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.

A new closer report is now available.  It can be found here.

A new closer report is now available.  It can be found here.

The options in the outfield are seemingly plentiful, but with at least seven outfielders going off the board in the first round, followed by six more in the second round, the position thins rather quickly. Try to secure at least one and preferably two of the Top-40 options, and then pick and choose as the draft moves into the middle rounds. Just don’t leave the outfield too late as there are more questions than answers as you get deeper into the position, and you do need a minimum of 75 outfielders rostered in a 15-team format.

1. Aaron Judge, NYY – Let’s take a quick spy at Aaron Judge’s 2024 season. He hit 58 homers, drove in 144 runs, and scored 122 runs all while posting a .458 OBP and .701 SLG. Aaron Judge is a monster and one of the best power bats in the game.

2. Juan Soto, NYM – 2024 marked the fifth consecutive year that Juan Soto has walked more than striking out. He might not post the gaudy power numbers that Aaron Judge posts, but he is as consistent as consistent gets.

3. Kyle Tucker, CHC – Kyle Tucker was on his way to a huge season when it was interrupted by a deep bone bruise that cost him three months playing time. He’s looking at a one and done season in Chicago and it’s hard to bet against it being a very good one.

4. Corbin Carroll, ARZ – A monster second half after a slow start saw Carroll post a 22 HR, 35 stolen base season. 17 of those homers came in July and August. 13 of the thefts in September. A little more consistency will be cause to elevate his game another notch.

5. Mookie Betts, LAD – A hit-by-pitch cost Mookie a pinch shy of two months’ worth of playing time. but other than that he was having another outstanding season. Expect more of the same outstanding production in 2025. SS-65

6. Yordan Alvarez, HOU – Alvarez has now produced 30+ homers in four consecutive years. He’s everything you could want in a power bat. One day he will hit 40+ home runs.

7. Jackson Chourio, MIL – On May 31 Chourio was sitting with a .581 OPS. At the end of the year, a .791 OPS and a 20-20 season as a 20-year-old. That’s not a bad debut, eh?

8. Jazz Chisholm Jr., NYY – Chisholm finally stayed healthy and the reward was 24 home runs and 40 thefts. Combined with the third base/outfield eligibility at the table, he is also looking at gaining second base eligibility early into the 2025 season. There’s a lot to like in Jazz Chisholm heading into 2025. 3B-45

9. Fernando Tatis Jr., SDP – In 2021 Fernando Tatis Jr. had a monster season slugging 42 homers and stealing 25 bases. Last year in only 398 at-bats he hit 21 homers and stole 11 bases. He is a very good player, but Is it time to be considering that 2021 season an outlier?

10. Julio Rodriguez, SEA – Rodriguez didn’t really get it going until September last year and the overall numbers reflected it. A bounce back season should be in order.

11. Jackson Merrill, SDP – In any other year, Jackson Merrill would have owned the NL ROY, but not when your principal competition was Paul Skenes. The 24 home runs and 16 stolen bases could very easily turn into a 30-20 2025 season for the youngster.

12. Jarren Duran, BOS – The door opened in 2023 and Duran continued to build on that opportunity last year producing a 21 home run, 34 stolen base, and 111 runs scored season. A 20-40 season can’t be ruled out.

13. Wyatt Langford, TEX – 2025 will be the last time you draft Wyatt Langford after the Second Round.

14. Ronald Acuna Jr., ATL – Acuna is going to miss the first month of the 2025 season and he plans on taking it easy on the basepaths, which makes total sense. A new bar is going to be set this year, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be a very good one.

15. Michael Harris II, ATL – Michael Harris has come close, but we’re still waiting on that first 20-20 season. 2025 will be the year!

16. Oneil Cruz, PIT – He hits the ball hard but also strikes out a ton. There’s likely another 20-20 season coming his way but with a high risk of supporting it with a low BA. Know your parameters! SS-112

17. Mike Trout, LAA – Trout got out of the gate strong in 2024, smacking 10 homers in his first 109 at-bats and then it was gone. There are still 30+ homers in the bat, if he can find his way into 400 healthy at-bats.

18. Brenton Doyle, COL – Doyle walked a bit more, cut down on the strikeouts, and now has a 23 homer 30 stolen base season in the books while looking at calling the leadoff slot home for 2025. Have we seen the best of Brenton Doyle? I don’t think that will prove to be the case.

19. James Wood, WAS – The dynamic duo of James Wood and Dylan Crews has arrived and with it a new beginning and much better days ahead for the Washington faithful. A 20-20 season could be in the cards in Woods first full season.

20. Teoscar Hernandez, LAD – Teo has hit 32, 25, 26, and 33 home runs over the past four seasons and parlayed those strong numbers into a 3-year $66 million deal right where he wanted to be, in LA.

21. Bryan Reynolds, PIT – Reynolds has hit 24 homers in 3-of-the-past-4 seasons. He consistently drives in 80-to-90 runs. He might not be the sexiest pick on the board, but that consistently safe floor should have our attention.

22. Anthony Santander, TOR – Santander parlayed a career best 44 home run season into a 5-year $92.5 million deal in Toronto. I’m not betting on a 40+ home run total in his new home, but 30+ should be a safe bet.

23. Lawrence Butler, OAK – The 24-year-old exploded in the second half, coming up two thefts short of a 20-20 season. I like the odds that he’ll get that 20-20 season this year.

24. Riley Greene, DET – A slow and steady growth curve has Greene looking at a 30-homer season in the not to distant future.

25. Ian Happ, CHC – There’s something to be said for a safe 20 homer, 80 RBI/RS, and ten stolen bases to go along with a .340 OBP.

26. Luis Robert Jr., CWS – In five seasons on the South Side, Robert has broken the 400 at-bat mark a total of once. The bat speed is still great and the stolen base potential is very good, but at some point-in-time it won’t matter if he continues chasing everything in sight on his march to a 200+ strikeout season.

27. Seiya Suzuki, CHC – 2024 was virtually a mirror image of the solid 2023 season with the bonus of an uptick in the stolen bases. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that he holds onto his outfield eligibility.

28. Adolis Garcia, TEX – Garcia struggled through 2024 with a left patella tendon injury and still managed to hit 25 homers and steal 11 bases. The Rangers and Garcia are betting that the eight weeks of rehab at the conclusion of the ’24 season will be the answer and a return to form will be in order in 2025.

29. Spencer Steer, CIN – The .260 BABIP, down from .318 in 2023 helps explain the drop in BA. Other than the dip in BA, the past two seasons have been remarkedly consistent. 1B-63

30. Cody Bellinger, NYY – Two years of Cody Bellinger could prove to be a huge bargain or curse. After his second-year decline in Chicago, I’ll go with the latter and proceed with caution. 1B-22

31. Tyler ONeill, BAL – Tyler O’Neill hits the ball hard, very hard. Tyler O’Neill loves the left field corner. The Orioles are moving the fences in. It seems like the potential for a very good season is right around the corner.

32. Pete Crow-Armstrong, CHC – The profile screams leadoff bat, but not until he finds his way to first via the walk with a bit more frequency. Until then be content with 10-to-15 homers and 30 stolen bases.

33. Dylan Crews, WAS – Although he didn’t set the world on fire in his debut, he showed enough to not only get our attention but also provide a glimpse at what should be a very bright future. A future that could get off the ground running in ’25, to the tune of 30+ stolen bases.

34. Christian Yelich, MIL – The skills are there for Yelich to produce solid numbers. Will the chronic back challenges allow that to occur?

35. Randy Arozarena, SEA – 2024 was a down year, but Arozarena still found a way to go 20-20 for the fourth consecutive year. Odds are good that next year at this time, we’ll be talking about five consecutive 20-20 seasons.

36. Jasson Dominguez, NYY –

37. Nick Castellanos, PHI –

38. Colton Cowser, BAL –

39. Steven Kwan, CLE –

40. Josh Lowe, TBR –

41. Parker Meadows, DET –

42. Brandon Nimmo, NYM –

43. Lane Thomas, CLE –

44. Cedric Mullins, BAL –

45. Lourdes Gurriel Jr., ARZ –

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Jose Ramirez is elite. Austin Riley, Rafael Devers, Jazz Chisholm, and Manny Machado all have solid histories of being above-average options. Junior Caminero, Mark Vientos, and Royce Lewis provide exciting upside opportunities and corresponding risk. The middle rounds are my preferred targets this year with Alec Bohm and Eugenio Suarez definitely on the radar. A bit later on Matt Shaw, Connor Norby, and Jose Tena have my attention. You have plenty of differing options to explore. Pick the one that works best with your team build and roll with it.

1. Jose Ramirez, CLE – We’ve now seen six consecutive full seasons of 20-20 ball, and he’s coming off a career best 39 home run 41 stolen base 2024. Ramirez is a consensus Top-5 overall pick and at 32-years-of-age don’t be at all surprised if he ups that total to seven consecutive 20-20 seasons in 2025.

2. Austin Riley, ATL – The mid-to-high 30 home run power witnessed in three consecutive seasons disappeared courtesy of a fractured right hand that cost him the final six weeks and about 200 at-bats worth of production. A return to form in 2025 is a relatively safe bet.

3. Jazz Chisholm Jr., NYY –. Chisholm finally stayed healthy and the reward was 24 home runs and 40 thefts. Combined with the third base/outfield eligibility at the table, he is also looking at gaining second base eligibility early into the 2025 season. There’s a lot to like in Jazz Chisholm heading into 2025. OF-97

4. Rafael Devers, BOS – Devers slugged 28 homers, drove in 83 runs, and scored 87 runs. It was a very good but not great season for the 29-year-old slugger. A bounce back into triple-digit RBI would change the good to great in a hurry.

5. Manny Machado, SDP – You have to go all the way back to 2014, to find what one could consider a down year, and it was as a result of lost time due to a partially torn ligament in his right knee. If you want safe solid production, Manny Machado is your guy.

6. Junior Caminero, TBR – He hits the ball hard. He hits the ball to all fields. He will be a star. Would anyone be surprised if he put together a 30-100 season in 2025?

7. Jordan Westburg, BAL – There will be a 25 HR, 85 RBI season in his future and that could be as early as 2025. 2B-53

8. Mark Vientos, NYM – It was Bret Baty’s job until it wasn’t and when Vientos took over he hit and continued to hit right through the playoffs. Enjoy the Third Base eligibility this year as it appears the Mets have plans for Vientos taking over for Pete Alonso at First Base.

9. Alex Bregman, FA – It’s now the beginning of February and Bregman is yet to find a home for 2025. Spring training is just around the corner. Be prepared to downshift if he hasn’t inked a deal by then.

10. Royce Lewis, MIN – In 2023 Lewis hit 15 homers in 217 at-bats. In 2024, 16 homers in 292 at-bats. There’s 30+ home run pop in the bat. All that’s missing is one thing, a healthy season with 500+ at-bats.

11. Alec Bohm, PHI – The power is a bit light for a typical Third Baseman, but with back to-back 97 RBI seasons he moves them around the bases just fine. Toss in the .280, .274, and .280 BA over the past three years and you have a boring but very functional corner-infielder.

12. Eugenio Suarez, ARZ – Suarez has now hit 30 homers in five-of-the-past-seven seasons with100+ RBI in three of those seasons. If he can hold the strikeouts in check, or at least in check by his standards, we could see a BA in the .240-to-.250 range which is more than adequate to support those great power numbers.

13. Matt Chapman, SFG – In 3-of-the-past-4 seasons Chapman has hit 27 homers. In those three years he also drove in 72, 76, and 78 runs. Expect more of the same, taking into account the lyrics from the Jerry Reed classic. “When you’re hot, you’re hot and when you’re not, you’re not.” It truly applies in Chapman’s case.

14. Jake Burger, TEX – Texas and the strong supporting cast will provide significantly more opportunities to drive in runs than the Marlins anemic O. 1B-69

15. Maikel Garcia, KCR – Even a half dozen more homers to go along with the high-30’s stolen base potential and Miakel Garcia will quickly move up this list. He did experience a bone chip issue in his right elbow but should be ready for Spring Training. 2B-37

16. Luis Rengifo, LAA – Rengifo has both power and speed potential. What we need to witness is it being on display for that first season of 500+ at-bats. 2B-31

17. Max Muncy, LAD – When healthy, Muncy is a 30 home run,90 RBI bat who knows how to work a walk. He’s a solid option in Leagues using OBP if he can accomplish something he has failed to do in two-of-the-past-four seasons – stay healthy.

18. Isaac Paredes, HOU – The 31 homers in 2023 appears to be an outlier, but 20 is well within the realm of possibility. If he can stay in the two-hole, the runs scored should improve dramatically.

19. Josh Jung, TEX – There will be pressure on the BA with his free swinging ways, but a 25-80 type season is possible if he can stay on the field, something he hasn’t consistently accomplished early-on in his career.

20. Nolan Arenado, STL –What was once an elite offensive talent, Arenado watched his production fall to 16 homers and 71 RBI. Oh, how the mighty have fallen.

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When you have five shortstop eligible players rolling off the board in the First Round and another two in the second, it’s hard to say avoiding the Top-Tier is a good approach. Take what the position gives you and don’t worry if you miss out on the elite shortstops as there are plenty of opportunities to acquire very serviceable players at any point in time during the draft.

1. Bobby Witt Jr., KCR –Witt is a consensus Top-3 overall pick, and with back-to-back 30-30 seasons, he has earned that lofty status.

2. Elly De La Cruz, CIN – It will be hard to sustain a decent BA when you strikeout at the level he did last year (218 K’s in 618 AB), but one can overlook these struggles when a 30 HR/70SB season is a very real possibility.

3. Gunnar Henderson, BAL – He tailed off a bit in the second half, but when you go 28-63 with 14 thefts in the first half, is that expected to be repeated? He’s on the cusp of becoming a superstar.

4. Francisco Lindor, NYM –For those who were concerned with Lindor’s first season in New York, the next three seasons, especially the last two, have alleviated those concerns. In 2024, he came up with one SB short of back-to-back 30-to-30 seasons.

5. Mookie Betts, LAD – OF-43 – He’s consistent with outfield eligibility. If you’re looking for safety, here you go.

6. Trea Turner, PHI—The data is starting to show some wear with Turner as his exit velo is mid-pack, and he’s chases a ton, but he’s still one of the fastest players in the league.

7. Corey Seager, TEX – IF he can stay healthy, he’s going to hit 40 home runs one year. However, health has been a problem of late.

8. CJ Abrams, WAS – He’s still young but doesn’t hit the ball very hard and still needs work on controlling the strike zone. If you believe he solves that as he matures, it’s a great pick.

9. Oneil Cruz, PIT – OF-23 – It’s crazy bat speed (100th percentile) with speed. The speed and power upside are enormous. The fly in the ointment is he swings at everything and doesn’t always hit things when he does swing. Know your parameters!

10. Willy Adames, SFG – Where did the 21 stolen bases come from? I’m not sure, as he’s an average runner. However, everyone seems to steal bases now and throw in exit velocities that point to 25+ home run pop, there’s a lot to like.

11. Anthony Volpe, NYY – The 2024 campaign was looked at as an underwhelming season for the 23-year-old shortstop, and he still managed to hit 12 homers, steal 28 bases, score 90 runs hitting at the top-of-the-order, and improve his BA from .209 to .244. Many a player would be very happy to have that type of underwhelming season.

12. Ezequiel Tovar, COL – He’s not a complete player yet as his ability to control the strike zone leaves a lot to be desired. Ok, it’s terrible! He should get stronger and 20 home runs should become the floor. There’s more speed in his game than he showed. If you can live with a sub .300 OBP, then there’s good value if one of the elite shortstops are off the board.

13. Matt McLain, CIN – There’s no doubting McLain has the potential to produce a 25-25 season. A shoulder injury suffered in Spring Training and the subsequent surgery cost him all of 2024, but an AFL rehab stint has him looking to be 100% ready to roll come Spring.

14. Masyn Winn, STL – Winn has already stated he wants to run more in 2025 with his goal being to steal between 30 and 40 bases. If he can follow through on those plans, the soon-to-be 23-year-old is poised to take a big leap up the charts.

15. Dansby Swanson, CHC – He’s a bit boring, but there are enough skills here for at least 15-15 production with a chance for 20-20. His xBA was .244, and while he could post a .250 batting average, I don’t think there would be much more in the tank than that.

16. Jeremy Pena, HOU – His sprint speed is in the 98th percentile, so the 20 stolen bases he posted in 2024 shouldn’t be a surprise. However, the exit velocities point to average power. The data suggest 2024 looks repeatable.

17. Zach Neto, LAA – He was rushed through the minor leagues and then got hurt in 2023. However, who had 23-30 on their bingo card last season? I didn’t. In looking at the data, there’s a lot of “meh” there. Poor bat speed and exit velocities don’t portend 25+ home runs. Think more – 15 to 20. His sprint speed is in the 73rd percentile, so 30 stolen bases might be a stretch, but I could see a 15-20 player who hits .250.

18. Xavier Edwards, MIA – 31 stolen bases in a half season combined with a very good hit tool and hitting at the top-of-the-order makes Edwards a most intriguing option. Can we set the floor at 40 thefts and a .270 BA after last year’s results?

19. Tyler Fitzgerald, SFG – The 27-year-old finally got a legitimate shot and took full advantage of it, slugging 15 homers to go along with 17 stolen bases in only 314 at-bats. The upside potential makes for a solid spec pick in the mid-teen rounds. He currently doesn’t possess 2B eligibility but will attain it early in the 2025 season.

20. Trevor Story, BOS – It’s all about the health, something sorely missing since the move to Boston in 2022.

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Below are the Top 100 Prospects in the game. There isn’t a consensus name this year as there has been in the past.  However, the floor and upside of Dylan Crews, Jasson Dominguez and Roki Sasaki are impressive and the fact that all of them will see significant time in the Majors, pushed them to the top.  Boston has two players in the Top 10 and even after the trade for Garrett Crochet, they are still extremely strong.

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1. Dylan Crews (OF, Was) – He has an advanced approach at the plate with high-end exit velocities.

2. Jasson Dominguez (OF, NYY) – He has 20-20 upside and has improved his contact skills as he has matured.

3. Roki Sasaki (RHP, FA) – He has the size, arsenal, and pitchability to be an ace.

4. Max Clark (OF, Det) – Extremely athletic with plus speed and plenty of bat speed to project future power.

5. Roman Anthony (OF, Bos) – He’s athletic with a beautiful lefty swing that is short to the ball. He’s not very physical but has surprising pop.

6. Walker Jenkins (OF, Min) – Athletic with a lefty swing built for 30+ home run future pop.

7. Kristian Campbell (OF, Bos) – He blew up this season, showing more power and the ability to control the strike zone.

8. Sam Basallo (1B, Bal) – An athletic catcher/first baseman with a feel to hit and potential future plus power.

9. Kumar Rocker (RHP, Tex) – He’s back pitching and touching the upper 90s with his fastball with excellent control.

10. Jackson Jobe (RHP, Det) – He has #1 stuff, and if he continues to throw strikes, he could be an ace.

11. Colt Emerson (2B, Sea) – He’s a high-floor player with the tools to be a .300 hitter and 15 to 20 future home run power. Speed will not be a big part of his game.

12. Matt Shaw (SS, CHC) – He has solid all-around tools with 15-15 type of upside, maybe more as the power develops.

13. Jordan Lawlar (SS, AZ) – He spent most of the season on the IL with a thumb and hamstring injury. I still believe the upside is a 15-20 type of player.

14. Noah Schultz (LHP, CHW) – He’s tall and lanky with a big fastball and emerging secondary pitches. The delivery is a lower three-quarter with effort.

15. Coby Mayo (3B, Bal) – He is a power-hitting corner infielder who should hit .250 to .260 with 80 points more for his OBP.

16. Emmanuel Rodriguez (OF, Min) – He has 70-grade raw power, with speed early in his career. There will be strikeouts but also a ton of walks.

17. Josue De Paula (OF, LAD) – He has excellent bat speed and an impressive feel for hitting as a teenager.

18. Travis Bazzana (2B, Cle) – High-floor player with average power and speed potential.

19. Aidan Miller (3B, Phi) – He has plus future power potential but needs to work on making better contact.

20. Andrew Painter (RHP, Phi) – He last pitched in September of 2022 and has spent two full seasons recovering from TJS.

21. Tink Hence (RHP, STL) – Extremely athletic with an impressive four-pitch mix.

22. JJ Wetherholt (2B, STL) – He makes elite contact with plus speed and average power.

23. Jett Williams (OF, NYM) – He’s a toolsy player walking as much as he’s striking out. Unfortunately, he missed most of the 2024 season with a wrist injury that required surgery.

24. Nick Kurtz (1B, Oak) – He has an elite understanding of the strike zone and 25+ home run power but is limited defensively.

25. Cole Young (SS, Sea) – He’s demonstrating a plus hit tool with speed and solid power potential.

26. Bubba Chandler (RHP, Pit) – There is a top-of-the-rotation starter brewing.

27. Harry Ford (C, Sea) – The power did not carry forward to Double-A as the exit velo is more average. He continues to steal bases at a high clip.

28. Marcelo Mayer (SS, Bos) – I still like the swing and power potential, but it needs to start showing up in the stat line at some point.

29. Sebastian Walcott (SS, Tex) – He has tremendous bat speed and the potential to hit for significant home run power. However, there will likely always be a lot of strikeouts.

30. Cam Collier (3B, Cin) – The power is starting to play, and when you combine that with his feel to hit, there is an impact when playing lurking.

31. Leodalis De Vries (SS, SD) – While he’s only 17, De Vries has star potential with plus power and a natural feel to hit.

32. Moises Ballesteros (C, CHC) – He’s a natural hitter with excellent exit velocities that point to 20 home run pop.

33. Carson Williams (SS, TB) – Exciting fantasy tools, but strikeouts are still a problem.

34. Dalton Rushing (C, LAD) – He has above-average power and high on-base skills. He’s also improved his contact skills.

35. Justin Crawford (OF, Phi) – He has the athleticism to make him an impact player. He does need to get stronger, and given his age, there’s a strong possibility that he will.

36. Charlie Condon (OF, Col) – Long and lean with 30+ home run pop. There are some concerns about how much contact he will make.

37. Tyler Black (1B, Mil) – He can hit with plus speed and average power. He has moved full-time to first base.

38. Braden Montgomery (OF, CHW) – He has 70-grade power with some swing-and-miss risk in his game.

39. Chase Dollander (RHP, Col) – His fastball is back up to 98 MPH, and his slider appears, once again, to be a serious weapon.

40. Cade Horton (RHP, CHC) – He has three plus pitches with the athleticism to throw consistent strikes. He did miss the last four months of the season with a shoulder injury.

41. Thomas White (LHP, Mia) – He has impressive stuff with improved control.

42. Kyle Teel (C, CHW) – He has a plus hit tool with average power.

43. Caden Dana (RHP, LAA) – Improved secondary pitches point to a mid-rotation starter, if not more.

44. Zac Veen (OF, Col) – He’s a toolsy outfielder with a feel for hitting. However, his history of injuries has become disconcerting.

45. Michael Arroyo (OF, Sea) – He’s showing an excellent feel for hitting with an advanced approach and enough bat speed to project future above-average power.

46. Zebby Matthews (RHP, Min) – Strike thrower whose velocity and secondary pitches have improved in 2024.

47. Brandon Sproat (RHP, NYM) – He has a big fastball and is throwing more strikes.

48. Kevin McGonigle (2B, Det) – High-floor player who should hit with a bit of power and speed.

49. Jacob Melton (OF, Hou) – Toolsy outfielder who continues to show improved contact skills. If he can shorten up his swing, there is All-Star upside.

50. Sal Stewart (3B, Cin) – He’s a high-floor player who can really hit and should develop 20-home run pop.

51. Rhett Lowder (RHP, Cin) – He has a nice arsenal with a great change-up, but the delivery needs work.

52. Chase DeLauter (OF, Cle) – High-floor player with average power and speed potential.

53. Jac Caglianone (1B, KC) – Huge raw power with a chance to hit for 30+ home run pop. He has length and chase in his swing, so strikeouts could be a problem.

54. Noble Meyer (RHP, Mia) – Young and athletic with some physical projection remaining. Control has been an issue.

55. Bryce Eldridge (1B, SF) – His carrying tool is his 70-grade raw power. However, at 6 feet 7 inches, there are concerns about how much contact he will make.

56. Jacob Misiorowski (RHP, Mil) – He is tall and thin, with two 70-grade pitches in his fastball and slider. He needs to develop a third pitch and work on repeating his delivery.

57. Enrique Bradfield (OF, Bal) – He makes excellent contact with 80-grade speed and exceptional defense. He doesn’t have much over-the-fence power.

58. Termarr Johnson (SS, Pit) – He’s a solid prospect with 10 to 15 home run pop who should hit if he gets more aggressive at the plate.

59. Felnin Celesten (SS, Sea) – He showed a feel for hitting with plus speed and more power than first advertised.

60. Jaison Chourio (OF, Cle) – He’s a switch hitter with an excellent understanding of the strike zone. He’s also a plus runner. He needs to add power.

61. Jeferson Quero (C, Mil) – A smallish catcher with a feel to hit with pop. He missed the entire season after shoulder surgery.

62. Ethan Salas (C, SD) – He was overmatched offensively, and his contact quality indicates that he needs to get stronger.

63. Adael Amador (SS, Col) – He’s a high-floor player who makes excellent contact.

64. Luke Keaschall (2B, Min) – Excellent contact skills with plus speed and average power.

65. Orelvis Martinez (3B, Tor) – He has 70-grade power with improved swing decisions. Unfortunately, he got hit with an 80-game PED suspension.

66. Jace Jung (2B, Det) – He has developed a highly leveraged swing that produces more over-the-fence power but at the expense of some swing-and-miss.

67. Chase Burns (RHP, Cin) – He has a big fastball and an 80-grade slider. The change-up needs work, and his delivery requires effort.

68. Drew Gilbert (OF, NYM) – He has a high floor as a solid Major League regular but lacks the tools to be a stat-stuffing fantasy player.

69. Justin Foscue (2B, Tex) – He can flat-out him with 15 to 20 home run pop and 8 to 10 stolen base potential.

70. Kevin Alcantara (OF, CHC) – He has elite tools, but there will be pressure on his batting average.

71. Colson Montgomery (SS, CHW) – He had a down season in Triple-A with more strikeouts than he showed in the lower levels of the minor leagues. He might not have been ready for an entire season of Triple-A.

72. Hagen Smith (LHP, CHW) – He has an extreme cross-body delivery and a plus arsenal. He could develop into a number two starter if he can throw enough strikes.

73. Edgar Quero (C, CHW) – He should be able to hit with solid OBP skills and 12 to 15 home run pop.

74. Agustin Ramirez (C, Mia) – He makes excellent contact with plus power.

75. Zyhir Hope (OF, LAD) – He’s highly athletic with emerging power and a growing understanding of the strike zone.

76. Bryce Rainer (SS, Det) – He has plus raw power and a feel to hit. There is current speed that will not be a big part of the profile in the future.

77. AJ Smith-Shawver (RHP, ATL) – He has a solid arsenal, and with better control, he should be able to pitch as a number three starter, if not more.

78. Xavier Isaac (1B, TB) – He’s showing power and speed, but he’s still a work in progress with a strikeout rate that has become problematic.

79. Blake Mitchell (C, KC) – He has excellent bat speed but expands the strike zone too much. He’s athletic and should provide stolen bases early in his career.

80. Edwin Arroyo (SS, Cin) – He missed the entire season when he had Labrum surgery.

81. Brady House (SS, Was) – He has excellent bat speed and projects to hit 20+ home runs. Unfortunately, he continues to be overly aggressive at the plate, and if he doesn’t address it, it could limit his playing time and, ultimately, his ceiling.

82. Ricky Tiedemann (LHP, Tor) – He has the size and arsenal to pitch at the top of the rotation. However, health has been a problem, and after rest and rehab, he had TJS in July.

83. Franklin Arias (SS, Bos) – He’s a high-floor player with a 15-15 type of upside.

84. River Ryan (RHP, LAD) – He has an extensive arsenal with a plus fastball, and enough control to pitch at the top of the rotation. He looked great in his four MLB starts before blowing out his elbow. He’ll likely miss the entire 2025 season.

85. Owen Caissie (OF, CHC) – He has 70-grade raw power but with plenty of strikeouts.

86. Carson Whisenhunt (LHP, SF) – He has a plus arsenal but needs to improve his strike-throwing to hit his ceiling.

87. Spencer Jones (OF, NYY) – His game has speed, power, and the potential for significant swing-and-miss.

88. Brayden Taylor (3B, TB) – He has all-around skills with a beautiful lefty stroke that should produce 20+ future home run pop. He has struck out more than I initially thought.

89. Travis Sykora (RHP, Was) – He has the size and arsenal to pitch at the top of the rotation.

90. Yophery Rodriguez (OF, Mil) – He is a toolsy outfielder with a feel for the strike zone. The Brewers have been aggressive with him, much like they were with Jackson Chourio.

91. Konnor Griffin (OF, Pit) – He’s tooled up with concerns about how much he will hit.

92. Luisangel Acuna (2B, NYM) – He’s a plus runner with a feel to hit. He’ll unlikely hit for a ton of power, but there is enough bat speed to project some.

93. Justin Wrobleski (RHP, LAD) – Athletic pitcher with a potential plus arsenal.

94. Ronny Mauricio (SS, NYM) – There is 20-20 potential, but it will come with a .300ish OBP.

95. Jacob Wilson (SS, Oak) – He makes extreme contact with modest speed and power.

96. Jaden Hamm (RHP, Det) – A potential plus arsenal who throws strikes. It looks like the recipe for a top-of-the-rotation starter.

97. Aiden Smith (OF, TB) – Toolsy outfielder with concerns about how much contact he will make.

98. Cole Carrigg (C, Col) – He had a great season, showing plus speed, great defense, and a bit more power than anticipated.

99. Josue Briceno (C, Det) – He hits the ball extremely hard with a feel to hit.

100. Gavin Cross (OF, KC) – He finally started to control the strike zone better in 2024. There still is a 20-20 player lurking.

The top tier at Second Base is light, but the middle tier gives one plenty of opportunities from which to pick and choose. So much so that I’ll be looking at the middle-tier to fill my Second Base needs in 2025. Jake Cronenworth, Bryson Stott, Colt Keith, or Andres Gimenez will hopefully find their way onto many of my Fantasy squads this season.

1. Ketel Marte, ARZ – When you’ve bested your peers by 13 home runs, 21 RBI, and finish the season as the only player at second to top both .800 and .900 OPS, you are in a league all onto yourself.

2. Jose Altuve, HOU – It may not be 2016 good, but Altuve can still put together a 20-20 season.

3. Ozzie Albies, ATL – The only thing missing and cause for a down year are the at-bats. Give him 500+ and he has the potential to be the home run leader at Second Base.

4. Marcus Semien, TEX – 2024 was a down year for Semien but he still managed to score 101 runs, the only 2B to break the 100 RS mark in 2024.

5. Jordan Westburg, BAL – There will be a 25 HR, 85 RBI season in his future and that could be as early as 2025. 3B-67

6. Brice Turang, MIL – The power is limited, but there is no doubting the speed. Turang broke out in 2024, finishing third in all of baseball with 50 stolen bases. Expect more of the same moving forward.

7. Luis Garcia Jr., WAS – Garcia enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2024 in which the 24-year-old fell two homers short of a 20-20 season.

8. Matt McLain, CIN – There’s no doubting McLain has the potential to produce a 25-25 season. A shoulder injury suffered in Spring Training and the subsequent surgery cost him all of 2024, but an AFL rehab stint has him looking to be 100% ready to roll come Spring.

9. Maikel Garcia, KCR – Even a half dozen more homers to go along with the high-30’s stolen base potential and Miakel Garcia will quickly move up this list. He did experience a bone chip issue in his right elbow but should be ready for Spring Training. 3B-124

10. Jackson Holliday, BAL – He struggled badly in his first go-round in Baltimore but went back to Triple-A and did everything that got him his first kick-at-the-can. The upside is sky high, it just has to come to fruition.

11. Luis Rengifo, LAA – Rengifo has both power and speed potential. What we need to witness is it being on display for that first season of 500+ at-bats. 3B-48

12. Jake Cronenworth, SDP – 15-to-20 homers and 80-to-90 RBI’s makes for a fine option in the mid-rounds. 1B-85

13. Bryson Stott, PHI – 10-to-15 homers with a 30-stolen base floor works rather well in your middle-infield.

14. Colt Keith, DET – Keith struggled out of the gate and didn’t hit his first home run last year until May 24. He finished strong and gave us a taste of what we witnessed at Double and Triple-A in 2023. The best is yet to come, and it could be at a new position, First Base.

15. Andres Gimenez, TOR – A smattering of homers, 25+thefts, and a decent average makes Gimenez a solid mid-tier option.

16. Nico Hoerner, CHC – 5-to-10 homer potential with a 30 stolen base floor provides solid value. Monitor Hoerner’s status closely as your draft day approaches. The flexor tendon repair could be cause for a delayed start to 2025.

17. Zack Gelof, OAK – The 17 home runs and 25 stolen bases accumulated last year are impressive, but they come with a whopping 188 strikeouts in 497 at-bats. Know your parameters!

18. Jonathan India, KCR – India sports a career OBP of .352. to go along with solid power and speed. He could also be hitting at the top-of-the-order in Kansas City. There’s upside potential as the #18 2B off-the-board.

19. Luis Arraez, SDP – Batting average and runs scored are but two-of-the-five offensive categories in play in our game and that’s simply not enough to push him higher up the board.1B-69

20. Gleyber Torres, DET – 2024 was a down year for the 28-year-old Torres, but the consistency flashed in both 2022 and 2023 gives hope for a bounceback campaign.

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While the Rangers could not repeat their 2023 World Series season, they are still a great baseball team with a rotation that should have Jacob Degrom leading the way for a better outcome in 2025.

Their minor league system continues to be strong.  Sebastian Walcott was my top-ranked player in the Rangers organization until mid-August when Kumar Rocker flew by him and then all the way to the Major Leagues. WOW, what a performance by Mr. Rocker. All arrows are pointing up. However, Walcott had a great season and should develop into a power-hitting outfielder or first baseman.

Winston Santos and Alejandro Rosario blew up this season and look like viable starting options for the Rangers as early as 2026.  Justin Foscue is a good player and needs a chance to play.  He could become trade bait if he can’t find playing time with the Rangers in 2025.  Finally, there is Jack Leiter.  The arsenal points to a top-of-the-rotation starter, but until he throws more strikes, his ceiling is a number four starter or even a bullpen arm.

There’s a lot to like with the Rangers, and there is an excellent chance for them to compete for another title in 2025.

Prospect Snapshot

• Top Prospect: Kumar Rocker
• Biggest Mover: Winston Santos and Alejandro Rosario
• Biggest Disappointment: Dustin Harris
• Emerging Prospect: Paulino Santana

The list can be found here.

The Top Five are elite. The next tier through to #11 Spencer Steer are all solid options. The rest of this group brings, in some cases, more questions than answers, and with it comes risk—sometimes too much risk.

I prefer to come out of the draft with one of the top-tier 1B types. Vladdy at the wheel or Josh Naylor at the Fifth Round works fine. Vinnie Pasquantino in the 7th/8th round? You betcha!  The mid and latter options work fine in filling the corner infield slot but provide too many unanswered questions to warrant being an everyday player at First Base.

1. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., TOR – 2024 moved Vladdy one step closer to a half-a-billion-dollar payday. 2025 could prove to be the finale that gets the deal done.

2. Bryce Harper, PHI – 30 homers, a handful of stolen bases, and an OPS in the .900 range is great production at First Base.

3. Matt Olson, ATL – In a down year, Olson slugged 29 homers and drove in 98 runs. Many a player would be very happy with those results in a down year.

4. Freddie Freeman, LAD – Freeman had surgery at the beginning of December to remove loose bodies from his ankle, a concern that followed him around for most of the 2024 season. A return to health will help, but heading into his age-36 season has the eventual decline commenced?

5. Josh Naylor, ARZ – Christian Walker is out. Josh Naylor is in. Naylor is coming off a career season in Cleveland but having the likes of Ketel Marte and Corbin Carroll hitting ahead of him in Arizona won’t dim the chances for a repeat of that great 2024.

6. Pete Alonso, FA – The strikeouts were up. The power was down. The 2024 season didn’t improve the odds of Alonso securing a long-term deal.

7. Salvador Perez, KCR – You will most likely roster Perez at catcher, but he’s far from a non-entity at first. C-91

8. Vinnie Pasquantino, KCR – The fractured thumb cost the 27-year-old the full month of September and he still found a way to hit 19 homers and drive in 97 runs. Better days are right around the corner for the 27-year-old.

9. Christian Walker, HOU –A few less at-bats. A few less homers. A few less strikeouts. A lot more cash in Houston over the next three years. A rebound into the 30-home run range would go a long way towards endearing him to the Houston faithful.

10. Triston Casas, BOS – We are all aware of the power potential in that bat. Will it come to fruition in 2025?

11. Spencer Steer, CIN – The .260 BABIP, down from .318 in 2023 helps explain the drop in BA. Other than the dip in BA, the past two seasons have been remarkedly consistent. OF-102

12. Jake Burger, TEX – Burger has amassed a .250 BA in three years running. His OBP has been .302, .309. .301 over those same three years. That’s remarkedly consistent production for a 30-home run power bat. 3B-59

13. Cody Bellinger, NYY – Two years of Cody Bellinger could prove to be a huge bargain or curse. After his second-year decline in Chicago, I’ll go with the latter and proceed with caution. OF-94

14. Paul Goldschmidt, NYY – He’s moving to the Bronx after a solid 2024 in which he slugged 22 homers, drove in 65 runs, and swiped 11 bases. Is there one more year in the tank?

15. Michael Busch, CHC – A bird in the hand is worth two in the Busch?

16. Michael Toglia, COL – How do you like your home runs? I like mine with a bit more BA, but beggars can’t be choosers.

17. Rhys Hoskins, MIL – The high-end potential that was on display in 2018 has never been duplicated, but that doesn’t mean the 27, 30, and 26 home runs he has hit over the past three seasons should be ignored.

18. Jake Cronenworth, SDP – The numbers are just okay at First Base, but look much better at the “keystone corner.” 2B-70

19. Nathaniel Lowe, WAS – The move to Washington and a potentially better spot in the order could fuel an increase in the RBI totals.

20. Luis Arraez, SDP – BA and Runs scored are still just two categories in our game, right? 2B-42

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