La Vida Baseball’s 2019 Fantasy Baseball preview, Part 2 on pitchers
By Tab Bamford
We offered our top Latino fantasy baseball rankings for the 2019 season for the batters. Today we break down the pitchers.
Starting Pitchers
1. Carlos Carrasco, Indians
2. José Berríos, Twins
3. José Quintana, Cubs
4. Luis Severino, Yankees
5. Luis Castillo, Reds
6. German Márquez, Rockies
7. Jesús Luzardo, A’s
8. Eduardo Rodríguez, Red Sox
9. Carlos Rodón, White Sox
10. Jhoulys Chacín, Brewers
11. Alex Reyes, Cardinals
12. Julio Urías, Dodgers
13. Marco Gonzales, Mariners
14. Julio Teheran, Braves
15. Reynaldo López, White Sox
Sleepers: Carlos Martínez, Cardinals; Aaron Sanchez, Blue Jays
We’ll start with our sleepers on this list because there will be a lot of conversation around the role Carlos Martinez will have in St. Louis when the hard-throwing Dominican righthander is healthy.
Martinez eligible as a starter and a reliever on most formats because he might come out of the bullpen this season, but he still has value as a starter if he’s healthy.
If Aaron Sanchez can stay clear of the issues he has had the past couple seasons he could rebound and be an ace in Toronto.
At the top are two guys in the American League Central on teams who have a lot riding on the 2019 season. Carlos Carrasco, a legitimate ace, is the only top starter in Cleveland who has avoided trade rumors during the offseason. Jose Berrios is coming off a strong 2018 season in which he appeared in the All-Star Game. Both are top-of-the-rotation players for their respective teams and on fantasy teams.
Jose Quintana could be a matchup dream for the Cubs this year. He has profiled as a No. 2 or 3 starter during his career. A healthy Yu Darvish pushes him to the bottom of the Cubs’ rotation. With an excellent defensive team behind him he could have a strong season.
There are some health concerns in our top 15 as well. Luis Severino, Alex Reyes and Luis Urias come with question marks that make them interesting gambles in fantasy leagues.
Marco Gonzales will start Opening Day for the Mariners, bumping King Felix Hernandez down in the rotation. He could be an interesting play. The Mariners made a lot of changes this year, but Seattle isn’t in a complete tear-down. There’s still plenty of offense out there, and Gonzales is a solid starter.
Jesús Luzardo is our candidate for breakout rookie on the list. He’s been dominant in the A’s system and should play a role in Oakland this year. Carlos Rodón came back from injury last year and threw well down the stretch for the White Sox. If healthy he could be a good value play.
Relievers
1. Edwin Díaz, Mets
2. Kenley Jansen, Dodgers
3. Roberto Osuna, Astros
4. Felipe Vázquez, Pirates
5. Aroldis Chapman, Yankees
6. José Leclerc, Rangers
7. Raisel Iglesias, Reds
8. Arodys Vizcaíno, Braves
9. Alex Colomé, White Sox
10. José Alvarado, Rays
Sleeper: Pedro Strop, Cubs
This was a tough list this year because there’s been so much movement – and injuries – already before the 2019 season starts.
The one ranking that is undoubtedly going to raise some eyebrows at first glances is Aroldis Chapman being fifth on our list. With the Yankees building the strongest, deepest bullpen in the majors and manager Aaron Boone already talking about the possibility of being creative with his pitching staff there’s a chance Chapman’s overall numbers will be down this year.
Edwin Díaz was the best closer in the game last season. He remains on top in our rankings. His move to the Mets will make for some strong competition for the Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year Award between “Sugar” and Mr. Kenley Jansen in Los Angeles. But don’t sleep on Felipe Vázquez in Pittsburgh. He’s got lights out stuff.
One name to keep an eye on that could have a sharp arrow pointing up is Alex Colomé, who looks to be the favorite to close games for the White Sox. He’s got good stuff and should get plenty of chances to secure a save.
Our sleeper is Pedro Strop because the Cubs’ primary closer, Brandon Morrow, is already going to miss time, but a recent hamstring injury has put Opening Day in question for Strop.
Featured Image: Jason Miller / Getty Images Sport
Inset Image: Jean Fruth / La Vida Baseball