2016 Fantasy Baseball Mock Draft - Round 2

            If you missed round 1, click here. 

2-13 = Miguel Cabrera – First Baseman – Detroit Tigers – Age 32

            Cabrera has been such a valuable fantasy commodity for over a decade it seems disrespectful to have him come off the board in the second round, but after posting a career low in Isolated Power in 2015, it’s no longer wise to build a fantasy roster around him. It shouldn’t surprise anyone to see him begin the “Albert Pujols on the Angels” phase of his career.

2-14 = A.J. Pollock – Outfield – Arizona Diamondbacks – Age 28

            Pollock quietly had a massive breakout 2015 campaign, obliterating career highs in every meaningful offensive statistic while also earning his first Gold Glove award. He isn’t a first round pick because folks would like to seem him come close to repeating his 2015 performance. It isn’t wise to bank on him racking up 20 homers again, but if that means he pushes his stolen base total over 40 you won’t complain. We’re all in on Pollock.

2-15 = Andrew McCutchen – Outfield – Pittsburgh Pirates – Age 29

            We’ve seen McCutchen ranked as high as fifth on some fantasy sites, but his declining counting stats are why we won’t own McCutchen on any fantasy teams this year. He’s only cracked 30+ dingers once, and his stolen base total plummeted all the way down to 11 in 2015. No Credentials isn’t spending a first round pick on an outfielder who will not crack 40 combined home runs and steals, and neither should you.

2-16 = Mookie Betts – Outfield – Boston Red Sox – Age 23

            Mookie’s strong finish last year gives everyone reason to be excited about his prospects in 2016. It’s reasonable to expect him to eclipse 30 stolen bases, and barring injury he will contend for the league lead in runs scored.

2-17 = Jose Bautista – Outfield – Toronto Blue Jays – Age 35

            Sure he’s old, but 40 homer potential with oodles of RBIs make Bautista worth the investment. You could bump him up a few notches in leagues that count on-base percentage instead of batting average.

2-18 = Jose Abreu – First Baseman – Chicago White Sox – Age 29

            Abreu regressed in most statistics during his second year in the majors, but some of that had to do with the putrid lineup around him. Todd Frazier’s presence (whether he hits before or after Abreu) should help.

2-19 = Dee Gordon – Second Baseman – Miami Marlins – Age 27

            Gordon had a banner first season in south Florida, winning an unlikely batting crown, leading the league in steals, and snagging a Gold Glove. A DL stint was the only thing preventing Gordon from leading the National League in runs scored. Even if his batting average regresses to around .300, his elite stolen base totals are enough to warrant him ranking this high in the mock. Drafting Gordon gives you the peace of mind to target power bats and starting pitchers in the late rounds instead of spending picks on cheap speedsters.

2-20 = Max Scherzer – Starting Pitcher – Washington Nationals – Age 31

            Scherzer delivered a number of dominating performances in 2015, but an inconsistent Nationals squad depressed his win totals. With a little more luck in the health department with the Washington roster, Scherzer will be in line to rank as the most valuable starting pitcher in all of fantasy when 2016 is over.

2-21 = Charlie Blackmon – Outfield – Colorado Rockies – Age 29

            Here’s a case where playing in the wacky confines of Coors Field heavily inflates a dude’s value. Blackmon wouldn’t go this high if you were looking to build a real baseball team, but in the world of fantasy 15 homers and 40 steals go a long way. The greatest risk owning Blackmon (and for that matter, any Rockie not named Nolan Arenado) is the risk of getting traded away if the team stinks.

2-22 = Edwin Encarnacion – First Baseman – Toronto Blue Jays – Age 33

            Here’s another masher from the Blue Jays flying off the board. Encarnacion posted the highest WAR of his career last season, and you could make a case for him to go as high as 15 in a draft.

2-23 = Chris Sale – Starting Pitcher – Chicago White Sox – Age 26

            There are a number of pitchers that will be picked after Sale that posted better ERAs a year ago, but Sale’s dominant strike out totals warrant him being ranked so high. Also, don't underestimate the value of having at least a league average defense behind you (that's something Sale couldn't claim last year). He’s the greatest threat to unseat Clayton Kershaw as the league leader in Ks.

2-24 = Starling Marte – Outfield – Pittsburgh Pirates – Age 27

            If only Marte could learn how to take a walk and not strike out a ton. His plate discipline is what keeps Marte from posting elite run scoring and stolen base totals.