FANTASY BASEBALL MUST DRAFT (LOCK UP SB)

CHANDLER SIMPSON

By Muntradamus

BEAST DOME NATION.

Every once in a while, we get a player who can put up a generational season in the SB department. A few years ago it was Esteury Ruiz when he swiped 67 bags for the Athletics. Then he boycotted with the fans on not selling the team, which basically ended his trajectory as the organization punished him. Now with the Marlins, I hope for his case he wins a starting spot, but he will need to have a good Spring to not start in the minors. Before Ruiz, it was Dee Gordon in who would put 60+ SBs in the mid 2010s. A player stealing 60+ Bases outside of the superstars comes once every few years. Well good news, that year is coming this year as we all have the opportunity to grab Chandler Simpson.

The Rays last season thought they had a good team, and did not really let Chandler Simpson show what he could do in a Full season, even sending him to the minors when he had already proved to be a speed demon. Simpson ended up with 44 SB in 414 AB (109 Games). Usually an everyday player for a full season can see above 600 AB, this season expectations for the Rays and their not so great pitching staff have to be sort of low. Which means they will let Simpson fly whenever he wants. If 400+ ABs = 40 SB in 2025, then it is not hard to imagine 600 AB = 60+ SB in 2026 for Chandler Simpson. No matter where he is in the batting order, Simpson is a threat to run wild. Unfortunately for Simpson, his HR power is an absolute 0/100. Best chance Chandler Simpson has of hitting a HR is an inside the park HR. However his SB potential is pretty much guaranteed AL League leader, with a firm gap.

The Rays did add Jake Fraley who is a very underrated weapon to add depth to their OF. However the weapon that Chandler Simpson provides with his speed is top of the line, Rays realized their mistake last season sending him down after he provided 16 SB in the month of May alone. If he stole 16 SB every month of the season, 70+ SB would be what Chandler Simpson ends up with.

Chandler owns an ADP at #165, I would take him in the 10th Round and then not have to think twice about losing a player who can carry an entire Fantasy team on his back in the SB department. When you have a player like Chandler Simpson on your team, it is no big deal if you take a pure power stud who has zero speed. First name that came into my head was a David Ortiz or Mo Vaughn, but if we want to be more relevant in the big 2026, Riley Greene somehow does not run anymore with his 2 SB. Not saying you MUST Draft Riley Greene, but SB category can be more of a second thought when deciding which player to draft once you own a speed demon like Chandler Simpson.

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