When preparing for your fantasy baseball drafts, knowing which players to target and others to avoid is important. The amount of information available can be overwhelming, so a great way to condense the data and determine players to draft and others to leave for your leaguemates is to use our expert consensus fantasy baseball rankings compared to average draft position (ADP). In this way, you can identify players the experts are willing to reach for at ADP and others they are not drafting until much later than average. Let’s dive into a few notable players below.
2025 Fantasy Baseball Draft Advice
James Wood (OF – WAS): ECR 56.9
James Wood joined the Nationals in July 2024 and appeared in 79 games, delivering a performance that had its ups and downs. However, he showed clear progress as the season progressed, particularly in August and September. Wood finished the year with nine home runs, 14 stolen bases, 43 runs scored, and 41 RBIs while posting a respectable .264/.354/.427 slash line. Projected to be an everyday player for Washington next season, Wood has the potential to deliver a strong 20/20 campaign. His impressive Triple-A stats and Rookie of the Year upside will make him a coveted pick in drafts, likely pushing his ADP to around the fifth round.
Mark Vientos (3B – NYM): ECR 88.4
Mark Vientos did not start 2024 in New York, but by the time the season was over, he was in the big leagues and behind only Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor in team home runs. Vientos played 111 games, smacking 27 home runs, driving in 71, and scoring 58 runs. He slashed an impressive .266/.322/.516 and is in the 92nd percentile in barrel percentage at 14.1. Vientos is going to strike out more than we’d like (29.7% K rate), and his xBA was only .246. However, he now gets to bat behind both Lindor and Juan Soto, which should lead to many more RBI opportunities. Don’t expect any stolen bases, but the 25-year-old is a perfectly serviceable third baseman on fantasy rosters.
Lawrence Butler (OF – ATH): ECR 90.9
Lawrence Butler made an impressive debut in 2024, showcasing his power-speed combination with 22 home runs and 18 stolen bases. Over 125 games, the 24-year-old contributed 57 RBIs, 63 runs, and a solid .262/.317/.490 slash line, performing in line with his expected stats. While the Athletics’ ballpark changes add some uncertainty for hitters, the lineup still offers potential. Butler profiles as a strong mid-round pick with 20/20 upside, making him a reliable OF3 option for fantasy managers.
What is Fantasy Baseball?
Fantasy baseball is an online game where participants act as managers of virtual baseball teams based on real-life Major League Baseball (MLB) players. The performance of these players in actual games determines the results in the fantasy league. It’s a blend of skill, strategy, and a little bit of luck, akin to the real-world decisions team managers must make.
Basic Strategy for Fantasy Baseball Success
1. Understand Your League’s Format and Scoring
Before drafting your team, it’s essential to understand the scoring system and rules of your specific league, as this will influence your drafting and management strategy. Knowing whether you’re in a points-based, category-based, or head-to-head league will guide you in selecting players whose strengths align with the scoring system.
2. Drafting Your Team Wisely
A solid draft is the foundation of a successful season. Here are a few tips for the drafting phase:
- Balanced Team: Ensure you have a balanced team with a mix of power hitters, average hitters, speedsters, starting pitchers, and relievers.
- Position Scarcity: Be aware of the depth of talent at each position. Some positions, like shortstop, may have fewer high-quality players, making it beneficial to draft a top player at that position early.
- High-Floor Players: Early in the draft, focus on players with a proven track record of consistency.
- Upside Picks: In the later rounds, look for “upside” players. These are athletes who have the potential to outperform their draft position.
3. In-Season Management
- Stay Active: Constantly look for ways to improve your team through waivers, trades, and free-agent pickups.
- Mind the Matchups: Pay attention to player matchups, platoon splits, and ballparks. Starting a pitcher in a hitter-friendly park, for example, can be risky.
- Injury Management: Stay on top of player injuries and have backups ready for your key players.
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