This episode of Locked on Fantasy Baseball dives into the podcast's hosts' top players to target for upcoming drafts, emphasizing critical insights for fantasy enthusiasts. Highlights include Vinnie Pasquantino's breakout potential bolstered by impressive stats from the previous season, and the suggestion to secure him early due to his favorable ADP. The podcast also covers Spencer Schwellenbach's rising status as a starting pitcher and discusses his solid spring performance. Furthermore, Shane McClanahan is spotlighted as a must-draft due to his excellent strikeout potential and value. Finally, notable hitters like Teoscar Hernández and Josh Jung are mentioned for their ability to contribute significantly to fantasy teams.

Identifying key players for your fantasy baseball draft is crucial for building a competitive team. This episode highlights ten must-have hitters, focusing on their potential impact and current form. Corbin Carroll of the Arizona Diamondbacks is seen as a first-round value, showcasing impressive spring stats after recovering from shoulder issues. Austin Riley, a staple in the Atlanta Braves lineup, continues to demonstrate his power potential with a solid batting average.

O'Neil Cruz from the Pittsburgh Pirates is discussed as another player to watch, offering upside despite concerns about his batting average and lineup position. Vinnie Pasquantino is emerging as a strong first base option, and Lawrence Butler is noted for his impressive spring performance, which could translate to significant production this season. Ezekiel Tovar's blend of speed and power makes him a valuable shortstop target, while Pete Crow-Armstrong is recognized for his potential in the Cubs' lineup.

Starting pitcher rankings continue to evolve as the new season approaches. Names like Joe Ryan, Spencer Schwellenbach, and Sonny Gray are being closely analyzed for their fantasy potential. With draft season on the horizon, experts are weighing player stats, injury histories, and overall upside. Justin Steele's consistency and Freddy Peralta's volatility are hot topics, with both players being seen as potential SP3s. Meanwhile, Hunter Brown's breakout potential is examined, sparking debate over his draft position. As fantasy enthusiasts prepare for the upcoming season, these discussions have become more critical for identifying values in the draft.

The fantasy baseball landscape for first basemen is heating up as debates intensify around top-tier players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bryce Harper compared to those who might present better value later on, like Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt. An analysis of the rankings reveals a divergence in opinions, especially regarding the aging Goldschmidt, who may thrive under the Yankees' bright lights. His decline in performance raises concerns, yet with potential for a resurgence, he remains a contentious figure among fantasy managers.

Meanwhile, players like Josh Naylor are highlighted for their potential upside, especially in contract years. The discussion also touches on rising stars like Vinnie Pasquantino, who is seen as undervalued due to his previous injuries but has shown immense promise. The episode culminates in a detailed breakdown of rankings, emphasizing that depth at first base is crucial for fantasy enthusiasts looking to capitalize on their drafts.

Round nine of drafting reveals a collection of players often labeled as injury risks, with Mike Trout emerging as a focal point due to his elite batting potential when healthy. Drafted at 97 overall, Trout's past performance supports his value, even with injury concerns limiting him to just 29 games last season.

Also noteworthy is Zack Gallen, whose disappointing prior season saw him struggle with injuries despite still achieving solid strikeout numbers. His overall potential remains a topic of interest among fantasy managers as he is drafted lower than his capabilities suggest.

Spencer Schwellenbach's emergence as a strong candidate highlights a balance of various pitches and effective strikeout rates, making him a potential sleeper pick. The return of Grayson Rodriguez adds complexity to the pitching landscape, as he faces scrutiny based on his previous season's performance against injuries.

Felix Bautista stands out as a top reliever poised to make a significant impact upon his return, while Christian Yelich's historical performance and recent health issues present a tantalizing but risky choice. Lastly, the future of Vinnie Pasquantino is discussed, with optimism surrounding his recovery and potential breakout.