Arizona Diamondbacks: A.J. Puk, SP/RP
Justin Martínez might be the leading candidate to close games for the Arizona Diamondbacks, but A.J. Puk represents a more intriguing sleeper pick in fantasy baseball. After transitioning to the bullpen, Puk dazzled with a minuscule 1.72 ERA and an impressive 0.75 WHIP over 57.2 innings. His advanced metrics, including a 2.16 SIERA and a 33.9% CSW (both ranking top five among relievers), further solidify his potential. Despite his injury history, Puk’s skills and the lack of a clear-cut closer situation make him a high-upside option, particularly since he’s undrafted in 30% of Yahoo leagues. If Puk secures a full-time role in the bullpen, he could easily finish as a top-five fantasy closer in 2025.
Oakland Athletics: Zack Gelof, 2B
Zack Gelof’s draft position has dipped due to a disappointing 2024, but he remains a compelling sleeper. Just a year removed from posting a 132 wRC+ at age 23, Gelof has shown a potent combination of power and speed, averaging 16 homers and 20 steals over his 104 major league games. A significant part of his underperformance last year can be attributed to a .201 BABIP against left-handers, which is likely to regress towards a more favorable average. Moreover, the A’s move to Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, known for its neutral park factors and smaller foul territory, should provide a more supportive environment for Gelof’s hitting. OOPSY even projects him as one of the two second basemen capable of a 20/20 season this year, making him a valuable late-round pick in fantasy drafts.
Atlanta Braves: Grant Holmes, SP
Grant Holmes, a former first-round pick, is poised to make a significant impact in the Braves’ rotation in 2025. Despite a late-season injury, Holmes showcased elite skills with a K-BB% of 21.8, which would have ranked eighth among qualified starters. His ability to generate swings and misses, with his CSW trailing only Blake Snell, Tarik Skubal, and Chris Sale, is particularly noteworthy. Holmes’ performance was hindered by mechanical issues, but his talent and the Braves’ strong lineup support make him a strong candidate for a breakout season. Currently undrafted in 55% of Yahoo leagues, Holmes presents a high ceiling and significant value for those willing to take a chance on him.
Baltimore Orioles: Ryan Mountcastle, 1B
Ryan Mountcastle’s power numbers have been suppressed by the deep left-field wall at Camden Yards, but changes to the park dimensions are expected to benefit him in 2025. Over the past three seasons, the moved-back wall has prevented 196 home runs, including 11 of Mountcastle’s. With the wall set to be brought in, Mountcastle is projected to return to 20+ homers. While he remains a batting average risk, his power and RBI potential make him a worthwhile late-round pick, especially in leagues where first base depth is thin.
Boston Red Sox: Trevor Story, SS
Trevor Story’s value has plummeted due to three consecutive injury-plagued seasons, making him an undervalued option in fantasy drafts. Despite his batting average issues, Story demonstrated solid power and speed in the Red Sox lineup last year, with 19 home runs and 27 steals even while missing over 20 games. Hitting at Fenway Park, which ranks as the second-best hitter’s park for right-handed batters, should provide a boost to his power numbers. While his AVG and OBP may fluctuate, Story’s combination of power, speed, and a high-profile lineup spot makes him a cheap and potentially rewarding late-draft choice.
Chicago Cubs: Matt Shaw, 2B/SS/OF
Matt Shaw, a former top-15 draft pick, is a versatile and intriguing sleeper for the Cubs. Despite an oblique injury early in spring training, Shaw is expected to be the team’s primary third baseman. His minor league performances, including a 146 wRC+ and 21 homers with 31 steals in just 443 at-bats, hint at his potential. With eligibility at second base, shortstop, and outfield, Shaw offers flexibility and the possibility of a 20/20 season if he secures regular playing time. His depressed ADP makes him a steal in later rounds of fantasy drafts, providing a chance for significant returns.
