MLB Data Warehouse Dynasty League - First Half review
We started a new dynasty league for MLBDW writers and members, here's how it's going so far
At the request of several readers, we put together a 30-team dynasty league for the readers and some of the writers here at MLB Data Warehouse (including Jon Anderson, Tim Kanak, Doc Eisenhauer, and myself) in January.
The league had a 26-player, $200 budget MLB auction, where you needed to have at least one MLB at-bat or inning pitched to be eligible. Followed by a 26-player minor league slow draft for players still available and who qualified as rookies still for the MLB. All minor league players drafted had a salary of $1.
The league was divided into 6 divisions to mimic the MLB, and teams were named accordingly. We are playing head-to-head with the following categories:
HITTING (NO MAX/MIN): Runs, Home Runs, RBI, Stolen Bases, Batting Average, OPS
PITCHING (30 IP MIN, NO MAX): Innings Pitched, ERA, WHIP, Strikeouts, K%, Saves+Holds
For your hitters, you started C, 1B, 2B,SS,3B, 3 OF, 2 UT. For your pitchers, you started 5 SP, 3 RP, 3 P. You had 26 active/reserve players, 26 minor league spots, and 10 IL slots.
During the season, you could exceed your salary cap up to $300. But the salary cap returns to $200 before the 2027 auction and MLB players salaries increase $3 each year.
Here’s one person’s view of how the first half has gone.
My Auction
We started on Jan. 1. Well, at least most of us did, and before the auction ended two weeks later, we lost two owners. Let’s say we are never doing a 12-hour clock again.
About three-quarters of the owners went with a studs-and-scrubs and about a quarter maintained their budgets. With a $200 budget and 26 roster spots, an average player should have cost between $7-8. That certainly wasn’t the case for the top dollar guys.
Ohtani went for $59, Judge for $53, Soto for $50, and Witt $49. So when I picked up Gunnar Henderson for $38 and Fernando Tatis Jr. for $37, part of my brain thought I got good values for young, improving players. But the other part of my brain knew I was going to have to find bargains for the rest of the draft as I had only $125 for the other 24 slots ($5.20 average).
Instead of locking it down for 50-75 picks, I plowed ahead with $19 for Tyler Soderstrom and $18 for Edwin Diaz. Dropping my average for the next 22 players down to just $4. Still a chance?
Not after a bad click results in a misplaced Josh Hader bid of $18 that pretty much put an end to my season before it started.
Auction First-Half All-Stars
But enough of me, let’s look at those who killed it at the auction. By position, here are the best auction values of the first half:
CATCHER: Dillon Dingler, Tigers, $7 by Nationals
FIRST BASEMAN: Willson Contreras, Red Sox, $10 by Cubs
SECOND BASEMAN: Luis Garcia, Nationals, $8 by Cardinals
SHORTSTOP: Otto Lopez, Marlins, $9 by Athletics
THIRD BASEMAN: Miguel Vargas, White Sox, $6 by Astros
OUTFIELDERS: Jordan Walker, Cardinals, $5 by Nationals; Brandon Marsh, Phillies, $4 by Rockies; Jake McCarthy, Rockies, $1 by Athletics
STARTING PITCHERS: Max Meyer, Marlins, $3 by Twins; Braxton Ashcraft, Pirates, $4 by Rays; Parker Messick, Guardians, $6 by Cardinals; Kyle Harrison, Brewers, $2 by Blue Jays; Ranger Suarez, Red Sox, $9 by White Sox
RELIEF PITCHERS: Louie Varland, Blue Jays, $4 by Rockies; Bryan Baker, Rays, $2 by Cardinals; Jhoan Duran, Phillies, $6 by Orioles
SP/RP: Jake Latz, Rangers, $2 by Blue Jays; Foster Griffin, Nationals, $1 by Red Sox; Justin Wrobleski, Dodgers, $2 by Brewers
Minor League Draft
Random order and a number of trades between the auction and the draft, and a number during the draft, resulted in mixed results.
With 30 teams and four-hour window for drafting, patience of all was tested. At a certain point, my goal was to trade away my last five picks and try to acquire as many back-to-back picks to get this over with. For others they were there from the first pick, No. 1 Konnor Griffin, just after noon on Jan. 15 until the final pick, No. 780 McCade Brown, on Feb. 11.
The good news is next year’s FYPD draft will be five rounds. Maybe less for some as you will be able to keep 26 minor leaguers if you choose.
Here’s my mid-season review with the best value picks of each round, who I selected, why and who I would select now.
FIRST ROUND
Best value: Munetaka Murakami, White Sox, 1B/3B. selected 9th by Reds
Lots of talented players selected in this round, but it is hard to argue with the powerful start to Murakami’s MLB career. He is definitely part of the reason the Reds have the top record on July 1.
My pick: Thomas White, Marlins-SP (21 overall)
I was picking 17th and hoping Philly SS Aiden Miller would land in my lap. He went 11th and at that point I was looking to trade back in the 1st and trade up in the 2nd to pair White with Yankees prospect Dax Kilby. The team picking 21st was willing to swap first and second round picks, so I moved back and waited for White. He was the third pitcher off the board (Tatsuya Imai was 12th and Andrew Painter 13th) and started a mini pitcher run with Kade Anderson and Robby Snelling going 22nd and 23rd.
My 20/20 pick: Kade Anderson, Mariners-SP
Still think White will be the better pitcher years from now, but Anderson’s 2026 season is hard to ignore.
SECOND ROUND
Best value: Gage Jump, Athletics, SP, selected 54th by Mets
Ryan Sloan (37th) and Seth Hernandez (39th) have higher ceilings, but Jump is providing the more immediate return on his investment.
My pick: Elmer Rodriguez, Yankees-SP (40)
So yeah, missed out on Kilby at 36th, Sloan and Hernandez. After a great run with Cam Schlittler last year, decided to go with the proximity play, especially after a weak SP auction. Rodriguez has not been Schlittler, but he’s still close to MLB ready.
My 20/20 pick: Lazaro Montes, Mariners-OF/DH
Selecting two starting pitchers with my first picks was like picking two running backs or receivers in a fantasy football draft. A hitter would have been better overall draft strategy and while I had cooled on Montes in the offseason, he is showing he has MLB power again this year.
THIRD ROUND
Best value: (tie) Esmerlyn Valdez, Pirates, 1B/OF, selected 87th by the Padres; A.J. Ewing, Mets-OF, selected 88th by the Yankees
This was a great round for a lot of teams. To date, Valdez and Ewing have provided the best production in the Majors and get the nod. But helium prospects Franklin Arias (82nd overall to Angels), Theo Gillen (75th to White Sox), and Alfredo Duno (63rd to the Dodgers) all provided strong value.
My pick: Joe Mack, Marlins-C (77)
Mack was under consideration for my second pick as I felt his defense was going to force him in the Majors and his power would play just well enough to keep him there. While Ewing and Valdez would have been fun, I like having an everyday catcher on a rookie deal.
My 20/20 pick: Mack
He’s a keeper for at least the next few years.
FOURTH ROUND
Best value: Cooper Pratt, Brewers, SS, selected 107th by the Twins
Pratt’s surprising early contract extension has boosted his value in the Majors and gives him the nod over several long-distance selections. Hat tip to the Giants who hit with all three of their picks in the round: Luis Hernandez (95th), Kevin Alvarez (99th), and Braylon Doughty (109th).
My pick: Andrew Fischer, Brewers-3B (104)
After his fantastic 2025 debut, the Brewers 2025 first-round pick has continued to slug this year. After setting the season-record for home runs for the Brewers’ High-A team, he hit six home runs in his first 11 games in Double A. That will slow, but my hope was to see him succeed in Double A this season, and he has reached that goal.
My 20/20 pick: Fischer
He is progressing as I had hoped and continues to hit with the level of power that makes a clear path to future playing time with the Brewers. Plus, I traded Josh Hader ($18) for Pratt later in the season, so I feel like I have two of the best values of the round.
FIFTH ROUND
Best value: Edwin Arroyo, Reds, SS/2B, selected 143rd by Royals
His start at Triple A forced the Reds to get him on the Major League roster. With second baseman Matt McLain starting to get reps in CF, Arroyo might just stick. Arroyo has provided the most MLB value in this round, but Demetrio Crisantes (123rd by the Cubs), Johnny King (126th by the Yankees), Chase Harlan 144th by the Tigers
My pick: none
There were a surprising number of DSL guys going in the 4th and 5th rounds. So it was time to trade back and also cut down the time I was going to spend on this draft. Traded this pick 137th overall, along with 14.14 and 26.14 for 7.4, 11.4, 15.4 to the Royals. Kansas City selected Mitch Bratt, Jansel Luis and traded that 26th rounder.
My 20/20 pick: Henry Bolte, Athletics-OF
If I didn’t trade, Bolte was going to be the pick. Love the power/speed combo and in that park.
SIXTH ROUND
Best value: Henry Bolte, Athletics, OF, selected 160th by the Rangers
This was the ultimate burn. I think I’m a nice guy and assume people I have never met are nice until they prove me wrong. I was discussing trading back in the 6th round with the owner of the Rangers. I joked it would be funny if we were targeting the same player. He asked who I was looking at, I said Bolte. He said he was looking for Sean Gamble. Then he traded up ahead of me and selected Bolte. Yeah. Fool me once… Couple of prime prospect selections to note would be Ethan Salas (177th to Nationals), Jefferson Rojas (166th to the White Sox), and Bo Davison (155th to the Giants, another great pick).
My pick: Nelson Rada, Angels-OF (164)
Another proximity pick, plus he was a 20-year-old playing in Triple A. We’ll see what the Angels do to him, but wouldn’t be surprised to see him the leadoff guy in September.
My 20/20 pick: Rada
A late season promotion was – and still is – my hope. If can be a 40-50 stolen base guy over the whole season, even with little power, he will have a spot on this team for years to come.
SEVENTH ROUND
Best value: Sam Antonacci, White Sox, 2B/OF, selected 198th by the Cubs
This draft was before the WBC, but if it had been later, Antonacci would not have lasted this long. He is producing for the White Sox like he did for Team Italy, and his multi-position and extended minor league eligibility make him a core piece for the first half in this league.
My pick: Justin Gonzales, Red Sox-1B/OF (184); traded 7.17 for 10.21 and 11.10
High upside was the play. Gonzales has moments that are amazing. His future defensive home is scary, but his bat will take him wherever he is going. Traded my second 7th rounder to Colorado, which selected Ike Irish.
My 20/20 pick: Gonzales
Keep hope alive. Dreaming on a Frank Thomas-light outcome.
EIGHTH ROUND
Best value: (tie) Anthony Eyanson, Red Sox, P, selected 239th by Mariners; Karson Milbrandt, Marlins, P, selected 240th by the Cardinals
Two of the fastest rising pitching prospects in the Majors. Eyanson has more helium, but Milbrandy is more likely to see MLB time this season.
My pick: Alex Clemmey, Nationals-P (224)
First really bad pick. Right position, wrong guy. As we will see, I was a sucker for young, slightly wild, hard throwing lefties.
My 20/20 pick: Milbrandt
I already had one Marlins pitching prospect (White), so I didn’t think I wanted another. I should have wanted another.
NINTH ROUND
Best value: (tie) Cole Carrigg, Rockies, OF, selected 244th by Nationals; Jake Bennett, Red Sox, P, selected 243rd by the Dodgers
They have been getting some MLB play and performing at a starting level. This was very good round for a lot of teams with Devin Fitz-Gerald (255th to White Sox), Cooper Ingle (252nd to Orioles) and Braylon Payne (264th to Tigers) among the highlights.
My pick: Jacob Bresnahan, Giants-P (257)
Former Guardians and 20-year-old in High A. Felt like he would be a fast riser and was going to get a great home park if he made it. We’ll see.
My 20/20 pick: Braylon Payne, Brewers-OF
I should have known the power was coming. He looks like a future MLB starter.
10TH ROUND
Best value: Anthony Nunez, Orioles, RP, selected 278th by the Phillies
This was not a great round for anyone. Lots of injuries, A-level guys without helium or Triple A guys who look like Quad A futures.
My picks: Miguel Mendez, Padres-P (284); Marcus Phillips, Red Sox-P (291)
My first round with two picks and landed with a couple duds. Mendez has regressed for San Diego. Phillips, I thought, could be better than Kyson Witherspoon and Eyanson. He seems to have the longest path and may not be worth keeping.
My 20/20 pick: James Tibbs, Dodgers-OF; Christian Zazueta, Dodgers-P
Next time, just pick Dodgers prospects. Right?
11TH ROUND
Best value: Andrew Morris, Twins, SP/RP, selected 328th by Angels
The cheat code to this league with our 5 starting pitcher slots is relief pitchers who qualify as SP. In a 30-team league, you are going to be lucky to have 5 actual starting pitchers. So you can get more innings and impact with relievers who can take those spots. Morris has looked like an end-of-the-rotation arm at peak. But the Twins did right by him and moved him to the bullpen in the majors. That has made him a very good value in this league.
My picks: Ryan Weiss, Astros-SP (304); Kellon Lindsey, Dodgers-SS/OF (317); Traded 11.10 and 15.17 for 12.22, 13.9
My lack of SP in the auction left me looking for possible answers in the draft. I thought the Astros knew something when they brought Weiss over from KBO and he would have a spot in the rotation. I’ve already cut him.
My lack of SS prospects early (I mean I have Gunnar Henderson, so why do I need a SS prospect?) forced me to grab Lindsey, who isn’t likely a SS. He has continued to mix injuries with great Low-A performances, but certainly has not taken off.
In the trade, the Reds selected Braxton Bragg and later Juan Matheus.
My 20/20 pick: Trevor McDonald, Giants-SP; Emanuel Luna, Cardinals-OF
McDonald has been a streaming option and might have a back-end rotation future. When the DSL guys started going in the 4th and 5th rounds, Luna was a guy I was waiting on. He would go in the 12th round.
12TH ROUND
Best value: Edgardo Henriquez, Dodgers, RP, selected 344th by Blue Jays
For impact, grabbing a 23-year-old future closer made a lot of sense to me. I might have him too soon as he will be at least $10 by the time he is ready to ascend into the closer role. But with holds counting as much as saves, I feel like I will get solid value sooner than later.
My pick: Henriquez; Yairo Padilla, Cardinals-SS (352)
Padilla was another SS prospect. He has wildly varied reports, and started this season injured. I ended by adding him to a trade last month.
My 20/20 pick: Henriquez, Tate Southisene, Braves-SS/2B
After that 2025 debut, how could anyone pick Southisene? But I guess I should have.
13TH ROUND
Best value: Josiah Hartshorn, Cubs, 1B/OF, selected 374th by Twins
Lots of fun pop-up prospects in this round. 19-year-old Hartshorn is already at High-A and continuing to hit well. He has jumped into the top 50 prospects for Baseball America already. While he is looking like 1B-only, his bat could be among the best hit/power combos from the 2025 HS draft class. Other teens also are shining. Pitchers Briggs McKenzie (366th, Mets) and Johnny Slawinski (390th, Braves), middle infielder Southsiene (361st, Nationals) are looking like future Top 40 prospects.
My picks: Sam Petersen, Nationals-OF (369); Joshua Lugo, Angels-SS (377)
I liked Petersen’s proximity (Double-A) and Lugo was a top SS prospect for Angels. Petersen has been up-and-down, but has a bunch of prospects now looking to fly past him. Lugo has repeated Complex League and no longer looks like a future MLBer.
My 20/20 pick: Hartshorn; Denzer Guzman, Angels-SS/3B
What a different round this could have been. I never would have had Hartshorn this high, so that was not going to happen. Guzman was the best Angels’ SS prospect and had proximity. I went for the higher upside, but it may have actually been Guzman.
14TH ROUND
Best value: Zach Thornton, Mets, SP, selected 395th by Cubs
Thornton was an arm I liked until he missed a big chunk of the 2025 season with injury. He came back strong to start 2026, jumping quickly from Double A to Triple A to the Majors. As one of the few lefty starters among the top Mets prospects, it feels like he could be in the rotation after the trade deadline. This was one of the weaker rounds of the draft.
My pick: none
My 20/20 pick: none
This was a good round to skip.
15TH ROUND
Best value: Denzer Guzman, Angels, SS-3B, selected 423rd by Dodgers
Guzman got an MLB taste at the end of 2025, but started back in Triple A this season. He continued to improve and forced his way into the Angels lineup over the past month. Still just 22, he should be a starter for the next several years. Tip of the hat to the Braves for the selection of tall, lefty Joseph Dzierwa, a 2025 draftee already in Double A and pushing for a Triple A bump before the end of 2026.
My pick: Austin Overn, Rays-OF (424)
One of the many prospects the Rays took from Baltimore in the Shane Baz heist, Overn fits my type. He’s a top speed guy with raw power. It started to come together in Double A until an undisclosed injury put him on the shelf for more than a month. He just returned to start July. His .450-ish BABIP is pushing his career-best BA, but he looks like a 20/40 centerfielder at his peak.
My 20/20 pick: Overn
My only concern for Overn to reach his potential is the Rays love of platooning.
16TH ROUND
Best value: Luis Lara, Brewers, OF, selected 477th by Royals
One of the more shocking developments, at least for me, was the Brewers extending Lara on an eight-year deal. Lara, 21, had great defense, solid hit tool and speed, but little power. Then he hit seven home runs in Triple A by May 6 and was signing an MLB deal. Lara did not hit another home run until July 2, so that remains a serious question for his MLB future.
My pick: traded 16.14 for 17.16 and 21.16
My 20/20 pick: Lara
Was it worth trading back? Lara probably was not going to be my pick, but I have spent months trying to prying him away from the Royals’ owner to no avail.
17TH ROUND
Best value: Pedro Ramirez, Cubs. 2B/3B, selected 494th by Twins
Ramirez was looking like a future utility MLB guy until his power exploded in Triple A to start this year. He’s still awaiting a real chance in the Cubs lineup, but he’s still in Chicago. Twins valued him enough that they traded Cooper Pratt instead of Ramirez in the deal we made for Josh Hader,. Tip of the hat for a couple of 2025 HS draftees who have shined for the Rays in Low A, Taitn Gray (504th, Tigers) and Cooper Flemming (506th, Cubs).
My pick: Alex Lodise, Braves-SS (496); Elvis Alvarado, Athletics-RP (497)
I thought Lodise, the 2025 ACC Player of the Year, was the Braves future SS after being selected in the 2nd round. I thought I had a great steal. But after a 2025 debut in High A, he has been putting up middling numbers in Low A until the past few weeks. Alvarado finished 2025 strong and was going to be a sneaky MLB arm with minor eligibility.
My 20/20 pick: Cam Cannarella, Marlins-OF; Alvarado
Grabbed the wrong ACC star, as the oft-injured Cannarella is already on Double A despite another injury.
18TH ROUND
Best value: Cam Cannarella, Marlins, OF, selected 514th by Padres
A freshman star at Clemson, a torn labrum he played through set back his development in college, zapped any power in his bat and put his throwing into question in the outfield. Above average speed and hit tool made him the 43rd pick of the 2025 draft. Since then, he’s been looking more like the guy who people were dreaming on as a freshman. As seems to be the theme of the 2026 minor league season, Cannarella, despite losing a month to a fractured wrist, has clubbed six home runs in 26 Double A games. He is slugging a surprising .569 between High A and Double A. He looks to be firmly in the mix for the Marlins starting CF job in 2028.
My pick: Randy Guzman, Mets-1B (524)
I was looking for power and a 1B prospect. Guzman, who’s brother played in the MLB, has a puncher’s chance of seeing the MLB. He’s taken a slight step back after a great 2025.
My 20/20 pick: Nick Morabito, Mets-OF
I was in the right organization, but should have continued my stretch of speedy outfielders. Morabito has already jumped from Double A to the Majors this year. He’s not quite ready for the MLB, but he will be, maybe as soon as the end of this year.
19TH ROUND
Best value: Murf Gray, Pirates, 3B, selected 564th by Tigers.
While Joshua Kuroda-Grauer (543th, Dodgers) and Morabito (544th, Royals) have seen some MLB time, the future for Gray is one of the brightest for 2025 college draftees. The 73rd overall pick got a soft assignment to Low A to start 2026. The 22-year-old tore it up with a 171 wRC+ in 38 games before jumping to High A. He has not slowed down with 12 homers (20 for the year) in his first 30 games. He got the call to Double A during the All-Star break and might be pushing for the starting job in Pittsburgh in spring 2028.
My pick: Wellinton Herrera, Rockies-RP (557)
I was sitting on this pick since I picked Alvarado. I thought I just selected the Rockies 2027 closer. Instead, he got Tommy John surgery soon after his MLB debut and lots of questions about his future.
My 20/20 pick: Will Klein, Dodgers-RP
While I think without the injury Herrera was the obvious choice, Klein would have been a solid selection as well. At the time, his role in the Dodgers’ bullpen was not solid, so this pick would have needed a crystal ball. Instead, the Braves are enjoying his solid play.
20TH ROUND
Best value: T.J. Rumfield, Rockies, 1B, selected 584th by Blue Jays
My best pick of the draft. He had just been sent from being buried in the Yankees system to a fresh start in Colorado. For a good prospect who just lacked typical 1B power (16 homers in 138 Triple A games in 2025), I felt this home park move and playing time could unlock him. It has and he is likely a core member of my roster for the next 2-3 years.
My pick: Rumfield
Already at 12 home runs, feels like 20-25 is possible.
My 20/20 pick: Rumfield
21ST ROUND
Best value: Daniel Susac, Giants, C, selected 602th by Mariners
Former 1st-round pick for the Athletics, Susac hit so well to start the season, the Giants dealt their Gold Glove/no bat starter Patrick Bailey. Injuries have once again sidetracked Susac, but he appears to be the Giants’ catcher of the future. Lots of helium picks here as Robert Arias (615, White Sox) and Ramon Marquez (629, Diamondbacks) have made their marks in the A-ball ranks.
My pick: Fabricio Blanco, Rays-SS (604) (traded 23.16 and 23.17 for this pick); Jordan Sanchez, Orioles-OF (616); Sadbiel Delzine, Red Sox-SP (617)
Baseball America was high on Blanco as a late J15 bloomer. I bit and now I wait to see if he even plays this year. Sanchez had a breakout at complex in 2025. His power/speed combo was intriguing. But his hit tool continues to hold him back during his second season in Low A. Delzine is a big teen with easy velo in a good pitching development org. He continues to rise up charts in his stateside debut.
My 20/20 pick: Robert Arias, Guardians-OF; Henry Lalane, Yankees-SP; Delzine
Despite his injury, Arias looks like a future MLB outfielder who could grow into power to make him a solid starter. Lalane has spent two years trying to avoid injuries. The 6-foot-7 lefty looks at least like a power arm in the bullpen after throwing more innings this season (62.1) than his previous three years (50.1). I has an interesting future that could make a big jump in 2027.
22ND ROUND
Best value: Owen Ayers, Cubs, C, selected 644th by Blue Jays
After a great showing in the Arizona Fall League, the very old for his level Ayers was a sleeper on my list. He did not have a lot of experience as a catcher, but seemed to have the tools. More importantly for fantasy, he had power in his bat and a pretty good approach. After hitting six home runs in 11 games in High A, he move to Double A where he has another 14 home runs, while maintaining a .300 average. At 25, he got the call to Triple A during the All-Star break. We’ll see if that slows him down.
My pick: Ayers
Cubs starting catcher Carson Kelly has a mutual option in 2027 and is a free agent in 2028. Ayers could be the Cubs’ starter in 2028.
My 20/20 pick: Ayers
A good way to finish my draft.
23RD ROUND
Best value: Luke Hill, Guardians, 3B, select 690th by Braves
Hill made the jump from High A to Double A in June, after posting a 157 wRC+ with 10 homers and six stolen bases in 38 games. But a right oblique strain has slowed down his rise.
24TH ROUND
Best value: Dylan Dreiling, Rangers, OF, selected 696th by Rays
Dreiling has improved in his second full pro season, and has firm up a floor as a future fourth outfielder. He’s on pace for a near 20-20 season in Double A, after going 12-15 in High A last year.
25TH ROUND
Best value: (tie) Jaden Hill, Rockies, RP, selected 741st by Pirates; Shane Drohan, Brewers, SP, selected 733rd by Rockies
Proximity plays landed well in this round. Hill earned a high-leverage spot with the Rockies before a bum shoulder put him on the IL. Drohan has shuffled between the bullpen and rotation (or bulk innings) posting a 3.12 ERA and surprising 1.23 WHIP for a prospect with control concerns. Andrew Alvarez (737, Guardians) is back in the Nationals rotation. Former first-rounder Gabriel Hughes (738, Pirates) has made his MLB debut. Isaiah Drake (726, Yankees) is one of the many Braves prospects to bloom in 2026.
26ND ROUND
Best value: Eric Hartman, Braves, OF, selected 763rd by Cubs
Just surviving until the 780th pick was great. But this Hartman selection may go down as the greatest selection of this draft. The Canadian high schooler has shot up prospect rankings in his second professional season. He has reached 20-30 before the beginning of July and is firmly in the Baseball America top 25. If not for Hartman, Sean Keys going 753rd would be a slam dunk for this round. Similar to Hartman, Keys had an average first full pro season, but has forced his way onto the MLB roster with a good mix of power and patience.
How it’s going
This was my roster after the auction and draft:
When my big money hitters Tatis and Henderson failed through May, the writing was on a the wall. We were not going to win the league. Sitting in 18th in a league with only the top 8 competing for the title, it was going to be a long, and likely fruitless haul. So it was time to rebuild, right Rock?
I set about finding a new home for my two most expensive players. I needed to move them before the other teams started to think about tanking. And I couldn’t do a traditional tank, because we put an anti-tanking rule in place. The 11 teams with the worst record, will also have a playoff. The team that finishes 20th will get a first-round bye, while teams 21st-30th play. The winners move on, the losers end up with FYPD picks 7-11. And we keep playing until someone wins the first pick in the draft.
While getting the top pick in the FYPD would be nice, this FYPD will be very watered down compared to the draft we had. So, while getting current MLB players for Henderson and Tatis — who were definitely not coming back in 2027 at $41 and $40 — would be nice, I didn’t see that as the value. I looked over the contending teams, especially the teams that were in very competitive divisions, looking for the right deal for high level prospects.
We had one team that was abandoned late or just after the draft. That team was surprisingly, even to the new owner, in the top 10. But he needed more bats. Since he did not make the picks, it was easier to get him to flip his first- and second-rounders (Kaelen Culpepper and Jamie Arnold). The ironic part of the deal was those two were picked in the positions I swapped to move back in the first and up in the second. So I basically ended up with two firsts and two seconds from this draft.
My next move was to get what I could for Carson Kelly, who was made expendable after Joe Mack made his MLB debut. The owner of the Tampa Bay Rays had been bending my ear on a number of deals. I really didn’t want to make a deal to help him after this season since we are competing for the same playoff spot. But after three fruitless weeks I bit, flipping Kelly and injured (again) Cardinals Low-A SS Yairo Padilla for injured Red Sox High A flamethrower Juan Valera and Giants rookie outfielder Jonah Cox. I liked Cox as a player who could get more playing time in August (when I’ll be playing for the first pick) if the Giants sell outfielders at the deadline. Cox jumped over Triple A after hitting .400+ in Double A this spring and has speed.
That seemed to get things moving on the trade front. I had been trying to find a new home for Josh Hader, who had come back from the IL and was looking like prime Josh Hader. Since he was a rental (he’ll be $21 next year) and we are a SV+H league, his value is slightly devalued. I approached an owner with an SVH need about him for a 3B or 2B prospect. He fired back a counter that took me by surprise, Brewers SS Cooper Pratt for Hader. I could not hit accept fast enough. I went in hoping for a player who could help in a couple years, and likely got my SS for the next several years instead.
Third base has been a black hole for a number of teams. Mark Vientos looked like he was a future star at the position in 2024 for the Mets. Not so much since. I knew I wouldn’t get much for him, but I was looking for a deal to get me another bat for August and a potential starting pitcher as I was also looking to deal Will Warren and needed to make sure I could cover the 30 innings per scoring period minimum. I was intrigued by White Sox rookie David Sandlin, who has thrown two great starts and two duds in his MLB debut season. His owner also had an injured outfielder, Reds’ Blake Dunn, who had played well in June, but was out with an elbow injury. When I got Rays Double A prospect Xavier Isaac added to the deal, I had to say yes. The timing was lucky as Vientos would get hurt five days later.
With an August 10 trade deadline looming, I am looking to deal some quality pitching over the next month. Some owners have told me they wanted to wait until closer to the deadline, so we will see if these deals can get bigger at crunch time. Getting Edwin Diaz back closing for the Dodgers before our deadline (a week after the MLB deadline) could be important for me. I’d love to get a similar return to what I received for Hader. And if not, he could be a driving force to help me win the FYPD playoffs.
I’ll let you know what happens after the season.