There’s a smart way to add speed, steals to your fantasy baseball team

New York Post - Mar 22nd, 2025

In the evolving landscape of fantasy baseball drafts, a strategy focused solely on chasing stolen bases may not be the most effective approach. The MLB rule changes in 2023 have significantly increased stolen base rates to levels not seen since the late 1990s. This shift suggests that speed can be acquired at various stages of the draft and throughout the season. Instead of overvaluing players who predominantly offer stolen base potential, experts advise drafting a balanced roster. This includes targeting players who can contribute across multiple categories while still providing a decent number of stolen bases.

Players like Milwaukee's Garrett Mitchell exemplify this balanced approach. Despite a setback due to a broken hand in spring training last year, Mitchell managed to deliver a solid performance in his limited 69-game season. His stats, which included 11 stolen bases and a .812 OPS, align with his minor league records, showcasing his ability to add value across different metrics. This story highlights the importance of a well-rounded draft strategy in fantasy baseball, emphasizing versatility over singular strengths, especially in light of recent rule changes in MLB.

Mlb Elly De La Cruz Shohei Ohtani Fantasy Baseball Stolen Bases Garrett Mitchell Mlb Rule Changes Draft Strategy

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RATING

6.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a timely and clear discussion on fantasy baseball draft strategies, particularly focusing on the impact of MLB's rule changes on stolen base rates. It offers practical advice for building a balanced team, which is supported by accurate player statistics and recent trends in the sport. However, the lack of cited sources and expert opinions weakens its authority and transparency. While it effectively engages its target audience, the article could improve by incorporating a broader range of perspectives and more detailed source attribution. Overall, it serves as a useful guide for fantasy baseball enthusiasts but could benefit from enhanced source quality and transparency.

Accuracy

The article accurately discusses the impact of MLB's 2023 rule changes on stolen base rates, noting they reached their highest levels since the late 1990s. This claim aligns with documented increases in stolen bases due to larger bases and pickoff restrictions. Garrett Mitchell's statistics and injury details are also correct, matching his reported performance. While the advice on fantasy draft strategy is subjective, it is supported by the factual increase in stolen bases across the league. The article could improve by providing specific data or sources to verify these claims further.

Balance

The article presents a balanced view on fantasy draft strategies, emphasizing a balanced roster approach rather than solely focusing on stolen bases. However, it could benefit from including perspectives from fantasy baseball analysts or players who might prioritize different strategies. The focus is primarily on the benefits of a balanced approach, which may overlook the potential advantages of targeting specific stats like stolen bases in certain contexts.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear language, making it easy to understand for readers familiar with fantasy baseball. The logical flow from discussing MLB rule changes to player performance and draft strategy is coherent. However, it could benefit from additional context for readers less familiar with the specifics of fantasy baseball.

Source quality

The article lacks cited sources, which affects its credibility. While it accurately describes MLB trends and player statistics, the absence of direct references or expert opinions limits its authority. Including quotes from fantasy baseball experts or data from reputable sports analytics sources would enhance the article's reliability.

Transparency

The article provides clear insights into the rationale behind its recommendations but lacks transparency regarding its data sources. It doesn't disclose the methodology or data supporting its claims about player performance and draft strategies. Greater transparency about the basis for its advice would improve reader trust.