Shohei Ohtani: The Ultimate Fantasy Unicorn
As the Yahoo Fantasy Baseball crew convened for their very first mock draft of the 2025 season, it was no surprise to see Shohei Ohtani take the top pick as a utility player for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Fantasy experts, including Andy Behrens, have often advised against using an early-round pick on a UTIL spot in the past, but Ohtani is a game-changer. With his unparalleled dual-threat capabilities as both a pitcher and a hitter, he boasts the highest ceiling in baseball. This transcends positional concerns and makes him the premier choice for anyone looking to secure a player who can deliver in multiple categories. Ohtani’s consistency and high impact in both hitting and pitching make him a must-have asset, cementing his status as the first overall pick.
Bobby Witt Jr.: The Stellar Shortstop
Following Ohtani, Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals was snagged with the second pick. Witt, a 24-year-old shortstop, has been a standout in the fantasy community, thanks to his well-rounded performance. Last season, he finished near the top in every relevant fantasy statistic, including steals, home runs, and batting average. Andy Behrens notes that Witt is almost a certainty to reach 30 homers, 30 steals, and a .300 batting average, making him a safe and lucrative investment. His age and premium position add to his appeal, ensuring he remains a top-flight option for years to come.
Aaron Judge: Power and Precision
The third pick went to Aaron Judge, the fearsome outfielder for the New York Yankees. Judge’s 2024 season saw him hit a staggering 58 home runs, and it’s worth noting that this wasn’t even his highest single-season total. His weapons-grade power is complemented by an elite on-base percentage (.406 career OBP), making him a reliable option for both power and on-base production. Andy Behrens points out that Judge’s combination of sheer strength and disciplined approach at the plate makes him a cornerstone for any fantasy team.
Gunnar Henderson: The Five-Category Overlord
Gunnar Henderson of the Baltimore Orioles was the fourth pick, chosen by Scott Pianowski. Henderson’s breakout 2024 season at the age of 23 saw him dominate in all five key categories. His Baseball Savant page is a treasure trove of positive indicators, with sliders pushing to the right, signaling his exceptional performance. Scott emphasizes that Henderson is not only a perfect player but also a perfect fantasy pick. His young age and the potential for continued growth make him an invaluable asset in the early rounds.
Elly De La Cruz: Speed and Improvement
Rounding out the top five, Elly De La Cruz of the Cincinnati Reds was selected by Scott Pianowski. De La Cruz experienced a remarkable improvement in 2024, increasing his walks, reducing his strikeouts, and boasting a better slash line. He led the majors in both steals and attempts, making him a dynamic runner. Entering his age-23 season and playing in one of the most hitter-friendly parks, De La Cruz embodies the spirit of shooting for the moon in fantasy baseball. His potential to continue this upward trajectory is both exciting and promising.
José Ramírez: The Multi-Skilled Third Baseman
José Ramírez, the multi-skilled third baseman for the Cleveland Guardians, was the sixth pick. Pianowski highlights Ramírez’s value as a five-category producer at a position that is notoriously thin in talent. While there are concerns that his running ability might wane as he approaches his mid-30s, Ramírez proved in his age-31 season that he is still capable of contributing significantly in all areas. His well-rounded skill set and consistent performance make him an excellent choice for the first round, offering a balanced mix of power, speed, and average.
Kyle Tucker: Speed and Power in a Contract Year
Fred Zinkie picked Kyle Tucker, the outfielder for the Chicago Cubs, with the seventh overall pick. Tucker has already demonstrated his 30-steal speed, and his power skills took a significant step forward in 2024. Heading into a contract year, Tucker has the motivation and the upside to be considered as early as the fourth pick. Zinkie believes that Tucker’s combination of speed and improved power, along with his likely increased focus due to his contract status, makes him a standout first-round pick.
Mookie Betts: Elite Batting and Running
Mookie Betts, the versatile 2B/OF for the Los Angeles Dodgers, was selected eighth by Fred Zinkie. Betts is a table-setter with an elite batting eye, playing on baseball’s best team. While he experienced a dip in power in 2024, Zinkie is confident that he will bounce back and once again be among the league leaders in runs and RBIs. Betts’s hitting prowess and speed make him a virtual lock for top-tier production, solidifying his position as a top-10 player.
Corbin Carroll: High-Risk, High-Reward
The ninth pick went to Corbin Carroll, an outfielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks, chosen by Fred Zinkie. Carroll’s 2024 season was marked by inconsistency, but he showed a promising recovery in the second half, particularly in his power stroke. He is already one of the best base stealers in the game, adding an exciting element to his profile. Zinkie acknowledges that Carroll may be the riskiest pick of the first round, but the potential upside is undeniable, making him a compelling choice for those willing to take a chance.
Juan Soto: A Move to Met Territory
Dalton Del Don selected Juan Soto, the superstar outfielder for the New York Mets, with the tenth pick. Soto’s move from San Diego to New York was expected to significantly impact his home run production, but he actually performed better outside of Yankee Stadium in 2024. Del Don emphasizes that Soto remains one of the best hitters in baseball, with his advanced plate discipline and power potential still intact. Despite the park change, Soto’s overall production and ability to adapt make him a valuable and reliable choice for the early rounds.
Julio Rodríguez: Overcoming Obstacles
Julio Rodríguez, the outfielder for the Seattle Mariners, was picked eleventh by Dalton Del Don. Rodríguez’s 2024 season was marred by injuries and perennial slow starts, compounded by playing in MLB’s best pitcher’s park. However, his previous performance as a 22-year-old when he hit 30 homers and stole 30 bases showcases his incredible upside. Del Don notes that while there are concerns, Rodríguez’s potential for a breakout season remains high, making him a worthwhile investment for those who believe in his talent.
Fernando Tatís Jr.: Power on the Rebound
Fernando Tatís Jr., the dynamic outfielder for the San Diego Padres, was the twelfth and final pick of the first round, chosen by Dalton Del Don. Tatís Jr. has faced power challenges since his shoulder surgery, but he showed signs of improvement in the final two months of 2024. At just 26 years old, he still has plenty of time to regain his former glory. Del Don highlights Tatís Jr.’s age and recent positive trends as reasons to draft him early, with the hope that his power numbers will continue to rise in 2025.
