#1: Houston

Rotation: A







Only Houston could lose one of the best pitchers in baseball, and maintain an A level rotation. Verlander’s card is absolutely bonkers this year. A 3-icon, 19 out chart, 7 ip, and +3 Clutch BEAST at the front of the rotation. It will be interesting to see if anyone is willing to shell out 725 salary for him. Zack Greinke follows up with a nice card of his own, with 2 icons, an 18 out chart, 1 x-zone, and +3 Clutch. Lance McCullers flashes his command 5 and +3 L handedness for 450 salary. Although you’re saving on salary with his 15 out chart, it will be a new obstacle for familiar Clutch fans.

Bullpen: A-









Lineup: A















The world is waiting to watch the Astros in 2020. Luckily for you, there is a solid group of Clutch Cards to build with. Yordan Alvarez is a DH dream. Mega power, with a R+1, and no speed/fielding/clutch to raise his salary. Alex Bregman is the only natural onbase 14 in ’20. He has two icons (HR/SL), +3 Clutch, and a 5 out chart. The only thing holding him back is a slight lack of power for 560 salary.

#2: Oakland

Rotation: B-







Although Mike Fiers made a lot of headlines this offseason, I think we may see Sean Manaea pop up on more Clutch teams. His 19 out chart, and 1 x-zone will be tempting for 420 salary. He goes 6 ip, with +2 Clutch. Stack a good C behind homeplate, because he’s +0 defense. Some Clutch managers may see that as a salary benefit, if they can back him up.

Bullpen: B









Lineup: B















Oakland has plugged the corners with some CLUTCH players with a glove. Chapman and Olson are both rocking the GG icon, with +3 Clutch. This team provides a lot of value, and 19+ HR charts. Oakland also provides Austin Allen, a 50 salary catcher. Thank you- Clutch managers everywhere.

#3: Los Angeles

Rotation: B-







Los Angeles will flash Julio Teheran and Andrew Heaney at the top of their rotation. Both of these 6 IP, 16 out pitchers will cost you nearly 1000 salary. But a command 5 R+2, and command 6 are going to be highly sought after with the newly enhanced formulas. I think you’re going to be willing to trade the 16 out chart for command. Sandoval will be an option for teams willing to punt the back end of the rotation.

Bullpen: B









Lineup: B-















The Rendon/Trout show is ON this year. Ohtani will have to wait, but you can enjoy these mirror image sluggers. They rock 13 onbase’s, have powerful charts, 3 icons, and +3 Clutch. Then you can fill in the rest of your team with 230 salary (or under) batters from Los Angeles.

#4: Texas

Rotation: B+







Corey Kluber’s move to Texas really puts this rotation together. This trio has a solid 6 R+1, 4 R+3 (niiice), and 4 L+1. They all go 6 IP, have 2+ Clutch, and great x-zones. My money is on Lance Lynn though. Lynn is dominate against righties, with potential to do damage with +2 Clutch. This is the year managers become comfortable with 16 out pitcher charts.

Bullpen: B-









Lineup: C-















Texas brings us the joys of Danny Santana. The switch-hitting, 6 position, +2 Clutch, 15+ double, and speed 17 STEAL for 350 salary.

#5:Seattle

Rotation: C+







This rotation isn’t dominate, but I have a good feeling Marco Gonzales and Yusei Kikuchi may get some looks this year. Gonzales is one of the few choices for a SP with a command 6, for under 500 salary. Kikuchi might make a lot of #5 slots with his command 4 L+2.

Bullpen: D+









Lineup: C















Tomy Murphy and Mitch Haniger look fun with their 15+ double’s, and 19+ HR’s. But those 8 out charts are killer. Are we willing to pay 300+ salary for guys like this in 2020? Mallex Smith is certainly going to be considered on all speed teams this year. He plays all 3 OF slots, with a 24 speed. Smith is one of 3 players with a 24-A speed.