Aquarius 2021 Batters
In the 30-plus years of Fantasy Astrology Baseball League history that I’ve analyzed, the ONLY time Aquarius won their division was the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. The Water Bearers actually scored the most points in the entire league that year, although keep in mind that a 60-game sample is 2.5-times shorter than what we get in a regular season. To their credit though, Aquarius built on that success, finishing fifth overall in 2021. Here’s an in-depth look at the offense that helped get them there:
Milwaukee’s Omar Narvaez was the only Aquarius catcher with more than 1,000 fantasy points, but good hitting backstops are in short supply, left handed hitting ones even more so. He would form a platoon with Travis d’Arnaud, who was injured for a large portion of the season, but got healthy in time to help the Braves win the World Series. Another lefty, Zack Collins, has emerged as the primary backup to Scorpio Yasmani Grandal in Chicago. Andrew Knizner might actually have a chance to be the catcher of the future for the Cardinals, as Cancer Yadier Molina has announced that he’s retiring after 2022. On the subject of retirement, Alex Avila has already contributed the last fantasy points of his career. It’s also worth mentioning Yermin Mercedes, who transitioned from catcher to DH in 2021, before being demoted to the minors partway through the season.
A big reason for Aquarius’s 2020 success was Jose Abreu’s AL MVP winning season, and he’s shown no signs of slowing down with another 2,000-pointer on his resume. Next on the first base depth chart is D-Backs rookie Pavin Smith, who also qualified in all three outfield spots, so he’s better suited as a lefty bat off the bench. Like d’Arnaud, Luke Voit had an injury-ruined season, but he shows big-time power when healthy. One of his replacements for the real-life Yankees was rookie sign-mate Chris Gittens. Todd Frazier had a long and illustrious career as a third baseman, but he’s moved across the diamond more or less permanently.
Whit Merrifield is kind of the quintessential Aquarius star: a late-bloomer playing on a non-contending team, but whose versatility and scrappiness eventually gained him a long-term contract. Jake Cronenworth earned eligibility at second base, shortstop, and first base in 2021, but the most points-efficient lineup for a hypothetical offseason tournament has him shifting over to third base, where he has 39 games of experience in the minors. Marlins rookie Jazz Chisholm Jr. had an almost as productive season in terms of points-per-game while playing both middle infield positions. Rougned Odor actually did get some time at third base for the Yankees, while Tommy La Stella, another injury victim, has played there in the past.
Officially speaking, the best Aquarius third baseman in 2021 was Ke’Bryan Hayes of the Pirates, and if the rookie had managed to play a full season, his offensive numbers likely would have justified that placement, even leaving aside his fantastic defense. Jon Berti has settled in as a utility player for Miami, getting some time at third, second, and left field. The only other primary third baseman in the player pool is another Marlin, rookie Eddy Alvarez.
Brandon Crawford has had a great career, but he may have put up his best season yet in 2021, approaching 2,000 fantasy points and winning an NL Gold Glove award. Another member of the Braves is next in line, with Dansby Swanson slated to serve as the regular DH, in addition to spelling Crawford or Cronenworth against tough lefties. Speaking of lefties, Didi Gregorius had a tough season in his return to the Phillies, but he has a strong track record to go by. Humberto Arteaga only got into one game with the 2021 Nationals after coming over on a minor league deal.
Mark Canha’s primary position was left field, but he qualified at all three outfield spots for the 2021 A’s, and it was partly this versatility that led to him recently signing a free agent contract with the Mets. By contrast, Raimel Tapia played only left field for the Rockies, and he’ll compete with Pavin Smith for left-handed bench depth. A couple of rookies round out the primary left fielders who had more than 5 games of service time in 2021: Tyrone Taylor of the Brewers and Ryan McKenna of the Orioles.
Pirates center fielder Bryan Reynolds, a 2021 All-Star starter, scored the most fantasy points of any Aquarius batter in 2021, which has positioned him as one of the top trade candidates of the winter, whenever the transactions freeze is lifted, of course. Guillermo Heredia helped the Braves weather a storm of outfield injuries during the season, even though he didn’t contribute much in the playoffs beyond serving as a defensive replacement. Twins rookie Gilberto Celestino is the only other primary center fielder.
Once viewed strictly as a platoon hitter against lefties, Hunter Renfroe showed his ability to play every day with the 2021 Red Sox, contributing strong power numbers and good defense to boot. Max Kepler, the only active Major Leaguer born in Germany, also has some experience in center field. His Twins teammate Kyle Garlick is also available for Aquarius. Troy Stokes Jr. went from the Brewers to the Pirates during the season. Prospect Josh Lowe only played two games in 2021, but he should be part of the Rays’ plans moving forward.
Next time, we continue on with the Age of Aquarius, looking at the top Water Bearers pitchers from 2021!