NL Sleeper Hitters

Sep 15, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Jorge Soler hits a single against the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

OF Marcell Ozuna of the Miami Marlins

While Ozuna is probably a little too proven to consider, I am not a stickler for the definition of a sleeper.  Maybe you just slept on the fact Ozuna put up a nice 85/23/72/3/.269 line in 2014.  Nonetheless, there is no reason that the young centerfielder could not hit 25 homers and finish as a top 25 OF.

C Travis d’Arnaud of the New York Mets

If you want to wait late to draft your catcher in 2015, then Travis d’Arnaud is the perfect player for you.  I wrote here why I believe that d’Arnaud could be a top five catcher at a thin position.  He was a highly touted prospect in Toronto before he was sent to New York in the R.A. Dickey trade and d’Arnaud looks to be hitting his stride after his demotion to AAA in June.

OF Jorge Soler of the Chicago Cubs

Jorge Soler has massive, massive power potential and an incredible offensive profile that could lend Soler to be a first round fantasy draft pick in future seasons.  I think Jorge Soler will have a variable ADP of rounds 7-10 in non-keeper leagues, but he is an absolute must own in keeper formats.  We could see 30 homers this year and a lot more in Jorge Soler’s bright future.

OF Gregory Polanco of the Pittsburgh Pirates

Polanco is another super prospect in the NL Central with great tools, but he struggled in 89 games with the Pirates in 2014.  At only 23, Gregory Polanco has plenty of time to tear up the Majors in the future, but I think his power ceiling is only 15 homers this season.

2B Kolten Wong of the St. Louis Cardinals

Kolten Wong plays the fantasy thin keystone position while being a strong candidate to go 20-20.  His power-steal combo makes Wong a very attractive option, but I would rather roll with Brian Dozier for a marginally higher cost.  If Kolten Wong produces, then he may approach 2014 Dozier levels, but why not take the real thing?  (As you assuredly know by now, I really want Dozier on all my teams).

OF A.J. Pollock of the Arizona Diamondbacks

If you remember what I wrote about Adam Eaton in the AL Sleeper Hitters article, then just replace that name with A.J. Pollock and add 10-15 homers.  Pollock will cost a drop more than Adam Eaton, but I am more than willing to pay the difference in price.

3B and/or OF Yasmany Tomas of the Arizona Diamondbacks

Yasmany Tomas is the ultimate wild card in 2015.  In fact, I have no idea where he will be eligible yet, but it sounds like the Diamondbacks will try to fit Tomas in at third base or as a corner outfielder.  What I do know is that Yasmany Tomas is a 30 HR candidate with a price tag likely outside of pick #100.  That type of upside with a truly unknown ceiling is worth the risk to me every time.