Fantasy baseball drafts involve looking through player rankings, comparing projections and monitoring average draft position (ADP). But another way you can get ready for the big day is by looking at an ideal draft from an experienced player.
Below you will find my perfect fantasy baseball draft. The goal here is to use NFBC ADP (since March 1st) to craft a well-rounded team that can compete in each of the 10 categories — batting average, runs, home runs, RBI, stolen bases, wins, saves, ERA, WHIP and strikeouts. We’ll use NFBC ADP because it’s the most active platform but with a more standard format: 12-team league with 1-C, 1-1B, 1-2B, 1-3B, 1-SS, 1-MI, 1-CI, 3-OF, 1-UTIL, 2-SP, 2-RP, 3-P and five bench spots.
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at my perfect fantasy baseball late-round picks. We’ll go with the second slot because that’s my preferred pick for this season.
- 2025 Fantasy Baseball Draft Kit
- Fantasy Baseball Draft Rankings
- Fantasy Baseball Research & Advice
- Fantasy Baseball Average Draft Position (ADP)
The Perfect Fantasy Baseball Draft
Round 18, 215th overall: Clarke Schmidt (SP – NYY) | 239.25 ADP
Clarke Schmidt posted a 3.77 SIERA while increasing his strikeout rate from 21.5% to 26.3% last season. With Gerrit Cole out for the season and Luis Gil facing an extended absence, the Yankees need to rely on Schmidt more than expected. That means more innings with more potential for wins. If Schmidt can stay healthy, bet on a breakout season.
Round 19, 218th overall: Max Scherzer (SP – TOR) | 249.38 ADP
Max Scherzer reportedly feels healthier this year than he has in a couple of seasons. We’re seeing positive results in spring training, including two earned runs allowed in nine innings, along with 14 strikeouts. While innings are a concern, this is the type of ceiling you want to bet on in the backend of your rotation. Ride the wave while it lasts.
Round 20, 239th overall: Parker Meadows (OF – DET) | 252.50 ADP
Parker Meadows’ ADP has dropped as he’s dealing with upper-arm inflammation. Buy the dip because there’s power and speed upside here — nine home runs and nine stolen bases in only 298 plate appearances last season. If Meadows is out for longer than expected, you can just cut him loose and move forward.
Round 21, 242nd overall: Chris Martin (RP – TEX) | 273.75 ADP
It’s a good idea to take a shot on a late-round potential third closer, and that’s exactly what we’re doing here with Chris Martin. While the veteran has limited closing experience, he’s expected to get the first crack at the job for a World Series-contending Rangers team. If it doesn’t work out, you can quickly move on from Martin.
Round 22, 263rd overall: Connor Norby (3B – MIA) | 276.19 ADP
Connor Norby put up an intriguing 14.8% barrel rate last season. While it’s tough to be too excited about him given the pitcher-friendly environment in Miami, you have to like the rare stolen base upside at third base. Norby has 94th-percentile sprint speed, according to Baseball Savant. Norby is a flier who can back up Suarez, Diaz and Meadows.
Round 23, 266th overall: Jo Adell (OF – LAA) | 292.19 ADP
Jo Adell is another swing for the fences pick on a volatile hitter with power and speed upside. The Angels outfielder feels like he’s been around forever, but he’s only entering his age-26 season. Adell put up 20 home runs and 15 stolen bases in only 451 plate appearances last year. This is the perfect fill-in for Meadows while he recovers from injury. Cut bait if Adell struggles.
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