Gray is a consistent producer

Last week, we highlighted some young players who are primed to see increased playing time this season. Now it’s time to focus on some boring veterans who can also help fantasy managers bring home a championship.

Teoscar Hernandez, Los Angeles Dodgers (ADP 53)

The trio of Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman generates a ton of headlines, and rightfully so. Those three were the driving force behind the Dodgers winning the World Series. However, Hernandez was also very productive. After a down season with the Mariners, Hernandez bounced back to record 33 home runs, 99 RBI, 84 runs scored and 12 stolen bases with the Dodgers. He also batted .272, which was his highest mark since 2021.

The Hernandez that we saw last season is more normal than his production with the Mariners. He had just a .178 ISO and a .317 wOBA in 2023. Last year, he had a .229 ISO and a .360 wOBA. For his career, he has a .226 ISO and a .343 wOBA. With plenty of runners likely on base ahead of him, Hernandez should rack up plenty of RBI. Another stat that you like to see with Hernandez is that he has missed a total of 10 games over the last two seasons. Expect him to have a high floor again this year.

Aaron Nola, Philadelphia Phillies (ADP 84)

It has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride for Nola the last four seasons. While he had an ERA of 3.57 or lower in two of them, he had an ERA of at least 4.46 in the other two. However, he did not have a FIP higher than 4.03 in any of those campaigns. Last season, he produced a 3.57 ERA and a 3.94 FIP. That is close to in line with his career 3.70 ERA and 3.46 FIP.

One thing that fantasy managers have been able to count on from Nola is volume. He has made at least 32 starts and recorded at least 197 strikeouts in each of the last four seasons. He also finished with a WHIP of 1.20 or lower in each of those campaigns. His strikeout rate declining in each of the last four seasons is a bit of a concern, but with him making so many starts, he still helps fantasy managers in that department. Nola is currently the 21st starting pitcher off the board in terms of ADP, so he makes for a great number two starter on most fantasy squads. Those looking to take a greater risk on someone like Blake Snell (ADP 53) or Jacob deGrom (ADP 62) as their top starting pitcher might be wise to pair them with Nola.

Alex Bregman, Boston Red Sox (ADP 115)

After nine seasons with the Astros, Bregman signed with the Red Sox during the offseason. Not only will he be playing for a new team, but he will also be playing a new position. Rafael Devers has already said that he wants to stay at third base, meaning that Bregman should spend most of his time playing second base.

Bregman has batted at least .259 and hit at least 23 home runs in each of the last three seasons. He has appeared in at least 150 games in a season five times in his career and he recorded at least 93 RBI and at least 93 runs scored in four of them. While Bregman saw his wOBA drop to .331 last year, he still had just a 13.6% strikeout rate. His 40.1% hard-hit rate was actually the highest mark of his career. There are only six second baseman with an ADP inside the top-125 right now. As Bregman becomes eligible at that position, his value will increase even more.

Sonny Gray, St. Louis Cardinals (ADP 116)

Gray made 28 starts during his first season with the Cardinals, logging a total of 166 1/3 innings. His ERA finished at 3.84, and it could have been even better when you consider his 3.12 FIP. Even his xERA was 3.67. Maybe the most exciting stat from him last season was his 30.3% strikeout rate, which was more than six percentage points higher than in 2023. He also had a 5.8% walk rate, which was the lowest mark of his career.

We have seen Gray miss a lot of bats before. He had a strikeout rate of at least 27.0% in each of his three seasons with the Reds. Also helping fantasy managers is that Gray has produced a WHIP of 1.15 or lower in each of the last three seasons. For his career, he has a 1.19 WHIP. With him being drafted outside the top 100, he makes for an excellent number three or four starter on fantasy squads.

Tyler O’Neill, Baltimore Orioles (ADP 176)

It has been a long time since O’Neill was one of the top young players in the Cardinals organization. This season, he will turn 30 years old in June. He had a breakout campaign in 2021, hitting 34 home runs and producing a .912 OPS across 138 games. However, injuries were often a concern with him. That would end up being the only season in which O’Neill appeared in at least 100 games for the team.

Injuries again hampered O’Neill last season, limiting him to 113 games with the Red Sox. However, he still launched 31 home runs and had a .847 OPS. His 11.2% walk rate was the highest mark of his career and marked his third straight season with a walk rate of at least 9.9%. Now a member of the Orioles, O’Neill figures to hit fourth or fifth in the lineup most nights. If he can even play 125 games, another 30-homer campaign could be in the cards. Those hunting for power late in drafts should get exactly that with O’Neill.

Mike Barner has been covering fantasy sports since 2007. His work has appeared in Sports Illustrated, Yahoo, SportsLine and RotoWire. Mike was also a finalist for the 2018 FSWA Basketball Writer of the Year award. Follow Mike on Twitter @rotomikebarner.