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The MLB draft is a magical time for dynasty leagues. Hundreds upon hundreds of new players enter the professional ranks for dynasty owners to duke it out over at their FYPD drafts. The beauty of it all is that talent can come from anywhere in the MLB draft. Yes, you can say that about the NBA and NFL as well, but it’s especially true in MLB. If your dynasty squad needs a boost, your FYPD draft is a great place to start and this year’s class was fairly deep on both sides of the ball with plenty of exciting international prospects mixed in from the J2 signing period.

NOTE: I did not rank Merrill Kelly here as he spent several seasons in the minors before pitching in South Korea. If he’s available in your FYPD, I’d rank him around 50 here.

Final FYPD Rankings from 2018 MLB Draft & J2 Period

1. Nolan Gorman, 3B, STL | Round 1, Pick #19

(Wrestling Bell Sounds)

Introducing your 2018 FYPD prospect champion of the world! Nolan Gorman! Don’t make this difficult on yourself. If you have the No. 1 pick in your league’s FYPD, take Gorman. The immense power upside and average or better hit tool are going to make him an offensive star in this league for years to come. Nobody, and I mean nobody, popped more than Gorman’s 17 taters from this draft class. He’s already a top-25 overall prospect in my mind with the upside to be top-10 at this time next year. ETA 2020/2021

Nolan Gorman open faced slow mo – line drive 2B to RCF with good carry#Cardinals pic.twitter.com/6wreOSLsyu — Looting is a sign of rebellion (@Jasenelpartido) July 17, 2018

2. Jonathan India, 3B, CIN | Round 1, Pick #5

India is a great blend of high floor and a relatively high ceiling. He doesn’t possess huge power or speed, but should be in the vicinity of 20/20 with a strong AVG and OBP thanks to plus contact skills and plate discipline. ETA 2020

3. Jarred Kelenic, OF, SEA | Round 1, Pick #6

Drafted by the Mets and traded to Seattle in the Robinson Cano deal, Kelenic has a beautiful swing from the left side with an intriguing power/speed blend. Projects to hit for a high average with 20/30 upside. Might only be a prep bat but should move rather quickly due to the advanced hit tool. ETA 2021

4. Trevor Larnach, OF, MIN | Round 1, Pick #20

Followed up a power outburst at Oregon State with a strong showing in the minors. Clean and quick swing from the left side is geared for both power and average. Should be a relatively quick mover through the Twins system. ETA 2020

5. Casey Mize, RHP, DET | Round 1, Pick #1

The top pitcher in this draft class. Mize checks all the boxes for a future staff ace with a workhorse frame and a dynamic three-pitch arsenal, headlined by a splitter that brings back memories of Roger Clemens and Curt Schilling. ETA 2019/2020

6. Victor Victor Mesa, OF, MIA | International Signing

It took a while, but Mesa is finally a Miami Marlin. The upside here was certainly worth the wait as Mesa is an advanced bat with plus speed and 15-20 homer pop. Should be up by the end of 2020 at the latest if all goes according to plan in 2019. ETA 2020

7. Joey Bart, C, SF | Round 1, Pick #2

Taking a catcher this high in FYPD drafts is usually risky, but this particular catcher is worth it. Bart’s above-average contact skills and plus raw power give him both high upside and a high floor as well. Like I’ve said, he’s the top dynasty catching prospect in the minors right now. ETA 2020

8. Nick Madrigal, 2B, CHW | Round 1, Pick #4

Madrigal arguably has one of the best hit tools in the minors already. The problem is, there’s not a ton of category juice. He should approach 25-30 SB, but is likely capped around 10-12 home runs. If you like safe, Madrigal is your guy. ETA 2020

9. Xavier Edwards, SS, SD | Round CBA, Pick #38

Edwards stock has taken off since the Padres drafted him 38th overall. Having plus speed, plate approach, and contact skills will do that. Don’t expect much power, but the rest of the profile is phenomenal. ETA 2021

10. Nico Hoerner, SS, CHC | Round 1, Pick #24

The upside might not be massive here, but Hoerner is one of the most polished hitters from this draft class with plus contact skills, phenomenal bat speed, and good wheels. Will likely be one of the first to reach the Majors also. One of the highest floors you’ll find from this draft class.

I asked Fall League players about the work ethic they respect and opinions primarily pointed to #Cubs Nico Hoerner and #Angels Jahmai Jones. Asked Jahmai Jones & he pointed to Nico. For a player still at the grass roots level of his career, Nico has collected massive respect. — emilycwaldon (@EmilyCWaldon) November 5, 2018

11. Jordan Groshans, 3B, TOR | Round 1, Pick #12

Bat speed for days with developing power. Could develop into a .280/30 type with a touch of speed as well. ETA 2021

12. Alec Bohm, 3B, PHI | Round 1, Pick #3

Still searching for his first professional homer, but don’t let the lack of power in his debut scare you off. This is a polished hitter with the upside to hit .280 with 30-plus homers at the hot corner or across the diamond at first base. ETA 2020/2021

13. Yusei Kikuchi, LHP, SEA | International Signing

Kikuchi signed with Seattle in the 11th hour of the 2018 calendar year and offers the most immediate return out of anyone on this list. The 27-year-old Japanese southpaw finished his JPL career with a 2.81 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in a eight-year career. While the floor is fairly high due to a diverse arsenal and plus command, the pedestrian strikeout rate limits his ceiling in fantasy.

14. Grant Lavigne, 1B, COL | Round CBS, Pick #42

Hailing from the baseball hotbed of New Hampshire (kidding), Lavigne brings plus raw power with a good feel for hitting and strike zone judgment. And hey, Coors Field. From what I’ve seen of Lavigne, the offensive upside is for real and he’s surprisingly quick for a big man. ETA 2021

15. Cole Winn, RHP, TEX | Round 1, Pick 15

California fireballer with the potential for two plus offspeed pitches and more projected velocity on his fastball. The Rangers held him out of games after the draft to limit his workload, but he should start mowing down hitters in 2019. Ace upside. ETA 2021

16. Travis Swaggerty, OF, PIT | Round 1, Pick 10

An 80-grade last name with a bunch of 50 or 55-grade tools. Incredibly high floor and has the upside of a poor man’s Andrew Benintendi. Swaggy-T is an advanced bat that should move quickly. ETA 2020

An Arizona prep arm with solid command and the potential for four plus pitches when it’s all said and done. Not a flame-thrower but has the upside to turn into a lefty version of Aaron Nola. He’s good buddies with the top dog on this list and they like to hang out during the offseason and do stuff like this… ETA 2021

18. Alek Thomas, OF, ARI | Round 2, Pick 63

I recently raved about Thomas in my Arizona Diamondbacks top-25 prospects piece. I love the hit tool, advanced approach, and blazing speed that Thomas brings to the table. All the makings of a future dynamic leadoff hitter and fantasy stud. ETA 2021

19. Jordyn Adams, OF, LAA | Round 1, Pick 17

Like the raw power, love the elite speed, but still not a fan of his swing. Adams would likely win a footrace with anyone in this draft class and immediately becomes one of the fastest players in the minor leagues. If he can refine his swing and improve the contact skills, we’re likely looking at a dynamic leadoff hitter. ETA 2022

20. Malcom Nunez, 3B, STL | International Signing

I recently went over Nunez in my new St. Louis Cardinals top-25 prospect rankings, and to sum that up, I’m a fan. A big fan. He’s years away but has the raw offensive tools to become a fantasy star. ETA 2023

21. Seth Beer, OF, HOU | Round 1, Pick 28

Beer silenced some of his critics that questioned his ability to transition to wooden bats with an .885 OPS in 260 AB this season. Plus raw power and an average or better hit tool could lead to some seasons in the vicinity of .270-.280 with 30 homers. ETA 2020

22. Brady Singer, RHP, KC | Round 1, Pick 18

I’m a big fan of Singer. Fastball and slider are both plus or better pitches for him and the changeup is developing nicely and flashes plus at times with good fade. Singer has the look of a future ace with high strikeout upside. That slider is truly filthy.

23. Marco Luciano, SS, SF | International Signing

Arguably the top international signing until Mesa came along. Regardless of whether he ends up at shortstop or in the outfield, Luciano has the tools to become a star with insane bat speed and the ability to hit for both average and power with some speed mixed in for good measure. ETA 2023

24. Tristan Casas, 1B/3B, BOS | Round 1, Pick 26

Big power and a better hit tool than he gets credit for. Lack of range will likely force a move over to first base long-term, but Casas has the contact skills and massive raw power to become one of the top offensive contributors at the position. ETA 2022

25. Orelvis Martinez, SS, TOR | International Signing

Like most international prospects these days, Martinez has easy plus bat speed and a good feel for hitting. Already has good loft to his swing with 30-homer upside and the defensive tools to remain at shortstop moving forward. ETA 2023

26. Grayson Rodriguez, RHP, BAL | Round 1, Pick 11

Rodriguez is a big 6’5 right-hander with the fastball to match and a slider that flashes plus. Continued development of his secondary offerings could make him a borderline workhorse ace. ETA 2021

27. Jake McCarthy, OF, ARI | Round CBA, Pick 39

Another speedy outfielder taken by the Arizona Diamondbacks. McCarthy doesn’t quite have the hit tool that Thomas has, but the bat speed, clean swing, and raw strength lead me to project a .280/15/30 type of hitter. ETA 2020

28. Parker Meadows, OF, DET | Round 2, Pick 44

While his brother is more of a contact-first with moderate power outfielder, Parker Meadows shows plus raw power but a hit tool that needs some work. Upside here is that of a .260-.270 hitter with 30-plus homers if he can shorten his swing and improve his pitch selection. ETA 2022

29. Jackson Kowar, RHP, KC | Round 1 Comp, Pick 33

Just wrote up Kowar in my Royal’s top-25 prospects piece and I’m a big fan. He already has two plus pitches in his fastball and changeup and the curveball has flashed plus at times, though, it’s very inconsistent. ETA 2021

30. Mike Siani, OF, CIN | Round 4, Pick 109

A speedster with above-average raw power, Siani has the upside to turn into a fantasy star if he can develop his contact skills and keep the strikeouts in check. ETA 2022

31. Noelvi Marte, SS, SEA | International Signing

Marte is very similar to Luciano, just with a less polished hit tool. He could grow into 30-plus homer pop once he’s done developing. ETA 2024

32. Jeremiah Jackson, SS, LAA | Round 2, Pick 57

An advanced prep bat, Jackson has a good feel for hitting and blossoming raw power. He’s not a speedster, but we can safely project 15-20 steals to go along with something in the ballpark of a .280 average and 20-25 dingers. ETA 2021

33. Shane McClanahan, LHP, TB | Round 1 Comp, Pick 31

It took a lot of willpower to not rank McClanahan higher. I mean, he’s a southpaw that sits in the mid to upper-90’s and can touch triple-digits at times. And he has a plus changeup with solid fade to go along with it. However, his slider lags behind and there’s a lot of effort to his delivery. Tampa Bay has been one of the best organizations at developing pitching prospects over the years, so I’m hoping they can help him tone down that delivery. ETA 2021

34. Kyle Isbel, OF, KC | Round 3, Pick 94

One of the more impressive FYPD debuts in 2018 with a .326 average, 31 extra-base hits, and 24 steals, Isbel combines a good feel for hitting with plus speed and double-digit pop. ETA 2021

35. Ethan Hankins, RHP, CLE | Round 1 Comp, Pick 35

The easiest way to describe Hankins is raw with a ton of projection left. He already sits in the mid-90’s and likely will add a little velocity as he develops. Already has a good feel for his changeup, although, his breaking pitches need refinement. ETA 2022

36. Greyson Jenista, OF, ATL | Round 2, Pick 49

A teammate of Bohm’s at Wichita State, Jenista is a big 6’4 left-handed power bat with 30-homer upside and the contact skills to hit north of .270. ETA 2021

37. Blaze Alexander, SS, ARI | Round 11, Pick 339

It didn’t take long at all for Alexander to prove that the Diamondbacks got an absolute steal with their 11th round selection, registering a .955 OPS, 29 extra-base-hits, and 10 steals in 210 at-bats. Alexander has a quick right-handed stroke with above-average contact skills and raw power. The upside here offensively is in the .280/25/15 range. ETA 2021

38. Mason Denaburg, RHP, WAS | Round 1, Pick 27

A workhorse right-hander with two plus pitches already in his mid-90’s running fastball and hammer curve. Has the upside of an innings-eating #2 starter with high strikeout upside if he can develop the changeup some. ETA 2021

39. Brock Deatherage, OF, DET | Round 10, Pick 285

Another double-digit round steal, and one with an awesome name, Deatherage dominated across three levels after the MLB draft. With a developing hit tool, easy plus speed, and double-digit pop, Deatherage has the upside of an above-average offensive outfielder. ETA 2020

40. Triston Pompey, OF, MIA | Round 3, Pick 89

Pompey doesn’t have one plus tool right now, but carries three average or better offensive tools with plus raw power potential. ETA 2021

41. Connor Scott, OF, MIA | Round 1, Pick 13

A tall and lanky outfielder with blazing speed and additional power projection. Scott has above-average contact skills and more room to develop at least average power. ETA 2022

42. Jonathan Ornelas, 3B/SS, TEX | Round 3, Pick 91

Ornelas is a good athlete with a quick right-handed swing that generates plenty of hard contact. Doesn’t have big power or speed upside but could churn out some 20/20 seasons with a solid batting average to go with it. ETA 2022

43. Brice Turang, SS, MIL | Round 1, Pick 21

A contact and speed profile, Turang is one of the more advanced prep bats in this draft class. Due to a line-drive approach, the power is likely capped in the 12-15 homer range, but the contact skills and plus speed give him plenty of value. ETA 2022

44. Jameson Hannah, OF, OAK | Round 2, Pick 50

This ranking could look silly 12 months from now. Hannah is a superb athlete with plus speed, developing raw power, and a good feel for hitting. Ultimate upside is in the .280/20/30 range. ETA 2021

45. Logan Gilbert, RHP, SEA | Round 1, Pick 13

A big 6’5 right-hander, Gilbert works in the low to mid-90’s with his fastball with clean mechanics and the potential for two above-average offspeed pitches in his slider and changeup. Upside of a No. 2 starter.

46. Kevin Alcantara, OF, NYY | International Signing

If you’re looking for a sleeper outside the elite international signings this year, Alcantara is your man. He’s displayed solid contact skills with the projection for more power and plus speed to go with it. ETA 2024

47. Richard Palacios, SS, CLE | Round 3, Pick 103

I’m admittedly higher on Palacios than most but I like the skill set. Mainly, his above-average contact skills and plus speed. Could grow into 15 homers, too. ETA 2022

48. Bo Naylor, C, CLE | Round 1, Pick 29

This could end up being way too low, but I’m not as big a believer in his power as most are. He’s a strong kid, but projects as a 20 homer guy with a .270ish average to me right now. But again, I wouldn’t be shocked if he outperformed my expectations. ETA 2022

49. Daniel Lynch, LHP, KC | Round 1 Comp, Pick 34

Lynch doesn’t blow hitters away with his fastball, sitting in the low-90’s, but he knows how to attack hitters and mix pitches well. Potential for four 55’s in his arsenal with solid command of them all. ETA 2021

50. Alexander Vargas, SS, NYY | International Signing

Advanced feel for hitting with solid contact skills, plus speed, and developing power. Has the defensive skills to remain at shortstop longterm. ETA 2023

Rest of the 2018 MLB Draft Top-100

51. Nick Schnell, OF, TB

52. Raynel Delgado, MIF, CLE

53. Cole Roederer, OF, CHC

54. Josh Stowers, OF, SEA

55. Gabriel Rodriguez, SS, CLE

56. Misael Urbina, OF, MIN

57. Nick Decker, OF, BOS

58. Jayce Easley, MIF, TEX

59. Joe Gray, OF, MIL

60. Luken Baker, 1B, STL

61. Steele Walker, OF, CHW

62. Ryan Weathers, LHP, SD

63. Lenny Torres, RHP, CLE

64. Simeon Woods-Richardson, RHP, NYM

65. Osiris Johnson, SS, MIA

66. Griffin Roberts, RHP, STL

67. Alvin Guzman, OF, ARI

68. Adam Kloffenstein, RHP, TOR

69. Griffin Conine, OF, TOR

70. Richard Gallardo, RHP, CHC

71. Starlyn Castillo, RHP, PHI

72. Josiah Gray, RHP, LAD

73. Terrin Vavra, MIF, COL

74. Diego Cartaya, C, LAD

75. Micah Bello, OF, MIL

76. Tristan Beck, RHP, ATL

77. Osiel Rodriguez, RHP, NYY

78. Ryan Rollison, LHP, COL

79. Juan Guerrero, SS, COL

80. Kris Bubic, LHP, KC

81. Cal Raleigh, C, SEA

82. Freddy Valdez, OF, NYM

83. Tanner Dodson, OF/RHP, TB

84. Brennen Davis, OF CHC

85. Victor Mesa Jr., OF, MIA

86. Blaine Knight, RHP, BAL

87. Nick Northcut, 3B, BOS

88. Niko Decolati, OF, COL

89. Kody Clemens, 2B, DET

90. Alex McKenna, OF, HOU

91. C.J. Alexander, 3B, ATL

92. Sandy Gaston, RHP, TB

93. Cal Stevenson, OF, TOR

94. Jeremy Eierman, SS, OAK

95. Anthony Seigler, C, NYY

96. DaShawn Keirsey, OF, MIN

97. Lyon Richardson, RHP, CIN

98. Alejandro Pie, SS, TB

99. Jose De La Cruz, OF, DET

100. Gage Canning, OF, WAS

101. Kyler Murray, OF, OAK | Round 1, Pick 9

UPDATE: With Murray declaring for the NFL draft, his baseball future is very much in question. He’s a top-25 talent on this list, but with the uncertainty, it makes him the riskiest target out of this FYPD crop. ETA 2022 (Or Never)

Photo/Video Credit: Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire, Lance Brozdowski (Nolan Gorman Image), Rob Friedman, Matthew Liberatore, Jason Woodell.

Eric Cross is the lead MLB writer and prospect analyst here on FantraxHQ and has been with the site since March 2017. He is also a member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association (FSWA). For more from Eric, check out his author page and follow him on Twitter @EricCross04.