Fantasy Baseball: The Post’s Overrated-Underrated Team

The fantasy designs are over, but your work is far from done.

It’s time to see if your play with the under-the-radar outfielder you picked three rounds above his average draft position pays off. It’s time to see if this veteran pitcher, who you’ve trusted with a key position in your rotation, still has another stellar season on his aging arm. Will this late riser have the breakout you’ve been hoping for, or will it just be another name added to the abandonment wire?

It’s time to get those answers. It’s time to play ball.

But before the season begins, it’s time for Roto Rage’s eighth annual Overrated/Underrated Fantasy Team. Here’s a look at this year’s squad:

First base

Overrated: Ryan Mountcastle, Orioles

Enters the season as a top 10 fantasy first baseman overall, but ended 2021 with the 17th-worst strikeout rate (27.5 percent), 15th-worst on-base percentage (.309 ) and the second-lowest walk rate (7 percent) among qualified players at his position. Although Mountcastle has proven he has power (33 homers), it’s hard to believe he’ll repeat that feat – especially since 22 of those bombs landed at Camden Yards, where they just moved the fences back 30 feet. Take all of that and mix that with a mediocre supporting cast, and you’re stuck with a player who’s almost entirely dependent on power generation. No thanks.

Underestimated: CJ Cron, Rockies

After a lackluster first half (.254, 12 HR, 35 RBIs, .833 OPS), he finished with a strong second half (.307, 16 HR, 57 RBI, .974). There’s also the Coors Field factor, where he hit .326 with 19 homers, 68 RBIs and 1.073 OPS.

second base

Overrated: Brandon Lowe, Rays

Being drafted as the fifth-best second baseman was a stretch, especially since he offers little in stolen bases and is a career .222 hitter with a nearly 36 percent strikeout rate against lefties. Power is good, but there was plenty of it in the designs.

Underestimated: Brendan Rodgers, Rockies

He will play every day, has over 20 homer potential and is qualified for multiple positions. His away numbers (.289, 12 HR, 30 RBIs, 25 R, .873 OPS in 51 games) were better than those at home (.280, 3 HR, 21 RBI, 24 R, .723 OPS in 51 games). So this is not a decision based on Coors Field.

short stop

Overrated: Trevor Story, Red Sox

While with the Rockies, he was a .241 hitter with .752 OPS in 370 road games while hitting .303 with .972 OPS in 375 games at Coors Field. Enough said.

Underestimated: JP Crawford, seafarers

Double digit homer and stolen base potential, finished in the top 40 in runs last year and should be the leadoff hitter for an improved lineup.

third base

Overrated: Adalberto Mondesi, Royals

Primarily a shortstop, he is eligible at third base. Does not make a difference. Played 75+ games in a season once in his six-year career.

Underestimated: Jeimer Candelario, Tigers

Tie for the league lead in doubles while hitting .271 in 2021 with 16 homers, 67 RBIs and 75 runs scored. .282 in the second half with 11 homers, 43 RBIs and .882 OPS. An improved lineup could help with a potential breakout.

catcher

Overrated: JT Realmuto, Phillies

Did you know that since hitting .303 in 2016, his batting average has fallen every year while his strikeout rate has risen? Yes, now you know.

Underestimated: Austin Nola, Father

Injuries are to blame for a disappointing 2021 but universal DH should help him stay on the field.

outfield

Overrated: Byron Buxton, twins

Having all the talent in the world means little if you can’t stay healthy.

Underestimated: Bryan Reynolds, Pirates

Among the NL hitters, he ranked sixth in OPS, seventh in average, ninth in walk rate, 12th in runs, and 15th in RBIs. He also hit 24 homers and had the 22nd lowest strikeout rate.

starting pitcher

Overrated: Robbie Ray, Seamen

Not only did he allow a lot of hard contact and 33 home runs, he also had a FIP of 3.69. He also has a career 4.00 ERA. Expect the southpaw to return to earth following his Cy Young campaign in 2021.

Underestimated: Charlie Morton, Braves

Yes, he’s 38, but he was 61-24 with a 3.34 ERA, 10.6 strikeouts per nine (11th best in the majors) and a 1.13 WHIP from 2017-21. He’s also armed with one of the best curveballs in the game, which limited opponents to a .127 average and a 40 percent touch rate (127 Ks) last year. The broken fibula he sustained at last year’s World Series is nothing to worry about.

relief pitcher

Overrated: Aroldis Chapman, Yankees

The flamethrowing closer had the second-highest strikeouts per nine (15.5) among hurlers with at least 50 innings pitched, but he had the fifth-highest walks per nine (6.07) and his xERA (3.87) and FIP (3.99). ) were quite higher than his ERA (3.36). Not a good sign.

Underestimated: David Bednar, Pirates

Knocked out 32.5 percent of the batters he faced while maintaining a 2.23 ERA and .97 WHIP through 60 ²/₃ innings.

rankings

First base

1. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., goal
2. Freddie Freeman, LAD
3. Matt Olson, Atl
4. Pete Alonso, New York
5. Paul Goldschmidt, St

second base

1. Trea Turner, LAD
2. Ozzie Albies, Atl
3. Marcus Semien, Texas
4. Whit Merrifield, KC
5. Ketel Marte, Ari

short stop

1. Trea Turner, LAD
2. Bo Bichette, Tor
3. Xander Bogaerts, Bos
4. Tim Anderson, CWS
5. Francisco Lindor, New York

third base

1. Jose Ramírez, Cle
2. Rafael Devers, Bos
3. Manny Machado, SD
4. Wander Franco, TB
5. Kris Bryant, Col

catcher

1. Salvador Perez, KC
2. Will Smith, LAD
3. Yasmani Grandal, CWS
4. Willson Contreras, CHC
5. JT Realmuto, Phi

outfield player

1. Juan Soto, was
2. Ronald Acuna, Atl
3. Bryce Harper, Phi
4. Kyle Tucker, Hou
5. Mookie Betts, LAD

start pitchers

1. Corbin Burnes, Mil
2. Gerrit Cole, New York
3. Max Scherzer, NYM
4. Walker Buehler, LAD
5. Brandon Woodruff, Mil

relief jugs

1. Josh Hader, Mil
2. Liam Hendriks, CWS
3. Raisel Igelesias, LAA
4. Emmanuel Clase, Cle
5. Ryan Pressly, Hou