Fantasy baseball rankings 2024: Top 300 cheat sheet, tiers, sleepers, draft strategy and more

Edward Sutelan

Fantasy baseball rankings 2024: Top 300 cheat sheet, tiers, sleepers, draft strategy and more image

It takes a special kind of person to get involved in fantasy baseball.

It's a serious commitment. There's 162 games during the regular season. Replacements for injuries aren't always as simple as looking down the depth chart — sometimes it takes going into the minors.

It helps to have a deep set of rankings, even if your draft doesn't run that far. Everyone knows they should have stars like Ronald Acuna Jr. or Bobby Witt Jr. at the top of the draft. But down the stretch of the season, it's just as important to have a well-rounded pitching staff and some youngsters who could be the future stars of the league. Do that, and you'll survive injuries and get on top of the elite prospects before they become household names.

That's why Sporting News is breaking down the top 300 players in fantasy baseball, along with a few sleepers and some tips on draft strategy.

Here's what you need to know.

MORE: When is MLB Opening Day 2024?

Fantasy baseball rankings 2024

Rank Player Team Position
1 Ronald Acuna Jr. Braves OF
2 Bobby Witt Jr. Royals SS
3 Corbin Carroll Diamondbacks OF
4 Mookie Betts Dodgers 2B/SS/OF
5 Kyle Tucker Astros OF
6 Freddie Freeman Dodgers 1B
7 Julio Rodriguez Mariners OF
8 Fernando Tatis Jr. Padres OF
9 Aaron Judge Yankees OF/DH
10 Juan Soto Yankees OF
11 Luis Robert Jr. White Sox OF
12 Shohei Ohtani Dodgers DH/SP
13 Spencer Strider Braves SP
14 Jose Ramirez Guardians 3B/DH
15 Trea Turner Phillies SS
16 Yordan Alvarez Astros OF/DH
17 Francisco Lindor Mets SS
18 Corey Seager Rangers SS
19 Ozzie Albies Braves 2B
20 Marcus Semien Rangers 2B
21 Bryce Harper Phillies 1B/DH
22 Matt Olson Braves 1B
23 Rafael Devers Red Sox 3B
24 Gunnar Henderson Orioles 3B/SS
25 Michael Harris II Braves OF
26 Pete Alonso Mets 1B
27 Zack Wheeler Phillies SP
28 Corbin Burnes Orioles SP
29 Royce Lewis Twins 3B
30 Elly De La Cruz Reds 3B/SS
31 Bo Bichette Blue Jays SS
32 Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Blue Jays 1B/DH
33 Randy Arozarena Rays OF
34 Jose Altuve Astros 2B
35 Kevin Gausman Blue Jays SP
36 Luis Castillo Mariners SP
37 Manny Machado Padres 3B/DH
38 Yoshinobu Yamamoto Dodgers SP
39 Adolis Garcia Rangers OF
40 Jazz Chisholm Jr. Marlins OF
41 Austin Riley Braves 3B
42 Adley Rutschman Orioles C/DH
43 Zac Gallen Diamondbacks SP
44 Tarik Skubal Tigers SP
45 Will Smith Dodgers C
46 Mike Trout Angels OF
47 Pablo Lopez Twins SP
48 Cody Bellinger Cubs 1B/OF
49 Nolan Jones Rockies 1B/OF
50 Edwin Diaz Mets RP
51 Xander Bogaerts Padres SS
52 Oneil Cruz Pirates SS
53 Josh Hader Astros RP
54 Logan Webb Giants SP
55 J.T. Realmuto Phillies C
56 George Kirby Mariners SP
57 CJ Abrams Nationals SS
58 Emmanuel Clase Guardians RP
59 Tyler Glasnow Dodgers SP
60 Nico Hoerner Cubs 2B/SS
61 Max Fried Braves SP
62 Framber Valdez Astros SP
63 Matt McLain Reds 2B/SS
64 Kyle Schwarber Phillies OF/DH
65 Aaron Nola Phillies SP
66 Eury Perez Marlins SP
67 Bobby Miller Dodgers SP
68 Grayson Rodriguez Orioles SP
69 Paul Goldschmidt Cardinals 1B/DH
70 Wyatt Langford Rangers OF
71 Nolan Arenado Cardinals 3B
72 Freddy Peralta Brewers SP
73 Cole Ragans Royals SP/RP
74 Gerrit Cole Yankees SP
75 Zach Eflin Rays SP
76 Teoscar Hernandez Dodgers OF/DH
77 Jhoan Duran Twins RP
78 Raisel Iglesias Braves RP
79 Jackson Chourio Brewers OF
80 Jackson Holliday Orioles 2B/SS
81 William Contreras Brewers C/DH
82 Camilo Doval Giants RP
83 Sean Murphy Braves C
84 Christian Walker Diamondbacks 1B
85 Blake Snell FA SP
86 Ha-Seong Kim Padres 2B/3B/SS
87 Jordan Romano Blue Jays RP
88 Bryan Reynolds Pirates OF
89 Alex Bregman Astros 3B
90 Christian Yelich Brewers OF/DH
91 Ketel Marte Diamondbacks 2B
92 Cedric Mullins II Orioles OF
93 Logan Gilbert Mariners SP
94 Joe Musgrove Padres SP
95 Jesus Luzardo Marlins SP
96 Evan Carter Rangers OF
97 Pete Fairbanks Rays RP
98 Gleyber Torres Yankees 2B
99 Josh Lowe Rays OF/DH
100 Dylan Cease Padres SP
101 George Springer Blue Jays OF/DH
102 Yandy Diaz Rays 1B/3B
103 Lane Thomas Nationals OF
104 David Bednar Pirates RP
105 Andres Gimenez Guardians 2B
106 Paul Sewald Diamondbacks RP
107 Spencer Torkelson Tigers 1B
108 Andres Munoz Mariners RP
109 Joe Ryan Twins SP
110 Nick Castellanos Phillies OF
111 Alexis Diaz Reds RP
112 Justin Steele Cubs SP
113 Yainer Diaz Astros C/1B/DH
114 Tanner Bibee Guardians SP
115 Josh Jung Rangers 3B
116 Anthony Santander Orioles 1B/DH
117 Seiya Suzuki Cubs OF
118 Jordan Walker Cardinals OF
119 Dansby Swanson Cubs SS
120 Josh Naylor Guardians 1B/DH
121 Triston Casas Red Sox 1B
122 Shane Bieber Guardians SP
123 Sonny Gray Cardinals SP
124 Kodai Senga Mets SP
125 Bryson Stott Phillies 2B
126 Spencer Steer Reds 1B/2B/3B/OF
127 Esteury Ruiz Athletics OF
128 Evan Phillips Dodgers RP
129 Hunter Greene Reds SP
130 Ryan Helsley Cardinals RP
131 Justin Verlander Astros SP
132 Anthony Volpe Yankees SS
133 Clay Holmes Yankees RP
134 Cal Raleigh Mariners C
135 Merrill Kelly Diamondbacks SP
136 Chris Bassitt Blue Jays SP
137 Salvador Perez Royals C/1B/DH
138 Mitch Keller Pirates SP
139 Walker Buehler Dodgers SP
140 Francisco Alvarez Mets C
141 Riley Greene Tigers OF
142 Ian Happ Cubs OF
143 Tyler O'Neill Red Sox OF
144 Masataka Yoshida Red Sox OF/DH
145 Thairo Estrada Giants 2B/SS
146 Jordan Montgomery FA SP
147 Zack Gelof Athletics 2B
148 Chris Sale Braves SP
149 Marcell Ozuna Braves OF/DH
150 Craig Kimbrel Orioles RP
151 Christian Encarnacion-Strand Reds 1B/DH
152 Tanner Scott Marlins RP
153 Tommy Edman Cardinals 2B/SS/OF
154 Max Muncy Dodgers 3B
155 Chas McCormick Astros OF
156 Luis Arraez Marlins 1B/2B
157 Carlos Rodon Yankees SP
158 Jose Alvarado Phillies RP
159 Michael King Padres SP/RP
160 Jeimer Candelario Reds 1B/3B
161 Jorge Soler Giants OF/DH
162 Christopher Morel Cubs 2B/OF/DH
163 Yu Darvish Padres SP
164 Eduardo Rodriguez Diamondbacks SP
165 Jose Berrios Blue Jays SP
166 Vinnie Pasquantino Royals 1B
167 Eloy Jimenez White Sox OF/DH
168 TJ Friedl Reds OF
169 Kenley Jansen Red Sox RP
170 Adbert Alzolay Cubs RP
171 Hunter Brown Astros SP
172 Jake Burger Marlins 3B/DH
173 Junior Caminero Rays 3B/SS
174 Starling Marte Mets OF
175 Nathaniel Lowe Rangers 1B
176 Ryan Mountcastle Orioles 1B/DH
177 Isaac Paredes Rays 1B/2B/3B
178 Rhys Hoskins Brewers 1B
179 Daulton Varsho Blue Jays OF
180 Willy Adames Brewers SS
181 Nathan Eovaldi Rangers SP
182 Mason Miller Athletics SP
183 Triston McKenzie Guardians SP
184 Bailey Ober Twins SP
185 Alec Bohm Phillies 1B/3B
186 Reid Detmers Angels SP
187 Brandon Pfaadt Diamondbacks SP
188 Brandon Nimmo Mets OF
189 Nolan Gorman Cardinals 2B/3B/DH
190 Lars Nootbaar Cardinals OF
191 Gabriel Moreno Diamondbacks C
192 Cristian Javier Astros SP
193 Shota Imanaga Cubs SP
194 Willson Contreras Cardinals C/DH
195 James Outman Dodgers OF
196 Keibert Ruiz Nationals C
197 Trevor Story Red Sox SS
198 Bryce Miller Mariners SP
199 Nick Pivetta Red Sox SP/RP
200 Taylor Ward Angels OF
201 Jonah Heim Rangers C
202 Kyle Bradish Orioles SP
203 Jeremy Pena Astros SS
204 Logan O'Hoppe Angels C
205 Ryan Pepiot Rays SP/RP
206 Braxton Garrett Marlins SP
207 Ke'Bryan Hayes Pirates 3B
208 Bryan Woo Mariners SP
209 Kerry Carpenter Tigers OF/DH
210 Alex Lange Tigers RP
211 Jose Leclerc Rangers RP
212 Ezequiel Tovar Rockies SS
213 Jung Hoo Lee Giants OF
214 Charlie Morton Braves SP
215 Carlos Correa Twins SS
216 Shane Baz Rays SP
217 Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Diamondbacks OF/DH
218 Aaron Civale Rays SP
219 Gerrit Cole Yankees SP
220 Edouard Julien Twins 2B/DH
221 Bo Naylor Guardians C
222 Jarren Duran Red Sox OF
223 Steven Kwan Guardians OF
224 Marcus Stroman Yankees SP
225 Nestor Cortes Jr. Yankees SP
226 Justin Turner Blue Jays 1B/2B/3B/DH
227 Zach Neto Angels SS
228 Leody Taveras Rangers OF
229 Andrew Vaughn White Sox 1B
230 J.D. Martinez FA OF/DH
231 Carlos Estevez Angels RP
232 Sal Frelick Brewers OF
233 Jarred Kelenic Braves OF
234 Kutter Crawford Red Sox SP/RP
235 Sean Manaea Mets SP/RP
236 Jacob deGrom Rangers SP
237 Taj Bradley Rays SP
238 Will Benson Reds OF
239 Nick Lodolo Reds SP
240 Kyle Harrison Giants SP
241 Mackenzie Gore Nationals SP
242 Kyle Finnegan Nationals RP
243 Brandon Drury Angels 1B/2B
244 Ryan Pressly Astros RP
245 Mitch Garver Mariners C/DH
246 Brayan Bello Red Sox SP
247 J.P. Crawford Mariners SS
248 Vaughn Grissom Red Sox SS
249 Ryan McMahon Rockies 2B/3B
250 Maikel Garcia Royals 3B/SS
251 Max Scherzer Rangers SP
252 Robert Suarez Padres RP
253 Andrew Abbott Reds SP
254 Kenta Maeda Tigers SP
255 Paul Skenes Pirates SP
256 Jose Abreu Astros 1B
257 Anthony Rizzo Yankees 1B
258 Colt Keith Tigers 2B/3B
259 Jeff McNeil Mets 2B/OF
260 Kris Bryant Rockies 1B/DH
261 Yennier Cano Orioles RP
262 Luis Campusano Padres C
263 Bryan De La Cruz Marlins OF
264 Gavin Lux Dodgers 2B/OF
265 Henry Davis Pirates OF
266 Eugenio Suarez Diamondbacks 3B
267 Bryan Abreu Astros RP
268 Giancarlo Stanton Yankees OF/DH
269 DL Hall Brewers RP
270 Dylan Crews Nationals OF
271 Tyler Stephenson Reds C/DH
272 Whit Merrifield Phillies 2B/OF
273 Jack Suwinski Pirates OF
274 Masyn Winn Cardinals SS
275 Brice Turang Brewers 2B/SS
276 Robert Stephenson Angels RP
277 Brandon Lowe Rays 2B
278 Byron Buxton Twins DH
279 Matt Chapman Giants 3B
280 Jorge Polanco Mariners 2B/3B
281 Brent Rooker Athletics OF/DH
282 Brandon Marsh Phillies OF
283 Max Kepler Twins OF
284 Brenton Doyle Rockies OF
285 Harrison Bader Mets OF
286 Jonathan India Reds 2B
287 Noelvi Marte Reds 3B
288 Dean Kremer Orioles SP
289 Jake Fraley Reds OF/DH
290 Jose Siri Rays OF
291 Ranger Suarez Phillies SP
292 Jordan Lawlar Diamondbacks SS
293 Brady Singer Royals SP
294 JP Sears Athletics SP
295 Austin Hays Orioles OF
296 Lance Lynn Cardinals SP
297 Brendan Rodgers Rockies 2B
298 Tim Anderson Marlins SS
299 Andrew Benintendi White Sox OF
300 MJ Melendez Royals C/OF

Fantasy baseball tiers 2024

There are certain players that rise up to the top of the list. Here's a look at the players considered to be in the top 5-10 of their respective positions:

Catchers

Rank Player Team
1 Adley Rutschman Orioles
2 Will Smith Dodgers
3 J.T. Realmuto Phillies
4 William Contreras Brewers
5 Sean Murphy Braves

First base

Rank Player Team
1 Freddie Freeman Dodgers
2 Bryce Harper Phillies
3 Matt Olson Braves
4 Pete Alonso Mets
5 Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Blue Jays

Second base

Rank Player Team
1 Mookie Betts Dodgers
2 Ozzie Albies Braves
3 Marcus Semien Rangers
4 Jose Altuve Astros
5 Nico Hoerner Cubs

Third base

Rank Player Team
1 Jose Ramirez Guardians
2 Rafael Devers Red Sox
3 Gunnar Henderson Orioles
4 Royce Lewis Twins
5 Elly De La Cruz Reds

Shortstops

Rank Player Team
1 Bobby Witt Jr. Royals
2 Mookie Betts Dodgers
3 Trea Turner Phillies
4 Francisco Lindor Mets
5 Corey Seager Rangers

Outfielders

Rank Player Team
1 Ronald Acuna Jr. Braves
2 Corbin Carroll Diamondbacks
3 Mookie Betts Dodgers
4 Kyle Tucker Astros
5 Julio Rodriguez Mariners
6 Fernando Tatis Jr. Padres
7 Aaron Judge Yankees
8 Juan Soto Yankees
9 Luis Robert Jr. White Sox
10 Yordan Alvarez Astros

Starting pitchers

Rank Player Team
1 Spencer Strider Braves
2 Zack Wheeler Phillies
3 Corbin Burnes Brewers
4 Kevin Gausman Blue Jays
5 Luis Castillo Mariners
6 Yoshinobu Yamamoto Dodgers
7 Zac Gallen Diamondbacks
8 Tarik Skubal Tigers
9 Pablo Lopez Twins
10 Logan Webb Giants

Relief pitchers

Rank Player Team
1 Edwin Diaz Mets
2 Josh Hader Astros
3 Emmanuel Clase Guardians
4 Jhoan Duran Twins
5 Raisel Iglesias Braves
6 Camilo Doval Giants
7 Jordan Romano Blue Jays
8 Pete Fairbanks Rays
9 David Bednar Pirates
10 Paul Sewald Diamondbacks

Fantasy baseball sleepers 2024

Wyatt Langford, OF, Rangers

Prospects are often the best place to find fantasy sleepers. Everyone is going to jump at the chance to draft Jackson Holliday or Jackson Chourio. But Langford might quietly be in for the best rookie season of the bunch.

Yes, he was just drafted last year. But in the second half of the season, he sped all the way to Triple-A, crushing every level of the minors. He has a discerning eye at the plate, tons of raw power and is a savvy base-runner who should steal some bags. There could be some batting average issues early as he gets adjusted, but the raw tools highlight a player with tons of upside.

Langford might not make the MLB roster to start the season, which could help lower his ADP. But it won't be long until he reaches the majors, and has explosive potential when he does.

Luis Campusano, C, Padres

It wasn't that long ago Campusano was considered among the top prospects in the game. But injuries and inconsistent performance have dimmed the shine on his profile a touch over the years.

It's therefore hard to believe he's only heading into his age-25 season, and is coming off a mini breakout toward the end of 2023. He slashed .319/.356/.491 with a strikeout rate of 12.1 percent and seven home runs in only 49 games. With Austin Nola off to Kansas City, Campusano will head into the year as the clear starter behind the plate.

The catching position is shallow in terms of premium offensive talent. Campusano has the skills to take that next step as one of baseball's top sluggers at catcher, combining a contact-oriented approach and standout power. Provided he can stay healthy, it wouldn't be hard to envision him rising well into the top-10 among catchers in 2024.

Ke'Bryan Hayes, 3B, Pirates

Hayes is another former top prospect who has battled injuries during his career, limiting him to only 136 games in 2022 and 124 games in 2023. He's been most acclaimed when healthy for his defense, but his bat has shown plenty of promise.

Hayes' slugging percentage jumped from .345 in 2022 to .453 in 2023, and his home runs went from just seven in 2022 to 15 in 2023 despite playing in 12 fewer games. The stolen base numbers took a slight dip, falling from 20 to 10, but there was still more than enough speed to make him a threat on the bases.

The 27-year-old third baseman blisters the ball (93rd percentile in average exit velocity) and improved his launch angle in 2023, allowing him to turn his line drives into more home runs. Hayes adds solid plate discipline with low whiff rates, and figures to bat in the middle of an improving Pittsburgh lineup. Third base is a deep position, but Hayes could combine rare speed at the position with some pop to make him a unique producer at the hot corner.

Spencer Steer, 1B/2B/3B/OF, Reds

It often helps to have a player on the roster capable of playing multiple positions. Steer might have the chance to qualify at nearly every position except catcher and shortstop in 2024. Oh yeah, and the bat is not too shabby either.

He launched 23 homers, swiped 15 bases in 2023, and managed a strikeout rate of only 20.9 percent to a walk rate of 10.2 percent. He also posted a .271 batting average, which wasn't far off from his expected batting average of .252 from Baseball Savant. Steer figures to hit in the middle of a lineup that will have high-OBP bats like T.J. Friedl and Matt McLain ahead of Steer, giving him plenty of chances for RBI.

Steer will only be 26 this season and has a solid track record to support what he did in 2023. Throw in his positional versatility, and he figures to be among the most valuable super-utility bats in fantasy in 2024.

Bryce Miller, SP, Mariners

The Mariners have become a pitching factory in recent years with Logan Gilbert and George Kirby developing into stars, and Luis Castillo leading the rotation. That's why it's easy for Miller to get lost in the mix and fall under the radar among his standout teammates.

Last year, Miller ranked eighth in Stuff+ among pitchers with at least 130 innings, putting him ahead of annual Cy Young contenders like Dylan Cease, Sandy Alcantara, Zack Wheeler, Justin Verlander and Blake Snell. That stuff comes with a walk rate of 4.8 percent and control that has been praised as advanced throughout his professional career.

Don't let the 4.32 ERA scare you off. He's a rising pitcher in the sport, and could have a major breakout in his second year in the big leagues.

Best fantasy baseball draft strategy

New to fantasy baseball? There are a few strategies important to consider when drafting.

Early in a draft, it's important to take the best players available. Unlike in fantasy football, when the quarterbacks don't fly off the board until the middle of the draft, the highest-valued position players should be the first to go. 

It's often a decent strategy to wait on drafting pitchers. Hurlers tend to be more injury prone, and while position players can hit the injured list and miss over a week, that represents only a fraction of the full season. Pitcher injuries are more likely to cost them extensive parts of the season, particularly when they only have around 30 starts to make in a season to begin with.

Catcher is the weakest position from an offensive standpoint, and if you miss out on drafting the top catchers — like Adley Rutschman, Will Smith or J.T. Realmuto — it is best then to wait on landing another catcher until later. 

Closers, like pitchers, are fickle. Missing the star closers can mean landing in an uncertain situation in which you have to keep a close eye out for shifting bullpen situations and available pitchers on the waiver wire.

Edward Sutelan

Edward Sutelan Photo

Edward Sutelan joined The Sporting News in 2021 after covering high school sports for PennLive. Edward graduated from The Ohio State University in 2019, where he gained experience covering the baseball, football and basketball teams. Edward also spent time working for The Columbus Dispatch and Cape Cod Times.