7 Must-Draft League Winners Experts Love (2025 Fantasy Baseball)

1. Brent Rooker (Athletics Outfielder)

• Performance Last Season: Hit 39 home runs, drove in 112 runs, stole 11 bases, and posted a .293 average.
• Why He’s a Winner:
  • Ballpark Upgrade: Moving from the pitcher‐friendly Oakland Coliseum to a more hitter-friendly environment in Sacramento could boost his power numbers even further.
  • Lineup Improvement: With the Athletics’ offensive lineup improving, Rooker should see increased run-scoring opportunities.
• Consideration: In some league formats, he might slot into a utility spot early, but he’s expected to secure a regular outfield role as the season progresses.

2. Junior Caminero (Tampa Bay Rays Outfielder)

• Spring Training Buzz:
  • In just five games, he’s already hit three homers.
  • Posted an impressive career–long 11.8% barrel rate and 45.7% hard-hit rate.
• Why He’s a Winner:
  • Rising Value: His price is moving up daily as his spring training numbers continue to impress.
  • Favorable Environment: With the Rays playing in a ballpark similar in dimensions to Yankee Stadium (but in warm weather), his offensive stats are projected to get a boost.
  • Breakout Potential: Projections suggest he can hit over 30 homers, drive in 90+ runs, and potentially climb into higher draft rounds next season if he breaks out.

3. Bo Bichette (Toronto Blue Jays Shortstop)

• Background:
  • Came off a forgettable season (only 81 games) due to injuries.
  • Despite the down year, Bichette’s track record since his breakout in 2019 has made him a consistent fantasy force.
• Why He’s a Winner:
  • Reliable Batting Average: Known as a late source of average (career average near .290) even when his recent numbers dipped.
  • Power Upside: He’s expected to rebound to 20+ homers once healthy.
  • Lineup & Role: With Toronto’s improved offense (including a key addition like Anthony Santon) and potential for a leadoff role, Bichette offers both speed and power.
• Key Takeaway: Bashet is widely targeted and could be one of the most rostered shortstops in 2025.

4. Sandy Alcantara (Miami Marlins Starting Pitcher)

• Recent History:
  • Coming off Tommy John surgery, he didn’t pitch much last season due to a cautious approach.
• Why He’s a Winner:
  • Spring Training Performance: He’s been lighting up the radar gun in spring, suggesting he’s nearing full strength.
  • Workload Projection: Expected to log between 160 and 170 innings—a solid workload for a pitcher returning from surgery.
  • Value: At a 152 ADP in deeper leagues (and even later in 12-team formats), his price represents potential upside if he can stay healthy.

5. Robbie Ray (Starting Pitcher)

• Performance Indicators:
  • Last season, he posted a 33% strikeout rate with a very high swing–strike rate (16.2%), despite pitching just 30 innings.
• Why He’s a Winner:
  • Elite Strikeout Potential: His ability to rack up strikeouts is a major asset, even if his command has historically been an issue.
  • Experience & Track Record: At age 33 and with a Cy Young (or SA Young) credential from previous seasons, he still has plenty of upside if he refines his command.
• Risk/Reward: Robbie Ray is a bit of a risk due to past control issues, but his high strikeout ceiling makes him a compelling target.

6. Isaac Paredes (Houston Astros Outfielder)

• Profile:
  • One of the newest additions to the Astros’ lineup.
  • While his hard–hit numbers (4.5% barrel rate and 27% hard-hit rate) aren’t elite, his launch angle and pull ability are very promising.
• Why He’s a Winner:
  • Favorable Park Factor: Houston’s Crawford Boxes are perfectly suited for pull hitters—boosting his potential for power.
  • Projection Upside: Although many systems call for 25 home runs, there’s optimism he could hit 30+.
  • Run & RBI Support: With a strong lineup around him, he’s expected to generate solid counting stats.
• Draft Strategy: Often available around pick 200, making him an excellent late-round target with significant upside.

7. Jonathan India (Kansas City Royals Second Baseman)

• Situation:
  • Transitioning from Cincinnati to Kansas City, where he’s expected to lead off the lineup.
• Why He’s a Winner:
  • High On-Base Percentage: Posted a .357 OBP last season and is known for efficient plate discipline.
  • Consistent Production: A well-rounded profile with speed and limited strikeouts.
  • Draft Value: Typically available around pick 238, which is deep for a second baseman—but his value lies in being a reliable, multi-category contributor.
• Impact: India is projected to be a key contributor in scoring (leading off) and overall offensive consistency, making him one of the best values at second base.

Final Analysis & Draft Takeaways

• Balanced Approach: Joe Orrico’s selections span both power-hitting outfielders and high-upside pitchers, illustrating a focus on players who offer both solid counting stats and favorable rate numbers.
• Injury & Opportunity Considerations: Many of these picks (such as Bo Bashet and Sandy Alcantra) are coming off down years or injuries, meaning they’re being targeted as bounce–back candidates with potential for significant improvement.
• Draft Value: With several of these players available in the mid-to-late rounds (or even as deep value targets), smart managers should consider them as key parts of a balanced roster that can win leagues in 2025.
• Environment & Role: Upgrades in ballpark factors (as with Brent Rooker and Junior Camero) and changes in team context (like Jonathan India’s new role in Kansas City) are critical factors driving these projections.

By targeting these seven players—Brent Rooker, Junior Camero, Bo Bashet, Sandy Alcantra, Robbie Ray, ESO Parades, and Jonathan India—Joe Orrico believes fantasy managers can secure high-upside, value-laden assets that will help win leagues in 2025.