Fantasy Baseball Player Notes
2025 Fantasy Baseball Draft Notes
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1.
Bobby Witt Jr.
KC
Bobby Witt Jr is the poster child for "five-category fantasy asset." In 2024, the 24-year-old smacked 32 home runs, scored 125, knocked in 109, and stole 31 bases. On top of this, he slashed .332/.389/.588 and now has an argument to be the top overall pick in 2025. He reduced his K% from 17.4 to 15.0 and raised his BB% from 5.8 to 8.0. The only blemish on his Statcast page is a high chase rate (32.1%), but with 100th percentile sprint speed (30.5) and sitting above the 90th percentile in xwOBA, xBA, xSLG, avgEV, and barrel percentage, we can let it go. Shortstop is a deep position, but Witt stands alone at the top of the heap.
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2.
Elly De La Cruz
CIN
There are two primary ways to win the stolen base category in 2025 fantasy baseball. You can wait and hodge-podge together a few guys to get there. Or you can draft Elly De La Cruz. The 22-year-old shortstop arrived in speedster fashion in 2024, racking up 67 stolen bases in 160 games. He also hit 25 home runs and scored 105 runs. Sure, his K% is in the sixth percentile at 31.3, and he isn't going to do much for your batting average. However, he can single-handedly deliver an SB win in weekly H2H leagues. Interestingly, ELDC hit more home runs away from Great American Ball Park (13 to 12), so there is room for growth with his power numbers if he unlocks that cheat code of a home stadium. Elly is a first-round draft pick with significant upside in 2025.
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3.
Gunnar Henderson
BAL
Gunnar Henderson made the most of his second full season in the majors. He hit 37 home runs, scored 118 runs, drove in 92, and stole 21 bases. Perhaps most impressively, his batting average jumped to .281 from .255 the year before. He sits in the 97th percentile of hard-hit rate (53.9%), and the rest of his batting profile suggests more of 2024 to come. He dropped his K% from 25.6 to 22.1 and raised his walk rate to 10.8 from 9.0, which is exactly the type of growth you hope to see in a player's second year. Still just 23 years old, Henderson is a first-round talent whose Steamer projections align with what we saw last season. Even though the shortstop position is deep, Gunnar is in that top-5 echelon and worth the high investment.
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4.
Francisco Lindor
NYM
Francisco Lindor followed up his 30/30 season in 2023 with another outstanding performance in 2024. He hit 33 home runs, scored 107 runs, drove in 91, and stole 29 bases in 152 games. He slashed .273/.344/.500, contributing to his career-high xwOBA of .382. The 31-year-old just keeps on keeping on, causing many in the fantasy community to overlook him in that top echelon of shortstops. Lindor will get a boost hitting in front of the newly-acquired Juan Soto, possibly leading to another 30/30 season with 100 runs scored. There are no "Buyer Beware" stickers for one of the highest-floor fantasy players in the game.
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5.
Mookie Betts
LAD
Mookie Betts got off to a torrid start in 2024 before a hand injury took out a chunk of his season and left him with only 116 games played. As hand injuries are wont to do, it sapped a bit of his power (19 HR), but he still reached 75 runs and RBIs while stealing 16 bases, his highest total since 2019. Betts's Statcast profile is one of a player who is simply really good at hitting baseballs. He is in the 90th percentile or higher in xwOBA, xBA, squared-up percentage, chase rate, whiff rate, strikeout percentage, and walk percentage. His 11% strikeout rate stands out in particular. Betts will have shortstop and outfield eligibility in all leagues and, depending on the format, may carry 2B as well. One of the most solid draft strategies in 2024 was "just draft all the Dodgers," and 2025 doesn't look much different. Betts is the table setter and a star in all fantasy formats.
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6.
Trea Turner
PHI
Trea Turner missed a large chunk of the 2024 season with a hamstring injury that also undermined his ability to steal bases. In 121 games, he stole 19, the lowest total of his career. He did pop 21 home runs, scored 88 runs, and drove in 62. The most encouraging thing from him in 2024 was a return to his high batting average, ending at .295 on the year. Turner is on the wrong side of 30, but he still bats in a powerful Phillies lineup with plenty of talent around him to boost his counting stats. However, he is no longer in the upper echelon of shortstops, which makes him cheaper on draft day, but don't expect the Turner of old to cement your stolen base count.
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7.
Corey Seager
TEX
In 2024, Corey Seager hit 30 home runs for the third year in a row; unfortunately, he also dealt with a variety of injuries that limited him to 123 games. This seems to be the profile for the 30-year-old shortstop at this point. Seager can hit the cover off the ball, hits for average, and gets on base at a wild clip. He'll score 80+ runs and drive in 75+. The only issue for fantasy managers is that he has played more than 150 games only twice in his career since 2015. You'll need to consider an IL stint when drafting him, but he is a cheaper, high-end choice at shortstop than the top tier.
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8.
Oneil Cruz
PIT
Oneil Cruz had his first healthy season in the majors and produced a 20/20 season while also picking up dual eligibility by moving to the outfield. The 26-year-old played 146 games, scoring 72 runs, knocking in 76, and slashing .259/.324/.449. The downside of Cruz is his propensity to strikeout (30.2% K-rate). He sits in the 97th percentile or higher in average exit velocity, barrel percentage, hard hit percentage, and bat speed. The talent is there to get to a 25/25 season; just don't expect him to hit much above .250.
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9.
CJ Abrams
WSH
CJ Abrams had an amazing first half of 2024 in his second full year with Washington before a miserable second half left fantasy managers wondering what happened. He was demoted to Triple-A after a team curfew violation in September and ended the season with 138 games played. He hit 20 home runs and stole 31 bases while slashing .246/.314/.433 for the season. Abrams's Statcast page is pretty ugly; he is barely above the 50th percentile in only four categories. However, he has 20/30 potential in 2025, which is enticing for those who wait at shortstop past the top tier.
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10.
Willy Adames
SF
Willy Adames made the most of his contract year in 2024. He appeared in 161 games and hit career highs in HR (32), RBIs (112), runs (93), and stolen bases (21). He parlayed that performance into a seven-year, $182 million contract with the San Francisco Giants. It also suggests a plethora of red flags heading into 2025. Moving from Milwaukee to San Francisco won't help a right-handed power hitter who strikes out at a fairly rapid clip. He does have a decent walk rate (10.8%), but his career OBP is still .322. Considering he had never stolen double-digit bases before last season, it would be a fool's errand to expect a repeat of that performance. Essentially, Adames is worth a starting shortstop spot on rosters but keep your projections closer to his 2023 than his 2024.
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11.
Matt McLain
CIN
Matt McLain's 2024 season was unfortunately curtailed due to injury. After a promising 2023 rookie year with the Cincinnati Reds, where he posted a .290 batting average, 16 home runs, 50 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases over 89 games, McLain faced health setbacks in 2024. He began the season on the injured list, recovering from a right oblique strain sustained in late August 2023. Despite efforts to return, including a brief rehab assignment in September 2023, he re-aggravated the injury and was shut down for the remainder of the season. In March 2024, McLain underwent shoulder surgery to repair a labrum tear and cartilage damage, sidelining him indefinitely. As of March 2025, McLain is actively participating in spring training, aiming to regain his form and secure his spot in the Reds' lineup for the upcoming season.
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12.
Bo Bichette
TOR
Bo Bichette's 2024 season was marred by injuries, limiting him to 81 games and resulting in a career-low .225/.277/.322 slash line, with 4 home runs, 31 RBIs, and 5 stolen bases. These figures are a stark contrast to his career averages of a .290 batting average and an .798 OPS. Advanced metrics reveal a decline in his offensive performance, with a .264 wOBA and a .303 xwOBA, indicating diminished quality of contact. Despite the setbacks, Bichette's track record suggests potential for a rebound in 2025 and could be a steal at his current ADP.
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13.
Ezequiel Tovar
COL
Ezequiel Tovar emerged as a key contributor for the Rockies in 2024, playing 157 games and posting a .269 batting average with 26 home runs, 78 RBIs, 83 runs scored, and six stolen bases. His .269/.295/.469 slash line marked an improvement over his previous season's .253 average. While his .469 slugging percentage indicates respectable power, his on-base percentage of .295 suggests room for improvement in plate discipline. Tovar's walk rate was among the lowest in the league at 3.3%, and he amassed 200 strikeouts, resulting in a 28.8% strikeout rate. Looking ahead to 2025, Tovar addressing his strikeout and walk rates will be crucial for sustaining and enhancing his contributions. Given his youth and the Rockies' commitment to his development, Tovar has the potential to evolve into a more disciplined hitter, complementing his already stellar defense.
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14.
Anthony Volpe
NYY
Anthony Volpe's 2024 season showcased his development as a dynamic player for the New York Yankees. Over 160 games, he posted a .243 batting average with 12 home runs, 60 RBIs, 90 runs scored, and an impressive 28 stolen bases. On the downside, his .293 on-base percentage and .364 slugging percentage resulted in a .657 OPS. Heading into his third year, Volpe's fantasy value is tied to improved plate discipline and speed. Fantasy managers should avoid having him as their SS1, but he can fill a MI spot if he falls in the draft.
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15.
Xavier Edwards
MIA
Xavier Edwards emerged as a dynamic contributor for the Miami Marlins in 2024, boasting a .328 batting average over 265 at-bats, with 1 home run, 26 RBIs, 39 runs scored, and an impressive 31 stolen bases. While his .398 batting average on balls in play (BABIP) suggests potential regression, Edwards' consistent hard contact and speed may help sustain a high average. His low 1.4% barrel rate and 23.0% fly-ball rate indicate limited home run potential, but his ability to spray the ball to all fields and capitalize on his speed should continue to yield extra-base hits. If Edwards maintains his contact rate and on-base skills, he could be a valuable asset for runs scored and stolen bases.
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16.
Xander Bogaerts
SD
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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17.
Jeremy Pena
HOU
Jeremy Peña delivered a solid fantasy season in 2024, compiling 15 home runs, 70 RBIs, 78 runs scored, and 20 stolen bases over 602 at-bats. His .266/.308/.394 slash line aligns closely with his career averages and his 17.1% strikeout rate marked a significant improvement from previous seasons. However, Pena's 3.8% walk rate remains low, potentially limiting his on-base potential. With elite sprint speed in the 97th percentile, his stolen base contributions are likely to continue. As he enters his age-27 season, Peña's consistent production and speed make him a good choice for your SS or MI slots.
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18.
Masyn Winn
STL
Masyn Winn showcased his potential during the 2024 season. Over 150 games, he posted a .267 batting average, hitting 15 home runs, driving in 57 runs, scoring 85 times, and stealing 11 bases. His .267/.314/.416 slash line aligns closely with his minor league career averages. Winn's power metrics, including an average exit velocity of 87 mph and a 3.7% barrel rate, indicate room for growth in his power-hitting capabilities. Notably, his 17.1% strikeout rate reflects strong contact skills for a player in his early 20s. Defensively, Winn excelled at shortstop, contributing 14 defensive runs saved, which underscores his value to the Cardinals. Given his age and athleticism, there's potential for increased power and stolen bases in the upcoming seasons, making him a promising asset for fantasy rosters.
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19.
Dansby Swanson
CHC
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20.
Zach Neto
LAA
Zach Neto emerged as a dynamic fantasy asset in 2024, showcasing a rare blend of power and speed. Over 155 games, he posted a .249/.318/.443 slash line, with 23 home runs, 77 RBIs, 70 runs scored, and an impressive 30 stolen bases. Notably, Neto became only the third player in Angels history to achieve at least 20 home runs, 30 doubles, and 30 stolen bases in a single season. While his .249 batting average aligns with his career mark of .241, his underlying metrics suggest room for growth. Neto's average exit velocity stood at 89.2 mph, and his barrel rate was 8.9%, both indicating solid contact quality. However, his 24.7% strikeout rate, coupled with a modest 5.1% walk rate, highlights areas for potential improvement in plate discipline. Fantasy managers should note that Neto underwent right shoulder surgery in early November 2024, following an injury sustained on September 26. As a result, he is expected to miss the start of the 2025 season, with a return anticipated between one week to a month after Opening Day. Once he returns to full health, Neto's combination of power and speed, along with his everyday role in the Angels' lineup, should make him a valuable contributor in fantasy formats.
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21.
Tommy Edman
LAD
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22.
Carlos Correa
MIN
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23.
Bryson Stott
PHI
Bryson Stott took a step back in 2024 from his rookie campaign. He only hit 11 home runs and slashed an ugly .245/.315/.356 after promising numbers in 2023. Where Stott will help fantasy managers is in the stolen base category, as he upped his total from 31 to 32 last season. He is otherwise a fairly unexciting player whose position (2B) will keep him coming off draft boards earlier than what his numbers suggest.
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24.
Ceddanne Rafaela
BOS
Ceddanne Rafaela brings a versatile skill set with contributions across multiple categories. He has the potential for around 15 homers and 20 steals, but his on-base percentage remains a concern (.274 OBP in 2024). With the improvements in the Red Sox lineup, Rafaela has the potential for boosts in the counting stats categories. He is an intriguing draft pick in 2025.
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25.
Nico Hoerner
CHC
Nico Hoerner delivered a solid fantasy season in 2024, recording seven home runs, 48 RBIs, 86 runs scored, and 31 stolen bases over 151 games. His .273/.335/.373 slash line aligns closely with his career .278 batting average, suggesting a sustainable performance. While Hoerner's power metrics, such as a 1.2% Barrel Rate and an average exit velocity of 85.7 mph, indicate limited home run potential, his elite contact skills are evident in his 12.1% strikeout rate, ranking eighth-lowest among qualified hitters. An October surgery to repair a flexor tendon in his right forearm may impact his availability for the start of the 2025 season. Fantasy managers should monitor his recovery closely, as his speed and contact skills make him a valuable second baseman when healthy.
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26.
Matt Shaw
CHC
Matt Shaw should be the starting third baseman for the Cubs as soon as Opening Day, though the acquisition of Justin Turner may delay his arrival. However, there is everything to love about Shaw in fantasy. The 23-year-old hit 21 home runs and stole 31 bases across both Double-A and Triple-A last season. He has also maintained a high OBP at every level of the minors and demonstrated a strong hard-hit percentage across. Shaw is the type of prospect where expectations for a high floor right away seem reasonable. He is an excellent late round pick (currently going in the 23rd round).
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27.
Trevor Story
BOS
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28.
Willi Castro
MIN
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29.
Tyler Fitzgerald
SF
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30.
Kristian Campbell
BOS
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31.
Joey Ortiz
MIL
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32.
Ha-Seong Kim
TB
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33.
Jacob Wilson
ATH
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34.
Jose Caballero
TB
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35.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa
PIT
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36.
Jordan Lawlar
ARI
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37.
Otto Lopez
MIA
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38.
Dylan Moore
SEA
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39.
David Hamilton
BOS
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40.
J.P. Crawford
SEA
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41.
Geraldo Perdomo
ARI
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42.
Ernie Clement
TOR
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43.
Hyeseong Kim
LAD
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44.
Brooks Lee
MIN
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45.
Orlando Arcia
COL
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46.
Josh Smith
TEX
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47.
Luisangel Acuna
NYM
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48.
Caleb Durbin
MIL
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49.
Nick Gonzales
PIT
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50.
Paul DeJong
WSH
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51.
Brayan Rocchio
CLE
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52.
Trey Sweeney
DET
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53.
Tyler Freeman
COL
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54.
Colson Montgomery
CWS
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55.
Max Muncy
ATH
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56.
Marcelo Mayer
BOS
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57.
Enrique Hernandez
LAD
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58.
Amed Rosario
WSH
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59.
Carson Williams
TB
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60.
Gabriel Arias
CLE
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61.
Javier Baez
DET
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62.
Brooks Baldwin
CWS
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63.
Brice Matthews
HOU
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64.
Taylor Walls
TB
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65.
Kyle Farmer
COL
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66.
Luis Garcia
FA
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67.
Zach McKinstry
DET
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68.
Andrew Gimenez
NYM
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69.
Tim Anderson
FA
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70.
Marco Luciano
SF
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71.
Leo Jimenez
TOR
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72.
Garrett Hampson
STL
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73.
Chase Meidroth
CWS
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74.
Jacob Amaya
CWS
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75.
Blaze Alexander
ARI
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76.
Kevin Newman
LAA
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77.
Ryan Kreidler
DET
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78.
Nick Allen
ATL
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79.
Miguel Rojas
LAD
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80.
Jesus Made
MIL
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81.
Edmundo Sosa
PHI
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82.
Vinny Capra
CWS
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83.
Adalberto Mondesi
FA
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84.
JJ Wetherholt
STL
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85.
Jared Serna
MIA
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86.
Juan Brito
CLE
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87.
Nasim Nunez
WSH
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88.
Max Schuemann
ATH
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89.
Liover Peguero
PIT
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90.
Jared Triolo
PIT
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91.
Sebastian Walcott
TEX
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92.
Ezequiel Duran
TEX
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93.
Carlos Vargas
FA
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94.
Darell Hernaiz
ATH
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95.
Gage Workman
DET
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96.
Casey Schmitt
SF
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97.
Brett Wisely
SF
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98.
Nicky Lopez
NYY
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99.
Jett Williams
NYM
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100.
Daniel Schneemann
CLE
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101.
Vidal Brujan
CHC
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102.
Leury Garcia
FA
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103.
Alex Freeland
LAD
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104.
Rece Hinds
HS
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105.
Javier Sanoja
MIA
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106.
Oswald Peraza
NYY
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107.
Payton Eeles
MIN
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108.
Cole Young
SEA
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109.
Romy Gonzalez
BOS
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110.
Max Acosta
MIA
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111.
Scott Kingery
LAA
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112.
Ildemaro Vargas
ARI
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113.
Miles Mastrobuoni
SEA
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114.
Aledmys Diaz
FA
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115.
Tyler Wade
SD
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116.
Leodalis De Vries
SD
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117.
Alika Williams
PIT
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118.
Nick Ahmed
TEX
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119.
Joey Wendle
FA
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120.
Nick Maton
CWS
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121.
Osleivis Basabe
SF
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122.
Cooper Pratt
MIL
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123.
Nick Sogard
BOS
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124.
Christian Cairo
CLE
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125.
Mason McCoy
SD
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126.
Jesus Bastidas
HOU
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127.
Braden Shewmake
NYY
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128.
Michael Helman
TEX
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129.
Luis Vazquez
BAL
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130.
Eddys Leonard
ATL
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131.
Jack Lopez
SEA
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132.
Jace Peterson
FA
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133.
Samad Taylor
SEA
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134.
Jonathan Ornelas
ATL
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135.
Logan Davidson
ATH
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136.
Harold Castro
KC
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137.
Niko Goodrum
NYM
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138.
Christian Koss
SF
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139.
Ben Cowles
CHC
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