Ask The Experts: Ryan Bloomfield (BaseballHQ)
Ryan Bloomfield (BaseballHQ, Bubba and the Bloom podcast) tackles a series of hard-hitting fantasy baseball-related questions at the hot corner for next season.
We’ve recruited a star-studded lineup of fantasy analysts for the remainder of The Buzz’s ongoing positional preview series to tackle pivotal questions at each position group that include their draft strategy tips, insights on top prospects and favorite sleeper candidates, arming savvy fantasy managers with the insider knowledge required to dominate their leagues.
Ryan Bloomfield is one of the most influential voices in the fantasy baseball universe. He’s been writing at BaseballHQ since 2012 and co-hosts the extremely popular Bubba and the Bloom podcast, which was a 2023 FSWA finalist for Baseball Podcast of the Year.
What are realistic expectations for Junior Caminero in his full-season debut?
Ryan Bloomfield: If we only knew! My hunch is that expectations will outpace production for Junior Caminero in his first full major league season, so I'd rather take a more established Matt Chapman, Jake Burger, or Alex Bregman a couple of rounds later. That's more a testament to my draft style, however, which keeps me from a chance at the uber-high ceiling of prospects like Camerino.
Who hits more home runs next season: Rafael Devers, Mark Vientos or Austin Riley?
Ryan Bloomfield: Austin Riley, Mark Vientos, then Rafael Devers. Riley was back on track after an early power outage in 2024 before a fractured hand ended his season. Devers' ailing shoulders (plural!) scare me, particularly given his second-half dip and decision to avoid surgery.
Who’s your favorite sleeper pick?
Ryan Bloomfield: Luis Rengifo. His BA/SB prowess is unique at third base, he also qualifies at second, and he should get everyday reps for an Angels team that let him run wild last season. Just stay healthy, Luis!
Who’s your bust pick?
Ryan Bloomfield: Rafael Devers. His top-40 price tag is way too high for someone with injury concerns, and if the power slips at all, there isn't much else to fall back on. Take Manny Machado or Austin Riley if you're going early at this base instead.
Which prospect makes a bigger impact for fantasy purposes: Matt Shaw or Coby Mayo?
Matt Shaw, mostly because of the perceived (heck, it's still January!) playing time security. There's just too much competition in Baltimore to be confident that Coby Mayo holds on to a starting gig, and there's always a chance they “Kjerstad” him (call him up, not play him, send him back down, rinse and repeat).