Diamondbacks fantasy: Goldschmidt ranked third on MLB’s list

Now that the Super Bowl has passed, it’s time to start thinking about fantasy baseball drafts.

MLB.com’s annual fantasy player preview ranks Paul Goldschmidt as baseball’s third-best fantasy player ahead of this season.

The 28-year-old first baseman batted .321/.435/.570 last season with 33 home runs, 110 RBI and 21 steals. He finished second in NL MVP voting for the second time in three seasons, as Bryce Harper won the award. MLB.com put a $45 value on his fantasy prospects.

“Goldschmidt quickly resumed his run as one of baseball’s exemplary talents this past season,” the preview said. “He demonstrated a sensational blend of power and speed, finishing as one of two big leaguers to reach both the 30-homer and 20-steal plateaus. With a near-unparalleled skill set, the 28-year-old should continue to shine as an offensive powerhouse in ‘16.”

The preview projects Goldschmidt’s stats this season at .305/.413/.563 with 34 homers, 107 RBI and 16 stolen bases. Diamondbacks fans have become accustomed to this kind of production from Goldschmidt, so he will come into this season with lofty expectations– as he will be on every expert’s shortlist of NL MVP candidates.

Some other notable Diamondbacks on the list included A.J. Pollock at 12th, Zack Greinke at 36th, David Peralta at 129th and Shelby Miller at 197th.

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper topped MLB.com’s list of top fantasy players, followed by Angels outfielder Mike Trout at second.

Despite this high ranking, Goldschmidt remains one of the most underpaid players in all of baseball. He will be making $5.875 million this season, tied with Mets outfielder Alejandro De Aza for the 209th-highest salary in all of baseball.