Delve into the realm of fantasy baseball with Dalton Del Don as he uncovers potential sleepers from each of the thirty major league teams. The Arizona Diamondbacks present A.J. Puk, a versatile player who excels as a reliever. Despite Justin Martínez being the favorite for closing duties, Puk stands out as Arizona’s top reliever, offering value in later rounds of fantasy drafts. Puk’s impressive stats from last season, including a remarkable 1.72 ERA and 0.75 WHIP, showcase his potential as a top reliever. With strong metrics like SIERA and CSW, Puk is a promising pick with the potential to emerge as a top fantasy closer in the coming seasons.
Moving on to the Oakland Athletics, Zack Gelof emerges as a hidden gem at second base. While his draft position has dipped due to a subpar 2024 season, Gelof’s previous performances demonstrate his power and speed potential. Despite facing some challenges, such as a lower BABIP against left-handers, Gelof’s history of home runs and steals make him a valuable late-round pick. With the Athletics relocating to a more favorable park in Sacramento, Gelof is poised to benefit from improved hitting conditions and is projected to achieve a rare 20/20 season.
In Atlanta, Grant Holmes shines as a promising starting pitcher for the Braves. Making his MLB debut last season, Holmes displayed strong pitching skills, ranking among the top in K-BB% and CSW. With impressive stats comparable to elite pitchers like Zack Wheeler, Holmes is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered in fantasy drafts. Pitching for a Braves team expected to provide increased run support, Holmes presents a valuable opportunity for fantasy managers seeking a steal in the later rounds.
Ryan Mountcastle of the Baltimore Orioles is another player poised for a rebound in the upcoming season. Benefiting from adjustments to Camden Yards’ dimensions, Mountcastle is expected to see an increase in home runs. The Orioles’ modifications to the left-field wall aim to boost offensive production, offering Mountcastle a chance to return to his previous power-hitting form.
Trevor Story of the Boston Red Sox rounds out the list as a discounted option at shortstop due to recent injury setbacks. Despite his injury history, Story’s talent and potential for a bounce-back season make him a compelling choice for fantasy managers seeking a high-upside player at a discounted price.
Join the fantasy baseball excitement and consider these sleeper picks as you draft your team for the 2025 MLB season.
Story may have a fluctuating batting average, but he holds significant potential while playing in Boston’s lineup. Although Fenway Park is not Coors Field, it has been one of MLB’s top hitter-friendly parks for right-handed batters in recent years. Story has been aggressive on the bases since joining the Red Sox, with projections of 19 home runs and 27 steals by OOPSY, despite missing over 20 games. With an affordable cost, Story is a viable option for filling the middle infield in late drafts.
Matt Shaw, a versatile player for the Chicago Cubs, has had a slow start due to an oblique injury. However, he is expected to soon participate in games without any limitations. Shaw is anticipated to start at third base for the Cubs in 2025, having showcased his talent with impressive stats across the minors last year. Eligible at multiple positions in Yahoo leagues, Shaw has the potential to achieve a 20/20 season if given sufficient playing time.
Nick Lodolo of the Cincinnati Reds displayed strong performance before a finger injury interrupted his last season, affecting his pitching upon return. Despite challenges, Lodolo’s talent and potential are evident, with hopes for improved performance as he regains full health. Despite the obstacles posed by Great American Ballpark, Lodolo remains a valuable pick with the potential for a significant upside as a pitcher.
Kyle Manzardo of the Cleveland Guardians is expected to step into a full-time DH role for the team in 2025, following a successful stint in the minors. With notable achievements and a promising future, Manzardo could provide valuable fantasy production, especially with the favorable hitting environment for left-handed batters in Cleveland.
Nolan Jones of the Colorado Rockies faced setbacks due to a back injury last season, impacting his performance. However, a healthy Jones could thrive in the Rockies’ lineup, benefitting from the hitter-friendly Coors Field. Jones’ potential for power and speed makes him a standout option for fantasy players, particularly given the significant offensive advantages offered at Coors Field.
Andrew Vaughn of the Chicago White Sox may not be the flashiest choice,
He is a cost-effective option for 20 home runs and 75 RBIs. Vaughn is expected to bat cleanup in the Chicago lineup, with Luis Robert Jr. likely benefiting as the hitter before him. Despite Michael Toglia being drafted earlier, projections suggest similar stats for Vaughn and Toglia.
Detroit Tigers: Parker Meadows, OF
Meadows may see a decrease in his Average Draft Position (ADP) due to a nerve issue, but there is no serious injury, and he is expected to return soon. Meadows showcased improved performance last season with adjustments to his swing and looks poised for a breakout while leading off in 2025.
Houston Astros: Spencer Arrighetti, SP
Arrighetti, despite a 4.53 ERA, showed promise as a rookie with a 3.93 SIERA. He had some standout performances and possesses strong pitching fundamentals, making him a valuable sleeper pick.
Kansas City Royals: Jonathan India, 2B
India, while leaving a hitter-friendly ballpark, is anticipated to excel in his new team and setting. His move to a favorable park for right-handed batters should help compensate for the potential decrease in home runs.
Los Angeles Angels: Luis Rengifo, 2B
Rengifo, known for his speed, has displayed potential for high stolen base numbers. Despite missing time last season, he is set to play a prominent role in the Angels’ lineup, which bodes well for his fantasy value.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Michael Conforto, OF
Conforto, with a notable split in home run production between home and away games, is expected to benefit greatly from Dodger Stadium’s hitter-friendly environment for left-handed batters. His improved surroundings in Los Angeles should enhance his performance, making him a valuable addition to fantasy teams.
In fantasy baseball, Michael Conforto’s strong performance against left-handed pitchers should prevent him from being used in a platoon role. He is currently going undrafted in 80% of Yahoo leagues.
Miami Marlins: Jesús Tinoco, RP
Calvin Faucher is expected to be the closer for the Marlins in 2025, but Tinoco, who performed better last season, is available later in fantasy drafts. Tinoco showcased impressive stats like a 2.03 ERA and 0.68 WHIP in 26.2 innings with Miami. His key metrics such as K-BB% (18.5), CSW (29.0%), and SIERA (3.29) outshine Faucher’s. Tinoco is being overlooked in over 80% of Yahoo leagues.
Milwaukee Brewers: Garrett Mitchell, OF
Mitchell, a former first-round pick, has the potential to achieve a 20/25 season if he stays healthy. Hitting cleanup for the Brewers at American Family Field, known for boosting left-handed home runs, sets him up for success. Mitchell’s impressive bat speed and sprint speed make him a player to watch in 2025.
Minnesota Twins: Carlos Correa, SS
Despite injury concerns, Correa’s offensive prowess makes him a valuable asset, especially with his elite hitting at shortstop. Projections suggest a strong wRC+ for Correa in 2025. He is a top talent with a discounted ADP due to past injuries.
New York Mets: Clay Holmes, SP/RP
Holmes is transitioning from a reliever to a starter with the Mets, showcasing promising numbers. His high CSW percentage and opportunity to start in a pitcher-friendly park make him a sleeper pick in fantasy drafts.
New York Yankees: Clarke Schmidt, SP
Schmidt, currently drafted as SP66 in Yahoo leagues, had a solid performance last season despite limited playing time. His impressive K% and ground ball rate make him a valuable pitcher to target in drafts at a low cost.
Philadelphia Phillies: Orion Kerkering, RP
Jordan Romano is set to be the Phillies’ closer, but Kerkering provides a potential alternative due to Romano’s recent struggles and recovery from surgery.
Omano reports feeling great with positive early results, despite being non-tendered by the Blue Jays with no replacement in sight for the closer role in Toronto. On the other hand, Kerkering emerges as a standout reliever poised to take on the closer’s duties. He outperformed Jhoan Duran and Andrés Muñoz last season with a superior K-BB% and a SIERA ranking 12th among 169 qualified relievers. Kerkering boasts the league’s top breaking pitch and holds significant fantasy potential should he secure the ninth-inning role for Philadelphia.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Joey Bart, C
Bart, once seen as a disappointment after being the No. 2 overall pick in 2018 for San Francisco, revived his career upon joining Pittsburgh last season. He showcased solid numbers, batting .265 with 13 home runs and 45 RBI in half a season. Bart’s wRC+ of 121 would have ranked second among qualified catchers, behind only William Contreras. Expected to split time between catching and DH duties, Bart is set to hit in the heart of the Pirates’ lineup. The former top prospect seems to have found his stride and could offer top-five fantasy catcher potential, despite being largely undrafted.
San Diego Padres: Nick Pivetta, SP
Pivetta has been a standout fantasy pitcher, boasting the fifth-best K-BB% since 2023 following his move to San Diego. While Petco Park has seen a slight increase in home runs over recent years, it remains a challenging venue for hitters. Pivetta’s tendency to give up home runs may persist, although he should benefit from the move to a more pitcher-friendly park. He is a recommended target for fantasy managers in need of pitching help.
San Francisco Giants: Kyle Harrison, SP
Harrison, though disappointing in his rookie season, showed promise with improved stats in the latter part of the year. His K-BB% ranked impressively after the All-Star break and his velocity has reportedly rebounded, indicating positive developments. With a supportive defensive catcher and a pitcher-friendly ballpark, Harrison is a sleeper pick with potential for a breakout season.
Seattle Mariners: J.P. Crawford, SS
Crawford struggled through injuries last season but had demonstrated strong offensive capabilities in the past. Despite potential obstacles such as a lower lineup position and a pitcher-friendly home field, Crawford’s past performance suggests a rebound could be in store for the upcoming season. He presents a low-risk, high-reward option for fantasy managers seeking shortstop help.
St. Louis Cardinals: Jordan Walker, OF
Walker, a former top prospect, had a disappointing 2024 season but showed promise with a late-season power surge. Having worked on his swing in the offseason, he is expected to receive ample playing time with the Cardinals. Projections indicate a solid statistical output for Walker, making him a candidate for a potential draft steal.
Tampa
Nathaniel Lowe has seen ups and downs in his career trajectory since going 39-97-99-7 in 2021, but his hitting prowess remains intact. The missed playing time has adversely impacted his counting stats, resulting in a dip in his Average Draft Position (ADP). However, OOPSY projects Lowe to lead all second basemen in homers (26) and wRC+ (131) this season, taking into account his absence from nearly 40 games. Batting second in Tampa Bay’s lineup places Lowe between the OBP powerhouse Yandy Díaz and the emerging talent Junior Caminero. Furthermore, Lowe now plays in a different setting, away from the confines of the second-best pitcher’s park against left-handed pitchers. His slugging percentage took a noticeable hit at home last season, with the Rays relocating to Steinbrenner Field in 2025 due to hurricane damage at Tropicana Field. This new home ground, which mirrors Yankee Stadium’s dimensions, could work in Lowe’s favor, as Tropicana Field has historically suppressed home runs for left-handed batters, whereas Yankee Stadium has shown the opposite trend. Improved visibility for batters and favorable weather conditions may contribute to Lowe’s success. With an ADP outside 210, Lowe is perceived as a steal by many.
Moving on to the Texas Rangers, Kumar Rocker’s spot in the team’s rotation is not guaranteed for the upcoming season, and he is likely to face some innings restriction. Nevertheless, Rocker is a sleeper pick in fantasy drafts, having excelled at Vanderbilt and displaying dominant performances last season post-Tommy John surgery. His impressive stats across the minors, coupled with a promising end to the year with the Rangers, suggest a bright future for Rocker, especially with his arm expected to be in better shape for 2025. THE BAT predicts a 1.15 WHIP for Rocker this season, further solidifying his status as an elite prospect. Despite the possibility of needing some patience, Rocker is deemed worthy of his ADP.
Shifting focus to the Toronto Blue Jays, Andrés Giménez’s speed on the basepaths was a standout last season, with him being among the few players to hit the 30-steal mark. Despite this impressive feat, Giménez’s ADP in Yahoo drafts sits at 207.9, possibly undervaluing his potential. While his offensive performance took a slight dip recently, Giménez’s career wRC+ of 103 and defensive prowess make him a valuable asset in the Blue Jays’ lineup. His improving strikeout rate over the years and impressive Sprint Speed place him in a favorable position. Additionally, a change of scenery from Cleveland could work in Giménez’s favor, considering his better performance on the road compared to his home ground, Progressive Field. An affordable option for a player capable of 15 homers and 30 steals, Giménez presents an
