Few are likely to select young Detroit Tigers prospect Spencer Torkelson over old Minnesota Twins designated hitter Nelson Cruz for 2021 fantasy baseball purposes, but everything is different in a dynasty league. There we see young, potential keepers with endless possibilities tantalizing us because they could lead to multiple fantasy championships, and fantasy managers simply cannot help themselves, dreaming of Torkelson emerging as the next fantasy star as Cruz slips off into the sunset.
Sure, that could happen, but are we not all playing to win fantasy championships in 2021 and 2022, too?
My beloved ESPN colleague and Fantasy Focus Baseball podcast partner Tristan H. Cockcroft expertly balances current and future fantasy value in his annual dynasty rankings, and it is hard to find too much fault. Then again, finding fault is exactly my assigned directive in this column, though it often comes down to simple philosophical differences. He wants to win his myriad leagues in 2021, too, from redraft formats to dynasty ones, and based on precedent, he probably will.
For me it comes down to not only trying to win right away -- because those flags do fly forever, you know -- but also it is about what we know versus what we do not know. Perhaps Torkelson, 21, debuts early this season for the big league Tigers at a corner infield position and figuratively lights the league on fire, torching pitchers left and right. It could happen. What could also happen is that Torkelson spends all of 2021 in the minor leagues, and we go through this dreaming process again next year. Torkelson could be awesome, but it might not happen for years. We all loved Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jo Adell a year ago, and still do, but I would argue we love him just a little bit less today.