Byron Buxton-Twins-OF
Byron Buxton is batting third and hitting cleanup for the Twins in their Opening Day lineup. This is good news for those who drafted Buxton. The Twins seem committed to playing him more at DH in order to keep him healthy and on the field. Buxton displayed elite skills a year ago when it comes to power (51% FB, 16% Barrels, and 50% Hardhit) which is why he was able to hit 28 HR in 92 GP. The extreme shift in flyballs did hurt his average (.224) as well as his increased strikeout rate (30% K). A small shift in the other direction and good health could lead to a massive season for the ultra-talented outfielder.
Mike Clevinger-White Sox-SP
Mike Clevinger is coming off a dismal 2022 season in which he put up a 4.33 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in 114.1 IP. He displayed good control (7% BB) but saw a significant drop in his strikeout rate (19% K) which followed a drop in his swinging strike rate (11%). He also showed decreased velocity (93.5 mph) compared to 2019 (95.5 mph) and 2020 (95.2 mph). All of these factors have the arrow pointing down on Clevinger. This doesn't include his horrible spring either (6.89 ERA and 1.34 WHIP). He should be someone on your radar to cut quickly if he doesn't show improved velocity and/or strikeout rate.
Garrett Mitchell-Brewers-OF
Garrett Mitchell has had a strong spring (.303 AVG and 1.030 OPS). He is coming off a year in which he hit .277 with 4 HR, 29 R, 25 RBI, and 7 SB at Double-A (44 GP), .342 AVG with 1 HR, 15 R, 9 RBI, and 9 SB at Triple-A (20 GP), and then a .311 AVG with 2 HR, 9 R, 9 RBI, and 8 SB in 28 GP at the major league level. Mitchell looks to have won the starting centerfield job for the Brewers which will instantly make him fantasy viable. He is unlikely to hit for power but the speed is legit and he could approach 25+ SB in a full season. A .250 AVG with 10 HR and 25 SB is an upper-end outcome for Mitchell but represents his upside.
Myles Straw-Guardians-OF
Myles Straw has had a strong spring (.364 AVG). He is projected to hit ninth for the Guardians this year which is going to limit his counting stats (R and RBI) as well as stolen bases because he will get fewer at-bats. Straw is coming off a year in which .271 with 4 HR, 8 R, 48 RBI, and 30 SB. He does not hit the ball hard (1% Barrel and 26% Hardhit) so there is no chance of a power increase. It is also unlikely that he repeats 86 runs scored out of the nine hole which leaves him as a two-category guy this year (AVG and SB). If this is what you need then he could be valuable but it takes a perfect roster (excess power and counting stats) to be able to comfortably roster and start Straw in mixed leagues.
Hunter Greene-Reds-SP
Hunter Greene will get the Opening Day start for the Reds. He is coming off a mini breakout 2022 season in which he posted a 4.44 ERA and 1.21 WHIP with 22% K:BB in 125.2 IP. The overall line isn't great but he made adjustments in the second half that led to a 1.02 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, and 31% K:BB. The ceiling is sky-high for the young right-hander in terms of strikeouts and a full breakout. The only concern is that he will pitch his home starts in Great American Ballpark which is one of the most offensively friendly parks in the league. The good news is that Greene has the pure stuff to overcome a hitters park.
