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 middle-round picks to draft. 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 12, 143rd overall: Masyn Winn (SS – STL) | 147.59 ADP
Masyn Winn has untapped stolen base upside. Not only does the Cardinals’ shortstop have 87th percentile sprint speed, per Baseball Savant, but he’s also publicly stated he wants to steal 30+ bases this year. St. Louis is a rebuilding team that should let their young players run wild on the basepaths. Winn slots in perfectly as my middle infielder.
Round 13, 146th overall: Eugenio Suarez (3B – ARI) | 166.03 ADP
Eugenio Suarez is an undervalued third baseman due to advanced age and suppressed production from his time in the biggest pitcher’s park in MLB in Seattle. The Diamondbacks slugger put up a .256 batting average with 30 home runs and 101 RBI last season. This is the last of the third basemen you could feel truly comfortable with as your starter.
Round 14, 167th overall: Ryan Pepiot (SP – TB) | 171.63 ADP
Ryan Pepiot had a rock-solid debut season with the Rays, posting a 3.88 SIERA and 26.3% strikeout rate in 130 innings. While the control can be an issue (8.9% walk rate), the upside is there for an even better season. The Rays righty boasts a four-seamer with a 31.4% whiff rate and a changeup that allowed .274 xwOBA last year, per Baseball Savant.
Round 15, 170th overall: Gavin Williams (SP – CLE) | 194.19 ADP
Gavin Williams looks poised for a breakout year. Let’s remember this is a former top prospect who was held back by injuries last season. Now fully healthy, we’re seeing impressive results in spring training, including 16 strikeouts in only eight innings. This is another upside arm to add to my rotation that is anchored by a stalwart in Gilbert.
Round 16, 191st overall: Yandy Diaz (1B – TB) | 200.28 ADP
Yandy Diaz can provide a much-needed batting average boost to your team, putting up a .280+ batting average in three consecutive seasons. The Rays are playing in a more hitter-friendly ballpark this season, which could also boost Diaz’s power output. Batting average can be a tough category to address, so grabbing Diaz makes a lot of sense here.
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