Though aiming to get the best value is always wise, most fantasy owners don't go into a draft without a list of favorites. The players you don't mind selecting a round earlier than projected to avoid missing out on them. The guys who get a little asterisk on your draft sheet.
Below, you will find my favorites for the upcoming season. These 10 players are the guys most likely to decide whether or not I have a Yoo-hoo shower in early October.
Positions listed denote players' season-opening fantasy eligibility in most leagues.
Brandon Belt, first baseman (Giants): At first glance, Belt made few strides when he hit .275 with 17 home runs last season. But a closer look shows improved plate discipline (career-best 0.7 BB/K ratio), a personal-high 46 percent fly-ball rate and an .883 OPS vs. southpaws (lifetime .783 mark prior to '16). While his pitcher-friendly home park remains an obstacle, Belt could produce 22 homers, 90 RBIs and 80 runs this year.
Trea Turner, 2B/OF (Nationals): In a '17 fantasy landscape that includes few impact speedsters, Turner should be a first-round selection in most leagues. Batting atop an impressive Nats lineup, the 23-year-old could hit .300 with more than 100 runs, 15 homers and 50 steals this season. Owners should be ecstatic to start their drafts with Turner.
Francisco Lindor, shortstop (Indians): A five-category contributor who is expected to hit third in a talented Indians lineup, Lindor is among the safest early-round options. With minor improvements, the 23-year-old could produce 20 homers, 85 RBIs, 100 runs, 25 steals and a .310 batting mark this year.
Yoenis Cespedes, outfielder (Mets): Cespedes has cemented himself as a premier power hitter since joining the Mets in July 2015, producing an impressive .282/.348/.554 slash line and 48 home runs across 792 plate appearances with the club. Batting from the heart of a lineup that will likely improve upon last year's 25th-place finish in runs scored, the outfielder should record more than 30 homers and 100 RBIs in '17.
Matt Kemp, outfielder (Braves): He's no longer a major speed source, but Kemp has proven he can still make a solid fantasy impact with his power stroke. Though he's now 32 years old, the slugger could repeat last year's 35-homer output while notching a third consecutive triple-digit RBI total in '17. And after the veteran arrived to Spring Training sporting a slimmed-down physique, fantasy owners shouldn't rule out a notable stolen-base uptick.
Jay Bruce, outfielder (Mets): Many fantasy owners are avoiding Bruce in '17 drafts after he hit .219 with a .685 OPS during 50 stretch-run games with the Mets last season. But those with longer memories know that the veteran has been a reliable option in mixed leagues for years, posting annual averages of 29 homers, 93 RBIs, 80 runs and eight steals across the past six seasons. Entering his age-30 campaign, Bruce is likely not at the outset of a permanent production decline.
Rajai Davis, outfielder (A's): Owners who do not secure the services of an elite basestealer in the first half of their drafts should invest in Davis, who is set to serve as Oakland's regular leadoff man after producing a career-best 12 homers with an American League-leading 43 stolen bases last season. The veteran could receive enough playing time this year to record his sixth career 40-steal season.
Rich Hill, starter (Dodgers): Hill has become one of the best hurlers on a per-start basis since returning to the Majors down the stretch in '15, recording a 2.00 ERA and a 0.93 WHIP across his past 24 starts. Sure, the left-hander is a notable injury risk after logging a pair of disabled-list stints last season. But with many serviceable pitching options on waivers in most mixed leagues, owners should be able to find solid streaming options if Hill misses more time this year. Even if those replacements aren't great, 20 starts from Hill plus 10 starts of so-so production from other options could still equal fantasy gold on the whole.
Edwin Diaz, reliever (Mariners): After posting an astounding 15.3 K/9 rate as a rookie, Diaz belongs on the short list of hurlers who could be the top fantasy reliever in '17. Entering his first full season as the Mariners' closer, the right-hander could deliver 40-plus saves and 100-plus strikeouts this year. Over the past three seasons, just one pitcher has reached both of those plateaus in a single campaign (Kenley Jansen twice).
Seunghwan Oh, reliever (Cardinals): After a successful career overseas, Oh needed just one season to ascend to the top tier of fantasy stoppers. Supported by a talented Cardinals squad, the right-hander could use his strikeout skills and stellar control (5.7 K/BB ratio in '16) to be a four-category difference-maker.