2025 Fantasy Baseball Draft Prep: An Overview
As the 2025 fantasy baseball season approaches, it’s crucial for drafters to have a clear understanding of player values to make informed decisions. Whether you’re participating in a mixed 5×5 format or a league-specific draft, the dollar values listed below can serve as a valuable resource. For those with an eye on the future, particularly in keeper or dynasty leagues, we’ve also included projected values for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. This comprehensive guide aims to help you navigate the complexities of your draft and build a roster that can compete both this year and beyond. Happy drafting!
Top Hitters for 2025
The cream of the crop in 2025 features a mix of established stars and exciting young talents. Leading the pack is Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals, valued at $50 in a mixed 5×5 format. Witt Jr.’s combination of hitting and power makes him a must-draft player. Close behind is Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers, valued at $48. Ohtani, a two-way sensation, offers unique value with his dual-threat capabilities. Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees, at $46, is another top pick, known for his consistent home run power and strong batting average. Elly De La Cruz of the Cincinnati Reds rounds out the top four at $40, with his ability to produce across multiple categories. These players are expected to maintain or even increase their value in the coming years, making them excellent long-term investments.
Middle of the Pack
In the middle range, you’ll find a variety of players who can provide solid contributions across the batting categories. Gunnar Henderson of the Baltimore Orioles and Julio Rodriguez of the Seattle Mariners are both valued at $37, with Henderson projected to maintain his value through 2027. Jose Ramirez of the Cleveland Guardians, valued at $37, has a slightly declining trend, but he remains a dependable option. Yordan Alvarez of the Houston Astros, at $36, is another player to consider for his consistent power and production. Fernando Tatis Jr. of the San Diego Padres, at $35, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Toronto Blue Jays, also at $35, round out the top tier of this group. Both players are expected to see slight fluctuations in their value over the next few years, but they are still highly valuable assets in any fantasy roster.
Affordable Talent
For those looking to build a balanced roster without breaking the bank, there are numerous players in the lower price brackets who can provide significant returns. Players like Jarren Duran of the Boston Red Sox, valued at $30, and Jackson Merrill of the Padres, at $29, offer affordability and potential for growth. Austin Riley of the Atlanta Braves and Francisco Lindor of the New York Mets, both at $29, are also great mid-range picks who can contribute across multiple categories. Rafael Devers of the Red Sox, at $21, and Matt Olson of the Atlanta Braves, also at $21, are solid options who can anchor your lineup with their consistent production. These players are expected to maintain their value or even improve slightly over the next few seasons, making them smart choices for both the present and the future.
Breakout Candidates
Several players on the list are poised for breakout performances in 2025. Wyatt Langford of the Texas Rangers, valued at $28, is a player to watch, with a projected increase to $31 in 2026. Jazz Chisholm Jr. of the Yankees, at $27, is another breakout candidate, with a slight dip in 2026 but a stable value through 2027. Jordan Westburg of the Orioles, at $14, and Matt Wallner of the Twins, also at $11, are sleeper picks who could surprise drafters with their performance. These players are undervalued at their current prices and could provide excellent returns if they fulfill their potential.
Late-Round Gems
In the later rounds, there are still valuable players who can contribute to your fantasy team. Players like Nolan Jones of the Rockies, valued at $5, and Nick Yorke of the Pirates, also at $5, offer low-risk, high-reward options. Colson Montgomery of the White Sox, at $1, is a particularly intriguing pick, with his value projected to increase to $8 by 2027. Similarly, Cade Marlowe of the Mariners, at $1, and Carson Williams of the Rays, also at $3, are players who could provide unexpected value. Drafting these late-round gems can give you a competitive edge if they outperform their current valuations.
Long-Term Investments
For those playing in keeper or dynasty leagues, it’s essential to look beyond the 2025 season. Players like Ronald Acuna Jr. of the Braves and Dylan Carlson of the Orioles, both valued at $24 for 2025, are poised for significant increases in 2026 and 2027. Acuna Jr., at $46 in 2027, and Carlson, with a steady value of $0 in 2025 and $2 in 2027, are excellent long-term investments. Travis Bazzana of the Guardians, at $1, and Samuel Basallo of the Orioles, also at $1, are other players to watch for future growth. These players might not make an immediate impact, but their potential to rise in value over the next few years makes them worth considering.
Conclusion
Whether you’re drafting in a mixed 5×5 format or a league-specific setup, the 2025 fantasy baseball season offers a range of options to suit every strategy. From the elite players like Bobby Witt Jr. and Shohei Ohtani to the breakout candidates like Wyatt Langford and Nolan Jones, there are numerous ways to build a competitive roster. For keeper and dynasty leagues, keep an eye on players with strong future projections, such as Ronald Acuna Jr. and Dylan Carlson. By balancing your picks across these categories, you can create a well-rounded team that stands a good chance of success in 2025 and beyond.
