Fantasy Baseball Rankings: Top 300 cheat sheet for 2021

Matt Lutovsky

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Fantasy Baseball Rankings: Top 300 cheat sheet for 2021 image

If you thought last year's fantasy baseball drafts were weird, welcome to 2021 where we know even less than usual (and did we really ever know that much?). That doesn't mean we didn't put a lot of careful thought into our top 300 rankings -- it just means it's more difficult than ever to balance previous stats (particularly last season) and what to expect this season, both in terms of performance and missed games. Nevertheless, there are still top-tier stars and late-round sleepers, and fantasy owners need to know how to discern between them and all the potential busts in between.

At the very least, it's just fun to look at rankings and think about how much smarter you are than the person who put them together, right? So, whether you are earnestly seeking help with your draft or you just want to feel superior to the fantasy baseball pros, we're here for you.

DOMINATE YOUR DRAFT: 2021 Fantasy Baseball Cheat Sheet

Our big board starts with a bit of a surprise, as we're tapping Juan Soto as our No. 1 player. Many will opt for Ronald Acuna Jr. because of his higher SB potential, but Soto has a slightly higher average and RBI upside while also showing the ability to steal 15-20 SBs. You're going to be a winner with whoever you go with -- and that includes Mookie Betts or even Fernando Tatis Jr. -- but it's always fun to debate the top spot, so have at it.

The first few rounds are obviously going to be strong, and depending how you like to build your team, you could go in a variety of directions. Outfield, shortstop and third base are all particularly loaded positions -- and first base and starting pitcher are strong, as well -- but even more than deciding what positions to target, figuring out which categories to target will be key. Steals are once again at a bit of a premium, so getting at least one 20-SB guy early should be a priority for many owners.

Regardless of your early-round draft strategy, chances are the top 30 or 40 players in our rankings will be most of the top 30 or 40 players selected in your draft. After that, though, anything goes. This top 300 isn't a glorified mock draft -- just a rough outline for the overall value of players in a vacuum.

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We generally don't value pitchers quite as highly as some other fantasy sites. This year, that's probably more prudent than ever, as no pitcher threw many innings last year and serious injuries are even more of a risk. Throw in the unpredictability of wins and saves, as well as the variance of WHIP and ERA, and you have an extremely volatile position. There also seem to be more closer committees this year, so reaching for RPs doesn't really make sense.

DRAFT STRATEGY: Snake Draft | S.M.A.R.T. System | Auction Tips

Ultimately, it all comes down to your league's settings, draft strategy, and the players you already have on your team. It's all about being flexible and pivoting based on position and category needs. That might mean it makes more sense to draft someone ranked 180 over someone ranked 130 on this list, but that's just how it works in fantasy baseball.

MLB PROSPECTS: Top 50 | Top Hitters | Top Pitchers

If you don't know that by now, then you'll probably have a lot of fun making fun of these rankings.

We'll be updating this list frequently as needed, so check back for the latest player movement throughout the spring.

Fantasy Baseball Rankings: Top 300 cheat sheet

Rankings based on 5x5 H2H leagues with ERA, WHIP, Ks, Wins, and Saves as pitching categories and Rs, HRs, RBIs, SBs, and Batting Average as hitting categories.

Position eligibility based on Yahoo's default settings

* = player not eligible at a position on draft day but expected to play there during the season

Rank	Player (bats/throws)	Age (as of 4/1)	Team	Position(s)
1	Juan Soto (L)	22	Nationals	OF
2	Ronald Acuna Jr. (R)	23	Braves	OF
3	Mookie Betts (R)	28	Dodgers	OF
4	Fernando Tatis Jr. (R)	22	Padres	SS
5	Christian Yelich (L)	29	Brewers	OF
6	Trea Turner (R)	27	Nationals	SS
7	Mike Trout (R)	29	Angels	OF
8	Trevor Story (R)	28	Rockies	SS
9	Jose Ramirez (S)	28	Indians	3B
10	Shane Bieber (R)	25	Indians	P
11	Jacob deGrom (R)	32	Mets	P
12	Francisco Lindor (S)	27	Mets	SS
13	Manny Machado (R)	28	Padres	3B, SS
14	Freddie Freeman (L)	31	Braves	1B
15	Cody Bellinger (L)	25	Dodgers	1B, OF
16	Anthony Rendon (R)	30	Angels	3B
17	Alex Bregman (R)	27	Astros	3B, SS
18	Trevor Bauer (R)	30	Dodgers	P
19	Gerrit Cole (R)	30	Yankees	P
20	Bryce Harper (L)	28	Phillies	OF
21	Eugenio Suarez (R)	31	Reds	3B, SS*
22	Jose Abreu (R)	34	White Sox	1B
23	Pete Alonso (R)	26	Mets	1B
24	DJ LeMahieu (R)	32	Yankees	1B, 2B, 3B
25	Nolan Arenado (R)	29	Cardinals	3B
26	Xander Bogaerts (R)	28	Red Sox	SS
27	Yu Darvish (R)	34	Padres	P
28	Max Scherzer (R)	36	Nationals	P
29	Luis Robert (R)	23	White Sox	OF
30	Bo Bichette (R)	23	Blue Jays	SS
31	Adalberto Mondesi (S)	25	Royals	SS
32	Kyle Tucker (L)	24	Astros	OF
33	Trent Grisham (L)	24	Padres	OF
34	Rafael Devers (L)	24	Red Sox	3B
35	Aaron Judge (R)	28	Yankees	OF
36	George Springer (R)	31	Blue Jays	OF
37	Luis Castillo (R)	28	Reds	P
38	Walker Buehler (R)	26	Dodgers	P
39	Keston Hiura (R)	24	Brewers	1B*, 2B
40	Whit Merrifield (R)	32	Royals	2B, OF
41	Blake Snell (L)	28	Padres	P
42	Aaron Nola (R)	27	Phillies	P
43	J.D. Martinez (R)	33	Red Sox	OF
44	Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (R)	22	Blue Jays	1B, 3B
45	Ozzie Albies (S)	24	Braves	2B
46	Gleyber Torres (R)	24	Yankees	2B, SS
47	Lucas Giolito (R)	26	White Sox	P
48	Marcell Ozuna (R)	30	Braves	OF
49	Tim Anderson (R)	27	White Sox	SS
50	Brandon Woodruff (R)	28	Brewers	P
51	Clayton Kershaw (L)	33	Dodgers	P
52	Paul Goldschmidt (R)	33	Cardinals	1B
53	Anthony Rizzo (L)	31	Cubs	1B
54	Sonny Gray (R)	32	Reds	P
55	Corey Seager (L)	26	Dodgers	SS
56	Jack Flaherty (R)	25	Cardinals	P
57	J.T. Realmuto (R)	30	Phillies	C
58	Nelson Cruz (R)	40	Twins	UTIL
59	Yordan Alvarez (L)	23	Astros	OF
60	Jorge Soler (R)	29	Royals	OF
61	Stephen Strasburg (R)	32	Nationals	P
62	Charlie Blackmon (L)	34	Rockies	OF
63	Zack Greinke (R)	37	Astros	P
64	Brandon Lowe (L)	26	Rays	1B, 2B, OF
65	Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (R)	27	Blue Jays	2B, OF
66	Joey Gallo (L)	27	Rangers	OF
67	Javier Baez (R)	28	Cubs	SS
68	Marcus Semien (R)	30	Blue Jays	2B*, SS
69	Starling Marte (R)	32	Marlins	OF
70	Liam Hendricks (R)	32	White Sox	RP
71	Josh Hader (L)	26	Brewers	RP
72	Franmil Reyes (R)	25	Indians	OF
73	Matt Olson (L)	27	A's	1B
74	Nick Castellanos (R)	29	Reds	OF
75	Michael Conforto (L)	28	Mets	OF
76	Giancarlo Stanton (R)	31	Yankees	OF
77	Rhys Hoskins (R)	28	Phillies	1B
78	James Karinchak (R)	25	Indians	RP
79	Kenta Maeda (R)	32	Twins	P
80	Corbin Burnes (R)	26	Brewers	P
81	Carlos Correa (R)	26	Astros	SS
82	Aroldis Chapman (L)	33	Yankees	RP
83	Jose Altuve (R)	30	Astros	2B
84	Cavan Biggio (L)	25	Blue Jays	2B, 3B, OF
85	Luke Voit (R)	30	Yankees	1B
86	Brad Hand (L)	31	Nationals	RP
87	Hyun Jin Ryu (L)	34	Blue Jays	P
88	Tyler Glasnow (R)	27	Rays	P
89	Raisel Iglesias (R)	31	Angels	RP
90	Edwin Diaz (R)	27	Mets	RP
91	Ketel Marte (S)	27	D-backs	2B, SS, OF
92	Max Muncy (L)	30	Dodgers	1B, 2B, 3B
93	Mike Moustakas (L)	32	Reds	1B, 2B, 3B
94	Jesus Luzardo (L)	23	A's	P
95	AJ Pollock (L)	33	Dodgers	OF
96	Matt Chapman (R)	27	A's	3B
97	Kris Bryant (R)	29	Cubs	3B, OF
98	Yoan Moncada (S)	25	White Sox	3B
99	Zach Plesac (R)	26	Indians	P
100	Patrick Corbin (L)	31	Nationals	P
101	Kyle Lewis (R)	25	Mariners	OF
102	Will Smith (R)	26	Dodgers	C
103	Salvador Perez (R)	30	Royals	C
104	Josh Donaldson (R)	35	Twins	3B
105	Dylan Moore (R)	28	Mariners	2B, 3B, SS, OF
106	Christian Walker (R)	30	D-backs	1B
107	Ryan Pressly (R)	32	Astros	RP
108	Kenley Jansen (R)	33	Dodgers	RP
109	Kyle Hendricks (R)	31	Cubs	P
110	Jeff McNeil (L)	28	Mets	2B, 3B, OF
111	Ian Happ (S)	26	Cubs	2B, 3B, OF
112	Nick Solak (R)	25	Rangers	2B, 3B, OF
113	Eddie Rosario (L)	29	Indians	OF
114	Randy Arozarena (R)	26	Rays	OF
115	Dinelson Lamet (R)	28	Padres	P
116	Nick Anderson (R)	30	Rays	RP
117	Mike Yastrzemski (L)	30	Giants	OF
118	Austin Meadows (L)	25	Rays	OF
119	Victor Robles (R)	23	Nationals	OF
120	Tommy Pham (R)	33	Padres	OF
121	Wil Myers (R)	30	Padres	OF
122	Devin Williams (R)	26	Brewers	RP
123	Hector Neris (R)	31	Phillies	RP
124	German Marquez (R)	26	Rockies	P
125	Charlie Morton (R)	37	Braves	P
126	Jean Segura (R)	31	Phillies	2B, 3B, SS
127	Marcus Stroman (R)	29	Mets	P
128	Zack Wheeler (R)	30	Phillies	P
129	Byron Buxton (R)	27	Twins	OF
130	Richard Rodriguez (R)	31	Pirates	RP
131	Drew Pomeranz (L)	32	Padres	RP
132	Nick Senzel (R)	25	Reds	OF
133	Michael Brantley (L)	33	Astros	OF
134	Chris Paddack (R)	25	Padres	P
135	Jose Berrios (R)	26	Twins	P
136	James Paxton (L)	32	Mariners	P
137	Alec Bohm (R)	24	Phillies	1B, 3B
138	Yasmani Grandal (S)	32	White Sox	C, 1B
139	Willson Contreras (R)	28	Cubs	C
140	Gary Sanchez (R)	28	Yankees	C
141	Trevor Rosenthal (R)	30	A's	RP
142	Justin Turner (R)	36	Dodgers	3B
143	Eduardo Escobar (S)	32	D-backs	2B, 3B
144	Ian Anderson (R)	22	Braves	P
145	Carlos Carrasco (R)	34	Mets	P
146	Zac Gallen (R)	25	D-backs	P
147	Joe Musgrove (R)	28	Padres	P
148	Greg Holland (R)	35	Royals	RP
149	Jordan Romano (R)	27	Blue Jays	RP
150	Matt Barnes (R)	30	Red Sox	RP
151	Trey Mancini (R)	29	Orioles	1B, OF
152	Austin Riley (R)	23	Braves	3B, OF
153	Miguel Sano (R)	27	Twins	1B, 3B
154	Giovanny Gallegos (R)	29	Cardinals	RP
155	Max Fried (L)	27	Braves	P
156	Ryan McMahon (L)	26	Rockies	1B, 2B, 3B
157	Josh Bell (S)	28	Nationals	1B
158	Amir Garrett (L)	28	Reds	RP
159	Taylor Rogers (L)	30	Twins	RP
160	Cristian Javier (R)	24	Astros	P
161	Triston McKenzie (R)	23	Indians	P
162	Max Kepler (L)	28	Twins	OF
163	Ryan Mountcastle (R)	24	Orioles	1B, OF
164	Dominic Smith (L)	25	Mets	1B, OF
165	Anthony Santander (S)	26	Orioles	OF
166	Teoscar Hernandez (R)	28	Blue Jays	OF
167	Ke'Bryan Hayes (R)	24	Pirates	3B
168	Gio Urshela (R)	29	Yankees	3B
169	Kevin Gausman (R)	31	Giants	P
170	Zach Eflin (R)	26	Phillies	P
171	Framber Valdez (L)	27	Astros	P
172	Lance Lynn (R)	33	White Sox	P
173	Eric Hosmer (L)	31	Padres	1B
174	Yuli Gurriel (R)	36	Astros	1B, 3B
175	Anthony Bass (R)	33	Marlins	RP
176	Emilio Pagan (R)	29	Padres	RP
177	Joc Pederson (L)	28	Cubs	1B, OF
178	Marco Gonzales (L)	29	Mariners	P
179	Frankie Montas (R)	28	A's	P
180	Kolten Wong (L)	30	Brewers	2B
181	Tommy Edman (S)	25	Cardinals	2B, 3B, SS, OF
182	Hunter Renfroe (R)	29	Red Sox	OF
183	Kyle Schwarber (L)	28	Nationals	OF
184	Tony Gonsolin (R)	26	Dodgers	P
185	Didi Gregorius (L)	31	Phillies	SS
186	Dansby Swanson (R)	27	Braves	SS
187	Dylan Bundy (R)	29	Angels	P
188	David Price (L)	35	Dodgers	P
189	Pablo Lopez (L)	25	Marlins	P
190	Sixto Sanchez (R)	22	Marlins	P
191	Shohei Ohtani (L)	26	Angels	UTIL
192	Jesus Aguilar (R)	30	Marlins	1B
193	Jared Walsh (L)	27	Angels	1B
194	Clint Frazier (R)	26	Yankees	OF
195	Aaron Hicks (S)	31	Yankees	OF
196	Alex Verdugo (L)	24	Red Sox	OF
197	Ramon Laureano (R)	26	A's	OF
198	Garrett Hampson (R)	26	Rockies	2B, SS, OF
199	Nick Madrigal (R)	24	White Sox	2B
200	Aaron Civale (R)	25	Indians	P
201	Eduardo Rodriguez (L)	27	Red Sox	P
202	Leody Taveras (S)	22	Rangers	OF
203	Corey Kluber (R)	34	Yankees	P
204	Julio Urias (L)	24	Dodgers	P
205	Andrew Heaney (L)	30	Angels	P
206	Sean Murphy (R)	26	A's	C
207	Kole Calhoun (L)	33	D-backs	OF
208	Randal Grichuk (R)	29	Blue Jays	OF
209	Mitch Haniger (R)	30	Mariners	OF
210	Diego Castillo (R)	27	Rays	RP
211	Christian Vazquez (R)	30	Red Sox	C, 1B
212	Daulton Varsho (L)	24	D-backs	C, OF
213	Myles Straw (R)	26	Astros	OF
214	Jordan Hicks (R)	24	Cardinals	RP
215	Alex Colome (R)	32	Twins	RP
216	Kyle Seager (L)	33	Mariners	3B
217	Hunter Dozier (R)	29	Royals	1B, 3B, OF
218	Craig Kimbrel (R)	32	Cubs	RP
219	Joakim Soria (R)	36	D-backs	RP
220	Rafael Montero (R)	30	Mariners	RP
221	Willy Adames (R)	25	Rays	SS
222	Amed Rosario (R)	25	Indians	SS
223	Elvis Andrus (R)	32	A's	SS
224	Chris Bassitt (R)	32	A's	P
225	Josh Lindblom (R)	33	Brewers	P
226	Jake Cronenworth (L)	27	Padres	1B, 2B, SS
227	Will Smith (L)	31	Braves	RP
228	Jeimer Candelario (S)	27	Tigers	1B, 3B
229	Tyler Mahle (R)	26	Reds	P
230	Gavin Lux (L)	23	Dodgers	2B
231	Shohei Ohtani (R)	26	Angels	P
232	Griffin Canning (R)	24	Angels	P
233	Daniel Bard (R)	35	Rockies	RP
234	Travis d'Arnaud (R)	32	Braves	C, 1B
235	Mitch Garver (R)	30	Twins	C
236	Dallas Keuchel (L)	33	White Sox	P
237	Lance McCullers (R)	27	Astros	P
238	Mike Soroka (R)	23	Braves	P
239	Isiah Kiner-Falefa (R)	26	Rangers	C, 3B, SS
240	Jake McGee (L)	34	Giants	RP
241	Corey Dickerson (R)	31	Marlins	OF
242	Andrew McCutchen (R)	34	Phillies	OF
243	Andrew Benintendi (L)	26	Royals	OF
244	Stefan Crichton (R)	29	D-backs	RP
245	Sean Doolittle (L)	34	Reds	RP
246	Austin Nola (R)	31	Padres	C, 1B, 2B
247	Chris Archer (R)	32	Rays	P
248	Dane Dunning (R)	26	Rangers	P
249	Jose Urquidy (R)	25	Astros	P
250	Jesse Winker (L)	27	Reds	OF
251	Nate Lowe (L)	25	Rangers	1B
252	Bobby Dalbec (R)	25	Red Sox	1B
253	Justin Upton (R)	33	Angels	OF
254	Willie Calhoun (L)	26	Rangers	OF
255	Victor Reyes (S)	26	Tigers	OF
256	Spencer Turnbull (R)	28	Tigers	P
257	Sandy Alcantara (R)	25	Marlins	P
258	Dustin May (R)	23	Dodgers	P
259	Jordan Montgomery (L)	28	Yankees	P
260	Chris Sale (L)	32	Red Sox	P
261	Khris Davis (R)	33	Rangers	UTIL
262	Joey Votto (L)	37	Reds	1B
263	Brandon Belt (L)	32	Giants	1B, OF
264	Carlos Santana (S)	34	Royals	1B
265	Andrew Vaughn (R)	22	White Sox	1B
266	Manuel Margot (R)	26	Rays	OF
267	Deivi Garcia (R)	21	Yankees	P
268	Adbert Alzolay (R)	26	Cubs	P
269	Justus Sheffield (L)	24	Mariners	P
270	Jonathan Schoop (R)	29	Tigers	2B
271	Paul DeJong (R)	27	Cardinals	SS
272	Dylan Carlson (S)	22	Cardinals	OF
273	Austin Hays (R)	25	Orioles	OF
274	Adam Eaton (L)	32	White Sox	OF
275	Lorenzo Cain (R)	34	Brewers	OF
276	Michael Pineda (R)	32	Twins	P
277	Drew Smyly (L)	31	Braves	P
278	Sean Manaea (L)	29	A's	P
279	Jorge Polanco (S)	27	Twins	SS
280	Carter Kieboom (R)	23	Nationals	3B, SS
281	Noah Syndergaard (R)	28	Mets	P
282	Luis Severino (R)	27	Yankees	P
283	Bryan Garcia (R)	25	Tigers	RP
284	Hunter Harvey (R)	26	Orioles	RP
285	Jonathan Villar (S)	29	Mets	2B, SS
286	Jon Berti (R)	30	Marlins	2B, 3B, SS, OF
287	Michael Kopech (R)	24	White Sox	P
288	Raimel Tapia (L)	27	Rockies	OF
289	Gregory Polanco (L)	29	Pirates	OF
290	Avisail Garcia (R)	29	Brewers	OF
291	David Peralta (L)	33	D-backs	OF
292	Willi Castro (S)	23	Tigers	3B, SS
293	Brady Singer (R)	24	Royals	P
294	Matt Bush (R)	35	Rangers	RP
295	Ian Kennedy (R)	36	Rangers	RP
296	Elieser Hernandez (R)	25	Marlins	P
297	David Dahl (L)	27	Rangers	OF
298	Mike Minor (L)	33	Royals	P
299	Domingo German (R)	28	Yankees	P
300	Jorge Alfaro (R)	27	Marlins	C

Matt Lutovsky

Matt Lutovsky has been a writer and editor for The Sporting News since 2007, primarily writing about fantasy sports, betting, and gaming.