2013 Top 100 Fantasy Baseball Keeper Rankings

It's hard to explain. He's been exceptional. He's lived up to the hype and then some. He's had one of the most incredible seasons of all-time. The front-runner for MVP in the AL. He's also pretty handsome(Yes, I said it). The obvious Rookie of the Year. I'm talking about the one and only, Mike Trout. The season he's having is one for the ages. It's hard to take it all in(Don't take this the wrong way). He's really only 21 years-old? No need to delve into the history he is making in the MLB. All we care about is how he stacks up as a keeper in fantasy baseball leagues, right? You might be surprised where I have him ranked. There are just so many studs to choose from. You have guys like Ryan Fawn, Matt Pemp, Piguel Cabrera, and Domo Arigato Mr. Joey Votto that you just have to flat out respect on this list. It was really hard choosing where to place Trout, but here's what I went with.

Update: Have made quite a few changes since making the hub. Names such as Edwin Encarnacion, Yoenis Cespedes, Jurickson Profar, and Jason Kipnis have been added. Certain players have been switched in the rankings like Jay Bruce, Bryce Harper, Justin Upton, Justin Verlander, Clayton Kershaw, Carlos Santana, Brett Lawrie, Matt Wieters, Joe Mauer, and Jason Heyward. The list will be constantly updated whenever there is a change in production, injury, etc..

1. Ryan Braun

2. Mike Trout

3. Miguel Cabrera

4. Joey Votto

5. Andrew McCutchen

6. Albert Pujols

7. Carlos Gonzalez

8. Robinson Cano

9. Justin Verlander

10. Matt Kemp

11. Stephen Strasburg

12. Giancarlo Stanton

13. Prince Fielder

14. Justin Upton

15. Bryce Harper

16. Dustin Pedroia

17. Clayton Kershaw

18. Josh Hamilton

19. Ian Kinsler

20. Jered Weaver

21. Jose Bautista

22. Buster Posey

23. Felix Hernandez

24. Madison Bumgarner

25. Matt Holliday

26. David Price

27. Troy Tulowitzki

28. Jason Heyward

29. Adrian Beltre

30. David Wright

31. Adrian Gonzalez

32. Jose Reyes

33. Evan Longoria

34. Ryan Zimmerman

35. Hanley Ramirez

36. Cole Hamels

37. Edwin Encarancion

38. Jacoby Ellsbury

39. Billy Butler

40. Cliff Lee

41. Chris Sale

42. Matt Cain

43. Jay Bruce

44. Roy Halladay

45. Curtis Granderson

46. Pablo Sandoval

47. CC Sabathia

48. Matt Moore

49. Zack Greinke

50. Aroldis Chapman

51. Paul Konerko

52. Matt Wieters

53. Mark Teixeira

54. Brandon Phillips

55. Adam Jones

56. Starlin Castro

57. Austin Jackson

58. Michael Bourn

59. Nelson Cruz

60. Yu Darvish

61. Joe Mauer

62. R.A. Dickey

63. Tim Lincecum

64. Chase Headley

65. Yovanni Gallardo

66. C.J. Wilson

67. Freddie Freeman

68. Josh Johnson

69. Shin-Soo Choo

70. Elvis Andrus

71. Carlos Santana

72. Adam Wainwright

73. David Ortiz

74. Mark Trumbo

75. Craig Kimbrel

76. Asdrubal Cabrera

77. Jon Lester

78. Alex Gordon

79. Jose Altuve

80. Brett Lawrie

81. Gio Gonzalez

82. Eric Hosmer

83. Jordan Zimmerman

84. Ben Zobrist

85. Jimmy Rollins

86. Mat Latos

87. David Freese

88. Brandon Morrow

89. Tommy Hanson

90. Melky Cabrera

91. Paul Goldschmidt

92. Yoenis Cespedes

93. Jurickson Profar

94. Kris Medlen

95. Brian McCann

96. Jesus Montero

97. Dan Haren

98. Jason Kipnis

99. Mike Moustakas

100. Mike Napoli

Mike Trout, OF, Los Angeles Angels

You are probably wondering why I have him so high. Then again, you might be wondering why I don't have him #1. What it all boiled down to was that Trout was a highly touted, elite prospect, and he's playing like it this year. The reason why I put Braun #1 is because Braun is just too good. Braun is hitting his prime and don't be surprised if he threatens 40/40 like Kemp a year ago. But back to Trout. On a team as great as the Angels, and The Machine hitting two spots behind him, I just see no reason why he can't keep it up. He's gonna get good pitches to hit, and he's getting driven in. I'd expect about 130 runs from Trout next season, and that's being generous. Barring injuries. Look for a .320 average, 25 HRs, 130 runs, 90 RBIs, and 50 steals next season.

Justin Upton, OF, Arizona Diamondbacks

Say what? Why in the heck do I have this guy so high? Simple. Think back to Kemp's season the year before his last season. Still with me? Upton is flat out having a season well below of what is expected of him, after just having sort of a breakout season last year. I'm betting money the Upton of last year shows up and then some. He's also still just a mere 24 years-old. I think next season is the year that Upton puts it all together and gets 40 HRs and 100+ RBIs with a great average to boot.

Update: Justin Upton no longer in the top 10.

Stephen Strasburg, SP, Washington Nationals

Assuming he gets through this season unscathed, there will be no pitching limit and therefore the sky's the limit. Don't be surprised if Strasburg threatens 300 Ks. He really has that type of upside.

Hanley Ramirez, SS, Los Angeles Dodgers

Just a gut feeling, but I think the Hanley of old is back.

Roy Halladay, SP, Philadelphia Phillies

I'm one of Doc's biggest fans, but it's been real. I still think he has one more great season left in him, but don't expect much after next season. Father time doesn't discriminate. Doc is showing signs of declining and it's a shame. Hopefully he bounces back next season and has a shot at a ring.

Aroldis Chapman, RP, Cincinnati Reds

I don't know if you know this but umm, Chapman has 100 Ks, in just 53.2 innings pitched. That is good for a K/9 of 16.8. That is muy ridiculo. He just might be a starter next season, and if I was for sure he would be one, he'd be higher on this list. With Chapman's Ks alone, you could make a case that he's a keeper even if you knew going into next season that he would be a closer.

Eric Hosmer, 1B, Kansas City Royals

Do you think this can last? There's a storm coming, my friends. You and your friends better batten down the hatches, because when he hits, you're all gonna wonder how you ever thought you could live so large and leave so little for the rest of us.

Update: Hosmer has dropped in my rankings substantially, but I still like him to bounce back next year.

Bryce Harper, OF, Washington Nationals

I don't like him as much as most. I know he's an elite prospect, but I don't like him. He's too brash, and he doesn't swing the bat nearly as well as Trout. He could be a nice power threat, but I don't think he'll ever be a .300 hitter. He could be the next Jeff Francoeur or he could become the next Matt Kemp.

Update: Thank you for making me look stupid.

Matt Moore, SP, Tampa Bay Rays

Look for Moore to improve coming off of his rookie campaign. He's already shown in the 2nd half that he is ready take over the #2 role and truly make James Shields expendable. He has a 1.46 ERA so far in the 2nd half. He's quietly taking care of business, and don't forget about this guy. If you can steal him from somebody, go ahead and do it. Price and Moore should be a sick 1-2 punch for years to come.

Yu Darvish, SP, Texas Rangers

Y u no like Yu? It's hard to given the season he's had. I must admit, I wasn't high on Yu Darvish coming into this season. I thought he would have a tough time pitching in the big leagues, and would be just an average pitcher long-term. So far, he hasn't really done anything to disprove that theory. But there is something I really like about him. His K upside. The man can seriously strike out some batters. If you can do that in this league with above average control, you can do some damage. I expect Darvish to improve next season. I think this year was a great experience for him, and he will look to improve this offseason. With better control, Yu has the chance to be a mid-3 ERA pitcher with around 230+ Ks a season. I think that is worthy of a #2 three starter in your fantasy line up. Don't give up on him because of this season. There's a lot of upside here. He's only 25 years-old and in his first stint in America, he has a K/9 over 10. Buy, don't sell.

Update: In September/October Yu had a 2.21 ERA, 0.73 WHIP, 5.57 SO/BB, and a K/9 of 9.6. It gets me excited about Yu's upside next season. Of course he won't have an ERA and WHIP that low pitching in Arlington, but if he can limit his walks and not try to strike everyone out, he could become a dominant pitcher.

David Freese 3B, St. Louis Cardinals

I was a believer before the World Series run. I was a believer after the World Series run. I'm a believer. He's the real deal. All Mr. Freese does is hit.

Tommy Hanson, SP, Atlanta Braves

I still won't give up on you Hanson. Even if you rarely give me quality starts. Even if you always get hurt. I won't give up on you. I still love you. Just for once give me that elite season I've been waiting for. Well, we're waiting.

Melky Cabrera, OF, San Francisco Giants

It's not that I don't like Melky, because I do. I think he's underrated and is having an incredible season, but I can't justify putting him in my top-50. I just can't. I think he comes down to earth some next year, but still a top-100 keeper.

Update: Now with Melky being suspended for 50 games, his value takes quite a hit.

R.A. Dickey, SP, New York Mets

If you notice, I left him completely off the list. There's no doubt he's had an outstanding season and one of the best seasons for a "knuckleballer" of all-time. The man has certainly perfected that pitch, but it's hard to think that this type of success is sustainable. There are probably some people I could have replaced with him, but I just don't see it for Dickey next season. I'd be more than happy to be wrong about him because he's just a very likeable and intelligent guy, but it's hard to say he's a top-100 keeper. I still think he'll be solid next season and a bonafide QS machine, but he just doesn't crack my list.

Update: Robert Allen Dickey is now on the list. It's just too hard not to respect the #1 pitcher in most fantasy leagues. He had a huge season and there shouldn't be too much of a drop off. He's not striking out 200 batters again, but he could come close. Worst case scenario: He's a mid-3.00s ERA pitcher who racks up a ton of QSs with 160+ Ks and 15 wins. That is still valuable in most leagues.

There you have it. The top-100 keepers for the 2013 season. Hopefully Trout doesn't make me look like a complete idiot next season and has a sophomore slump. Wouldn't be the first time and won't be the last. I wouldn't also mind if Bryce Harper proves me wrong and turns into one of the best players in the league. But I think he will never live up to those lofty expectations.

Update: Bryce Harper is improving, and because of that, he has been moved him up in the rankings. With more maturity, Harper could become a top 5 player in baseball. His average and OBP leave a lot to be desired, but a large improvement next season wouldn't be a surprise. After all, he is only 19 years old.