With spring training right around the corner, it is time to start thinking about fantasy baseball again. With that being said, keeping an eye on players during spring training can be the difference in making or missing the playoffs. Here are three hitters I think people should be keeping close eyes on as spring training games get going.
Andrew Vaughn 1B/DH Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox have set themselves up to be an outstanding team this season. They have one of the best offenses in the MLB but have not settled on their starting DH yet. The White Sox drafted Andrew Vaughn in 2019 as the third overall pick, and he is considered one of baseball’s best hitting prospects. Vaughn hit .402 and .374 in his last two seasons at the University of California, earning him the golden spikes award in 2018.
Vaughn has been a prospect that the White Sox haven’t been willing to move in any deal. It seems they are giving him the keys as they didn’t sign any of the big-name DH candidates. Adding him to this loaded White Sox lineup will keep the pressure off him and improving the likelihood that he will stay as the DH. Right now, Vaughn is not being drafted unless your fantasy leagues allow NA spots, but he could easily find himself on a can’t miss offense.
Dylan Carlson OF St. Louis Cardinals
Carlson (22/110 11R 3HR 16RBI 1SB .200) got a little taste of the big leagues last season but didn’t get a chance to show off his skills. In the minors, Carlson was a five-tool player, but it never manifested after the Cardinals called him up last season. The Cardinals also underutilized Carlson’s speed. After a full offseason and spring training, the Cardinals will better understand his skill set.
Right now, Carlson is ranked on the low end of drafts, which is great if he can live up to what I think he can be. I like almost everything about Carlson, except his batting average. However, with 3B Nolan Arenado coming to the Cardinals, I think Carlson will enjoy some better pitches. He is someone I will be keeping a close eye on during spring training to see if he has adjusted to MLB pitching.
Ke’Bryan Hayes 3B Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates made a huge splash when they called up Hayes (32/85 17R 5HR 11RBI 1SB .376), and he didn’t disappoint. Hayes is projected to be drafted between rounds 10-13, and I am all in on this guy. The Pirates aren’t a good team, but that didn’t hurt Hayes’s number last season.
If you miss out on a top 3B, Hayes will be a huge prize. The Pirates have cleared out a majority of their players, leaving Hayes to become the face of the franchise. But again, keep an eye on what he does in spring training. The better he does, the more likely others might jump on him early.
Next week, I will look at three pitchers that I will be keeping an eye on during spring training.