Fantasy411 chat: Stanton ahead of Bryant?

February 12th, 2018

MLB.com fantasy expert Fred Zinkie fielded questions from fans during a live Twitter chat (at @fantasy411) on Monday. Read through the best of the Q&A below. Questions and answers have been edited for clarity.
@broutman1: Can you explain the reasoning behind ranking ahead of ?
Zinkie: Stanton is coming off a great season and is in the heart of a terrific lineup. His counting-stat potential is higher.
@rotoking21: Which pitcher should I keep out of , Chris Archer, and ?
Fred Zinkie: Even after Darvish joined the Cubs, Nola should be your keeper. Darvish may be the best of the group in 2018, but Nola has more long-term potential.
@Holly4UA: Will hit 40-plus homers this season?
Zinkie: He should easily clear 40 homers.
@mcnamara22: Do you expect Whit Merrifield to repeat his breakout season?
Zinkie: He may regress, but the regression will likely be fairly small.
@ryankyger: Should I keep Charlie Blackmon or Bryant?
Zinkie: Keep Bryant. Blackmon could be better this year, but Bryant should be better in the long run.
@jay_ollie_04: Who finishes with more points this year, or Nick Senzel?
Zinkie: Both prospects will likely need an injury to a veteran to make an early-season impact, but Robles has a better chance of getting into the lineup before the summer.
@topperchris89: Please share your thoughts on ,
Zinkie: Mazara is young and will likely continue to improve his skill set this season. But he was very fortunate with runners in scoring position last year and may not post another triple-digit RBI total in 2018.
@iKaulbach: Does deserve any discussion as a top-three pick?

Zinkie: He definitely deserves consideration. However, many owners will want some steals from a pick at that spot in Round 1.
@DSMettler: Who would you keep in a keeper league between or ?
Zinkie: You should keep Bregman. He is younger and could be just as valuable this year.
@Gcohen99: Would you rather own or ?
Zinkie: In a one-year league, Ohtani is the pick. But Acuna should be drafted earlier in dynasty leagues.
@claycochy5: Who has the better floor/ceiling combination between Darvish and ?
Zinkie: Darvish is the better option. His strikeout ability gives him a higher ceiling and floor.
@j_mendwin: Who should I draft out of Bumgarner, and ? Also, who should I draft out of , Zack Greinke, Darvish and ?
Zinkie: Bumgarner and Carrasco would be great choices out of those groups.
@BThomas62: In a dynasty league that counts holds, how much would you prioritize pitchers who had many holds last year?
Zinkie: Don't put too much value on the holds leaders, as they tend to fluctuate each year.
@triker0621: Which two pitchers should I keep out of , , and Nola?
Zinkie: You should keep Nola and Weaver. Paxton is an enticing option, but he has had injury issues and is older than Weaver.
@alfredo_gc: Who is a better keeper, or ?

Zinkie: Turner. Steals are so valuable right now.
@Peppy922: What are your expectations for ? Could he hit 30-plus homers again this year?
Zinkie: He really saved his 2017 season by heating up late in the year. Expect 30 homers, 80-85 RBIs and 100 runs scored.
@RyanZore: Should I keep Darvish, , , or ?
Zinkie: Go with Cruz, if your only concern is 2018. Otherwise, keep Hoskins.
@thelittleguy31: Should I keep Max Scherzer at the cost of a first round pick or at the cost of a second round pick?
Zinkie: I would rather keep Kluber with an even cost, so he is definitely my pick here.
@CowboysandNoles: I'm rebuilding. Should I keep or ?
Zinkie: Moncada. His steals potential gives him the edge. But this is a close call.
@ant_buonpastore: Who has more upside out of and Trea Turner?
Zinkie: Turner has much more upside. His potential to 50-60 steals makes him very valuable.
@DiningOutDuVall: Who should I draft out of , and ?
Zinkie: Go with Eaton, who will hit leadoff in a great lineup.