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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58.
Mason Miller
RP
If you're wondering which pitcher sits in the 100th percentile in the most Statcast categories, the answer is Mason Miller. He pitched 65 innings for the Athletics and struck out 104 batters. His ERA was 2.49, but his xERA was 1.76 (100th percentile). Here are the other categories in which he led the league: Opponents batted .150 against him. His fastball velocity is a scorching 100.9 mph. He had a 41.8% strikeout rate and a 40.1 whiff percentage. Basically, he was a pitching machine for a below-average team, which held his save count to 28. If he pitched for a better squad, he'd be the undisputed top closer. But as it stands, he is the god of ratio protection, and you'll be happy he is on your roster if you want to spend a high pick on a reliever.
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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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264.
Jake Cronenworth
1B,2B,SS
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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399.
Freddy Fermin
C,DH
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462.
JP Sears
SP
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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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635.
Tirso Ornelas
LF
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647.
Bryan Hoeing
RP
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649.
Luis Campusano
C
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841.
Will Wagner
2B,3B,1B
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964.
Wandy Peralta
RP
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974.
Matt Waldron
SP
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998.
Randy Vasquez
SP
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1052.
Ramon Laureano
LF,RF,CF
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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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1277.
Francis Pena
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1342.
Logan Gillaspie
RP
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1370.
Sean Reynolds
RP
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1607.
Mason McCoy
SS
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1649.
Bryce Johnson
CF
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