Introduction to the 2025 Fantasy Baseball Draft Series
Welcome to the next installment of the Shuffle Up series, my personal take on tiered rankings for the upcoming 2025 fantasy baseball draft season. These rankings are based on how I perceive the clusters of talent at the middle infield positions—second base, shortstop, or players who qualify for both. The dollar values listed here are unscientific but reflect my assessment of each player’s potential value. Disagreements are not only welcome but encouraged, as they are part of what makes playing fantasy sports so engaging. You can share your thoughts with me on X (@scott_pianowski) or Blue Sky (@pianow.bsky.social).
The Big Tickets: Elite Middle Infielders
At the top of the list, we have the elite middle infielders who can significantly impact your team’s overall performance. Leading the pack is Bobby Witt Jr., valued at $44. Witt’s potential to lead the American League in any of the five roto categories makes him a formidable choice, and his age-25 season is just beginning. The Royals’ offense is also on the rise, which bodes well for his continued success.
Elly De La Cruz and Gunnar Henderson are both priced at $40. De La Cruz, entering his age-23 season, showed improvement in every aspect of his game last year, including walks, strikeouts, and his overall slash line. His leadership in steals and attempts adds an exciting dimension to his value. Henderson, also in his age-23 season, is a five-category overlord with an impressive Baseball Savant profile. Despite playing in a hitter’s park that favors left-field adjustments, Henderson’s potential remains high due to the overall strength of the Orioles’ lineup.
Francisco Lindor is valued at $38. Despite being in New York, where no player is ever underrated, Lindor’s best OPS+ season and his role in a deep Mets lineup make him a valuable pick. At $35, both Mookie Betts and Trea Turner offer a high floor and plausible upside. Betts, now less aggressive in running but still efficient, plays in a Dodgers lineup that has been a top-five scoring offense for seven consecutive seasons. Turner, valued similarly, is another key player in that same lineup, offering a mix of power and speed.
Corey Seager and Ketel Marte round out this tier at $31 and $30, respectively. Seager’s consistent production and his ability to contribute across multiple categories make him a reliable pick. Marte, known for his consistency and versatility, qualifies at second base, shortstop, and outfield, providing additional flexibility in your draft.
Legitimate Building Blocks: Solid Mid-Rangers
Moving down the list, we encounter players who are solid mid-rangers with the potential to provide steady contributions. Ozzie Albies, priced at $27, faced injuries last year, resulting in a below-average .251/.303/.404 slash line. However, his consistent batting position in the Braves’ lineup and the likelihood of a rebound in 2025 make him a worthwhile investment.
Marcus Semien, also valued at $27, is a player who has shown remarkable durability, missing just 14 games in the past seven seasons. His role as a leadoff hitter for the Rangers, even during lean months, provides a sturdy floor. José Altuve, priced at $25, saw a notable drop in his OPS and productivity in the second half of the season. Entering his age-35 season and surrounded by a less impressive Houston lineup, Altuve’s value is slightly more cautious.
Willy Adames, at $15, has been a consistent performer for years. His move to a new team and the first year of a big contract might bring some uncertainty, but his potential and excellent defense make him a player worth considering. Matt McLain, also at $15, showed promise in his rookie season, and his continued development could yield solid returns in 2025.
Talk Them Up, Talk Them Down: Middle-Range Speculative Picks
This tier consists of players whose value can fluctuate based on various factors, making them interesting speculative picks. At $13, Luis García, CJ Abrams, and Nico Hoerner all offer intriguing profiles. García’s low slugging percentage is offset by his excellent steal rate, while Abrams and Hoerner are young players with high upside potential.
Bo Bichette, also at $12, had a tough 2024 season due to calf and finger injuries. However, his September surgery and confirmed readiness for spring training suggest a possible comeback. Waiting until around the 100th pick to consider Bichette allows for speculative value without overpaying.
CJ Abrams and Ezequiel Tovar, both at $12, bring their own unique strengths to the table. Abrams’s speed and high contact rate make him a valuable asset, while Tovar’s .270 average and 20 steals in his rookie season hint at potential growth. Brice Turang, Anthony Volpe, and Xander Bogaerts, all priced at $10, offer a mix of speed and power. Volpe’s batting slot and contact rate improvements are particularly noteworthy, making him a player to watch closely.
Some Plausible Upside: Rising Stars
In this tier, we find players with a reasonable chance of breaking out and providing significant value. Jeremy Peña and Xavier Edwards are both valued at $8. Edwards, in particular, was a standout in his 70 games last year, posting a .328 average and a stellar 31-for-35 steal rate. His leadoff potential and speed make him a steal at his current ADP.
Jackson Holliday, Jonathan India, and Brandon Lowe, all priced at $7, have shown flashes of brilliance. Holliday, a rookie, has a high ceiling, while India and Lowe have the potential to bounce back with better supporting roles in their respective teams. Maikel García and Colt Keith, also at $7, offer solid contact rates and speed, though their batting slots might limit their immediate impact.
Carlos Correa, priced at $7, is a well-known name with a strong track record. Despite his uncertain future, his power and speed make him a player to consider for a mid-round pick. Players like Luis Rengifo, Brendan Donovan, Ceddanne Rafaela, Willi Castro, and Thairo Estrada, all priced at $5 or less, offer speculative value with the potential to exceed expectations in 2025.
Bargain Bin: Deep Draft Picks
Finally, we reach the bargain bin, where you can find hidden gems to bolster your team’s depth. Connor Norby, Christopher Morel, and José Caballero, all priced at $3, offer solid contact rates and occasional power. Ha-Seong Kim and Matt Shaw, both at $2, bring a mix of speed and contact to the table, though their roles might be limited.
Jordan Lawlar, Kristian Campbell, Spencer Horwitz, and Jeff McNeil, all priced at $1, are deep draft picks with potential for surprise performances. Lawlar and Campbell, both young prospects, are worth a late-round flier for their upside. Horwitz and McNeil, with their defensive skills and potential for improvement, could offer unexpected value in the later rounds of your draft.
Summary and Draft Strategy
In conclusion, the middle infield positions in fantasy baseball present a range of options from elite stars to deep draft picks. Witt Jr., De La Cruz, and Henderson are must-consider options at the top, offering high ceilings and strong supporting lineups. Players like Semien, Altuve, and Adames provide a solid foundation with the potential for improvement. Speculative picks like Bichette, Neto, and Volpe can offer significant returns if they find their form, while mid-range players with plausible upside, such as Edwards and Holliday, should not be overlooked.
As you prepare for your 2025 draft, remember that depth and flexibility are key. Consider the context of each player’s situation, including their team’s lineup, park factors, and personal development. Balancing high-floor players with those who offer upside will help you build a competitive and well-rounded team. Happy drafting!
