There are numerous names to consider this week, and the same high number is likely to be seen next week as teams finalize their rosters in preparation for the 2025 season. Spend early and often as an entire year’s worth of stats are there for the taking and provide the opportunity to play a large role in ultimately determining your final fate.
Jordan Beck, OF, COL (CBS: 8% rostered, ESPN: not rostered)
With yesterday’s home run, Beck is now up to four long balls this Spring and what should be a lock on the right-field gig for the Rockies.
Hayden Birdsong, SP, SFG (CBS: 29% rostered, ESPN: 4% rostered)
Birdsong hasn’t won the fifth starter job yet, but it’s getting closer with each Spring outing. When you’ve allowed only one earned run and are sitting with an 18-1 K/BB ratio after four starts (12 IP), you are certainly stating your case.
Mark Canha, 1B/OF, KCR (CBS: 1% rostered, ESPN: not rostered)
As the masses speculate on a Jac Caglianone callup, the more likely scenario is veteran Mark Canha (who went 3-for-3 yesterday) holding down the fort at First Base until Vinnie P. sorts out the hamstring injury that occurred yesterday. In AL-only Leagues, Canha should generate interest.
Richard Fitts, SP, BOS (CBS: 19% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
Injuries to Brayan Bello, Lucas Giolito, and Kutter Crawford have opened the door for Fitts to lay claim to a starting role in the BoSox rotation. A solid three-pitch mix and 2400+ spin rate on all three make for an intriguing option in deeper and AL-only formats.
Robert Hassell, OF, WAS (CBS: 5% rostered, ESPN: not rostered)
Hassell enjoyed a fine Spring, going 17-for-46 with a homer and a pair of stolen bases. He has been sent to Triple-A to start the year, but how long will it be before he’s showcasing that power and speed combination as an everyday regular in the Washington outfield? I’m betting that it won’t be all that long.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa, 2B/SS/3B, PIT (CBS:12% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)
Will he hit 20 homers? No. Will he steal 20 bases? No. What he will do is hit low double digits in both while providing coverage at three positions. As the injuries mount, so too will his value and importance to your Fantasy squad.
Sal Frelick, CBS (CBS: 17% rostered, ESPN: 10% rostered)
Two homers, 8 RBI, 4 stolen bases, and a .359 BA in 39 Spring at-bats are numbers that should have our attention. Toss in the fact that he is locked into a job in left field, makes Frelick a solid addition as a fifth outfielder in 15-team Leagues.
Otto Lopez, 2B, MIA (CBS: 11% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)
5-to-10 homers with 20+ thefts and a solid BA carry value in your MI slot.
Gavin Lux, 2B, CIN (CBS: 19% rostered, ESPN: 4% rostered)
Gavin Lux and the Reds’ gain is Noelvi Marte’s loss. Third-base eligibility will be gained in the first two weeks of the 2025 campaign.
Kyle Manzardo, U, CLE (CBS: 39% rostered, ESPN: 5% rostered)
Last year, Manzardo clubbed 25 homers in 437 at-bats between Triple-A and the Guardians. There is no doubting the power potential, but do remember that it could come with a lower-than-average BA.
Brandon Marsh, OF, PHI (CBS: 21% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered)
Over the past three seasons, Marsh has accumulated both double-digit home runs and stolen bases each year. Last year, he hit 16 homers to go along with 19 stolen bases in 418 at-bats. Those are solid fifth outfielder-worthy numbers.
Nick Martinez, SP, CIN (CBS: 47% rostered, ESPN: 33% rostered)
The highest ERA Nick Martinez has posted over the past three seasons is 3.47, back in 2022. He has averaged 11 or more starts over that same period. He’s currently sitting as the #4 starter in the Reds’ rotation and, based on his recent consistent production, is worthy of a lot more love than he’s currently receiving.
Curtis Mead, 2B, TBR (CBS: 12% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
The odds looked very long that we’d be talking about Curtis Mead breaking camp with the Rays this Spring, but when you tear the cover off the ball to the tune of 21-for-39, things change quickly. He’ll likely platoon to start the year, but if he can sustain that hot start, there will be opportunities.
Max Meyer, MIA CBS: 41% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered)
Now fully recovered from the Tommy John surgery that derailed his 2022/2023 seasons, Max Meyer is enjoying a solid Spring Training, and, with the injuries to Ryan Weathers, Braxton Garrett, and Edward Cabrera, has secured a spot in the Marlins’ rotation. How he pitches while the walking wounded are still wounded will ultimately determine his fate.
Garrett Mitchell, OF, MIL (CBS: 43% rostered, ESPN: 11% rostered)
Frankly, I’m a bit dismayed that Mitchell is only rostered at 43 percent. The hype has been high, and for a good cause. Is a 20-20 season within reach?
Lars Nootbaar, OF, STL (CBS: 38% rostered, ESPN: 19% rostered)
Nootbaar’s potential has been limited by his ability to stay on the field. There is value in 500+ at-bats. Will 2025 be the year he finally breaks through? For a small price, I’ll bet that he does.
Luke Raley, 1B/OF, SEA (CBS: 35% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered)
Raley might not be a sexy option, but as we saw last year, when he slugged 22 homers and swiped 11 bags, it could prove to be a very solid one, especially with that corner infield eligibility. Donovan Salano won’t be cause for Raley to be looking over his shoulder.
Tomoyuki Sugano, SP, BAL (CBS: 41% rostered, ESPN: 9% rostered)
At 35 years of age, he’s no longer the same pitcher he once was, but he should still be good enough to provide value, especially in larger formats.
Zac Veen, OF, COL (CBS: 19% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
Nolan Jones is heading home to Cleveland, traded yesterday for Tyler Freeman. All of a sudden, there is an open spot and opportunity in the Rockies outfield. Zac Veen has enjoyed a great Spring, going 17-for-57 with two homers and nine stolen bases, and is looking like the favorite to start the season as the Rockies everyday left fielder. It’s time to spend some serious cash on that power/speed combination come Sunday evening.
Matt Wallner, OF, MIN (CBS: 48% rostered, ESPN: 6% rostered)
Wallner slugged 32 home runs last year between the Twins and Triple-A and is expected to platoon in the leadoff slot to start the year. If he can up the numbers against southpaws, the platooning could become a thing of the past.
Will Warren, SP, NYY (CBS: 33% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)
The loss of Gerrit Cole, Luis Gil, and Clarke Schmidt has given Warren the opportunity. Can he now take advantage of this situation and prove that after a rather shaky 2024, he can have a solid start every fifth day? The Yankees will need him to step it up, or it could be a rather long season in the Bronx.
Jacob Wilson, SS, ATH (CBS: 27% rostered, ESPN: 6% rostered)
Jacob Wilson aims to break camp as the Athletics’ starting shortstop. Let’s get Rich Wilson’s take on the youngster. “Wilson can flat-out hit. He rarely strikes out and posted a 99.2% z-contact rate in Triple-A (93.5% in MLB). In other words, he hit everything that was a strike. He will expand the strike zone but chokes up with two strikes to avoid striking out. There’s not much power or speed, so he won’t contribute much from a fantasy standpoint. It smells and feels like Luis Arraez 2.0 to me.”
Closer Report
Mike Clevinger, SP, CWS (CBS:13% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
It looks like recently signed Mike Clevinger has vaulted into the “probable” favorite to open the season as the White Sox closer. There won’t be many saves available, but the few opportunities that are there should be his to take.
Jeremiah Estrada, SDP (CBS: 13% rostered, ESPN: 6% rostered)
Robert Suarez struggled early in camp and then flat-out disappeared. He also struggled down the stretch last year. It’s time to invest in an insurance policy, and with a great Spring, Jeremiah Estrada gets the nod. If he can’t get it done, Jason Adam (even though enduring a rough Spring) has proven to be very capable in the role.
Calvin Faucher, MIA (CBS: 27% rostered, ESPN: 4% rostered)
Faucher pitched well last year until being sidelined with a shoulder impingement and missing most of September. He has had an up-and-down Spring but should be first in line for saves in the Marlins’ pen. The leash will be short, with Jesus Tinoco likely being Plan B.
Colin Holderman, PIT (CBS: 4% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
David Bednar’s last couple of outings have been solid, so let’s hope he has turned the corner. In the event he turned the wrong way, Colin Holderman is enjoying a great Spring and, at the very least, makes for a great insurance policy.
Griffin Jax, MIN (CBS: 28% rostered, ESPN: 32% rostered)
Griffin Jax posted a 2.03 ERA and a 0.87 WHIP last year, striking out 95 batters in 71 innings. He also earned 10 saves. Rocco Baldelli isn’t shy about using Jax in the ninth inning, making him a solid relief option in all formats.
Orion Kerkering, PHI (CBS: 20% rostered, ESPN: 8% rostered)
Matt Strahm is dealing with a shoulder injury and will begin the season on the injured list. Jordan Romano is coming off an injury-filled 2024 campaign, although he has looked very good this Spring. Based on Romano’s struggles in 2024, an insurance policy would be a prudent course of action. Orion Kerkering is that insurance policy.
Jose Leclerc, ATH (CBS: 4% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
The odds of long-term health from a pitcher with consistent 100+ mph velo is very low. Mason Miller fits this description to a “T.” Buy in early as the odds are very high that Miller will spend at least some time on the IL in 2025.
Joel Payamps, MIL (CBS: 10% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered)
Payamps has consistently struck out a batter per inning while amassing ERAs of 3.40, 3.23, 2.55, and 3.05 over the past four years. He’s at the ready in case the need arises.
