With the 2021 MLB Draft quickly approaching, it’s time to get excited for the new wave of talent that is about to hit pro ball. All of these players will be included in my deep prospects rankings coming later this month. Here is the 2021/22 Top 50 First Year Player Draft Dynasty Baseball Rankings:

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1) Jordan Lawlar HS, SS, 18.11, 6’2”, 185 – Lawlar has a relatively simple, quick swing that he uses to make tons of contact with the ability to lift the ball. He has plus speed and the power should develop naturally to above average at the least. Plus SS defense combined with the plus hit tool gives him a safe floor, and the upside is considerable. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 91/22/84/.279/.348/.468/20

2) Marcelo Mayer HS, SS, 18.6, 6’3”, 188 – Mayer stays loose and easy in his stance before unleashing a vicious lefty swing that has monster offensive potential written all over it. He doesn’t have Lawlar’s speed, giving Lawlar the edge in 5×5, but in points and 6+ category leagues he is right there with him. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 91/25/93/.284/.354/.484/8

3) Kahlil Watson HS, SS, 18.2, 5’11”, 168 – Watson’s upside is high as anyone’s in the draft with lightening quick bat speed and a plus power/speed combo from the left side. His bat isn’t quite as proven as Lawlar and Mayer, but he has shown a good feel to hit with an advanced plate approach and emerging power. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 85/25/85/.263/.332/.474/16

4) Jack Leiter SEC, RHP, 21.3, 6’0”, 195 – Leiter can dominate with just his mid 90’s fastball, but he also has a deep repertoire of pitches, throwing a 4-seamer, 2-seamer, cutter, curve (best secondary), slider and change. He understands the art of pitching which is no surprise considering his dad is Al Leiter. He’s only 6 feet, and his control can waver, but it hasn’t stopped him from putting up a dominant pitching line of 2.16/0.85/156/41 in 96 IP.  ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 15/3.42/1.17/218 in 185 IP

Strategy discussion – I always preach gunning for that elite upside when drafting at the top of a FYPD. That is your chance to find that all category stud who can carry your fantasy squad. The 3 shortstops at the top of these rankings all have that elite upside. Leiter was #1 overall on the first edition of these rankings, and I still believe he has true ace upside with a major proximity advantage, so if you already have a young, stacked offensive core, I can see pivoting to Leiter. But if you don’t have that young hitting core, I would lean towards building up that area of your team first before looking at pitching.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN MY PATREON FOR THE REST OF THIS ARTICLE AND A TON OF OTHER CONTENT THROUGHOUT THE SEASON, INCLUDING UPDATED DYNASTY RANKINGS, A DEEP PROSPECTS RANKING COMING LATER THIS MONTH, DYNASTY RUNDOWNS AND OTHER COOL STUFF I THINK UP ALONG THE WAY!