Fantasy MLS: Players to Watch – Forwards

This is the final part of our “Players to Watch” series. If you are interested in seeing the other 3, please check out our articles about Keepers and Defenders and Midfielders. And as always, don’t forget to look at our other MLS Fantasy resources and Join our KCF MLS Fantasy league!

Now, what you’ve been waiting for. I thought the forwards list was the hardest one to create. There are not many new forwards in the league and many of the big name players are already on people’s short lists. So I decided to focus on players who are under $8.5m (budget picks at the very bottom). These are going to be the guys who are going to be good 2nd options in your running 2 up front or maybe a value options if you are going with 3. Regardless, I think you should still have one of the $9.0m+ in your lineup. Now the list…

Sherjill MacDonald
Chicgo Fire – $7.0m
2012: 4 Goals, 3 Assists

MacDonald is likely to be one of the least expensive starting forwards you’ll find this season. 2012 was not a great year for him because he had a hard time finding the back of the net. But, it looks like Chicago are willing to give their DP another shot at it. IF he’s able to convert more of his chances into points, he offers a great value. It’s worth noting that Chicago also have Maicon Santos as a forward option (more at the end). Currently owned by 2.3% of managers.

Juan Agudelo
Chivas USA – $8.0m
2012: 3 Goals, 2 Assists

Chivas has several players that I am putting on my watch list simply because I am not sure what to expect from them with their new/old direction and player shakeup. Agudelo performed well for New York last year, and has been a great asset for the US national teams from U17 to the USMNT and has scored in every age bracket. If the new Chivas works well, he’ll be a key player. Currently owned by 5.5% of managers.

Jairo Arrieta
Columbus Crew – $8.0m
2012: 9 Goals, 4 Assists

Before coming to Columbus, Arrieta had a successful career with the his former club, Saprissa and as member of the Costa Rica national team and has scored two goals for his country in his 9 appearance. This experience helped him have a positive impact on the Crew in the second part of the 2012 season and his pairing with Higuain could prove equally effective this year. Currently owned by 4.2% of managers.

Ryan Johnson
Portland Timbers – $8.0m
2012: 7 Goals, 2 Assists

Over the past few seasons, Johnson has proved that he can score goals in the MLS as well as for the Jamaican national team (31 appearances and 8 goals). Toronto struggled last year and Porter’s new Timbers could be the place that will give Johnson the chance to shine, especially if he can hook up well with Valeri and Will Johnson. Currently owned by 8.5% of managers.

David Estrada
Seattle Sounders – $8.0m
2012: 5 Goals

This is the guy I am most unsure about starting. Estrada only played 17 games last season and put up his 5 goals. I don’t think that’s too bad for a secondary striker, but he’s not done a lot in the preseason. There is also a chance that some of the Seattle midfielders could step up and play out of position (like Martinez). So, he’s not guaranteed  but I think he has the potential do get some good points if he gets the game time. Currently owned by 1.9% or managers.

I know some of you may be looking for budget options for a lineup of 3 forwards, so here are some HONORABLE MENTIONS that are under $8.0m but did not make my previous list because I was unsure about starting.

Jose Correa
Chivas USA – $5.5m
2012: 2 Goals

Maicon Santos
Chicgo Fire – $6.0m
2012: 7 Goals, 3 Assists

Dominic Oduro
Columbus Crew – $6.5m
2012: 6 Goals, 3 Assists

Michael Fucito
San Jose Earthquakes – $6.5m
2012: 424 min player

That’s the list. Do are you bringing in any of these players or do you have your eyes on someone else? Leave a comment to let us know, or visit our Facebook page (might as well like it if do). Also, take some time to stop by r/FantasyMLS. It’s a great place to go if you want some advice on your team.