How to Rebuild Your Dynasty League Team

Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Did you like those choose your own adventure books as a kid? No?

OK, then do like like flow charts or decision trees? No?

OK, do you play in a fantasy baseball dynasty league? Yes?

Great! Now we’re talking. Follow the steps below if you want to successfully rebuild your fantasy baseball dynasty team.

#1: Are you enjoying yourself? Fantasy baseball requires a six-month slog for winning and losing is a total drag. Are you still having fun with it?

No? Then considering offering your team to a new owner. It’s frustrating when owners stop playing.
Yes? Of course I’m having fun! Read on to #2.

#2: Do you like the challenge of a multi-year rebuild? Keeper and Dynasty leagues are unforgiving to the impetuous. Does the challenge of a long-term “project” even appeal to you?

No? Then consider a year redraft league. Just start new each year or even try something like daily baseball.
Yes? I’m in it for the long haul! Then read on to #3.

#3: How long and how often have you sucked at fantasy baseball? Has it been 3 seasons or more? Do you have an honest, legitimate shot next year?

No? Then go back to #1. If you land here again, you must make some changes.
Maybe. If there have been large periods of time during which you’ve paid zero attention to your team, return to #2.
Yes? Yeah, I got a shot and it’s not just wishing on rainbows and unicorns. Read on to #4. 

#4 Assess why your team is where it is. Look at the past decisions you’ve made, determine what you need, measure how long the rebuild might take. Run this by another league owner or two.

If you can’t honestly evaluate your team with brutal honesty or if your view of your team differs dramatically from the others you solicit, you have issues. Have you made an honest assessment?

No? Go back to #3. Screw it. Jump back to #1.
Maybe. Consider pulling in an expert like Ask Nash or hit us up on twitter.
Yes? Read on to #5.

#5 Mathematically review your current roster. Identify your rock-solid foundational players and then players you’re willing to give up and shop to other teams. Finally, identify your dead weight and immediate cuts. If you think you have none of the latter, stop reading, because we probably can’t help you.

Then remove the “untouchable” label from even your rock-solid foundational players, because if you are in the position of major suckage, no one is untouchable. Repeat this last phrase 100 times to yourself, because it is your new operational mantra. Obviously this isn’t to say that you’ll deal Mike Trout or Bryce Harper’s future for Ricky Nolasco and a handful of jellybeans in a quality-for-quantity deal, but you need to be flexible.

Have you made your players available in an effort to be competitive?

No? Go back to #3 or go back to LaLa Land, which ever is closer.
Yes? Read on to #6.

#6 Assess the waiver wire or free agent list to see how it can help you remove your roster dead weight immediately.

If you see nothing of interest in potential free agent names like Jonathan Villar, Kelly Johnson or Yan Gomes, you’ve got more work to do. It’s important to have a familiarity with 300+ players. Have you fully done your research?

No. If you feel that this has already taken up too much of your time, consider it warning sign, and return to #1.
Yes? Proceed to lucky #7.

#7 Start thinking minor leaguers! How can prospects address both your long and short term needs? Check 4-5 pre-season Top 100 prospect lists to identify players that could contribute to your team in the coming years. Are you familiar with Kris Bryant, Oscar Taveras, Miguel Sano? If not, you aren’t ready.

#8 As a bonus move, re-assess favorite websites, daily routines, and online fantasy tools. You might need to mix it up and it need not be complicated. There is a lot of good independent fantasy content on the web (Like Smart Fantasy Baseball or Baseball Professor, for example).

There are no quick fixes when you play dynasty baseball. You’ll always have work to do. If you can’t handle that, go back to #1.