Fantasy Baseball Player Notes

Rafael Devers offers a level of consistency that only one other third baseman on the board can give, but at a Round 3 cost. In 2024, he hit 28 homers, scored 87 runs, and drove in 83. He slashed .272/.354/.516 while playing in 138 games. Devers dealt with shoulder issues, which probably caused the career-high 24.5% K rate, but his 11.1% walk rate was also the highest of his career. If the rest of the Red Sox lineup can stay healthy, Devers's counting stats should return closer to the 30/100/100 area in 2025. He's worth the pick.

Matt Chapman delivered a solid fantasy performance in 2024, hitting 27 home runs, driving in 78 runs, scoring 98 times, and adding 15 stolen bases. His .247/.328/.463 slash line aligns closely with his career .238 batting average. Chapman's power metrics are robust, evidenced by an average exit velocity of 93.2 mph and a 12.6% barrel rate, placing him in the 97th percentile for exit velocity. Notably, he reduced his strikeout rate to 24.4%, the lowest since his rookie season. At 31, Chapman's consistent power and defensive wizardry-highlighted by his fifth Gold Glove award in 2024-make him a valuable third baseman in fantasy leagues.