2024 Pisces Preview
Pisces seems primed to take the trophy in the Water Division, thanks to a dynamic offense and bullpen, coupled with a good-enough starting staff. What the Fish lack top of the scale star power, they make up for in consistency across the board (according to MLB.com’s ranking of the top 300 players and Lindy’s fantasy preview magazine), whereas the other two signs in the division are helplessly lopsided in talent distribution. Here’s my position-by-position preview of Pisces heading into the 2024 Fantasy Astrology Baseball League season.
Rankings from MLB.com’s top 300, as of Valentine’s Day.
It has been a while since J.T. Realmuto (67) was in the conversation for best catcher in the game, but he bats in a potent lineup, and contributes well across all categories, in both fantasy and real life. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (29) is not only the top overall ranked Pisces, but also the cover athlete of this year’s version of MLB The Show. For superstitious Pisceans who believe in the bad luck associated with that title, Rhys Hoskins (169) and Ryan Mountcastle (220) are also on the depth chart at first base.
Giants speedster Thairo Estrada (144) will take the second base mantle passed by Jean Segura. Another top of the order batter, Maikel Garcia (254) of the Royals, would likely form a third base platoon with Angels utility player Luis Rengifo (249). At shortstop, Bo Bichette (34) will pair with Guerrero on the real-life Blue Jays. One shortstop who is notably absent is Wander Franco, who has very likely played his last game in MLB. Scandals involving underage girls rarely earn a player a second chance…
The top ranked Pisces outfielder also plays the most demanding position on the grass, as Michael Harris II (32) will patrol center field for the Braves. It’s wild that the corner outfielders around Harris are neck and neck in the rankings: World Series hero Adolis Garcia (41) barely sneaks ahead of World Baseball Classic hero Randy Arozarena (42). This leaves the DH spot for Kyle Schwarber (70), where he’s best suited to platoon with his real-life Phillies teammate Nick Castellanos (94) – with an occasional appearance by Jorge Soler (138). And don’t overlook Brewers phenom Jackson Chourio (164) speeding through the pipeline.
Rankings from Lindy’s magazine, by position.
Anyone who has followed Pisces for a long time might be surprised not to see Justin Verlander (112) or Clayton Kershaw not listed as the sign’s ace. That would be the case, even if the two veterans weren’t going to start the season on the IL, as Pablo Lopez (40) has emerged as a true game 1 starter for the Twins. MLB.com is very high on graduating Guardians rookie Tanner Bibee (122), ranking him ahead of the extremely consistent Chris Bassitt (133).
Given Verlander’s absence, the Fish will have to squeeze two pitchers who barely reached the top 300 into the rotation. Luis Severino (292) will hope to bounce back from a rough last season with the Yankees, after signing with the crosstown rival Mets. MacKenzie Gore (297) is a former top prospect, who will hope to break out, by virtue off finally staying healthy. Clarke Schmidt should throw plenty of innings for the Yankees. JP Sears ditto with Oakland, although he might have the worst projected run support in the league. Names on the IL to keep in mind include German Marquez and Johan Oviedo.
The Pisces bullpen really shines, led by Emmanuel Clase (61), arguably the top reliever in the game. There’s not really much competition for the number two spot, as Adbert Alzolay (160) figures to hold down the ninth inning for the Cubs. Robert Stephenson (248) has great stuff, and will pitch high leverage innings for the Angels. Robert Suarez (255) could step into San Diego’s closer role, if Japanese league veteran Yuki Matsui falters. Yennier Cano closed games for Baltimore last year, following Felix Bautista’s injury. And don’t count Aroldis Chapman out just yet, after holding his own in the 2023 playoffs.