10 men worth stashing on your fantasy bench

April 27th, 2017

You tinker with your fantasy squad's starting lineup, looking to have the best possible player at every position.
But did you know that your bench could make the difference between ultimate fantasy success or defeat? For those who have the reserve space, stashing premium prospects or injured big leaguers -- guys who can make a difference tomorrow, if not today -- makes a ton of sense. Without further ado, let's review 10 players worth hoarding for the time being.
, catcher, Rays
Ramos was a top-tier fantasy catcher last season, hitting .307 with 22 homers and 80 RBIs across 482 at-bats. Hoping to return from right knee surgery in June, the 29-year-old could be a top-five fantasy backstop during the second half of the season. Owners in two-catcher leagues should be especially interested in stashing the 2016 All-Star.
Consider in: 12-team mixed leagues

, first baseman, Mets
Duda reemerged as a useful power source during April, compiling four homers and a .931 OPS across 50 plate appearances prior to landing on the disabled list with a hyperextended left elbow. Having produced 57 homers and 165 RBIs from 2014-15, the slugger could help those in deep-mixed leagues upon returning from what is expected to be a relatively brief absence.
Consider in: 15-team mixed leagues
, third baseman, White Sox
Arguably the best stash option at any position, Moncada will likely step into the starting second base job in Chicago during May or June. The youngster has the tools to help fantasy owners right away, having hit .294 with 15 homers and 45 steals in the Minors last season. Although frequent whiffs could limit his batting average contributions, Moncada may rank among the second-half leaders in swipes.
Consider in: 10-team mixed leagues
, shortstop, Mets
The Mets' top prospect, Rosario is hitting .397 with five steals across 81 plate appearances with Triple-A Las Vegas this season. The 21-year-old natural shortstop could soon fill the two biggest needs on New York's roster by working as the club's regular third baseman and leadoff man. Among all current Minor Leaguers, Rosario ranks behind only Moncada in terms of potential to make a sizable impact this year.
Consider in: 12-team mixed leagues

, outfielder, A's
Impatient owners have likely tired of Davis, who was hitting just .214 with one stolen base before landing on the disabled list with a left hamstring strain. But those with a longer memory will stash the speedster with the expectation that he can return by early May and show the form that led to 12 homers and an American League-best 43 swipes last season.
Consider in: 15-team mixed leagues
, outfielder, Brewers
Brinson made a strong first impression on the Brewers organization by hitting .382 with four homers and four steals across 93 plate appearances in Triple-A after coming over in the trade last summer. The youngster -- who posted a .294/.385/.588 slash line during '17 Spring Training -- could become a five-category fantasy contributor once he is afforded an extended look this summer.
Consider in: 15-team mixed leagues

, starter, Brewers
Guerra was one of the surprise performers of 2016, making a significant mixed league impact by posting a 2.81 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP across 20 starts. But the right-hander's quest for a repeat performance quickly stalled, as he suffered a right calf strain during his first start of '17. Owners disappointed with their April ratios can take a chance that Guerra can stabilize their rotation upon making an expected return in May.
Consider in: 15-team mixed leagues
, starter, Rays
De Leon oozes fantasy potential, having produced a 2.92 ERA, a 0.95 WHIP and an 11.6 K/9 rate in Triple-A last season. Wise owners will not be deterred by the right-hander's current placement on the Minor League disabled list, as he could soon return to action and work his way into a spot in the Rays' rotation by the middle of the season.
Consider in: 15-team mixed leagues

, starter, Rangers
Ross was expected to be the ace of the Padres' 2016 staff, but he was limited to one start by a shoulder injury. Now with the Rangers, the 29-year-old is hoping to make a June return from October surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome. Having posted a 3.07 ERA and a 9.2 K/9 rate from '13-15, Ross has the potential to make notable contributions this summer.
Consider in: 10-team mixed leagues
, reliever, Padres
Capps had been emerging as one of the most dominant relievers in 2015 (1.16 ERA, 0.81 WHIP, 16.8 K/9 rate) before being sidelined with a right elbow strain that led to Tommy John surgery. Set to return in the coming days, the right-hander may instantly become the best arm in a solid Padres relief corps. By the time the weather warms up, Capps may be challenging (4.52 ERA in '16) for the closer's role.
Consider in: 12-team mixed leagues