5 aging stars you shouldn't overlook

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Age is one of the many reasons fantasy owners project players to fall off. While hitting 30-years-old can be a death sentence for a running back in football, baseball can be much less taxing on the body.

Despite these players being in the final years of their respective careers, this group still enters 2017 with reasons for optimism. Their age will push some fantasy owners to be weary or even boycott them on draft day, but their positive projections are outlined below.

1B Albert Pujols (37), Los Angeles Angels

Pujols has averaged 33 homers, 81 runs and 106 RBI over the past three seasons. Though he's no longer a plus .300 hitter, Pujols has still hit a respectable .261 over those past three years. Not bad for the now 37-year-old who many had written off after a foot injury shortened his 2013 season.

With Mike Trout, C.J. Cron, and Kole Calhoun surrounding Pujols, there's little reason to doubt the continued source of such counting stats. The plethora of power options at 1B admittedly depreciates Pujols' fantasy appeal, but another 30-80-100 season isn't out of the question.

2B Dustin Pedroia (33), Boston Red Sox

Long ingrained in the Boston franchise, Pedroia has done nothing but produce at the keystone for the past decade. While his grizzly appearance may not be new-age sexy, Pedroia posted one of his best seasons last year, notching a .318 average with 15 homers and 105 runs scored.

Despite the loss of David Ortiz, the Red Sox should still sport an offense capable of maintaining Pedroia's lofty runs scored total and useful RBI contribution. Pedroia's hit below .290 just once in his past six seasons, so there isn't much reason to discount his rate stats, either.

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)

SP John Lackey (37), Chicago Cubs

Through Lackey's past two seasons, the 13th and 14th of his career, he has seemingly been in his best form, registering two of his top three ERA marks. His 8.6 K/9 last year was also a career-best. Unfortunately, those individual stats haven't been boosted by a plethora of wins.

Lackey's 11-8 record and .579 win-loss percentage were the worst among Chicago's starters last year. A shift in that percentage could very well be on tap considering the strength of Chicago's lineup. For fantasy drafters ready to roll the dice on that, Lackey's career body of work should ensure you functionality in every other category.

SP Justin Verlander (33), Detroit Tigers

After many doubted him entering 2016, Verlander served up a 16-9 record with a 3.04 ERA and 1.00 WHIP. His 10.04 K/9 was also the second-best mark of his career as he maintained strong velocity on all of his pitches. The former Cy Young winner was especially strong in the second half, notching a 1.96 ERA

With 2,300 plus innings on his arm and memories of 2015's poor form, some drafters will surely pass on the veteran. Verlander may not register another double-digit K/9 mark, but he's a near shoe-in for 200 innings, roughly a 3.50 ERA, and a WHIP hovering just above 1.00.

SP Rich Hill (36), Los Angeles Dodgers

Hill's definitely not as established as the names above, but he is one of the oldest active hurlers. Fantasy-wise, he has had just two relevant seasons in his 12-year career. Last year was one of those seasons, as he went 12-5 with a 2.12 ERA and a 10.52 K/9. Though he isn't as proven, his ADP of 115 comes in well below the two pitchers above.

That 2.12 ERA isn't likely to materialize again, but the tantalizing strikeout rate and a lofty win total are in play with the Dodgers projected to win roughly 90 games. Assuming Hill can avoid last year's blister debacle, he should approach 180 innings.