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

The game is continually getting younger, and the kids will be arriving soon, so this week, we’re taking a look at some of the potential early arrivals. Buying in early can save one a pile of that precious FAAB. You snooze, you lose.

Andrew Abbott, SP, CIN (CBS: 16% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)

Abbott is currently rehabbing from a strained shoulder and could be activated as early as late next week. For those in deeper Leagues, a solid #4-type starter is there for the taking.

Luinder Avila, SP, KCR (CBS: not rostered, ESPN: not listed)

When a starter at Triple-A throws five innings of one-hit ball with 11 strikeouts, it should have our attention. Luinder Avila did just that on April 1. Let’s see what Rich has to say about Avila earlier this season.

“I wrote multiple times about Luinder Avila last season, as he had a solid season in Double-A (3.81 ERA with a strikeout per inning and a few too many walks – 4.68).  In looking at the data, he’s throwing harder this spring, with his fastball up to 98 MPH.  I had him topping out at 95 MPH in 2024.  He could be throwing harder because he’s pitching like a reliever.  While I think that’s ultimately where he winds up, he has plus-plus curveball that misses plenty of bats.  The change-up needs work, but he throws it hard (90 MPH). He’s intriguing and a kid I might add to some of my Dynasty Leagues.”

I concur!

Harrison Bader, OF, MIN (CBS: 11% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered)

The BA hasn’t been great so far, but when three of those four hits leave the park and generate eight RBI, it’s worth noting. Bader has averaged 18 stolen bases over the past three years and, as a fifth outfielder or injury replacement, is worthy of a roster spot.

Brooks Baldwin, 2B, CWS (CBS: 3% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)

A little pop, a little speed, and a decent hit tool combined with an opportunity on the South Side make Baldwin an intriguing middle-infield option in deeper formats.

Travis Bazzana, 2B, CLE (CBS: 30% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)

It’s not a matter of whether he makes his debut this year, but when. In his first two games at Double-A, Bazzana has gone 6-for-8 with a home run, 3 RBI, 5 runs scored, and a pair of stolen bases, while walking twice and striking out only once. The “when” could prove to be a lot sooner than expected.

Matthew Boyd, SP, CHC (CBS: 36% rostered, ESPN: 7% rostered)

Two starts in against pretty good squads in San Diego and Arizona, and Boyd has yet to allow an earned run. We are all familiar with his injury history, which is far from ideal, but when he’s healthy, he can be an above-average starter. Take advantage of the opportunity while it lasts.

Chase Dollander, SP, COL (CBS: 32% rostered, ESPN: 6% rostered)

We all know the story, but the first chapter has gone exceptionally well, and Dollander is being rewarded with his MLB debut today, against the A’s. Can he beat the odds that have defied so many?

Wilmer Flores, 1B, SFG (CBS: 22% rostered, ESPN: 24% rostered)

He’s no Brandon Belt, but he’s off to a hot start with four home runs in his first 32 at-bats and deserving of a bit more love than is reflected in his current 22% rostered status.

Tyler Mahle, SP, TEX (CBS: 16% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)

He’s still knocking off the rust, but his last outing against the Rays, where he shut them down on one hit over five innings, is a good indication that he’s rounding into form. Rounding into form is a solid #4 starter, something we can all use over the course of 162 games.

Sean Murphy, C, ATL (CBS: 34% rostered, ESPN: 8% rostered)

The past year has not been kind to Murphy, but the time lost due to a rib injury is coming to an end, with an activation as early as this coming Tuesday. Let’s hope for better results over the balance of ’25.

Mitchell Parker, SP, WAS (CBS: 22% rostered, ESPN: 7% rostered)

Parker moved to 2-0 yesterday with six innings of one-run ball against a pretty good offense in the Diamondbacks. His first start was against another pretty fair O, in the Phillies. He has to keep the walks down, but so far, so very good for the 25-year-old southpaw.

Geraldo Perdomo, SS, ARZ (CBS: 27% rostered, ESPN: 14% rostered)

Nine games in, Geraldo Perdomo has hit a home run, driven in 11 runs, stolen two bases, and is hitting to the tune of a .344 batting average. He’s also rostered in only 27% of the Leagues using CBS. That needs to change!

Tim Tawa, OF, ARZ (CBS: 1% Rostered, ESPN: not rostered)

Here’s an option for those playing in 20-team and NL-only Leagues. Ketel Marte was placed on the IL with a left hamstring strain yesterday, and the DBacks have turned to Tim Tawa to fill the void. Although it’s only a temporary gig, the 32 homers and 14 stolen bases accrued between Double and Triple-A last year are impressive.

Kyle Teel, C, CWS (CBS: 16% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)

It’s only a matter of time, and with Kyle Teel getting off to a strong start with two homers, nine RBI, a stolen base, and a .904 OPS in his first 30 at-bats, that time should be drawing near. Spend a penny now or considerably more down the road. It’s your call, but I know the route I’ll be taking.

Alek Thomas, OF, ARZ (CBS: 8% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)

Jake McCarthy is 0-for-18 to start the season and is beginning to lose playing time to Alek Thomas, who is posting a .412 batting average with 6 RBI. Until McCarthy heats up, the hot hand will rule, and Thomas is currently all of that and then some.

Simeon Woods Richardson, SP, MIN (CBS: 17% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)

Woods Richardson is looking at a two-start week, facing Detroit and Kansas City. I know it’s early, but if you’re looking to stream pitching in H2H formats, those aren’t bad matchups.

The Closer Report

Anthony Bender, MIA (CBS: 8% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)

Calvin Faucher was the favorite to pitch the ninth for the Marlins, but the first save of the season in Miami went to Anthony Bender, and for good cause. Bender has been lights out thus far, and Faucher has struggled. Bender should be the favorite for the next opportunity and chance to establish his role as the ninth-inning guy in Miami.

Dennis Santana, PIT (CBS: 25% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered)

I bet on Colin Holderman, but allowing earned runs in 4-of-his-first-5 outings and blowing two saves isn’t getting it done. Meanwhile, Dennis Santana has a save, a hold, and a far-from-stellar 4.15 ERA and 1.62 WHIP. He currently has a tenuous hold on the job, but right now, it’s his to hold.

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

It’s the All-Catcher version of the Waiver Wire. For those who went late on Catcher at the draft table, the rewards have been great. For those who didn’t, there are some solid options available that should generate considerable interest in two-catcher formats. Go get em!

If you’d like to receive our Waiver Wire early, consider becoming a Patreon member.  Click here for more details.

Miguel Amaya, C, CHC (CBS: 13% rostered, ESPN: 5% rostered)

Well, Amaya hasn’t flashed any power yet but does manage to lead all Catchers with seven RBI. It is a small sample size, but so are the number of Fantasy teams taking advantage of this hot streak.

Jordan Beck, OF, COL (CBS: 9% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)

Beck flashed the power in the Spring and now has a pair of stolen bases early in the season. He was rostered at 8% last week and 9% this week. That’s simply not enough growth for the potential rewards.

Osvaldo Bido, SP, OAK (CBS: 13% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)

Bido wasn’t particularly sharp in his season debut, allowing four walks, but limited the damage to only one earned run in gaining his first 2025 win. In deeper Leagues, a small bid is in order.

Sean Burke, SP, CWS (CBS: 39% rostered, ESPN: 10% rostered)

An ace is born, at least on the South Side.

Hunter Goodman, C/OF, COL (CBS: 14% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)

We have yet to witness the power from Hunter Goodman, but it will surface. What is important is that he has started back-to-back games at Catcher and has gone 3-for-8. Add the OF eligibility, and you have a solid backup Catcher and outfield depth, all neatly rolled into one package.

Jonah Heim, C, TEX (CBS: 17% rostered, ESPN: 12% rostered)

That two-home run game should serve as a reminder that there is a very good chance the 2025 results will be closer to 2023 than 2024. Heim is currently rostered at 17% in CBS Leagues. Why?

Jack Leiter, SP, TEX (CBS: 49% rostered, ESPN: 11% rostered)

Leiter got out of the gate strong, tossing five solid innings of five hit one run ball. He limited the free passes to a scant one, a very positive sign. Let’s see what Rich has to say about Mr. Leiter. “I’ve written about Leiter extensively, so I’ll keep this year’s update brief.  He boasts a substantial arsenal, featuring a fastball that can reach 98 MPH (with an average of 95.6 MPH) and a solid slider and changeup.  Everything plays up because of his impressive extension (6.8 feet).  However, he struggles to throw strikes, which suggests that this is who he will be.  It’s odd because his mechanics are quite simple.  He just can’t repeat them.

There’s a chance he figures it out, but realistically, he’s likely a high-end number four pitcher who will show flashes of being much better than that—much like I viewed Jon Gray early in his career. There’s also a non-zero chance that he will be moved to the bullpen.

Zack Littell, SP, TBR (CBS: 18% rostered, ESPN: 5% rostered)

Littell got out of the gate strong, tossing six innings of four hit no walk ball with seven strikeouts and allowing but a single earned run in a tough-luck 2-to-1 loss to the Rockies. Last year, he posted a 3.63 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, and 141 strikeouts over 156 1/3 IP. That 18% rosterability seems a tad on the low side.

Kameron Misner, OF, TBR (CBS: 1% rostered, ESPN: not rostered)

Richie Palacios fractured his finger and will be lost for several weeks. Yesterday, Josh Lowe suffered a strained right oblique and is heading to the IL for at least several weeks. Kameron Misner, who has already hit a home run this season, is likely to be the beneficiary. What I do find interesting is that Misner’s Minor League numbers are very Josh Lowe-ish in nature.

Jorge Polanco, 2B, SEA (CBS: 16% rostered, ESPN: 5% rostered)

The skills have always been solid and remain solid. The problem of late has been staying healthy and on the field. He is currently and shouldn’t be ignored.

Ben Rice, 1B, NYY (CBS: 41% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered)

He’s currently platooning, sitting against southpaws, but for how long? The power is of the “big boy” variety, and until the return of Giancarlo Stanton (which could be a while), he’s deserving of a spot on your Fantasy squad.

Keibert Ruiz, C, WAS (CBS: 43% rostered, ESPN: 74% rostered)

Just another boring two-homer start to the season for what, early on, looks like an opportunity to invest in a solid bounce-back season. At the very least, one should roster Ruiz as a #2 catcher in two-catcher formats.

Victor Scott II, OF, STL (CBS: 49% rostered, ESPN: 5% rostered)

Saturday, Scott got the wheels wheeling and swiped his first two bases of the ’25 campaign. If he can consistently put the ball in play, an easy 40 thefts are there for the taking.

Lenyn Sosa, 2B/3B, CWS (CBS: 2% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)

When he hits it, it’s with authority. When he doesn’t, the odds are high he’s walking back to the dugout. He’s also on the White Sox, which improves his opportunities for regular playing time.

Kyle Stowers, OF, MIA (CBS: 2% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)

He’s going to play every day and hit at the top of the order, probably in the two-hole. The counting stats won’t be high, but if you’re looking for an everyday bat for injury replacement purposes, he could fill that void.

Leody Taveras, OF, TEX (CBS: 6% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)

He’s still only 26 years old and off to a great start with a pair of stolen bases. Evan Carter might be the center fielder of the future, but the future isn’t here yet. Leody Taveras and his 10-to-15 homers and 20 thefts is now.

Spencer Torkelson, 1B, DET (CBS: 50% rostered, ESPN: 14% rostered)

Spencer Torkelson has followed up a great Spring with a hot start to the ’25 campaign, going 4-for-9 with a home run and an impressive (for Torkelson) 5/4 BB/K ratio. This week will prove to be the last opportunity to board the Torkelson train!

Closer Report

Jose Alvarado, PHI (CBS: 20% rostered, ESPN: 6%)

It’s crowded in the Philly bullpen, and Jordan Romano didn’t make his case for the everyday closer role, as he tossed 29 pitches and allowed a pair of runs, blowing the save in his first opportunity in Philly. Jose Alvarado has the resume that suggests he’d be next in line, but both Matt Strahm and Orion Kerkering are very capable of getting the job done.

Graham Ashcraft, CIN (CBS: 10% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)

Emilio Pagan might have the job, but after living through the seven blown saves back in 2022, there isn’t enough Maalox available at my local pharmacy for me to take that plunge. I’ll go with what I think is a better long-term play and plunk down a buck or three on recently converted starter Graham Ashcraft. He has all the qualifications to work late into games with that solid mid-nineties’ fastball and a career 1.42 WHIP.

Jason Foley, DET (CBS: 28% rostered, ESPN: 11% rostered)

Jason Foley posted a 3.15 ERA last year with 28 saves in 32 opportunities. He had a rough spring ERA-wise but did post a 10/0 K/BB ratio. Do the Tigers hate him or what? Brieske has been risky, so Foley might be back sooner rather than later.

Porter Hodge, CHC (CBS: 31% rostered, ESPN: 11% rostered)

Ryan Pressly got the save last night but struggled. He allowed two runs, and if not for a game-ending baserunning gaffe by Garrett Hampson, he could have taken his first blown save of the year. He has also allowed runs in both of his outings in Week 1 of the regular season. Meanwhile, Porter Hodge has made three appearances and has yet to allow a run, with five punchouts in the books. Hodge will earn saves this year, and that number could be a bit higher than was originally estimated.

Justin Slaten, BOS (CBS: 26% rostered, ESPN: 4% rostered)

Liam Hendriks is expected to spend at least the first couple of weeks of the season on the injured list with a compressed nerve in his right elbow, which will likely move Justin Slaten into the setup role, at the very least. Slaten already has his first save in the books. There will be more to follow.

Blake Treinen, LAD (CHC: 20% rostered, ESPN: 16% rostered)

The Dodgers spent a substantial amount on the offseason signing of Tanner Scott, but that doesn’t mean he will automatically “own” the ninth inning. It looks like Dave Roberts will mix and match, and Blake Treinen will be part and parcel to his plans for ninth inning duties.

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

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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