Identifying Sleepers in Fantasy Baseball: Tips and Tricks for a Successful Draft in 2023

Fantasy baseball is a game of strategy and luck, but with a little bit of research, you can increase your chances of success. One key element of any successful fantasy baseball team is having a few sleepers on your roster. Sleepers are players who are not highly touted by experts or the general public, but have the potential to greatly outperform their draft position. In this article, we’ll explore how to identify sleepers in fantasy baseball.

1.  Look at players who have changed teams or leagues

One way to identify sleepers is to look for players who have changed teams or leagues. A change of scenery can sometimes do wonders for a player’s performance. For example, a pitcher who moves from a pitcher-friendly park to a hitter-friendly park may see his numbers decline, while a hitter who moves from a pitcher-friendly park to a hitter-friendly park may see his numbers improve. Additionally, players who move from the National League to the American League (or vice versa) may also see a boost in their numbers.

2.  Pay attention to players who have changed their approach

Another way to identify sleepers is to look for players who have made changes to their approach. For example, a hitter who has changed his swing mechanics or a pitcher who has added a new pitch to his repertoire can be prime candidates for a breakout season. Pay attention to players who have made changes in the off-season and be sure to keep an eye on their spring training performances to see if their changes are paying off.

3.  Watch for players who are coming off of injury

Injuries can often derail a player’s performance, but they can also provide an opportunity to draft a player at a discount. Players who are coming off of injury can often be had later in the draft, but if they return to form, they can provide significant value. Be sure to keep an eye on players who are coming off of injury and monitor their progress throughout spring training to see if they are ready to make a full recovery.

4.  Look at players who have had a down year

Finally, one way to identify sleepers is to look for players who had a down year. Sometimes, players who have had a down year are motivated to bounce back and can provide great value in the later rounds of the draft. Keep in mind, however, that some players may never bounce back from a down year, so it’s important to carefully consider the reasons for their struggles before selecting them.

Identifying sleepers in fantasy baseball requires a combination of research and intuition. By keeping an eye on players who have changed teams or leagues, made changes to their approach, are coming off of injury, or had a down year, you can increase your chances of finding a diamond in the rough. Remember, the key to a successful fantasy baseball draft is to do your homework, stay patient, and always keep an open mind. Happy drafting!