Five Actual Young Sleepers

Since certain commenters got all grumbly about yesterday’s boring veteran sleepers, we’ll discuss a handful of young players today. I’m using the same threshold to establish eligibility – anyone taken after pick 288 per NFBC ADP. For 12-team mixed leagues, that leaves everybody after the 24th round. The last cut is Carlos Martinez who otherwise would have made this list.

Jung-ho Kang

Although he’s struggled to a .171/.275/.429 line this spring, Kang will travel north with the Pirates. He’ll start the season as a reserve, possibly sharing playing time from Jordy Mercer and Josh Harrison.

He has 20 to 30 home run power, but the rest of his profile remains something of a mystery. He has a track record of stealing 10 to 20 bases in Korea. His success rate has never been good, and he swiped only three bases last season. Run production depends mostly on the surrounding cast. Kang will have to earn RBI opportunities by outplaying other sluggers like Pedro Alvarez and Corey Hart.

In short, if you have room to stash him, there is a lot of upside here. Don’t be surprised if it doesn’t come together until late in the season.

Carlos Rodon

Rodon will start the season in Triple-A. For many, he’s the top pitching prospect to watch (also, Noah Syndergaard). This spring, he’s shown a 96 mph fastball, sinker, wipeout slider, and a changeup. Walks plagued him even as he carved through hitters during his pro debut, so the White Sox are well justified in sending him to Triple-A. However, he did a better job limiting free passes this spring with 19 strikeouts and three walks in 12.1 innings.

In a tough AL Central, the White Sox will need all of their best players. Even if the rotation remains healthy, there will come a point when it’s time to replace John Danks or Hector Noesi.

Micah Johnson

Johnson is the latest weak bat speedster to potentially grace the majors. He stole nearly 90 bases in 2013. Last season was interrupted by hamstring injuries, yet he still swiped 22 bags. Now healthy, the self-described runningback profiles somewhat similarly to Billy Hamilton and Dee Gordon. However, he’s available at the end of the draft.

He’s yet to be named the starting second baseman, although Robin Ventura characterized him as the “leader.” He’s likely to bat ninth. A full season might include a 80/3/40/60/.265 fantasy line. That’s big late draft value.

Jake Marisnick

The 24-year-old is a well regarded defensive prospect. He has the edge on the left field job, but his grasp isn’t particularly firm. He could also spend some time in center field. He’s performed well this spring with a .306/.395/.500 line.

As a hitter, Marisnick isn’t particularly impressive. However, his skills translate very well to fantasy baseball. He has 10 to 20 home run power with 15 to 30 steal potential. It appears that strikeouts will be a problem as he adjusts to the majors. Expect a low batting average. He’ll probably hit near the bottom of the order.

Jacob Lamb

If you need to reach waaaaay down into the muck, you can give Lamb a look. He’s running hot this spring with a .345/.413/.600 line. Unfortunately, that includes a .453 BABIP and 21.7 percent strikeout rate. Over a full season, Lamb has 10 to 20 home run power. He doesn’t steal bases, won’t hit for a high average, and his role with the club won’t support much run production.

Most fantasy leagues aren’t deep enough to find a place for Lamb. In those where he’s a fringy play, his semi-prospect status and hot spring could turn him into a trade asset. If he keeps swatting doubles in the first week of the season, somebody might be willing to swap you a Chase Headley or similarly useful boring veteran.

Bonus hits: Alex Guerrero, Kendall Graveman, Anthony DeSclafani