Fantasy Baseball Player Notes
2025 Fantasy Baseball Draft Notes
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27.
Austin Riley
3B
Austin Riley took a step back in 2024 after three years of stellar production. A right-hand fracture ended his season in August after appearing in only 110 games. He struggled in the games he did play, only hitting 19 home runs and slashing an uncharacteristic .256/.322/.461. Fantasy managers can essentially write off the year and trust that the 27-year-old will return to the slugging machine he was in 2021-2023. With a healthier lineup around him, his counting stats should get back to the 30/90/90 that is worth drafting in the third round.
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29.
Matt Olson
1B
Matt Olson followed his career year in 2023 with a bit of a dud (especially concerning his draft cost) in 2024. He failed to hit 30 home runs for the first time since 2018, ending with 29 after smacking 54 the year before. He also came up just short of 100 RBIs with 98. Olson's walk rate decreased, and his 12.4 barrel percentage was the lowest in seven years. So, what can we expect from the first baseman this season? Assuming the Atlanta lineup returns to good health, his counting stats should rebound, and chances are he will get to 35 home runs again. If there is a discount on draft day, don't be afraid to scoop him up and assume regression will land him in the range we're used to. Just don't expect 2023 numbers again.
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33.
Ronald Acuna Jr.
RF
Ronald Acuña Jr. was limited to just 48 games in 2024 after suffering a torn ACL, a devastating blow to many fantasy rosters. His status for Opening Day 2025 remains uncertain, raising echoes of his situation heading into 2023. That year, Acuña bounced back from a prior knee injury to deliver one of the most remarkable fantasy performances ever, with 41 home runs, 149 runs scored, 106 RBIs, and an incredible 73 stolen bases. While replicating those stats in 2025 may be a tall order, few players at age 27 possess his unique blend of power and speed. Expect a slight draft-day discount due to the injury concerns, but monitor updates on his recovery to ensure his absence won't extend into the season's early weeks.
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35.
Chris Sale
SP
Chris Sale has perenially been the "If he can stay healthy" pitcher, and in 2024, he finally showed us what that looked like. In his age-35 season, Sale pitched 177 2/3 innings, held a fantasy-happy 18-3 record, struck out 225 batters, and had a 2.38 ERA with a 1.01 WHIP. It was his best year since 2017, so now the question is: Does he have another one of these in him? Pitchers at age 36 are risky, and part of what made Sale's 2024 so magical was his low draft-day cost. At this point, he will cost you a third-round pick, which seems too high for someone with his profile. However, we circle back to the "If he can stay healthy" mantra; if he can offer a repeat, he'll return value in spades. How much risk you want to take in your SP1 slot is up to you.
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40.
Ozzie Albies
2B
Ozzie Albies could stake a claim to the 2B1 title if he can stay healthy, which he has struggled to do. In 2024, he managed to play only 99 games and failed to produce much when he was on the field. He hit 10 home runs, scored 52, drove in 53, and only stole eight bases. The concerning note for Albies is that his 2024 stat line looked much like his injury-plagued 2022 year. Of course, in between the two, he produced MVP-like numbers (33/96/109). Which Albies we will get in 2025 remains to be seen. It would be prudent to draft him as though he will end up between those two extremes (think somewhere in the 20/90/80 range) while being hopeful that another 2023 is in store because the upside is definitely there.
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47.
Michael Harris II
CF
Michael Harris faced challenges in 2024 due to injuries, which appeared to impact his on-field performance. The 23-year-old also experienced some bad luck, as his .264/.304/.418 slash line fell short of his expected stats (.288 xBA and .470 xSLG). Despite this, he managed to tally 16 home runs and 10 stolen bases, showcasing his potential if he can maintain his health. However, Harris has played fewer games than fantasy managers would hope for from a fourth-round pick in each of his first two seasons. While he remains a strong option, his injury history adds risk, making him a less secure choice as an OF2.
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59.
Marcell Ozuna
LF,DH
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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71.
Raisel Iglesias
RP
Raisel Iglesias had a fantastic 2024 season, saving 34 games, which tied his career high. He maintained a 1.95 ERA and 0.94 WHIP while striking out 68 batters in 69 1/3 innings. Iglesias isn't a strikeout artist in the ninth inning, but his 5% walk rate will easily protect fantasy ratios. He is entering his age-35 season, so there may be some age issues that start to rear their heads, but he has been consistent throughout his career. Iglesias is in the last year of his contract with Atlanta, which means he could possibly be traded out of a closer role if the Braves underperform, but he is still one of the top options on the board.
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90.
Spencer Schwellenbach
SP
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.
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104.
Spencer Strider
SP
Spencer Strider's 2024 season was cut short due to an elbow injury sustained in April, limiting him to just two starts. Looking ahead to 2025, Strider's health will be obviously be a pivotal factor. If he returns fully recovered, his track record suggests he can reestablish himself as a top-tier fantasy pitcher, offering high strikeout totals and the potential for a strong ERA and WHIP. Fantasy managers should monitor his progress during spring training to assess his readiness for the upcoming season. If his anticipated return is May, he could pay huge dividends coming out of the 11th round.
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153.
Jurickson Profar
LF
In 2024, Jurickson Profar set new career highs in home runs (24), runs (94), RBI (85), and batting average (.280). He tied his career high in stolen bases with 10. He signed with the Braves in the offseason, surrounding him with a solid lineup, but it will be important to temper expectations for the 31-year-old. Twenty homers is still on the table, but the batting average will drop back to the .250s, though the counting stats should remain high, assuming the Braves don't suffer the same injury bug they had last season. Draft him as nothing more than an OF4.
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160.
Reynaldo Lopez
SP
Reynaldo López delivered an exceptional 2024 season for the Atlanta Braves, posting an 8-5 record with a stellar 1.99 ERA over 135.2 innings, and accumulating 148 strikeouts. However, López's advanced metrics suggest potential regression in 2025. His expected ERA (xERA) was significantly higher than his actual ERA. Fantasy managers should temper expectations for López in 2025, anticipating some statistical normalization.
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287.
Sean Murphy
C
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301.
Grant Holmes
SP,RP
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412.
Drake Baldwin
C
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459.
Dylan Lee
RP
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460.
Orlando Arcia
SS
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499.
Hector Neris
RP
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502.
Bryan De La Cruz
LF,RF,DH
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508.
Aaron Bummer
RP
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526.
Pierce Johnson
RP
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562.
Alex Verdugo
LF,RF
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581.
Craig Kimbrel
RP
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589.
Daysbel Hernandez
RP
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596.
AJ Smith-Shawver
SP
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723.
Jarred Kelenic
LF,CF,RF
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724.
Nick Allen
SS
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772.
Eli White
LF,CF,RF
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814.
Bryce Elder
SP
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844.
James McCann
C
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858.
Chadwick Tromp
C
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864.
Nacho Alvarez Jr.
2B
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882.
Joe Jimenez
RP
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940.
Drue Hackenberg
SP
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1014.
Hurston Waldrep
SP
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1113.
Enyel De Los Santos
RP
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1137.
Buck Farmer
RP
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1152.
Domingo Gonzalez
RP
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1160.
Enoli Paredes
RP
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1166.
Jose Suarez
SP,RP
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1229.
Dany Jimenez
RP
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1239.
Hayden Harris
RP
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1250.
Davis Daniel
SP
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1275.
Carlos Rodriguez
LF,CF,RF
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1288.
Chasen Shreve
RP
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1315.
Ray Kerr
RP
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1327.
Rolddy Munoz
RP
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1366.
Dylan Dodd
SP,RP
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1407.
Royber Salinas
SP
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1423.
Amos Willingham
RP
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1453.
Dylan Covey
RP
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1462.
Chad Kuhl
SP,RP
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1497.
Jordan Weems
RP
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1565.
Sandy Leon
C
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1585.
Luke Williams
2B
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1593.
Garrett Cooper
1B
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1610.
Charles Leblanc
2B,3B
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