Fantasy baseball managers can be predictable at this time of year. Start a discussion with them about the consistency of Twins second baseman Jorge Polanco or the breakout power of Brewers shortstop Willy Adames, and listen to how they quote ADP numbers with warnings against drafting them too early.
But then you ask them about Royals prospect Bobby Witt Jr., and like a baby that just jingled a set of keys in front of them, their eyes glaze over, their smile makes them look happier than the Kool-Aid Man, and tiny streams of drool begin to descend from the corner of their mouths. Every fantasy baseball manager loves their shiny new toys.
Drafting rookies can be a tough business in the fantasy game. Everyone wants them to be the next Juan Soto, but most end up more like Elliot Soto. (Go ahead and look him up, if you must. He isn’t very good.) But this year we have three very interesting rookie options in the middle infield, all of whom warrant some attention in 2022 fantasy drafts.
Witt is the most obvious, as he is the odds-on favorite to win the AL Rookie of the Year. He is a special talent who possesses the power, speed and plate discipline you want in a player, both in reality and fantasy. His current ADP has him being drafted just outside the top 100, and he should be well worth the cost. The Royals are expected to have him start Opening Day, thanks to the new CBA, and he’s going to be extremely fun to watch.
But if the asking price for Witt is too rich and you still covet a rookie middle infielder, then Pirates shortstop Oneil Cruz may be worth a look. He will likely start off in the minors, so you will need a grizzled veteran to hold down the fort for a few weeks, but the Pirates won’t wait too long to bring up this 6-foot-7 behemoth who, obviously, has the power, but also has surprisingly decent speed. With an ADP of 220, he’s a quality stash candidate.
There are a few other rookie middle infielders to watch out for, such as Jeremy Pena of the Astros or Jose Barrero of the Reds, but Witt and Cruz stand head and shoulders above all.
If drafting rookies is a priority of yours, both are worthy of your attention. It just depends on how much you want to risk.
