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It's fantasy baseball draft season. That means it's time to start locking down the players you want in the middle and later rounds of the draft. Everyone wants to find breakout players that smash their draft value by several rounds, so let's identify some of the guys that should make your list.
Each position has a list of players who have a chance of hitting the scene hard this upcoming season, but narrowing it down to a handful of guys is key when prepping for draft day.
Let's look at three candidates to have breakout seasons at second base in 2024. Each one of these players has a high likelihood of making a name for themself on the fantasy baseball radar as we inch closer to opening day.
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Potential 2B Fantasy Baseball Breakouts
Vaughn Grissom, Boston Red Sox
Let's start in Boston with the Red Sox who are in the middle of a semi-rebuild, consisting of a plethora of young players. One of those is my first breakout candidate on this year's list, and his name is Vaughn Grissom. The newly acquired 23-year-old has all the makings of the next great major league second baseman.
He hasn't proven himself yet, but be patient, the time is coming.
Second base has not traditionally been known as a roster spot in fantasy loaded with power. Usually when looking for stud hitters to fill that slot, one aims for guys with high averages, the ability to score runs, and occasionally steal some bases.
Vaughn Grissom 2024 projections:
.296/.354/.440 | 13 HR | 15 SB | .794 OPS
For those who’ve followed me from the beginning, I am ultra-high on Grissom. I think the world of this kid… could very well be the next Bogaerts. Big breakout year for him.pic.twitter.com/cIy3aUQ0u0
— G.G. (@ggeiss_mlb) February 15, 2024
With some exceptions, the first round of drafts is typically flooded with hitters projected for 25+ homers and 100+ RBI. Unless you've decided to go big at 2B with stars such as Mookie Betts, Marcus Semien, or Ozzie Albies, you can forget about that when drafting the right side of the infield. You need to be realistic with expectations and accept that this spot should be dedicated to consistency. Try and grab someone in the middle rounds who will complement the rest of your roster, and not be the centerpiece.
I believe Grissom has all the pieces in place to become a fantasy star starting in 2024. The best part? You'll probably be able to snag him in the later part of your draft.
Now let's not lose our minds here and get crazy. The former Atlanta Brave has only had 216 major league ABs in his very young career. In that short stint, he hit .284, with five total home runs while collecting 36 RBI and stealing five bases. Not mindblowing numbers, but certainly promising production from a guy who will now see his role increase dramatically in 2024.
Coming over from Atlanta in an offseason trade with the Red Sox for starting pitcher Chris Sale, there is going to be a lot on Grissom's shoulders starting in April. The Sox haven't done much to improve their roster outside of acquiring the young hitting prospect, so eyes will be focused on him immediately. Projections slot him into the middle of Boston's starting lineup come opening day, and production will be asked of him right off the bat. Expect a slow start, but be patient and you will be rewarded with fantasy production as the season heads towards summer.
Zack Gelof, Oakland A's
Selecting this young Oakland slugger as the second of my breakout players in 2024, was an easy, yet complicated choice. Zack Gelof isn't technically a first-year MLB talent, however, he still finds himself "coming on to the scene". He is entering his sophomore campaign, after making his rookie debut midway through the 2023 season.
Selected by the Athletics in the second round of the 2021 MLB draft, the 24-year-old second baseman has the potential to become the next, great infield star. He has a unique combination of power and speed and has only begun showing the world what he brings to the table.
Gelof played his college ball at the University of Virginia and was one of the best to ever put on their uniform. He went 81 for 81 in stolen base attempts while in school and showed signs of not only consistency at the plate but also power potential. Upon his arrival in Oakland in the mid-summer of 2023, he quickly became the fastest player in A's history to reach six home runs when he launched a 409-foot blast on August 9.
This is getting absurd. Zach Gelof is delivering the best start to his career that I’ve ever seen an A’s player have. pic.twitter.com/dVaReqqbEK
— Karl Buscheck (@KarlBuscheck) August 13, 2023
Quickly catching the attention of fantasy baseball managers in need of help at a thin 2B position, he was picked up by those looking for help last year, and those lucky enough to swipe him up in keeper leagues should seriously consider making Gelof the foundation of your infield this upcoming season.
In only 270 ABs last year, the six-foot-three athlete has unusual mobility for a guy his size, compiling 14 home runs, 32 RBI, 14 SB, 20 doubles, and 72 hits in just 69 games played. He showed that he not only belongs on a major league roster but that he should be on fantasy rosters alike.
This draft season, after the top names are off the board, grab Gelof in the middle rounds. He will provide power, speed, and most importantly, consistency. He is my number two breakout candidate in 2023 at second base.
Bryson Stott, Philadelphia Phillies
When constructing an ideal fantasy baseball roster, you must consider all facets of the surroundings in which that player plays. For example, you want guys who are in lineups that are productive, powerful, and dangerous.
Of course, there are exceptions to that rule, with players who will thrive on teams that aren't very good, simply based on their skill. However, the more talent around the player, the more likely he is to produce for your fantasy squad. One example of such, is Philadelphia Phillies second baseman, Bryson Stott.
Selected by the Phillies in the first round of the 2019 Major League Baseball draft, he made his big league debut in 2022. The left-handed slugger can play both shortstop and second base but has spent the majority of his early career in Philadelphia playing on the right side of the infield.
This guy isn't yet talked about as one of the game's better second basemen, but it seems like only a matter of time. The 26-year-old is entering just his third season in the big leagues and is primed for a breakout season in 2024.
Bryson Stott is climbing up the ranks of MLB second basemen pic.twitter.com/vCLIK59asB
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) February 21, 2024
It seems as though Stott does it all. A gold glove finalist in 2023, the Las Vegas native started coming out of his shell in his sophomore season. After hitting just .234 in 2022, his average skyrocketed to .280 last year. But that wasn't the only place his numbers improved. Almost across the board, Stott's production rose. He had 15 HRs, 62 RBI, 31 SB, 164 hits, and scored 78 runs. All major improvements from the season prior, showing he has nothing but breakout potential on the horizon.
Stott also finished with 4.3 WAR, which was tied with Zach Wheeler for the team lead. Surrounded by one of the most powerful lineups in all of baseball, Stott should continue to grow in this offense, and be a key contributor for all fantasy baseball lineups. He is a strong candidate to truly breakout at the second base position in 2024 and could be a difference-maker for fantasy lineups as we inch toward opening day.
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