Fantasy Baseball Draft Strategy: SS Sleepers & Busts (2025)

Joe Pisapia and Chris Welsh highlight the top infielders primed to shine in 2025. We break down the sleepers, busts and must-haves you should target for your lineups. Whether you’re building for dynasty leagues or prepping for your next draft, this is your one-stop shop for prospect intel. Here is our fantasy baseball draft strategy for infielders.

Fantasy Baseball Draft Strategy

???? Shortstop Overview

• Elite Tier: Bobby Witt Jr., Elly De La Cruz, Gunnar Henderson, Francisco Lindor
• Deep Position: Lots of viable options late in drafts.

???? Shortstop Sleepers

1️⃣ Jeremy Peña (HOU)

• Why Target Him?
  • Solid across-the-board contributor: 15 HR, 70 R, 70 RBI, 20 SB in 2024.
  • Projected to play every day in Houston.
  • Can outperform more expensive shortstops like Anthony Volpe.

2️⃣ Mason Wynn (STL)

• Why Target Him?
  • Great hit tool with improved power potential.
  • Elite speed & could push for a 20/20 season.
  • Low strikeout rate + good launch angle optimization.

???? Shortstop Busts

1️⃣ Trevor Story (BOS)

• Why Avoid Him?
  • Hasn’t played 100 games in 3 years.
  • Boston’s lineup is shifting to younger players.
  • Declining power + major durability issues.

2️⃣ CJ Abrams (WSH)

• Why Avoid Him?
  • High ADP is based on stolen bases, but lacks elite hitting ability.
  • Off-field concerns (suspension for gambling issues).
  • Inconsistent power numbers make him risky.

???? Shortstop Must-Haves

1️⃣ Matt McLain (CIN)

• Why Draft Him?
  • If healthy, he has .280 AVG, 20 HR, 20 SB upside.
  • Elite OBP skills and strong power-speed combo.
  • Small ballpark benefits his hitting approach.

2️⃣ Bo Bichette (TOR)

• Why Draft Him?
  • Massively discounted ADP after an injury-plagued season.
  • Still a 20 HR, .290+ hitter when healthy.
  • Could return to early-round value at a mid-round cost.