Fantasy Baseball Player Notes

Oneil Cruz followed up his 2024 breakout (21 HR, 22 SB, .773 OPS, 114 OPS+) with a steep regression in 2025, batting just .200 with an 87 OPS+ despite swiping a career-high 38 bases. The underlying power metrics remain loud — his 95.8 mph average exit velocity and 56.9% hard-hit rate were both elite and actually improved year over year — but a .262 BABIP and persistent 32.0% strikeout rate cratered his overall production. While his 11.8% walk rate was a career best, the contact issues and declining run production (RE24: -5.45) highlight the volatility in his profile. Looking ahead, Cruz's 2026 projections suggest a rebound toward his 2024 form, banking on normalization in batting average with continued 20/30 upside. If the BABIP corrects even partially, his rare combination of top-of-scale power and speed makes him a prime fantasy rebound candidate with high-variance upside — but managers must build around the batting average risk.

After years of steady production, Bryan Reynolds showed real signs of decline. His strikeout rate climbed to 26.5% — a jump of roughly four percentage points — and he posted a career-worst .245/.318/.402 slash line. Playing in a Pittsburgh lineup that offers little support only adds to the downside. As he enters his age-31 season, fantasy managers should be prepared for increased inconsistency. Reynolds is still projected for around 20 home runs, but his run and RBI totals will suffer in a weak offense, and his batting average is more likely to settle near .250 than his career .271 mark. At this stage, he profiles better as an OF3 or OF4 rather than a reliable, every-week fantasy starter.

Konnor Griffin entered 2025 as one of the most highly regarded prospects in the lower minors and exceeded expectations after being widely considered the top prep position player in the 2024 First-Year Player Draft. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound infielder combines elite speed and athleticism with impact power, slashing .333/.415/.527 with 21 home runs, 65 steals, and a 21.7% strikeout rate across Single-A, High-A, and Double-A as a 19-year-old. His wRC+ improved at each level, finishing 75% above the Double-A average despite being the second-youngest hitter with 80 plate appearances, behind only Leo De Vries. Once questioned for his hit tool, Griffin now appears on track for a 2026 MLB debut, and a potential extension could accelerate his timeline. He offers defensive versatility but has primarily played shortstop.