Fantasy sports have taken the world by storm, and one of the most popular among them is fantasy baseball. With the Major League Baseball (MLB) season in full swing, fantasy baseball players are in a frenzy to assemble the best possible team to compete and win their respective leagues. While many players focus on big-name stars, there is an undervalued strategy that can lead to success in fantasy baseball: sleepers.

In fantasy baseball, a sleeper is a player who is expected to have a breakout performance or exceed expectations in the coming season. These players may have had an injury-plagued previous season, a slow start to their career, or may be overshadowed by bigger names on their team. As a result, their draft stock drops, making them a valuable asset for savvy fantasy players.

So, why should fantasy players consider adding sleepers to their team? Here are the positive benefits of MLB fantasy baseball sleepers.

1. Upside potential: The biggest advantage of having sleepers on your team is the potential for a breakout performance. As these players are undervalued or overlooked by many, they come at a much lower cost but have the potential to outperform their current draft position. This could give your team an edge over others in your league.

2. Cost-effective: As mentioned earlier, sleepers are usually drafted in later rounds, or even go undrafted. This means that they come at a lower cost than established superstars. By drafting sleepers, fantasy players can save on their budget and use it to acquire more top-tier players or fill gaps in their team.

3. Balancing risks: In fantasy sports, it is always a gamble to depend solely on established players. Injuries, poor performance, or changes in team dynamics can impact even the most reliable players. By adding sleepers to your roster, you are balancing out the risks. If your top players underperform, your sleepers can step up and fill the void, ensuring your team remains competitive.

4. Strategic waiver wire pickups: In addition to drafting sleepers, fantasy players can also keep an eye out for potential sleepers who were undrafted or dropped during the season. This strategic move can give your team an instant boost and also prevent your competitors from claiming talented players.

5. Better trade leverage: As sleepers are players with high potential, their trade value can increase significantly if they perform well. This gives fantasy players the opportunity to make advantageous trades with other team owners who may be looking to acquire a sleeper on their team.

So, who are some potential MLB fantasy baseball sleepers for the 2021 season? Some names to keep an eye on include Kansas City Royals’ third baseman Hunter Dozier, Miami Marlins’ starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara, and Seattle Mariners’ outfielder Jarred Kelenic.

Dozier, who was hampered by COVID-19 and a thumb injury last season, is now healthy and expected to be a key contributor for the Royals. Alcantara, who has shown glimpses of greatness in his previous seasons, could have a breakout year as the Marlins’ ace. Kelenic, one of the top prospects in baseball, is expected to make his MLB debut this season and could have an immediate impact on the Mariners’ lineup.

In conclusion, adding sleepers to your fantasy baseball team can have many positive benefits, from providing upside potential and cost-effectiveness to balancing risks and increasing trade leverage. Keep an eye out for potential sleepers in the draft and on the waiver wire, and you might just have the winning formula for your team. After all, the thrill of discovering and nurturing an overlooked player into a fantasy stud is what makes fantasy baseball so exciting.