Oneil Cruz: The Power-Speed Threat in Pittsburgh
Oneil Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates is a prime candidate for a breakout season. Despite his Yahoo ADP of 59.4, the 26-year-old possesses some of the most impressive Statcast numbers in the league. His average sprint speed, exit velocity, barrel rate, hard hit rate, and bat speed all rank within the top 3% of all players. While Cruz’s 30.2% strikeout rate is a concern, there are signs of improvement. Given his raw talent and potential, Cruz could easily evolve into a 30-30-.270 player, making him a highly valuable pick in the early rounds of next year’s drafts. Cruz’s combination of power and speed is rare, and his upside is enormous, making him a sleeper worth betting on.
Lawrence Butler: The Rising Star in Oakland
Lawrence Butler of the Oakland A’s showed incredible promise in the second half of last season, hitting .300 with 13 home runs and 12 steals after the All-Star break. This performance put him in elite company, as only Shohei Ohtani matched his numbers in all three categories. Despite a lack of elite minor league credentials, Butler’s advanced hitting metrics—average exit velocity, hard-hit percentage, and bat speed all in the top 20%—suggest he has the potential for a continued power surge. A 30-30 season is not out of the question, and even a 20-20 campaign from the leadoff spot would make Butler a worthwhile pick at his current ADP of 86.8.
Bo Bichette: The Bouncing Back Shortstop
Bo Bichette of the Toronto Blue Jays is a player who could return to his former glory. After being a top-50 pick in previous drafts, Bichette’s stock dropped significantly due to an injury-plagued 2024 season. However, at 27 years old and entering a contract year, Bichette is still in his prime and has the potential to bounce back. Historically, he has been a reliable .290 hitter with at least 20 home runs. With a return to health and a renewed focus, Bichette could once again become a top-50 pick in the coming years. His current ADP of 109.3 makes him an excellent value pick, and he could easily outperform his draft position.
Thairo Estrada: The Coors Field Phenom
Thairo Estrada has found a new home with the Colorado Rockies, and it could be the perfect fit for his career. After being released by the Giants, Estrada has the opportunity to capitalize on the hitter-friendly environment at Coors Field. Prior to his struggles in the 2024 season, Estrada averaged 14 home runs, 22 steals, and a .266 batting average over the 2022-23 seasons. If he can replicate those numbers in Colorado, he will be a significant asset in any fantasy league. At his current ADP of 233.4, Estrada offers excellent value and the potential for a breakout season.
Matt Wallner: The Leadoff Power Hitter
Matt Wallner of the Minnesota Twins has quietly developed into one of the best hitters against right-handed pitching, boasting a lifetime .951 OPS in those matchups. The Twins have taken notice and plan to bat Wallner out of the leadoff spot against righties this year. With outstanding power skills (29 home runs in 490 career at-bats) and a strong on-base percentage (.366 OBP), Wallner is poised to be a valuable asset in all formats. His current ADP of 240.6 makes him a sleeper worth considering, especially in leagues with daily lineup moves.
Jake McCarthy: The Speedy Left-Hander
Jake McCarthy of the Arizona Diamondbacks is a player to watch in the coming season. Although he only logged 495 plate appearances last year, McCarthy showed significant potential, hitting .284 against left-handed pitching. With a 98th percentile sprint speed, he is one of the fastest players in baseball. McCarthy has also been steadily reducing his strikeout rate, making him a more consistent hitter. While he may not hit more than 10 home runs, McCarthy has the potential to bat .290 with more than 30 steals and 75 runs scored. At his current ADP of 248.5, McCarthy is a sleeper with significant upside.
