Fantasy Baseball Player Notes
2025 Fantasy Baseball Draft Notes
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9.
Fernando Tatis Jr.
RF
Fernando Tatis Jr. dealt with injuries during the 2024 season but remained highly productive when on the field. Over 102 games, he delivered 21 home runs, 64 runs scored, 49 RBI, and 11 stolen bases. His Statcast metrics remain elite, ranking in the 99th percentile for hard-hit rate and in the 97th percentile for both average exit velocity and expected batting average. While his days of swiping 25+ bases may be behind him, Tatis continues to provide excellent power and strong ratios. If the Padres bolster their lineup through free agency, his counting stats could see a notable boost.
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23.
Jackson Merrill
CF
Jackson Merrill made a significant impact for the Padres in 2024. The 21-year-old transitioned seamlessly from Double-A to the majors, delivering an impressive season. He tallied 24 home runs, 77 runs scored, 90 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases, all while maintaining a .292/.326/.500 slash line. These stats are supported by elite underlying metrics, including a .308 xBA (98th percentile), .547 xSLG (96th percentile), and .376 xwOBA (94th percentile). While Merrill's 4.9% walk rate and tendency to chase pitches leave room for improvement, his production more than compensates. Fantasy managers can confidently target him as a strong OF2 option, with 2025 projections aligning closely with his standout 2024 season, making him worth a third-round pick in upcoming drafts.
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31.
Manny Machado
3B,DH
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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39.
Dylan Cease
SP
Dylan Cease escaped from the White Sox in time to deliver a steady season as the Padres' ace. The 28-year-old struck out 224 batters in 189 1/3 innings on his way to a 3.47 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP. He is in the 92nd percentile in Whiff% (32.4) and maintained a 29.4 K%. He set a new career-low walk rate at 8.5%, impressive for a pitcher who has struggled with free passes for much of his career. Cease will provide fantasy managers with a steady stream of strikeouts and 30+ starts. Just don't expect a return of his 2022 numbers anytime soon.
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55.
Michael King
SP
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.
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132.
Robert Suarez
RP
Robert Suarez emerged as a premier fantasy closer in 2024, securing 36 saves (4th in MLB) with a 2.77 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP over 65 innings. A significant improvement in control was evident, as he reduced his walk rate by three percentage points compared to previous seasons. Suarez's pitch selection evolved notably; he leaned heavily on his four-seam fastball, increasing its usage to 71%, while completely phasing out his slider. This adjustment coincided with an uptick in velocity, with his fastball averaging 99.1 mph, up from 97.7 mph in 2023. However, his strikeout rate dipped to 22.9% from 31.9% in 2022, and his 8.17 K/9 was below the league average for closers. At 34, maintaining elite velocity and effectiveness could be challenging. Nonetheless, Suarez's role as the Padres' closer and his recent performance make him a valuable asset for fantasy teams seeking saves in 2025.
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144.
Xander Bogaerts
2B,SS
Xander Bogaerts continued his struggles in 2024, appearing in only 111 games after switching from shortstop to second base. The 32-year-old hit 11 home runs and stole 13 bases while slashing .264/.307/.381. Bogaerts has seen his power sapped since arriving in San Diego, and there is some question whether or not the power will return, especially as his age creeps up. There was some hope toward the end of the season as Bogaerts hit .292 in the second half. If his health can hold up to more than 111 games, he does offer a solid batting average, but the guy we knew in Boston may be gone at this point.
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173.
Nick Pivetta
SP
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183.
Luis Arraez
1B,2B,DH
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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264.
Jake Cronenworth
1B,2B
Jake Cronenworth maintained his consistent performance in the 2024 season, appearing in 155 games for the San Diego Padres. He posted a .241/.324/.390 slash line, hitting 17 home runs, driving in 83 runs, scoring 72 times, and stealing five bases. At 31 years old, Cronenworth's skill set is well-established. His versatility across multiple infield positions enhances his value, but the stats themselves remain average.
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278.
Yu Darvish
SP
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328.
Jason Adam
RP
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395.
Jeremiah Estrada
RP
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541.
Yuki Matsui
RP
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553.
Adrian Morejon
RP
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554.
Joe Musgrove
SP
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561.
Gavin Sheets
1B,RF,DH,LF
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573.
Kyle Hart
SP
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614.
Elias Diaz
C
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635.
Tirso Ornelas
LF
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647.
Bryan Hoeing
RP
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649.
Luis Campusano
C
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788.
Brandon Lockridge
LF,CF
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854.
Stephen Kolek
RP,SP
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964.
Wandy Peralta
RP
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974.
Matt Waldron
SP
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988.
Jose Iglesias
2B,3B,SS
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998.
Randy Vasquez
SP
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1019.
Jason Heyward
RF,LF
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1071.
Ron Marinaccio
RP
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1167.
Omar Cruz
RP
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1183.
Jhony Brito
RP
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1188.
Alek Jacob
RP
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1223.
Austin Davis
RP
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1240.
Eguy Rosario
3B
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1277.
Francis Pena
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1297.
Luis Patino
RP
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1331.
J.B. Wendelken
RP
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1342.
Logan Gillaspie
RP
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1370.
Sean Reynolds
RP
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1380.
Ryan Bergert
SP
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1383.
Austin Krob
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1523.
Martin Maldonado
C
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1576.
Tyler Wade
3B,CF,LF
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1607.
Mason McCoy
SS
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1649.
Bryce Johnson
CF
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1655.
Mike Brosseau
1B
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1672.
Trenton Brooks
1B
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