Heading into the 2025 season, fantasy baseball managers tend to find the players that they keep seeking out during their mock drafts and ensure they are part of whatever strategy they intend to use for their teams. Make sure you sync your leagues to take advantage of our fantasy baseball tools.
Here are my must-have fantasy baseball draft targets for 2025.
Kelly Kirby’s Top Fantasy Baseball Draft Targets
Brent Rooker delivered a standout fantasy season in 2024, launching 39 home runs, driving in 112 runs, scoring 82 times, and even adding 11 stolen bases. His impressive .293/.365/.562 slash line, however, is unlikely to hold up in 2025, as it significantly outpaces his career .243 batting average. The good news is that Rooker’s power is legitimate, supported by a .570 xSLG and a 97th percentile Barrel Rate (16.6%). While his 28.8% strikeout rate showed improvement, it still raises concerns, particularly since players at 30 years old rarely sustain such progress. The Athletics’ move to Sutter Health Park in Sacramento could enhance Rooker’s counting stats next season. His potential for 40 home runs places him among an elite group of power hitters, making him a worthwhile addition to fantasy rosters.
Heading into the 2025 season, fantasy baseball managers tend to find the players that they keep seeking out during their mock drafts and ensure they are part of whatever strategy they intend to use for their teams. Make sure you sync your leagues to take advantage of our fantasy baseball tools.
Here are my must-have fantasy baseball draft targets for 2025.
Kelly Kirby’s Top Fantasy Baseball Draft Targets
Brent Rooker delivered a standout fantasy season in 2024, launching 39 home runs, driving in 112 runs, scoring 82 times, and even adding 11 stolen bases. His impressive .293/.365/.562 slash line, however, is unlikely to hold up in 2025, as it significantly outpaces his career .243 batting average. The good news is that Rooker’s power is legitimate, supported by a .570 xSLG and a 97th percentile Barrel Rate (16.6%). While his 28.8% strikeout rate showed improvement, it still raises concerns, particularly since players at 30 years old rarely sustain such progress. The Athletics’ move to Sutter Health Park in Sacramento could enhance Rooker’s counting stats next season. His potential for 40 home runs places him among an elite group of power hitters, making him a worthwhile addition to fantasy rosters.
Astute managers grabbed Michael King late in 2024 drafts, and he rewarded them handsomely. After five years with the Yankees, pitching in every imaginable scenario, the Padres nabbed him in the Juan Soto deal and made him a starter. He started 30 games, pitched 173 2/3 innings, struck out 201 batters, and held down a 2.95 ERA and 1.19 WHIP. King is masterful at inducing weak contact, sitting in the 99th percentile in average exit velocity and 97th percentile in hard-hit percentage. The only thing of note is that his xERA was 3.54, suggesting he had some luck in 2024 that kept his sub-3 ERA intact. Other than that, though, King is primed to reach SP1 status in 2025 and should be targeted in most leagues.
Spencer Schwellenbach jumped from A+ and Double-A ball directly to the majors and made an impact for Atlanta almost immediately. He started 21 games for the Braves, pitching 123 2/3 innings and striking out 127 batters. He ended the year with a 3.35 ERA and 1.04 WHIP. He offers a full six-pitch arsenal and sat in the 96th percentile in chase rate (34.2%) and the 95th percentile in walk rate (4.6%). That combo is going to serve fantasy managers well heading into 2025. After missing the entire 2022 season due to Tommy John surgery, Schwellenbach may be somewhat overlooked on draft day, but he has the potential to be a top sleeper in 2025.
After an impressive 2023 campaign where he recorded a 1.48 ERA, 33 saves, and a remarkable 46.4% strikeout rate over 61 innings, Felix Bautista suffered a UCL injury in August 2023. This led to Tommy John surgery in September 2023, sidelining him for the entire 2024 season. Despite the missed season, Bautista’s dominant 2023 performance, characterized by a 99.5 mph average fastball velocity and an 8.1% barrel rate, suggests a strong potential for a successful return in 2025. Fantasy managers should monitor his recovery progress closely, as a healthy Bautista could reestablish himself as one of the league’s premier closers.
Vinnie Pasquantino took a good-sized leap in his first full season in the majors. Even though his season was cut short due to a thumb injury, Italian Breakfast still hit 19 home runs and drove in 97 while slashing .262/.315/.446. While his walk rate took a small step down, his strikeout rate (12.8%) and whiff rate (14.5%) remain in the 96th percentile in the league. Pasquantino should remain in the lineup behind Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez, making him a fantastic target for counting stats. If you wait on first basemen, nabbing Pasquantino in the middle rounds can give you the return you’re looking for.
Shea Langeliers showcased significant power during the 2024 season, hitting 29 home runs and driving in 80 runs over 137 games. His .224/.288/.450 slash line reflects a modest improvement from his previous seasons, though his batting average remains below league average. Notably, Langeliers’ power appears sustainable, as evidenced by a .456 xSLG and a 12.8% Barrel Rate, placing him in the 87th percentile. He also reduced his strikeout rate to 27.2%, down from 29.2% in 2023, indicating progress in plate discipline. As the Athletics transition to Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, a venue that could favor hitters-Langeliers’ power numbers, could see an uptick in 2025. His eligibility at catcher enhances his fantasy value, making him a compelling option for those seeking power at the position.
Sandy Alcantara missed all of 2024 recovering from Tommy John surgery, but he has already been named Miami’s Opening Day starter. Alcantara’s biggest strengths prior to injury were his ratio protection. He has a career ERA of 3.32 and a WHIP of 1.16. His strikeout rate is average (21.4%), but his walk rate is an above-average 7.4%. Whether this will continue post-TJ is a question, as pitchers often increase velocity but struggle with command upon return. The good news is that Alcantara is currently going at an ADP of 152, making the cost more bearable given the potential risks. However, if everything hits on all cylinders, he could return to SP2 status in a hurry.
Matt Shaw should be the starting third baseman for the Cubs as soon as Opening Day, though the acquisition of Justin Turner may delay his arrival. However, there is everything to love about Shaw in fantasy. The 23-year-old hit 21 home runs and stole 31 bases across both Double-A and Triple-A last season. He has also maintained a high OBP at every level of the minors and demonstrated a strong hard-hit percentage across. Shaw is the type of prospect where expectations for a high floor right away seem reasonable. He is an excellent late-round pick.
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