A Team Multi-Positional Hitters

Over the past couple years, I’ve really started paying more attention to multi-positional eligibility. As someone who plays almost exclusively in FAAB leagues, I love the added flexibility as it often allows me to target the best free agents every week because I can move pieces around to fit them in. Positional flexibility could take on an added importance in a shortened season so let’s take a look at a team of players with an extra position or two.

Here are the studs being drafted in the top 50 with an extra position: Cody Bellinger (OF/1B), Alex Bregman (3B/SS), Gleyber Torres (2B/SS), and Ketel Marte (2B/OF). You could probably land a couple of them without bending over backwards in your draft, but I’m trying to focus beyond the top 50 outside of one inclusion that I’ll point out when I get to him.

(I’m using the standard 20-game eligibility threshold)

CATCHER

Yasmani Grandal, CWS | Extra Position: 1B

I don’t really think you should ever put catchers at non-catching positions as so much of their value comes from catching, but there’s also the fact that the dual-eligible Cs usually only have 1B as their secondary and that’s often one of the deeper positions available. I said I’d make a full team so I had to include a catcher.

FIRST BASE

DJ LeMahieu, NYY & Max Muncy, LAD | Extra Positions: 2B & 3B

I love both guys this year and I’m open to rostering both as back-to-back in that 5th-7th round range of 12-teams. They complement each other very well and can cover five positions each (adding CI/MI to the three mains). Even LeMahieu’s power regresses, he’s a batting average asset with strong R and RBI contributions. Muncy offers the major power while also bringing big R and RBI contributions. I listed them here at 1B, but you could really maximize these two by getting an elite 1B then putting these two at 2B and 3B.

Also consider: Danny Santana (1B/OF), Joc Pederson (1B/OF), Michael Chavis (1B/2B)

SECOND BASE

Jeff McNeil, NYM | OF & 3B

McNeil could be your LeMahieu backup plan as he does a lot of the same things. He also goes a bit later (about a round) so if you miss out, you can scoop McNeil. If you pair McNeil with one of LeMahieu or Muncy, you’re trading 1B for OF which might be more valuable if you took a star 1B in the first 3-4 rounds.

Also consider: Whit Merrifield (2B/OF), Eduardo Escobar (2B/3B), Tommy Edman (2B/3B), Ryan McMahon (2B/3B), Kevin Newman (2B/SS), Niko Goodrum (2B/SS/OF)

THIRD BASE

Mike Moustakas, CIN | 3B & 2B

I was really looking forward to a full season of Moose in Cincinnati. His excellent power that we’ve seen over the last three years plus that super deep lineup would’ve likely yielded his first 100+ RBI season and a new career high in runs (previous: 80) for the 31-year-old.

Also consider: J.D. Davis (3B/OF), Hunter Dozier (3B/OF), Tommy La Stella (3B/2B), Jon Berti (3B/SS/OF)

SHORTSTOP

Jonathan Villar, MIA | SS & 2B

Villar is a power-speed stud with eligibility at both middle infield spots and the potential to add a third as he’s slotted in as the starting centerfielder if and when we get a season. Shortstop is arguably the deepest position we have for 2020 so putting Villar elsewhere and taking another stab the SS market isn’t only advised, but almost required to ensure that you leverage the depth. Villar is that lone top 50 guy I mentioned earlier as he goes around pick 40 on average.

Also consider: Manny Machado (SS/3B), Jose Peraza (SS/2B/OF), Luis Urias (SS/2B)

OUTFIELDERS x3

Kris Bryant, CHC | OF & 3B

Bryant recaptured his power last year with 31 HR while also hitting .282 with 108 runs. Batting in the 2-slot a good bit has cut into his RBI totals, though he’s also spent ample time in the 3-slot and still not seen his RBI totals really take off. Don’t let this issue deter you from Bryant, though. There’s a ton of depth at 3B so you can get your RBIs elsewhere and slot him primarily in the outfield.

Garrett Hampson, COL | OF & 2B

Hampson’s value definitely comes from his speed but being able to move him between a couple positions gives him an extra boost. He closed with an excellent September after flopping through the first five months of the season which definitely pushed his price up, but his ADP since April 1st of pick 205 is still pretty affordable.

David Fletcher, LAA | OF, 2B, 3B, & SS

I had to include Fletcher in this piece at some point with his ability to slot into four positions. He doesn’t have a ton of fantasy value in shallower leagues as he really only contributes in AVG, but he did score 83 runs thanks to a .350 OBP. The Angels lineup should keep him scoring from virtually any spot in the lineup and if you’re bouncing him around your lineup (or even in and out of it), there’s enough ancillary value to make him at least a good reserve pick.

Also consider: Brian Anderson (OF/3B), Scott Kingery (OF/3B), Chris Taylor (OF/2B/SS), Marwin Gonzalez (OF/3B/1B)

That’s a deep list of players with a vast range of draft costs to keep you outfitted with multi-eligible players.

How much weight do you put on multi-positional eligibility when drafting? (also mention your league depth as I do think its value changes based on what kind of league you’re in)





Paul is the Editor of Rotographs and Content Director for OOTP Perfect Team. Follow Paul on Twitter @sporer and on Twitch at sporer.

14 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
LenFuego
3 years ago

It is difficult to quantify the advantages of multipositional eligibility, but by having the right mix of 3 or 4 multipositional players on my roster the past few seasons, I have had excellent success keeping my best players in the lineup. It is infuriating to have an inferior and/or injured player flail in your starting lineup while a productive player sits on your bench because you cannot find a lineup spot for him. Intelligent use of multiposition eligibility is a very effective arrow in your quiver.

Buhners Rocket Armmember
3 years ago
Reply to  LenFuego

In the happy-fun-ball environment, multi-position eligibility is more important than ever because power sources can be found at literally every position. Position scarcity isn’t much of a thing when power is so abundant.

will1331member
3 years ago
Reply to  LenFuego

Agreed, so much success comes from avoiding black holes in your lineup!