Fantasy Baseball Player Notes
2025 Fantasy Baseball Draft Notes
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1.
Shohei Ohtani
LAD
Shohei Ohtani silenced any skeptics questioning his value after he was ruled out as a pitcher for 2024. The 30-year-old phenom delivered an unforgettable season, making a strong case as the top fantasy asset for managers who used him in their UTIL slot. Ohtani introduced the unprecedented 50/50 club, racking up 134 runs scored, 130 RBIs, and an extraordinary slash line of .311/.391/1.039. His .336 ISO and 9.1 WAR further highlighted his dominance. As a key piece of the Dodgers' lineup, he played a pivotal role in their championship run, earning his first World Series title. Expected to resume pitching in 2025, Ohtani offers an added bonus to his already unmatched fantasy value. Drafting him at 1.1 is a no-brainer, as his upside is unparalleled barring any unexpected injury.
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2.
Aaron Judge
NYY
Aaron Judge roared back to form in 2024, reclaiming his spot as one of fantasy baseball's most dominant hitters. He topped MLB with 58 home runs and 144 RBIs while posting a phenomenal .322/.458/.701 slash line. Judge also showed improved plate discipline, reduced strikeouts, and remained healthy through 704 plate appearances. Along the way, he scored 122 runs and even chipped in 10 stolen bases. While Juan Soto's presence in the Yankees lineup provided some support, Judge's production should remain elite even without him in 2025. At 32 years old, durability is a minor concern, but the Yankees have effectively managed his workload by balancing his time between the outfield and designated hitter. Leading the league with an 11.2 WAR, Judge is a lock to dominate four of the five offensive categories in standard 5x5 leagues, making him a no-doubt top-three pick in drafts.
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3.
Jose Ramirez
CLE
While it may seem unbelievable, Jose Ramirez remains underrated. The 32-year-old third baseman seems to fly under the radar every year, and every year, he simply does what he's been doing pretty much since he came into the league. In 2024, he tied his career high in home runs at 39, drove in 118, scored 114, and stole 41 bases. His OBP took a small dip (.335), but his average settled exactly on his career number of .279. Still, it is guaranteed that in at least one league you're in, everyone will look past him anyway. Imagine ignoring the guy who came within one homer of being the first third baseman in history to post a 40/40 season. Coming out of the first round of your draft with Jose Ramirez is one of the safest plays you can make in 2025 fantasy.
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4.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
TOR
Vladimir Guerrero Jr was the top first baseman in 2024 fantasy baseball. If that surprises you, it shouldn't. The 25-year-old has demonstrated an elite ability to hit since he entered the league in 2019. Last year, in an ugly Toronto lineup, Vladdy hit 30 home runs, drove in 103, and scored 98 himself. He slashed an impressive .323/.396/.544. Some of those numbers may have resulted from an abnormally high .342 BABIP, but they're not outrageous compared to his career averages. The Blue Jays recently added some protection for Vladdy in the form of Anthony Santander, but the really good news for Vladdy is that he will be a highly coveted free agent after this season. Fantasy managers should jump all over the opportunity to take advantage of the young superstar.
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5.
Yordan Alvarez
HOU
Yordan Alvarez set a career-high by playing in 147 games this season. He showcased his power with 35 home runs, complemented by 88 runs scored, 86 RBIs, and a career-best six stolen bases. Alvarez posted an impressive .308/.392/.567 slash line, ranking within the Top 7 across several key offensive categories in all of baseball. While his walk rate dipped from 13.9% to 10.9%, his strikeout rate also improved, reflecting a continued ability to make selective, quality swings. Although stolen bases won't be a significant part of his game, Alvarez remains a reliable contributor in four key categories, cementing his status as a strong first-round option heading into 2025.
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6.
Ketel Marte
ARI
Ketel Marte went off in 2024, setting new career highs in home runs (36) and RBIs (95). He added 93 runs and seven stolen bases while slashing .292/.372/.560, rewarding fantasy managers who took him on draft day and catapulting him into the 2B1 position heading into 2025. Marte missed some time last season with an ankle injury and has only played in 150 or more games twice in his career, so there is some injury risk baked in. However, at age 31, he seems primed for another monster season and is one of only two second basemen capable of a 30/100/100 season. Draft him with confidence.
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7.
Manny Machado
SD
Manny Machado continued to produce, even in his age-31 season, and provided fantasy managers with 152 games played for the third time in the last four years. He hit 29 homers, drove in 105, scored 77, and somehow got to 11 steals. His slash line of .275/.325/.472 remains aligned with his career numbers. The primary blemish on Machado's growing resume is that his walk rate has declined for four straight years, which should eventually impact his batting average more than we would like. However, you cannot argue with history, and Machado has hit 28 or more home runs every year since 2015 (save for 2020). As far as the hot corner goes, he remains squarely in Tier 1 heading into 2025.
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8.
Kyle Schwarber
PHI
Kyle Schwarber delivered another stellar season, showcasing his trademark consistency by blasting 38 home runs, crossing the plate 110 times, and driving in 104 runs. In 2024, he added a .248 batting average to his résumé, stole five bases, and kept his strikeout total under 200 for the first time since 2021-a season in which he played just 113 games. At 31 years old, Schwarber's skill set remains well-suited for maintaining his production. Batting in the heart of a potent Phillies lineup, he's primed to keep racking up numbers. With free agency looming after 2025, he could also bring an extra edge to his performance. Just be prepared to balance out his impact on your team's batting average while enjoying the power surge.
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9.
William Contreras
MIL
It was only a matter of time before William Contreras became the top catcher in fantasy baseball, and his usage is one big reason why. The 27-year-old appeared in 155 games, catching 120 while serving as DH in 35. It is hard to find that level of consistency at the backstop position, but his numbers also stand alone. He hit 23 home runs, scored 99 runs, drove in 92, and stole nine bases. Perhaps his best trait compared to his peers is that he is an asset to your ratio numbers. He slashed .281/.365/.466 in 2024, which is not an aberration compared to his career. Aside from having to use an early pick on him, there isn't much downside to the younger Contreras.
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10.
Brent Rooker
ATH
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-a park that favors hitters-could enhance Rooker's counting stats next season. Though he'll start 2025 with only DH eligibility, his potential for 40 home runs places him among an elite group of power hitters, making him a worthwhile addition to fantasy rosters.
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11.
Marcell Ozuna
ATL
Marcell Ozuna returned to the Braves' lineup in 2024 and delivered nearly identical results to his 2023 campaign. He crushed 39 home runs, drove in 104 runs, and crossed the plate 96 times. Unlike Kyle Schwarber, Ozuna paired his power with a .302 batting average, making him a valuable four-category contributor. However, that lofty average was fueled by an unsustainable .359 BABIP, suggesting he's likely to revert closer to his career mark of .272. Still, with Atlanta's offense at full strength and Ozuna playing in a contract year, he remains a worthy staple in your utility slot.
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12.
Wyatt Langford
TEX
Wyatt Langford entered the 2024 season as one of the most anticipated rookies, and his debut campaign was a rollercoaster ride. He finished on a high note, posting a .300 batting average in September while launching eight of his 16 home runs and collecting 20 RBI and 25 runs during the month. Langford appears to have navigated the typical challenges of a rookie season, potentially setting himself up to avoid the notorious "sophomore slump." Fantasy managers can reasonably expect a 20/20 season (he tallied 16 homers and 19 steals in 2024), with the potential for improved counting stats if the Texas lineup remains healthy. He's a reliable OF2/OF3 option with plenty of upside for fantasy rosters.
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13.
Adley Rutschman
BAL
Adley Rutschman took a step back in 2024 compared to his stellar 2023 season. The 26-year-old appeared in 148 games, serving as the designated hitter in 45 of them, and slashed a disappointing .250/.318/.391. He hit 19 home runs, driving in 79 and scoring 68. His numbers in the second half of the year were abysmal, as he batted only .207 with only three home runs. Of most concern was his 100-point drop in OPS. Rutschman is being taken as the second catcher off the board, as there is hope that he can return closer to his 2023 numbers; however, his Statcast page suggests 2024 wasn't a terrible outlier of a season. There may be similar talent later in the draft.
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14.
Anthony Santander
TOR
Anthony Santander had an impressive 2024 season in his contract year, establishing career highs in games played (155), home runs (44), RBIs (102), and runs scored (91). His slash line of .235/.308/.506, combined with a notable reduction in his strikeout rate from 23.2% to 19.4%, highlighted his growth as a hitter. Now 30 years old, Santander heads to Canada on a deal with the Blue Jays and a questionable lineup around him, though Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will certainly provide RBI opportunities. Santander offers a rare combination of significant power and relatively low strikeout rates (career K% of 20.0), but questions remain about whether he can maintain his production after securing a long-term contract. While he's a reliable mid-round pick, early-round investment carries some risk, as regression could be on the horizon.
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15.
Bryan Reynolds
PIT
Bryan Reynolds remains one of the most dependable options in fantasy baseball, delivering another steady season in 2024. He posted 24 home runs, 88 RBIs, 73 runs, and 10 steals while improving his batting average to .275 after hovering in the .260s the previous two years. Reynolds is the type of player who quietly excels-consistent, reliable, and unfazed by the ups and downs. At 29, he may not bring much flash, but for an OF3, reliability often outweighs excitement. Few players offer a steadier floor than Reynolds.
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16.
Seiya Suzuki
CHC
Seiya Suzuki battled injuries in 2024, which disrupted an otherwise strong season. The 30-year-old outfielder posted 21 home runs, 74 runs scored, 73 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases while delivering a valuable .283/.366/.482 slash line for fantasy managers. One concern is a rise in strikeout rate from 22.3% to 27.4%, but his HardHit% and wOBA continued to improve for a third straight year. Given his consistent production, Suzuki remains a solid mid-round target as an OF3 in fantasy drafts.
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17.
Cody Bellinger
NYY
Cody Bellinger experienced the expected regression in 2024 following his stellar 2023 campaign. The 29-year-old outfielder finished with 18 home runs, 78 RBIs, 72 runs scored, and nine stolen bases while slashing .266/.325/.426. Injuries limited him to 130 games, impacting his overall production. Despite the dip in numbers, he opted into his player option to stay with the Cubs and was promptly traded to the Yankees, which could offer a boost to his home run total. The biggest concern is whether he reverts to his 2021-2022 form, when he struggled significantly. Viewing him as an OF3/OF4 in fantasy drafts is reasonable, but there's still the risk that he falls below replacement level.
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18.
Riley Greene
DET
Riley Greene was a popular sleeper pick last season, and he backed up the hype with a strong performance. The 23-year-old outfielder launched 24 home runs, tallied 82 runs, and drove in 74 RBIs. While his batting average dipped slightly from .288 to .267, his overall slash line of .267/.347/.Four hundred fifty-seven remained solid. Notably, Greene continued to refine his approach at the plate, lowering his strikeout rate for the third consecutive season while boosting his walk rate from 8.4% to 11.0%. He may not be the flashiest name, but that works to your advantage-his value often exceeds his draft price. If you can land him as your OF4, your outfield depth will be in excellent shape.
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19.
Salvador Perez
KC
Salvador Perez continued to be a reliable fantasy player in 2024, delivering 27 home runs, 104 RBIs, and 58 runs scored over 158 games. His .271/.330/.456 slash line marked an improvement in on-base percentage compared to his career .303 OBP, thanks to a career-high 44 walks. Perez's power remains legitimate, with a 12.2% barrel rate and an average exit velocity of 91.1 mph, aligning with his career norms. Given his consistent power production and improved plate discipline, Perez remains a valuable option for fantasy managers seeking stability at the catcher position.
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20.
Yainer Diaz
HOU
Yainer Diaz became the Astros' starting catcher in 2024, which put a dent in his power numbers given the physical responsibilities of playing the position more regularly. In 148 games, he hit 16 homers with 84 RBI and 70 runs while slashing .299/.325/.441. For some, the catcher position in fantasy is about finding someone who isn't going to hurt you, and Diaz offers that, particularly in batting average. His xBA was the exact same as his actual, and he has a career average of .291. It's possible that the 26-year-old could cross the 20-homer mark in 2025, but you should draft him for his average and RBI potential.
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21.
Vinnie Pasquantino
KC
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 10th round can give you the return you're looking for.
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22.
Willson Contreras
STL
Willson Contreras had a truncated but productive 2024 season for the Cardinals, posting a .262 batting average with 15 home runs, 36 RBIs, and 48 runs scored over 84 games. His .380 on-base percentage and .468 slugging percentage contributed to an impressive .848 OPS. A fractured left forearm sustained on May 7 limited his playing time, but his .370 wOBA and .365 xwOBA continue to make him an excellent fantasy catcher.
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23.
Christian Yelich
MIL
Christian Yelich was in the midst of a resurgent season before back issues resurfaced. In 73 games, he posted 11 home runs, 21 stolen bases, 44 runs, and 42 RBIs while slashing an impressive .315/.406/.504-flashing glimpses of his peak form. However, the key number here is 73 games. After two consecutive seasons of surpassing 140 games played, he logged the fewest of his career outside of the shortened 2020 season. As 2025 approaches, fantasy managers should closely monitor his health updates out of Milwaukee. At 32 years old, Yelich carries significant risk, so if you draft him, be sure to have a reliable contingency plan in place.
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24.
Royce Lewis
MIN
Royce Lewis is the starting third baseman for Team Imagine If They'd Stay Healthy. He started Opening Day and went 2/2 with a double, home run, and pulled hamstring. Fifty-eight missed games later, he returned and tore up opposing pitching for 23 games before returning to the IL with an adductor strain. From there, he became a below-average hitter, forcing many fantasy managers to decide whether to hold or drop him. The allure of what he could do is too much for most. Chances are good Lewis will move to second base in 2025, which could reduce the wear and tear on him in the field. The power and speed are there (if he's allowed to attempt steals), but you MUST bake in missed time when you draft him. If the price drops far enough (say 9th or 10th round), he is an easy player to risk rostering, but it's hard to justify a cost much higher than that at this point.
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25.
Jake Burger
TEX
Jake Burger delivered a strong fantasy performance in 2024, hitting 29 home runs, driving in 76 runs, scoring 68 times, and adding one stolen base. His .250/.301/.460 slash line aligns closely with his career .251 batting average, suggesting sustainability. Burger's power is supported by a 12.3% Barrel Rate and a 91.3 mph average exit velocity, both indicative of his legitimate power. The Rangers' Globe Life Field is considered neutral regarding hitter friendliness, so it may not significantly impact Burger's counting stats next season. With eligibility at both third and first base, Burger's consistent power and improved plate discipline make him a valuable asset for fantasy rosters in 2025.
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26.
Adolis Garcia
TEX
Adolis García followed up his stellar 2023 campaign with a noticeable decline in production. His home run total dipped from 39 to 25, and his runs and RBIs took a hit as well, in part due to injuries within the Texas lineup. Looking ahead to 2025, projections suggest he'll post around 30 homers, 75 runs, and 90 RBIs-solid numbers for a third outfielder in fantasy. At this point, his 39-homer, 108-run, 107-RBI season appears to be the exception rather than the norm.
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27.
Kerry Carpenter
DET
Kerry Carpenter excels at getting on base, evidenced by his solid .379 xwOBA, and he has the power to approach 20 home runs. With Detroit's lineup showing promise, the 27-year-old is a solid mid-round pick to help fill out your fantasy outfield.
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28.
Yandy Diaz
TB
Yandy Díaz experienced a notable regression in his offensive performance during the 2024 season. After leading the American League with a .330 batting average in 2023, Díaz's numbers declined to a .281/.341/.414 slash line over 145 games in 2024. He recorded 14 home runs, 65 RBIs, and 55 runs scored, without any stolen bases. Advanced metrics indicate that Díaz's average exit velocity decreased from 93.4 mph in 2023 to 88.0 mph in 2024, and his barrel rate dropped from 9.5% to 5.9%. Despite these setbacks, Díaz maintained a solid on-base percentage (.341) and a low strikeout rate (15.3%). Entering his age-33 season, it remains to be seen if he can replicate his previous success or if the 2024 season marks the beginning of a decline.
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29.
Luis Arraez
SD
Luis Arraez continued his exceptional contact-hitting prowess in 2024, achieving a .314 batting average-the highest in the National League-and totaling 200 hits, including 32 doubles, three triples, and four home runs. He also contributed 46 RBIs, scored 83 runs, and stole nine bases over 150 games. Arráez's success stems from his elite bat-to-ball skills, reflected in his MLB-leading 4.3% strikeout rate and a 26.5% line drive percentage. However, his limited power (.392 slugging percentage) will always limit his fantasy value. He is best paired with a low-average slugger from an early round in order to find complementary pieces.
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30.
George Springer
TOR
George Springer's biggest concern for fantasy managers is the lingering perception that he's still the player he was during his Astros days. However, at 35 years old, his skills are clearly on the decline. His stat line offers little upside-his home runs, runs, RBIs, and batting average have all dropped for three consecutive seasons, with his average plummeting to a career-low .220 in 2024. His offensive WAR even dipped into negative territory. At this stage, Springer is no more than an OF5, and fantasy managers would likely be better off targeting a player with greater potential.
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31.
Jorge Soler
LAA
Jorge Soler signed a three-year deal with the Angels in the offseason where he will continue doing what he does: Hitting between 20-30 home runs and going 75/75 in the other counting stats.
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32.
Brandon Lowe
TB
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33.
Alec Burleson
STL
Alec Burleson fell just shy of 600 plate appearances and proved to be a solid waiver-wire pickup for fantasy managers, though his production dipped in September. He makes plenty of contact with a low 12.8% strikeout rate but rarely draws walks. His role in the Cardinals' crowded outfield remains uncertain, but if he sees consistent playing time, he has the potential to hit around 20 home runs in 2025. However, his overall upside is somewhat limited.
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34.
Rhys Hoskins
MIL
Rhys Hoskins returned to MLB action in 2024 after missing the entire 2023 season due to a torn ACL. In his comeback season with the Brewers, Hoskins posted a .214 batting average, hitting 26 home runs, driving in 82 runs, and scoring 59 times over 137 games. His .303 on-base percentage and .419 slugging percentage contributed to a .722 OPS, way below his career average of .827. Notably, his 12.7% barrel rate in 2024 suggests that his power potential remains intact. However, his 28.8% strikeout rate raises concerns about his contact skills. As he enters his age-32 season, maintaining health and improving plate discipline will be crucial for Hoskins to be a late-round valuable power hitter.
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35.
Joc Pederson
TEX
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36.
Ryan Jeffers
MIN
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37.
Andrew Vaughn
CWS
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38.
Christopher Morel
TB
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39.
Josh Bell
WSH
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40.
Giancarlo Stanton
NYY
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41.
Michael Conforto
LAD
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42.
Kyle Manzardo
CLE
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43.
Masataka Yoshida
BOS
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44.
Jeimer Candelario
CIN
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45.
Ryan O'Hearn
BAL
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46.
Trevor Larnach
MIN
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47.
Eloy Jimenez
TB
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48.
J.D. Martinez
FA
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49.
Jose Miranda
MIN
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50.
Jesse Winker
NYM
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51.
Freddy Fermin
KC
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52.
Mitch Garver
SEA
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53.
Andrew McCutchen
PIT
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54.
Matt Mervis
MIA
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55.
Bryan De La Cruz
ATL
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56.
David Fry
CLE
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57.
Mike Tauchman
CWS
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58.
Justin Turner
CHC
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59.
Tyler Black
MIL
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60.
Nelson Velazquez
KC
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61.
Gary Sanchez
BAL
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62.
Amed Rosario
WSH
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63.
Randal Grichuk
ARI
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64.
Mitch Haniger
SEA
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65.
Mark Canha
MIL
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66.
Donovan Solano
SEA
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67.
Gavin Sheets
SD
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68.
Stone Garrett
WSH
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69.
Justyn-Henry Malloy
DET
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70.
Luken Baker
STL
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71.
Robbie Grossman
FA
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72.
Andres Chaparro
WSH
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73.
DJ Stewart
PIT
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74.
Dustin Harris
TEX
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75.
Justin Foscue
TEX
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76.
Matt Carpenter
FA
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77.
Travis Jankowski
CWS
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78.
Niko Kavadas
LAA
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79.
Nick Martini
COL
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80.
Joey Meneses
NYM
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81.
Brandon Belt
FA
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82.
Willie Calhoun
FA
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83.
Daniel Vogelbach
FA
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