Scott White’s Mid-Season Fantasy Baseball Rankings Shake-Up: Bohm and Others on the Rise
As we approach the one-third mark of the baseball season, it’s time to take a wrecking ball to my rest-of-season rankings. This space will highlight some of the more notable changes, and you can find the full updated rankings [here](#). Bookmark this resource for the best gauge of player value throughout the long season.
### Adjusting to the Season’s Offensive Struggles
A common critique of our rankings at CBS Sports is that we are too slow to react to changes in player value. However, baseball is a sport ruled by sample size, and hasty decisions based on short-term performance can be misleading. Our role is to provide perspective and caution, ensuring that observed changes are truly durable before adjusting rankings significantly.
One notable, durable trend this year is the difficulty hitters are experiencing. This can be measured in various ways, but the two key metrics are how often fly balls leave the yard (HR/FB) and how often batted balls become hits (BABIP).
*HR/FB and BABIP Comparisons:*
| Year | HR/FB | BABIP |
|——|——-|——-|
| 2022 | 11.4% | .290 |
| 2023 | 12.7% | .297 |
| 2024 | 10.9% | .288 |
This year is shaping up to be the worst for offense in nearly a decade. Even though HR/FB and BABIP typically improve as the season progresses, this year’s numbers are still worse compared to May of 2022.
### Recognizing Overperforming Hitters
In such a challenging offensive environment, any hitter exceeding expectations deserves special attention, even if their usual performance indicators are suspect. This season’s unusual context suggests there may be new variables at play, making it crucial to value consistent performers highly.
#### Alec Bohm’s Rising Stock
Alec Bohm is a prime example of a player who has earned a higher ranking. Harper, his Phillies teammate, praised Bohm’s swing, stating he would teach his own kids to swing like Bohm rather than himself. Bohm’s performance has caught the attention of not just his teammates but also opposing teams. Nationals manager Dave Martinez recently chose to pitch to Harper rather than face Bohm with an open base, underscoring Bohm’s rising threat.
*Bohm’s 2024 Stats:*
– Slash Line: .314/.370/.505
– MLB-Leading 20 Doubles
– 46 RBIs (Third in the Majors)
Bohm’s situational hitting has been exceptional, batting .329 with runners on base over the past two seasons, .359 with runners in scoring position, and .352 with runners in scoring position and two outs. These metrics place him among the top 10 in the majors in these categories.
### Positional Rankings Adjustments
#### First Base
At first base, Bohm now ranks ninth, ahead of players like Spencer Steer, Vinnie Pasquantino, and Yandy Diaz. He remains behind superstars such as Vladimir Guerrero, Josh Naylor, Cody Bellinger, Christian Walker, and Matt Olson. Bohm’s ability to hit for average and his prime RBI spot in the Phillies lineup make him a valuable asset, even if his home run totals are modest.
#### Second Base
Bryson Stott has climbed to sixth due to his recent hot streak, now ranking ahead of Ha-seong Kim and Jordan Westburg. Stott’s 13 stolen bases bolster his value, trailing only Brice Turang and Jose Caballero at the position. Turang, now in my top 10, exemplifies the impact of the shift ban, leveraging his speed and contact skills for Fantasy greatness.
Luis Rengifo’s improved performance under new manager Ron Washington’s aggressive base-running strategy has also boosted his ranking. Now 15th at second base, his quadruple eligibility adds significant value.
#### Third Base
Elly De La Cruz has claimed the top spot at third base in categories leagues, though he remains behind Jose Ramirez in points leagues due to plate discipline concerns. De La Cruz’s projected stolen bases, pacing for about 90, make him a Fantasy monster despite his flaws.
Joseph Ortiz, playing nearly every day for the Brewers, and Ryan McMahon are also notable risers, ranking 19th and 20th at third base, respectively.
### Conclusion
This season’s offensive struggles necessitate a recalibration of player values. As hitters like Alec Bohm continue to perform under these challenging conditions, their Fantasy rankings must reflect their impact. Keep an eye on the full updated rankings [here](#) for the most current insights as the season progresses.
