Almost at the all-star break, now is a good time to evaluate which players are assets just for 2024 or beyond. Some of the below catchers and corner infielders are holds and some are easy avoids for me. Once again, age is a huge factor in dynasty ranks but production is the overall importance. Below are some former top prospects that I think should be snagged and some that should be avoided for the future.
Be sure to head over to the Pitcher List dynasty page to check out other helpful articles such as the dynasty performance report for outfielders!
Dynasty Risers:
Francisco Alvarez, NYM
After a rough first 128 games as a Met, Alvarez had a slow start to 2024 followed by a hand injury. Slashing .301/.373/.489, Alvarez is showing his first signs of a breakout. While some underlying numbers are pointing to a bit of luck, Alvarez should have no issue hitting in the .250 range. Only four home runs in his first 41 games, the plus power is what is going to carry him. As the home run total increases, Alvarez will climb up the ranks and tap into his top prospect potential. There is room for 25+ home runs yearly, and 30 is very possible at his peak. Realistically, Alvarez has 2 plus-category potential with home runs and RBI, but runs and OBP should be high enough to make him a top catching option.
Alvarez is walking at a two percent higher clip and striking out a four percent lower rate compared to 2023. Still only 22 years old, Alvarez is going to hold down a starting role for the Mets in the next few years and get a shot to be the piece they build around for the future. Francisco Alvarez still needs to improve the underlying data but he’s producing at a high level right now. Given the young age, there is a lot to build on here with the potential of plus power. At an already thin position, even if Alvarez only provides home runs and RBI, it should be enough to be considered as a top 10 option for the next few years.
Ben Rice, 1B, NYY
Another very popular pick this off-season to contribute in 2024 was Ben Rice. Finally getting an opportunity due to an unfortunate injury to Anthony Rizzo, Rice has taken full advantage. An older prospect, Rice had his breakout season at age 24 from Low-A, through High-A, and ending at Double-A. Now 25, Rice only spent 11 games at Triple-A before making his MLB debut. A good contact-hitting profile, Rice had a power surge in 2023 where he tallied 18 home runs in just 73 games. Add on a .324 average with a 44BB:62K ratio, Rice was pushing his way to the top of the Yankees prospect list.
In his short 19 games with the Yankees in 2024, Rice has a slash line of .267/.348/.567 with five home runs. Rice had his breakout game on June 6th against the Red Sox when he led off the game with a home run, then tallied two more as the game went on. That’s a three home run game as a rookie, with 12 total bases and 7 RBI. Immediately becoming a fan favorite while the Yankees are in a slump, Rice has held his own. Playing first base in all but one game so far, Rice is still looking like a solid fantasy option. Rice has maintained a good walk rate with a 13K:8BB ratio so far and is posting a low chase rate. Most likely contributing to runs, RBI, home runs, and OBP, Rice can spread the wealth.
Honorable Mention
Mark Vientos, NYM: Blocked mostly due to Pete Alonso and Brett Baty, Vientos made the most of his opportunity in 2024. A slow start for Baty, Vientos was recalled and was much better than his 2023 cup of coffee. Vientos has always had plus power but a .288 average in 2024 has made him a top third base option. His walk rate raised and his strikeout rate lowered from 2023 as Vientos has improved all around. With 11 home runs through 43 games, Vientos could hit 30+ in a full season. Still just 24 years old, Vientos has locked down a starting role on the Mets and could be the 1B/3B of the future.
Logan O’Hoppe, LAA: One of the more underrated catchers, O’Hoppe isn’t talked about enough. 12 home runs with a .275 average as a 24-year-old catcher should generate more buzz. An already thin position, O’Hoppe brings a good blend of hit and power to the plate. An aggressive hitter, his walk rate is on the lower end and the strikeout, whiff, and chase rates are all high. Still, his xBA is right on his average at .276 and he hits the ball hard. Despite not being in the best lineup, O’Hoppe has produced at a high level in 2024. Outside of the clear top three catchers, O’Hoppe could jump into the top five of catching dynasty ranks headed into 2025.
Dynasty Fallers:
Maikel Garcia, KCR
One of the popular breakout picks headed into 2024, Garcia started off hot and looked as though he was going to reach that potential. But Garcia had a rough month of June where he hit just .142 with zero home runs. The power was a fluke as four of his home runs came in the first month of the season and just two in his last 58 games. Garcia is an aggressive hitter with a low walk and strikeout rate, limiting his OBP and stolen base potential. The speed is still there with 21 steals, and the RBIs and runs totals should both be north of 80 by the end of 2024. Despite those three categories, Garcia is not going to be a 20-25 home run and 40 steal player.
Garcia is still young at 24 years old, but the profile is a leadoff hitter with sneaky pop. The average is a bit low and unlucky in 2024 due to BABIP and xBA, so there can be some increase there. Given an increase, Garcia may contribute to five categories but only excel in the stolen bases and runs. The RBIs are high this season, but as a leadoff hitter, that is likely to even out. The jump to above-average, or top-tier third baseman because of the speed is unlikely. Even as a mid .200 hitter, Garcia is still a steals and potential run/RBI player at most.
Ke’Bryan Hayes, PIT
Hayes has had two below-average seasons but with glimpses of potential. Known for his defense, Hayes has only reached double-digit home runs once and double-digit steals twice in a season. A prime position for offense, third base should bring either superstar potential or massive power potential. Hayes is still young at 27 years old, but he has yet to show any real value on the offensive side. Once a top prospect, Hayes never reached above average in any category from year to year.
One of the more fun players to watch on defense, Hayes is an average option offensively and below average for his position. The low walk rate eliminates any potential for on-base percentage to be an above-average category. Hayes relies on his inconsistent average to contribute to his on-base percentage. The barrel percentage has been low in 2024, as is the exit velocity. This eliminates the over-the-wall power and makes it tough for Hayes to contribute to the counting statistics. A stellar defensive player, Hayes can be avoided in all fantasy formats as he is a sub-par offensive player.
Honorable Mention
Jonah Heim, C, TEX: Coming off a great season where he hit 18 home runs and nearly tallied 100 RBI, Heim has started a bit slower in 2024. Strictly from a dynasty standpoint, Heim is a 29-year-old catcher which already works against him. A sub .300 OBP in 2024, which was only slightly higher in 2023, limits him to a 3-category player. Heim is slightly behind pace on home runs and RBI, but not by a ton. The walk rate lowered by almost 2%, but most of the other numbers remain the same from 2023. A decline may have been expected, and it’s enough to avoid him going forward from a dynasty perspective.
Jake Burger, 1B, MIA: Like Heim, Burger is coming off a career season in 2023. Also like Heim, Burger is not repeating that success. The plus power that gives Burger his value isn’t showing up. Without the high home run and RBI total, Burger doesn’t excel in any category. A strikeout rate north of 26% and a walk rate of 5.3% don’t allow much room in the OBP category. With the Marlins struggling offense, Burger won’t carry much value for the rest of 2024 or beyond in dynasty ranks.