from being the top of the rankings, but Britton is still in the top three.

  4. 4
    Seung Hwan-Oh
    #4

    Seung Hwan-Oh

    His first season in the Major Leagues was a wild success whether he was in the eighth inning role or the closer. Oh struck out a ridiculous 103 batters in just under 80 innings, and finished with a 6-3 record. His dominance has allowed the Cardinals to move Trevor Rosenthal to a starter, and Oh has no competition for the job. He should again be a dominant closer in every way.

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