Fantasy Baseball Grades Week 16: Top Players & Start/Sit Advice

Fantasy Baseball Week 16: Player Grades and Rankings

FantasyPros has released its weekly Quick Grades for Week 16 (July 20-26), providing fantasy managers with essential data for setting their lineups. These grades are derived from industry-leading projections and expert rankings, designed to assist with crucial start/sit decisions Source.

Top-Tier Performers for Week 16

Several players stand out with perfect 'A' grades and scores of 100, indicating high confidence in their performance for the upcoming week. These include:

• Juan Soto (NYM): OF, DH
• James Wood (WSH): OF, DH
• Shohei Ohtani (LAD): DH
• Kyle Schwarber (PHI): OF, DH
• Ben Rice (NYY): 1B, DH, C
• Pete Crow-Armstrong (CHC): OF
• CJ Abrams (WSH): SS
• Yordan Alvarez (HOU): OF, DH

These players are expected to be foundational pieces of any fantasy lineup this week. Their strong projections reflect favorable matchups and current form, making them clear start recommendations.

High-Value 'A' Grade Players

Following the top performers, a strong contingent of players also earned 'A' grades with scores ranging from 90 to 99.

• Michael Harris II (ATL): OF (99 Score)
• Drake Baldwin (ATL): DH, C (98 Score)
• Bryce Harper (PHI): 1B, DH (98 Score)
• Junior Caminero (TB): 3B (97 Score)
• Luis Garcia (WSH): 1B, 2B, DH (97 Score)
• Elly De La Cruz (CIN): SS (95 Score)
• Fernando Tatis Jr. (SD): 2B, OF (94 Score)
• Christian Yelich (MIL): OF, DH (93 Score)
• Bobby Witt Jr. (KC): SS (90 Score)
• Jasson Dominguez (NYY): OF, DH (90 Score)

These players represent excellent starts and are likely integral to strong fantasy performances. Their high scores suggest they are poised for significant contributions in their respective categories.

'B' and 'C' Tier Considerations

Players in the 'B' (80-89 score) and 'C' (70-79 score) tiers require more careful consideration but can still offer solid value. For instance, Jazz Chisholm Jr. (NYY), Manny Machado (SD), and Seiya Suzuki (CHC) all fall into the 'B' range, indicating they are strong plays. Players like Trea Turner (PHI), Gabriel Moreno (ARI), and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (TOR) are in the 'C' tier, suggesting they are viable options but may not offer the same ceiling as the top-graded players.

Fantasy managers should weigh the potential upside against their roster depth when considering these players. Matchups, recent performance, and specific category needs can help differentiate between close calls in these tiers.

'D' Tier: Exercise Caution

Players graded 'D' (60-69 score) should be approached with caution. While some may offer positional flexibility or power upside, their overall projections suggest lower output. Notable players in this tier include:

• Mike Trout (LAA): OF, DH (69 Score)
• Freddie Freeman (LAD): 1B (68 Score)
• Paul Goldschmidt (NYY): 1B, DH (67 Score)
• Mookie Betts (LAD): SS (63 Score)
• Vinnie Pasquantino (KC): 1B, DH (62 Score)

These players might be bench candidates in shallower leagues or only considered in deep leagues or specific formats where their individual skills are highly valued. Their lower grades reflect less optimistic projections for Week 16.

Key Takeaways for Lineup Decisions

• Prioritize A-Grade Players: Players with scores of 90+ are strong starts for Week 16 due to favorable matchups and high projections.
• Evaluate B and C Grades: These tiers offer solid production; consider specific league formats and team needs for optimal placement.
• Caution with D Grades: While some D-grade players have name recognition, their current projections suggest lower fantasy output for the week.

FantasyPros emphasizes the importance of checking updated grades throughout the week as projections can change. Utilize resources like the Lineup Assistant and Waiver Wire Assistant to fine-tune your roster Source.