2024 Virgo Preview
The Earth Division looks like the strongest heading into the Fantasy Astrology Baseball League Season. This is according to MLB.com, which ranked the top 300 players, and Lindy’s magazine, which ranked the top players at each position (somewhere between 30 to 90, depending on depth). These ranks support Virgo as the strongest overall sign, who also happened to win the league in points in 2023. Here’s my position-by-position preview of the highest ranked sign heading into 2024.
Rankings from MLB.com’s top 300, as of Valentine’s Day.
This comparison is 100% premature, but Yainer Diaz (135) might be the Virgo catcher with the most power hitting upside since Mike Piazza. At first base, Freddie Freeman (9) is one of the best in the business, especially with a new slugger in his real-life lineup. Their number two Paul Goldschmidt (59) is on the downswing of his career, but he’s good enough to serve as the regular DH. Then Spencer Torkelson (113) is looking ready to pick up the mantle of third superstar Virgo first baseman, dropped by Joey Votto.
At second base, Marcus Semien (26) is one of the most productive and consistent infielders in the sport. Just in case, defensive whiz Andres Gimenez (120) is there to back him up. Jose Ramirez (17) is apparently not a top-10 talent anymore, but he does everything well. His backup Max Muncy (153), by contrast, only does one thing well: selling out for power. The most consistent shortstop pick is probably Willy Adames (176), but Carlos Correa (198) might have the best superstar upside, if he can stay healthy.
The top three Virgo outfielders all have tangential relationships to center field, without technically qualifying. Lane Thomas (109) had more than 10 games in CF, but not quite the 20 required for eligibility. George Springer (107) spent most of his career in CF, but he’s firmly entrenched in right field. Rookie Evan Carter (105) played CF in the minors, but spent his brief callup with the Rangers (including the World Series) in left field, in deference to fellow Virgo Leody Taveras (247). Ahead of Taveras on the depth chart is Red Sox speedster Jarren Duran (189) and Team Japan member Lars Nootbaar (195), but either choice is leaving a lot of ranking equity on the table.
Rankings from Lindy’s magazine, by position.
On the mound, Gerrit Cole (16) is arguably the top pitcher in the sport, winning the Cy Young Award last year, and providing excellent durability. The rest of the staff doesn’t have nearly that level of consistency. Tyler Glasnow (43) has been excellent when healthy, but staying on the field has been a challenge. His trade to the Dodgers probably doesn’t help, as LA hurlers have had more than their fair share of pitching injuries: Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler, Tony Gonsolin, and fellow Virgo Dustin May. Speaking of injuries, Kyle Bradish (92, ranking as of Valentine’s Day) is experiencing some elbow trouble. If he starts the year on the IL, he would join former CYA winner Sandy Alcantara and Rays potential breakout star Jeffery Springs.
With Bradish out, the 3 and 4 slots in the rotation would go to two graduating rookies from 2023: Hunter Brown (190) of the Astros and Bryce Miller (196) on Seattle. That means the fifth starter would be the second most interesting arrival from Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball this offseason, Shota Imanaga (233), who signed with the Cubs. Other options outside the top 300 include Tyler Wells, who had a hot start for Baltimore last year, but ended up in the bullpen; Ranger Suarez, who pitched in the postseason for the Phillies, and Miles Mikolas, the picture of durability. One wild card includes Jordan Hicks, a primary reliever, who signed with San Francisco to take a rotation spot.
Brewers closer Devin Williams (47) has one of the best changeups in the game, making him an atypical, but effecive reliever. Evan Phillips (111) also doesn’t have overpowering stuff, but he gets regular save opportunities for one of the best teams in the leagues. Dipping outside the top two gets tenuous, much like Kyle Finnegan’s (243) hold on the Nationals closer job. One pitcher to keep an eye on is A’s rookie Mason Miller (242), a starter by trade, but who might serve as Oakland’s closer this year to limit his workload. Setup options include Brusdar Graterol, Erik Swanson, and lefty A.J. Minter.