Mock drafts provide a vital tool for Fantasy Baseball enthusiasts entering the new season, and in the latest episode of Locked on Fantasy Baseball, Dominic Martino and Matthew dive into their strategies from different draft positions. Highlighting a 5x5 head-to-head category league, Martino reveals his approach while drafting from the 12th spot, focusing on securing high-value hitters before addressing pitching needs. His early picks include notable players like Julio Rodriguez and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., showcasing a preference for hitting power.

The conversation transitions, delving into themes such as 'double tap' strategies—selecting two players consecutively at the draft's end or start. Martino emphasizes the importance of covering essential positions early, especially outfielders, to avoid scrambling for lesser options as the draft progresses. Both hosts share insights on player performance expectations, assessing the risks of younger talents alongside established stars, and debate their balanced lineup strategies.

Jerks and Profar's signing with the Atlanta Braves marks a significant move as the team aims to bolster its outfield depth after losing notable players like Charlie Morton and Jorge Soler. The podcast discusses the implications of this acquisition, particularly for fantasy baseball enthusiasts. Scott White expressed cautious optimism about the Braves' additions, acknowledging Profar’s impressive past season where he achieved a career-high 24 home runs and 10 steals. Despite skepticism regarding the sustainability of Profar's performance, the potential for value at a low ADP remains appealing.

In analyzing outfield tiers, top players such as Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, and Juan Soto are positioned as first-round picks despite the uncertainties surrounding Ohtani's shoulder surgery. The discussion covers the volatility of players changing teams and their performance in new environments. For example, Soto's transition to the Mets could yield mixed results due to park factors and historical performance metrics.

Fantasy baseball enthusiasts can rejoice as the latest mock draft reveals fascinating insights into player values and drafting strategies. The podcast recaps a 12-team Roto mock draft, highlighting standout picks and questionable decisions. Top players selected include Shohei Ohtani, Bobby Witt Jr., and Aaron Judge, with intriguing discussions on their value at different pick spots. A notable mention in the early rounds was Gunnar Henderson, seen as a significant value at pick 11, while Julio Rodriguez’s selection raised eyebrows due to inconsistent performances in prior seasons.

The podcast hosts explore the best and worst choices in each round, emphasizing the importance of strategic timing, especially regarding pitching, which was notably delayed. They discuss players like Corbin Carroll and Tarek Skubal, who made headlines for their respective values, as well as the struggles of veteran pitchers like Jacob deGrom recovering from injuries. As the draft progresses, opinions on players like Wyatt Langford and Jazz Chisholm Jr. showcase the varying outlooks on potential breakout candidates versus established players.