Fantasy Baseball Draft Strategy: Selecting Best Player Available (2025)

When it comes to fantasy baseball draft strategies, the “Best Player Available” (BPA) approach is one of the most debated and effective methods. Instead of drafting based on positional needs, managers select the highest-ranked player on their board, maximizing value and long-term team strength. But does this strategy work in all formats, and how can you execute it effectively? Let’s dive into the pros, cons, and best practices of the BPA strategy.

Why the Best Player Available Strategy Works

Maximizing Value Over Need

In fantasy baseball, player production varies greatly across positions. By drafting the best available player rather than reaching for positional needs, you ensure that each pick contributes maximum statistical value to your team. This is especially important in roto and points leagues, where total production often outweighs filling specific positional gaps early.

Flexibility in Team Construction

A BPA approach allows you to remain flexible throughout the draft. If you take the best available hitters early, you can adjust later by targeting pitchers with strong value. Likewise, if elite pitchers fall in the early rounds, you can scoop them up without hesitation and find reliable hitters later.

Reducing the Risk of Busts

Reaching for a position can lead to selecting a lesser player simply because you need a second baseman or a catcher. This increases the risk of drafting a bust when superior players are still available. By sticking to BPA, you reduce that risk and secure players with higher ceilings and proven performance.

Challenges of the BPA Strategy

Positional Imbalance

The biggest drawback of the BPA strategy is the potential for positional imbalance. You might end up with multiple elite first basemen but no shortstop until later rounds. This can be mitigated by ensuring that your roster remains balanced over the course of the draft, even while prioritizing value.

Lack of Key Stat Categories

In category-based leagues, BPA drafting could leave you short in critical stats like stolen bases or saves. If the best available players primarily contribute power numbers but lack speed, your team might struggle in steals. A hybrid approach that considers team needs while still drafting BPA can help address this issue.

League Format Considerations

BPA works differently in various league formats. In deeper leagues, positional scarcity matters more, so blindly following BPA without accounting for positional depth can be costly. In shallow leagues, the drop-off in talent is less steep, making BPA more viable.

How to Execute the BPA Strategy Successfully

1. Use Tier-Based Rankings

Instead of relying solely on overall rankings, organize players into tiers. This helps differentiate between small value gaps and large drop-offs, ensuring you don’t miss out on essential talent when making a BPA pick.

2. Monitor Positional Runs

If a position is quickly drying up, consider adjusting your BPA approach slightly to ensure you don’t get left behind. This doesn’t mean reaching unnecessarily, but being aware of trends can help you make smarter decisions.

3. Plan for Mid-to-Late Round Adjustments

While early rounds should focus on BPA, the mid-to-late rounds allow you to address team needs. If you’ve drafted power-heavy sluggers early, use later rounds to grab speedsters or high-upside pitchers.

4. Stay Adaptable

Fantasy baseball drafts are unpredictable. If an elite closer or a premium shortstop falls in your lap, don’t hesitate to pivot slightly. Being too rigid with BPA can lead to positional gaps that are difficult to address in-season.

5. Balance BPA with Roster Construction

While BPA should be your guiding principle, keep an eye on how your roster is shaping up. If you already have three third basemen and no middle infielders, it might be time to slightly adjust your approach.

The Best Player Available strategy is a powerful tool for fantasy baseball managers looking to maximize value in drafts. While it requires careful adjustments to avoid positional imbalances, a well-executed BPA approach can lead to a dominant roster. By using tier-based rankings, monitoring position runs, and maintaining flexibility, you can ensure your team is stacked with top-tier talent while staying competitive in every category.

Are you ready to put the BPA strategy into action? Let us know your draft experiences and how this strategy has worked for you!