Excitement Beyond the Stars
It’s a bit too easy to say you’re excited to draft Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, or Paul Skenes—after all, who wouldn’t be? However, what’s more intriguing is to highlight players who might not be first-rounders (or even second-rounders) but are still incredibly exciting to draft. These players offer a mix of consistency, potential, and value that can significantly boost your fantasy team. Let’s dive into some of these names, starting with a veteran who has proven his worth time and again.
The Consistent Power of Kyle Schwarber
If you’re looking for a player who can consistently deliver power and production, look no further than Kyle Schwarber. Based on my preseason rankings relative to the consensus, Schwarber is a standout. He was a top-20 batter in fantasy last season and has the potential to replicate or even surpass that performance. Schwarber is the leadoff hitter for the Philadelphia Phillies, a lineup that is among the best in the league. He had an impressive 2023, hitting 38 home runs, scoring 110 runs, driving in 104, and batting .248.
Schwarber’s durability is another key factor. He has played at least 150 games in each of the past three seasons, which is a testament to his reliability. Over the last three years, he has averaged 44 home runs per season. The new shift rules have also worked in his favor, as evidenced by his highly repeatable .301 BABIP last season. While Schwarber isn’t a steal specialist, he has managed to swipe 15 bases over the past three years, adding a bit of variety to his game. His combination of power and consistency makes him a valuable pick in the third round of your draft.
The Defensive Marvel: George Kirby
When it comes to pitching, the Seattle Mariners provide a formidable option, particularly in George Kirby. Kirby’s home park, T-Mobile Park, offers one of the best pitching environments in the league, making him an attractive prospect. His Yahoo ADP is in the high 50s, making him an affordable and high-value pick. Kirby has led the majors in K/BB ratio for two consecutive years, demonstrating his exceptional control and strike-throwing ability. He has shown durability and is entering his age-27 season, which is often a peak year for pitchers.
Kirby’s extreme strike-throwing ability not only helps him rack up strikeouts but also increases his chances of scoring wins, as he tends to work deep into games. The Mariners have a strong pitching staff, including Logan Gilbert, Luis Castillo, Bryce Miller, and Bryan Woo, all of whom are worth considering. However, Kirby’s combination of draft cost, career arc, and resume makes him the first choice for me among the Mariners’ pitchers. His potential for a career year, coupled with his affordable price, makes him a must-draft in 2025.
The Emerging Star: Wyatt Langford
Wyatt Langford, the former top-five pick, had a mixed 2023 season, but his performance in September raised eyebrows and generated excitement. As a rookie, Langford posted a 110 wRC+, indicating he held his own against major league competition. While he struggled against right-handed pitchers (.702 OPS), he turned into one of baseball’s best hitters in September, posting a .300/.386/.610 line and a 180 wRC+. Over a 600-AB pace, his September performance suggests he could hit 48 homers, steal 42 bases, score 150 runs, and drive in 120 RBI.
Langford’s September performance was not just a fluke. He made significant mechanical adjustments, recording his lowest average launch angle of the season and leading the American League in WAR that month. His swing changes and strong finish signal that he has figured out the adjustments needed to succeed at the major league level. The Rangers’ lineup, with its emphasis on left-handed batters, and the park’s favorable conditions for right-handed hitters (a 16% increase in home runs over the past three years), set the stage for Langford’s continued growth. At just 23 years old, Langford is a player to watch and draft with confidence.
The Rebounding Bo Bichette
Bo Bichette, the Toronto Blue Jays’ shortstop, had a disastrous 2023, but there’s reason to believe he can bounce back strongly in 2025. Last year, Bichette struggled in all aspects, hitting just .225 with only four home runs and playing in just 77 games. Fantasy managers have been quick to write him off, leaving him available past pick 100 in many drafts. This is a massive discount on a player who has a career .290 batting average, 20-25 home run power, and a premium lineup spot.
Bichette’s struggles can be attributed to a slow start and significant injuries, including a calf strain and a finger injury, which limited him to just 15 games after June 15. His issues were compounded by a poor second half, but it’s important to note that he has entered a contract year at age 27. Players often have a renewed focus and motivation in their contract years, and Bichette is no exception. Even if his rebound is not as dramatic as some might hope, he should still provide useful production at a very reasonable draft price in the eighth or ninth round.
The Underrated steals of 2025
Beyond these standout names, there are several other players who offer significant value and are worth keeping an eye on. These players might not be household names, but they can provide the extra boost your team needs to succeed. For example, some overlooked names include Chris Owings, who can provide speed and occasional power, and Garrett Hampson, who is a versatile player with speed and a solid batting average. Additionally, pitchers like Yusei Kikuchi and Nestor Cortes, both of whom have shown significant improvements in recent seasons, can be valuable late-round picks.
In conclusion, while the top-tier players are always exciting, the real gems often lie just below the surface. Kyle Schwarber, George Kirby, Wyatt Langford, and Bo Bichette are just a few of the players who offer a combination of consistency, potential, and value that can make a significant impact on your fantasy team. Drafting these players can give you the edge you need to dominate your league in 2025.
