2015 Fantasy Baseball Preview: Early Top 10 Draft Rankings at Each Position

Major League Baseball is smack in the middle of its offseason, but it's already about time to start gearing up for the 2015 fantasy baseball season, which will be here sooner than you think.

With that in mind, you'll find a run-through of the top 10 players at each position from a fantasy perspective, along with their 2015 season age and statistics from last year. You know, to help you get ready for getting ready for your drafts in March.

For the sake of clarity and simplicity, players eligible at multiple positions (see below) are listed at the one where they hold the most value (i.e., rank highest).

Now, on to the top 10s...

These rankings consider three factors:

• First, everything is based on 10- or 12-team mixed leagues with standard five-by-five rotisserie scoring (BA, R, HR, RBI, SB for hitters; W, ERA, WHIP, K, SV for pitchers).
• Second, lineup construction accounts for 22 active roster positions consisting of: One each for catcher, first base, second base, third base, shortstop, corner infield, middle infield and utility, along with five outfielders and nine pitchers.
• And third, to be eligible at a particular position, players either must have played at least 20 games there in 2014 or be in line to start there in 2015.

Top 10 Catchers

Andrew Nelles/Associated Press

Buster Posey

RANK	PLAYER	POSITION(S)	TEAM	AGE*	BA	R	HR	RBI	SB
1	Buster Posey	C/1B	Giants	28	.311	72	22	89	0
2	Jonathan Lucroy	C	Brewers	29	.301	73	13	69	4
3	Devin Mesoraco	C	Reds	27	.273	54	25	80	1
4	Yan Gomes	C	Indians	27	.278	61	21	74	0
5	Salvador Perez	C	Royals	25	.260	57	17	70	1
6	Brian McCann	C	Yankees	31	.232	57	23	75	0
7	Yadier Molina	C	Cardinals	32	.282	40	7	38	1
8	Evan Gattis	C	Braves	28	.263	41	22	52	0
9	Matt Wieters	C	Orioles	29	.308	13	5	18	0
10	Travis d'Arnaud	C	Mets	26	.242	48	13	41	1

*All ages listed are baseball age as of July 1, 2015.

Others Considered: Yasmani Grandal, Dodgers; Wilin Rosario, Rockies; Wilson Ramos, Nationals; Derek Norris, Padres; Russell Martin, Blue Jays

Quick Takes

• The position is deeper than you think in so far as there will be 10-12 quality starting backstops. But so much about choosing a catcher depends on one's own preference, be it more stability (Salvador Perez), more high-risk/high-reward (Devin Mesoraco, Yan Gomes), more power (Brian McCann) or more batting average (Jonathan Lucroy).
• Posey remains the clear-cut No. 1, as he can provide all of the above—but you'll have to pick him early in drafts or pay up at auction. Even as great as the overall upside is, he might not be worth it.
• If you're looking for 2015's version of Mesoraco, it very well could be Travis d'Arnaud, who also was a former elite catching prospect who took a while to figure things out and get regular playing time in the majors. He really was quite good upon being recalled from Triple-A in late June: .272 average, 39 runs, 10 homers, 32 RBI over his final 69 games.
• Don't forget: Former fantasy catcher stalwarts Joe Mauer and Carlos Santana are eligible at first base (and third base, in Santana's case) but not here anymore.

Top 10 First Basemen

Paul Sancya/Associated Press

Miguel Cabrera

RANK	PLAYER	POSITION(S)	TEAM	AGE	BA	R	HR	RBI	SB
1	Miguel Cabrera	1B	Tigers	32	.313	101	25	109	1
2	Paul Goldschmidt	1B	Diamondbacks	27	.300	75	19	69	9
3	Jose Abreu	1B	White Sox	28	.317	80	36	107	3
4	Anthony Rizzo	1B	Cubs	25	.286	89	32	78	5
5	Edwin Encarnacion	1B	Blue Jays	32	.268	75	34	98	2
6	Adrian Gonzalez	1B	Dodgers	33	.276	83	27	116	1
7	Victor Martinez	1B	Tigers	36	.335	87	32	103	3
8	Freddie Freeman	1B	Braves	25	.288	93	18	78	3
9	Albert Pujols	1B	Angels	35	.272	89	28	105	5
10	Joey Votto	1B	Reds	31	.255	32	6	23	1

Others Considered: Chris Davis, Orioles; Prince Fielder, Rangers; Justin Morneau, Rockies; Eric Hosmer, Royals

Quick Takes

• If you prefer Paul Goldschmidt to Miguel Cabrera, we won't talk you out of it. The only category where the former is definitively better than the latter, however, is stolen bases.
• Coming off his fantastic rookie campaign, Jose Abreu is the new kid on the block, which means he's the sexy pick, and likely in the top 10 overall, putting three from this position that high.
• Anthony Rizzo arrived last year, and now that the Cubs lineup actually has some other dangerous young hitters in the mix (Jorge Soler, Javier Baez and soon Kris Bryant), he should be even better.
• Just sayin': Adrian Gonzalez's 116 RBI very quietly led the majors. Of course, the Dodgers also have lost Hanley Ramirez and Matt Kemp from their lineup this winter.
• Do you believe Victor Martinez is going to be that good again? At age 36? C'mon.
• David Ortiz is only eligible at designated hitter, but if he were first-base eligible, he could be slotted in at No. 9 or 10.

Top 10 Second Basemen

Associated Press

Robinson Cano

RANK	PLAYER	POSITION(S)	TEAM	AGE	BA	R	HR	RBI	SB
1	Robinson Cano	2B	Mariners	32	.314	77	14	82	10
2	Anthony Rendon	2B/3B	Nationals	25	.287	111	21	83	17
3	Jose Altuve	2B	Astros	25	.341	85	7	59	56
4	Dustin Pedroia	2B	Red Sox	31	.278	72	7	53	6
5	Ian Kinsler	2B	Tigers	33	.275	100	17	92	15
6	Jason Kipnis	2B	Indians	28	.240	61	6	41	22
7	Brian Dozier	2B	Twins	28	.242	112	23	71	21
8	Dee Gordon	2B	Marlins	27	.289	92	2	34	64
9	Daniel Murphy	2B	Mets	30	.289	79	9	57	13
10	Kolten Wong	2B	Cardinals	24	.249	52	12	42	20

Others Considered: Neil Walker, Pirates; Howie Kendrick, Dodgers; Chase Utley, Phillies; Jedd Gyorko, Padres; Rougned Odor, Rangers

Quick Takes

• There's been quite a bit of turnover at the top end of the second base rankings, what with the insertion of 2014 breakouter Anthony Rendon (who is eligible here) and 2014 batting champ Jose Altuve. But Robinson Cano, who had a down season—for him—played at least 157 games for the eighth straight season, and he still hits like crazy, so he's No. 1.
• As bad as Dustin Pedroia and Jason Kipnis were compared to expectations, don't overlook them this year. Each offers a good mix of pop and speed and hits high in the order for very strong lineups.
• Dee Gordon is going to be ranked higher elsewhere, but he comes with plenty of risk as a speed-only performer. Did you catch his second half? Sure, he hit .284 but with no homers, a less-impactful 21 steals and only, uh, four walks.
• Run-scoring machine Matt Carpenter is no longer eligible at second base, only third.

Top 10 Third Basemen

Associated Press

Adrian Beltre

RANK	PLAYER	POSITION(S)	TEAM	AGE	BA	R	HR	RBI	SB
1	Adrian Beltre	3B	Rangers	36	.324	79	19	77	1
2	Josh Donaldson	3B	Blue Jays	29	.255	93	29	98	8
3	Kyle Seager	3B	Mariners	27	.268	71	25	96	7
4	Evan Longoria	3B	Rays	29	.253	83	22	91	5
5	Todd Frazier	1B/3B	Reds	29	.273	88	29	80	20
6	Nolan Arenado	3B	Rockies	24	.287	58	18	61	2
7	Carlos Santana	1B/3B	Indians	29	.231	68	27	85	5
8	Kris Bryant	3B	Cubs	23	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
9	Matt Carpenter	3B	Cardinals	29	.272	99	8	59	5
10	Pablo Sandoval	3B	Red Sox	28	.279	68	16	73	0

Others Considered: David Wright, Mets; Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals; Manny Machado, Orioles; Aramis Ramirez, Brewers; Josh Harrison, Pirates; Pedro Alvarez, Pirates

Quick Takes

• Weak as it's been in recent memory, now that Miguel Cabrera has lost that little "3B" next to his name on fantasy sites and the position is headed up by Adrian Beltre, who turns 36 in April.
• Honestly, after Beltre, one could rank the next three in any order and not be wrong, so pick the player you like most and don't fret. Donaldson gets the nod at No. 2 here because his power could play up at hitter-friendly Rogers Centre and in a very dangerous Blue Jays lineup.
• Todd Frazier was better than anyone could have imagined in 2014, but don't draft him for those 20 steals—that's not happening again.
• Nolan Arenado's year was really good, and his numbers would have been better had he not missed a month and a half with injury. At 24 years old and in Coors Field, he's on the rise.
• Speaking of on the rise, Kris Bryant needs to be drafted as a top-10 third baseman even though he's yet to play in the majors and might not even start the season on the Cubs' Opening Day roster. He has that much power and that much potential.

Top 10 Shortstops

Associated Press

Troy Tulowitzki

RANK	PLAYER	POSITION(S)	TEAM	AGE	BA	R	HR	RBI	SB
1	Troy Tulowitzki	SS	Rockies	30	.340	71	21	52	1
2	Ian Desmond	SS	Nationals	29	.255	73	24	91	24
3	Hanley Ramirez	SS/OF	Red Sox	31	.283	64	13	71	14
4	Jose Reyes	SS	Blue Jays	32	.287	94	9	51	30
5	Jhonny Peralta	SS	Cardinals	33	.263	61	21	75	3
6	Xander Bogaerts	3B/SS	Red Sox	22	.240	60	12	46	2
7	Jimmy Rollins	SS	Dodgers	36	.243	78	17	55	28
8	Alexei Ramirez	SS	White Sox	33	.273	82	15	74	21
9	Javier Baez	2B/SS	Cubs	22	.169	25	9	20	5
10	Ben Zobrist	2B/SS/OF	Athletics	34	.272	83	10	52	10

Others Considered: Starlin Castro, Cubs; Elvis Andrus, Rangers; J.J. Hardy, Orioles; Erick Aybar, Angels; Jed Lowrie, Astros; Danny Santana, Twins; Alcides Escobar, Royals; Chris Owings, Diamondbacks

Quick Takes

• You can make the case for taking Ian Desmond over Troy Tulowitzki based on the former's more stable 20-20 production, but Tulo's upside puts him in a tier unto himself—when he's healthy.
• Although he is slated to start in left field for the Red Sox, Hanley Ramirez is still eligible at this shallow spot, which provides a good chunk of his fantasy value. Health is always an issue, but his numbers should be better in Fenway Park.
• Jhonny Peralta is completely boring, but the man hits. After his slow start last year (.196 average through April), he batted .276 with 15 home runs.
• Let's call 2014 a mulligan for Xander Bogaerts and hope that if anyone at this position breaks out, it's him. And if he does, he has top-three upside.
• Jimmy Rollins and Alexei Ramirez are the guys you draft when you're simply looking for numbers, and they provide something in the range of 15 homers and 20-plus steals. It may not feel like it, but that makes them better options than anyone in the "Others Considered" portion.
• Slotting Javier Baez into the top 10 based on his frightening strikeout rate as a rookie is a huge risk but also potentially a huge reward in the home run department. Considering that he's eligible at both middle infield positions, Baez could be one of this year's ultimate all-or-nothing picks.

Top 10 Outfielders

Ed Zurga/Getty Images

Mike Trout

RANK	PLAYER	POSITION(S)	TEAM	AGE	BA	R	HR	RBI	SB
1	Mike Trout	OF	Angels	23	.287	115	36	111	16
2	Andrew McCutchen	OF	Pirates	28	.314	89	25	83	18
3	Giancarlo Stanton	OF	Marlins	25	.288	89	37	105	13
4	Carlos Gomez	OF	Brewers	29	.284	95	23	73	34
5	Jose Bautista	OF	Blue Jays	34	.286	101	35	103	6
6	Adam Jones	OF	Orioles	29	.281	88	29	96	7
7	Yasiel Puig	OF	Dodgers	24	.296	92	16	69	11
8	Michael Brantley	OF	Indians	28	.327	94	20	97	23
9	Jacoby Ellsbury	OF	Yankees	31	.271	71	16	70	39
10	Justin Upton	OF	Padres	27	.270	77	29	102	8

Others Considered: Bryce Harper, Nationals; Hunter Pence, Giants; Carlos Gonzalez, Rockies; Ryan Braun, Brewers; Matt Kemp, Padres; Nelson Cruz, Mariners; George Springer, Astros; Billy Hamilton, Reds

Quick Takes

• Mike Trout is the No. 1 overall take in fantasy in 2015, just like he was (or should have been, for those of you who took Miggy) last year. The strikeouts (184) became a bit of a problem, but when you look at the numbers he put up, not really.
• Some will want to take Giancarlo Stanton ahead of Andrew McCutchen for his ridiculous power and the possibility of a 40- or even 50-homer season, even coming off that horrific fastball to the face. We'll take the all-around Cutch, who might be the safest pick around these days.
• As talented as the players on the back half of this top 10 are, each one feels a little roulette-y in that someone is going to disappoint big time, but trying to figure out who that will be and why is where things get messy.
• A trade to the Padres and cavernous Petco Park doesn't help any power-hitter's fantasy value, but if any one can still take care of business, it's Justin Upton, who averaged just under 410 feet on his 29 home runs, placing just outside the top five in the sport.

Top 10 Starting Pitchers

Pool/Getty Images

Clayton Kershaw

RANK	PLAYER	POSITION(S)	TEAM	AGE	W	ERA	WHIP	K	SV
1	Clayton Kershaw	SP	Dodgers	27	21	1.77	0.86	239	0
2	Felix Hernandez	SP	Mariners	29	15	2.14	0.92	248	0
3	Chris Sale	SP	White Sox	26	12	2.17	0.97	208	0
4	Corey Kluber	SP	Indians	29	18	2.44	1.09	269	0
5	Max Scherzer	SP	Free Agent	30	18	3.15	1.18	252	0
6	David Price	SP	Tigers	29	15	3.26	1.08	271	0
7	Stephen Strasburg	SP	Nationals	26	14	3.14	1.12	242	0
8	Madison Bumgarner	SP	Giants	25	18	2.98	1.09	219	0
9	Yu Darvish	SP	Rangers	28	10	3.06	1.26	182	0
10	Jordan Zimmermann	SP	Nationals	29	14	2.66	1.07	182	0

Others Considered: Cole Hamels, Phillies; Johnny Cueto, Reds; Jon Lester, Cubs; Zack Greinke, Dodgers; Adam Wainwright, Cardinals

Quick Takes

• We double-dog dare you to take some pitcher ahead of Clayton Kershaw. Triple-dog dare ya? Any takes? Didn't think so. Question is: Do you dare take Kershaw in the first round when pitching is so darn deep and offense is at such a premium? You probably won't like doing so, but you'll have to after the top handful of bats are gone.
• The decision between Corey Kluber and Max Scherzer, the last two AL Cy Young winners, is a toss-up, and it does depend on where Scherzer—still a free agent—ends up.
• Even though it took him a long time to get his ERA down to respectability, David Price led the majors with 271 whiffs and is still a sure-fire fantasy SP1.
• It seems like we've reached the point where Stephen Strasburg finally has hit a bit of a downturn in his hype cycle, which means the guy who led the NL in strikeouts (242, tied with Johnny Cueto) might actually be something of a bargain.
• Look, Madison Bumgarner's postseason was one for the ages, but you're kidding yourself if you're not at least a little worried about the whopping 270 innings he threw all together—including a record 52.2 in October.
• Keep an eye on Yu Darvish's health heading into and during spring training. If he looks and feels good, he could be bumped up a few spots.

Top 10 Relief Pitchers

H. RUMPH JR/Associated Press

Craig Kimbrel

RANK	PLAYER	POSITION(S)	TEAM	AGE	W	ERA	WHIP	K	SV
1	Craig Kimbrel	RP	Braves	27	0	1.61	0.91	95	47
2	Aroldis Chapman	RP	Reds	27	0	2.00	0.83	106	36
3	Kenley Jansen	RP	Dodgers	27	2	2.76	1.13	101	44
4	Greg Holland	RP	Royals	29	1	1.44	0.91	90	46
5	Sean Doolittle	RP	Athletics	28	2	2.73	0.73	89	22
6	David Robertson	RP	White Sox	30	4	3.08	1.06	96	39
7	Trevor Rosenthal	RP	Cardinals	25	2	3.20	1.41	87	45
8	Cody Allen	RP	Indians	26	6	2.07	1.06	91	24
9	Mark Melancon	RP	Pirates	30	3	1.91	0.87	71	33
10	Dellin Betances	RP	Yankees	27	5	1.40	0.78	135	1

Others Considered: Drew Storen; Nationals; Huston Street, Angels; Jake McGee, Rays; Glen Perkins, Twins; Zach Britton, Orioles; Steve Cishek, Marlins; Koji Uehara, Red Sox; Fernando Rodney, Mariners; Jonathan Papelbon, Phillies; Andrew Miller, Yankees; Wade Davis, Royals

Quick Takes

• Craig Kimbrel is first, but he and Aroldis Chapman essentially are 1 and 1A, so if you prefer the Reds lefty fire-baller, go for it.
• Kenley Jansen and Greg Holland are as dominant as it gets in the non-Kimbrel/Chapman category. If you want a stud stopper, those are the last two who actually might be expected to save 40 games while striking out 100.
• It's hard not to fall for Sean Doolittle and his ridiculous 89-to-8 strikeout-to-walk ratio, and now he'll have the closer's job from the start of the season and all to himself in Oakland.
• Maybe it's unfounded, but count us among those who are at least a little iffy on David Robertson, who was great in succeeding Mariano Rivera but who also will turn 30 in April and has thrown 60-plus innings five years in a row.
• In a table filled with tiny ERAs and WHIPs, Trevor Rosenthal's WHIP stands out like a, well, a really bad WHIP. His command was off all of last year, but he's better than that, so figure on a bounce-back.
• Not sure why, but Cody Allen really doesn't get enough—or even any—love. He was shut down upon taking over for John Axford in mid-May, blowing just four saves and giving up more than one run only three times all year.
• Dellin Betances, he of the insane 135 strikeouts in a just-as-insane 90.0 innings, would rank higher if we knew for sure he would be the Yankees' next closer. More than likely, he will be, but remember: They did sign Andrew Miller, who showed he can be almost as nasty.

Statistics are accurate through the 2014 season and courtesy of MLB.com, Baseball-Reference and FanGraphs unless otherwise noted.

To talk baseball or fantasy baseball, check in with me on Twitter: @JayCat11.