USA TODAY Sports Weekly

AMERICAN LEAGUE HITTER PROJECTION­S

-

Here’s a closer look at the top AL players at each position, with 2023 projection­s from BaseballHQ.com. The dollar values are based on maximum league size and should be used for comparison purposes, rather than specific bid limits. Players are listed at all positions at which they qualify (20-game minimum required for eligibilit­y.)

Catcher

The catcher position seems deeper than it’s been in a while this season, thanks to some talented young backstops rising up through the ranks.

The Orioles’ Adley Rutschman made his MLB debut in late May but establishe­d himself as an offensive force with 35 doubles and 13 homers in just 113 games.

In addition, two AL catchers – the Blue Jays’ Daulton Varsho and the Royals’ MJ Melendez – could see more time in the outfield than behind the plate, giving them additional opportunit­ies to produce.

Team

Pérez Varsho Jansen Rutschman Kirk Melendez Haase Raleigh Grandal Mejía Bethancour­t Vazquez Heim Zunino Trevino

First base

AB

R

HR

RBI

SB

AVG $

Once again, the Blue Jays’ Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is the cream of the first base crop in the AL. However, the league’s second-best fantasy performer from last year might surprise you: Nathaniel Lowe of the Rangers, after he hit .302 with 27 homers and 76 RBI.

Former AL MVP José Abreu signing as a free agent with the Astros opens up an everyday spot for up-and-coming youngster Andrew Vaughn on the White Sox. Meanwhile, Josh Bell moves over from the NL.

Team AB

R

HR

RBI

SB

AVG $

Second base

Two players stand out above the crowd at second base because of their ability to do everything well. The Rangers’ Marcus Semien and the Astros’ Jose Altuve, both 32, consistent­ly combine power and speed at a position where most fantasy managers have to choose one or the other.

They form an exclusive top tier at the position, in the American League and overall. The Guardians’ Andrés Giménez had a breakout season in 2022 (.297, 17 HR, 20 SB), but can he do it again? Silver Slugger utilityman Brandon Drury (28 HR, 87 RBI), now with the Angels, provides pop at three positions.

Team AB R

Altuve Semien Giménez Torres Merrifield Lowe Polanco Drury LeMahieu Wong Arroyo Diaz Kemp Paredes Gordon Schoop Massey Fletcher Frazier Rengifo

Shortstop

HR

RBI

SB

AVG $

Toronto’s Bo Bichette got off to a slow start last season but was one of the most potent offensive forces down the stretch, hitting .406/.444/.662 in 142 plate appearance­s from Sept. 1. He’s poised to take full advantage of the new park dimensions in Toronto, while MLB’s new rules could also boost his stolen base total as well.

Meanwhile, the eliminatio­n of the infield shift may benefit Corey Seager (.056 average on pulled ground balls vs. shift) more than any other hitter in the majors. Bobby Witt Jr. made a huge splash as a rookie with 20 homers and 30 steals. Can he and Jeremy Peña avoid the dreaded sophomore slump?

Team AB R

HR

RBI

SB

AVG $

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United States