With fantasy baseball draft season ramping up, our analysts reveal trends they expect to emerge in the coming weeks leading up to the 2023 MLB season.

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Let's have a pitching-free first round

If you think you see a tier-of-his-own starting pitcher this season, fine. Go get him at the top. Personally, I'm not seeing a peak-Kershaw starter in the pool in 2023. Also, in the current era, we can safely say that nobody is gonna give us 230-250 frames. There are at least a dozen multi-category hitters I'd draft before considering either Corbin Burnes or Gerrit Cole. Let's please remember, pitchers are saboteurs and charlatans, not to be trusted — certainly not at the top of a draft. — Andy Behrens

New shift rules will alter fantasy values

It might take a few weeks, but I expect the fantasy baseball draft market to aggressively push up left-handed pull hitters in spring ADP, mindful of how those swingers should benefit from the new shifting rules. Sure, so much of baseball is trying to knock a ball into the seats — there's no defense for a ball that lands in the bleachers. But batting averages are sure to rise, and the pull-happy lefties stand to make the biggest leap of all. Scott Pianowski

[2023 Fantasy Baseball Rankings: C | 1B | 2B | 3B | SS | OF | SP | RP]

Making top closers a priority

The upper-echelon closers will be pushed up further into the early rounds as drafters realize how quickly the position becomes sketchy in 2023. The trend is clear – more relievers are recording saves but fewer are reaching 20+. If you identify an elite closer you want, don't be afraid to pull the trigger. — Dalton Del Don