The Big Tickets
We’re diving into the new fantasy baseball draft season with my tiered rankings, also known as the Shuffle Up series. These dollar values are not scientific but reflect my assessment of the talent clusters for outfield-eligible players, including Shohei Ohtani as a hitter, who is only eligible at the utility position.
At the top of the list, we have Aaron Judge, who commands a hefty $44. Judge’s performance in 2022 was nothing short of spectacular, and he followed it up with an even better 2023, achieving the highest OPS+ since Barry Bonds’ heyday. While the center field position didn’t wear him down, Judge is likely to shift back to a corner outfield spot in 2025, which should still yield top-tier production. The loss of Juan Soto from the Yankees’ roster is a significant blow, but the team’s other roster moves are solid. Even if Judge reverts to 2023 levels, he remains a top-three draft pick and could easily be the No. 1 overall selection.
Next, we have Shohei Ohtani, the two-way superstar, valued at $43. Ohtani’s hitting prowess is undeniable, and he’s a rare asset who can contribute significantly in all categories. Kyle Tucker, valued at $40, was on track for a career season before a fractured shin derailed his plans. Despite the challenges of playing in a run-suffocating park like Chicago, Tucker’s talent shines through, and he’s entering his age-28 season with a strong contract on the horizon. Corbin Carroll, at $36, showed glimpses of his potential in the latter half of 2024, making him a valuable second-round pick. Julio Rodríguez, valued at $32, is another young star with a high ceiling, and Jackson Chourio, at $30, burst onto the scene with a late-season surge that makes him a perfect second-round choice.
Legitimate Building Blocks
In the next tier, we have players who are solid building blocks for your fantasy team. Leading this group is Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Jackson Merrill, both valued at $27. Chisholm’s speed and power make him a valuable asset, and Merrill’s tools suggest he’s ready for a breakout year. Michael Harris II, at $24, showed significant improvements in his second season, and Wyatt Langford, at $23, has the potential to be a top-100 pick. Teoscar Hernández, at $22, is a steady performer, while Oneil Cruz, Anthony Santander, and Ronald Acuña Jr., all valued at $21, offer high upside with varying levels of risk.
Bryan Reynolds and Riley Greene, both at $20, are in the early stages of their careers and have room to grow. James Wood, Lawrence Butler, Brenton Doyle, and Brent Rooker, all at $19, are intriguing prospects with the potential to make significant contributions. Seiya Suzuki, Cody Bellinger, Spencer Steer, Christian Yelich, Marcell Ozuna, and others in this tier provide a mix of proven talents and rising stars, making them solid choices for the middle rounds of your draft.
Talk Them Up, Talk Them Down
This tier is a mix of players whose values are hotly debated. Mike Trout, at $14, is a perennial star, but his recent injury history has raised concerns. Trout’s ability to steal bases has resurfaced, but the Angels’ reluctance to move him to a full-time DH role is a red flag. Steven Kwan, Randy Arozarena, and Brandon Nimmo, also at $14, have shown the ability to hit for average and provide solid contributions in multiple categories. However, Arozarena’s decline in his slash line and his move to a pitcher’s park in Seattle make him a risky pick.
Pete Crow-Armstrong, Colton Cowser, and Nick Castellanos, all at $12, have varying levels of upside. Crow-Armstrong showed improvement in the second half of 2024, and while his ceiling might not be high, he has some growth potential. Cowser’s defense is outstanding, and his offensive game is showing signs of progress. Castellanos, on the other hand, has been consistent but lacks the star power of some of his peers.
Some Plausible Upside
This tier is for players who have the potential to break out but come with some risk. Jurickson Profar and Kerry Carpenter, both at $9, have shown flashes of brilliance but lack consistency. Heliot Ramos, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., and Giancarlo Stanton, all at $8, have the tools to be top producers but have struggled with injuries or inconsistent performance. Stanton’s health remains a significant concern, and while he has the potential to be a fantasy monster, his limited playing time is a major risk.
Cedric Mullins II, George Springer, and Ceddanne Rafaela, all at $7, have the speed and power to make an impact. Byron Buxton, also at $7, is a frustrating player due to his injury history. When healthy, Buxton is a dominant force, but his consistent health issues make him a risky pick. Evan Carter and Michael Toglia, both at $6, are prospects with high upside but lack the track record to justify a high pick. Nolan Jones, Jake McCarthy, and Willi Castro, also at $6, offer a mix of power and versatility, making them intriguing options for the later rounds of your draft.
Bargain Bin
In the bargain bin, we find players who can provide value at a low cost. Jung Hoo Lee, Brendan Donovan, Lars Nootbaar, Jordan Walker, and Wilyer Abreu, all at $4, are affordable options who can contribute in specific categories. Daulton Varsho and Tyler Fitzgerald, also at $4, offer versatility and the potential to exceed their draft value. Garrett Mitchell, Matt Wallner, Jesús Sánchez, and others at $3, are even more affordable and can be useful bench players or streamers. Jo Adell, Brandon Marsh, Jacob Young, and Andrew Benintendi, all at $2, are rosterable in deep leagues but come with significant risk. Finally, Starling Marte, Masataka Yoshida, Andy Pages, Matt Vierling, and others at $1, are lottery tickets who might surprise with a breakout season.
Join the Fantasy Fun
Fantasy baseball is all about strategy, risk management, and a bit of luck. Use these tiers to guide your draft and make informed decisions. Disagreements are part of the game, and I welcome your reasoned arguments on X (@scott_pianowski) or Blue Sky (@pianow.bsky.social). Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer, the 2025 season promises to be exciting, so join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Baseball league and get ready to shuffle up your roster!
