It all starts with the rankings. You do your research and break down the player pool. Then it is time to either make your predictions or use those of a trusted source. But how do those rankings apply to the draft room? Your work shouldn’t stop with rankings. There is an additional step to be taken, so let’s dig into how to properly use positional tiers.
How to Properly Use Positional Tiers
It All Starts with Rankings
At the risk of stating the obvious, you need to begin by ranking the player pool. The method you use is irrelevant, as long as you generate rankings. It could be based on ADP, your own projections, projections from another source, adjusted projections, or your own subjective thoughts. Ultimately, that does not matter. All that does matter, is that you have legitimate rankings that you feel confident in. When you sit down at the draft table or screen, you need to have a list you feel confident in to draft off of.
However, since these rankings are overall in nature, it is important to take things a step further. This is necessary to formulate a draft plan as roster management is quite critical.
Not Every Position is Created Equal
Some positions are simply better than others. For example, there is more depth at third base than second base. While we need to start just one first baseman, five outfielders are required. Each league is also different with the breakdown of your starting lineup. This certainly should be taken into account.
For now though, that doesn’t matter. Prior to the draft, each position needs to be dealt with on its own individual merits. Each positional tier is going to be different. Some will be top-heavy and some tiers are going to be larger than others. Don’t try and fit each position into the same box as some might require more tiers than others. Whenever there is a clear drop-off amongst a group of players, it is time for a new tier.
Tiers Don’t Take Into Account Specific Categories
Now, it is draft time. Once you get into a draft, roster management takes hold. Tiers are based on how players rank at their specific positions. When you are building a team, there are statistical targets that must be hit in each category. It is important though to minimize the amount of reaching that is done in your drafts.
Within each tier, players are going to bring certain skillsets to the table. Utilizing tiers helps to track the draft, but it should be done based on categories and not just positions. Being able to identify when a drop-off occurs, especially with stolen bases, is a critical added step.
Depth is Important
Quite simply, some positions are deeper than others. While the tiers are relative to each position, we need to label the tiers based on our comfort levels as it relates to your starting lineup. Depending on the position, some will clearly have more starting worthy options than others. Understanding this is important towards building a successful draft plan.
Consider Overall Production
At the end of the day, the objective is to accumulate as many statistics as possible. How you obtain them, and from what position, ultimately doesn’t matter. Just because the tier at second base is drying up, it doesn’t mean you should rush to make that selection if it doesn’t line up to both production and your overall rankings. Drafting a third outfielder and then the following second baseman could result in a net gain of five home runs and 20 RBI. This advantage can’t be overlooked.
When compiling your tiers, it is important not to lose sight of your overall ranks as well. While managing tiers, be careful not to deviate too far from your overall ranks as well.
Tier Middle Infield and Corner Infield
While obviously not a position on the field, if it is listed in your starting lineup, then it needs to be tiered. It is important to gauge the depth while filling out these positions while understanding potential decreases in quality.
Highlight Targets in Each Tier
It goes without saying that it only takes a few draft picks or auction purchases for the best laid plans to go out the window. With that being said, it is important to understand your statistical targets and have thoughts on how to get there.
Your rankings are going to reflect your thoughts on the player pool, but there simply players you will like more than others. Based on your rankings compared to ADP, it becomes quite clear that some players are just not going to find their way to your roster. Within each tier though, it is important mark specific players that you are targeting to help further isolate your strategy. This will give you a general idea of how to proceed.
For more of the great fantasy baseball rankings and analysis you’ve come to expect from FantraxHQ, check out our full 2024 Fantasy Baseball Draft Kit! We’re here for you all the way up until Opening Day and then on into your championship run.