## The Future is Now: 2025 Fantasy Baseball’s Rookie Class
The crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd, and the thrill of drafting a future superstar. Fantasy baseball is a game built on anticipation, and few things get the juices flowing like a wave of fresh, unproven talent ready to make their mark.
Forget the names you know, the veterans who’ve already etched their legacy. We’re looking ahead to 2025, peering into the crystal ball of minor league dominance and unearthing the rookie prospects poised to dominate fantasy rosters.
Boston Red Sox: Trevor Story, SS
Story’s draft standing has become a discount after three straight injury-filled seasons. He remains a batting average risk, but Story could return plenty of value while hitting in Boston’s lineup. Fenway isn’t Coors Field, but it’s been MLB’s second-best hitter’s park for right-handed batters over the last three seasons. Story has been aggressive on the base paths since joining the Red Sox, and OOPSY projects 19 home runs and 27 steals while missing 20+ games. Story is a cheap way to fill middle infield late in drafts.
OOPSY Projections
OOPSY projects 19 home runs and 27 steals while missing 20+ games. Story is a cheap way to fill middle infield late in drafts.
Chicago White Sox: Andrew Vaughn, 1B
Vaughn isn’t an overly exciting pick, but he’s one of the cheaper sources for 20 homers and 75 RBI. Vaughn is slated to hit cleanup in Chicago’s lineup, and Luis Robert Jr. should bounce back hitting in front of him. Steamer projects similar stat lines for Vaughn.
Steamer Projections
Steamer projects similar stat lines for Vaughn.
Rookie Corner Infield Sleepers
Cleveland Guardians: Kyle Manzardo, 1B
Manzardo put up big numbers in the minors and should get an opportunity as Cleveland’s full-time DH in 2025 with Josh Naylor gone. He’s eligible at 1B in Yahoo leagues, and Manzardo recorded a 147 wRC+ with five home runs over 63 ABs in September. He could hit second against RHP, right in front of José RamÃrez.
Other Rookie Sleepers to Consider
- Zack Gelof, 2B – Gelof’s ADP has sunk compared to last year thanks to a down 2024, but he’s one season removed from posting a 132 wRC+ as a 23-year-old. Gelof has averaged 16 homers and 20 steals over just 104 games during his two years in the majors.
- Ryan Mountcastle, 1B – Mountcastle has lost 11 homers to Baltimore’s left-field wall over 2022-24, so he gets a boost in fantasy drafts thanks to dimension changes at Camden Yards.
- Matt Shaw, 2B/SS/OF – Shaw has been slowed by an oblique injury to open spring, but he’s been playing in Cactus League games and remains the favorite to start at third base in Chicago.
Athletics: Zack Gelof, 2B
Gelof’s ADP has sunk compared to last year thanks to a down 2024, but he’s one season removed from posting a 132 wRC+ as a 23-year-old. Gelof has averaged 16 homers and 20 steals over just 104 games during his two years in the majors. He’s a clear batting average risk, but last season’s .201 BABIP against left-handers is sure to regress. Gelof has clubbed 20 of his career 31 homers on the road, so he’ll benefit from Oakland’s move to Sacramento. The Oakland Coliseum ranked as the fifth-worst for RHB over the past three years, according to Park Factors. The Athletics will be moving to Sutter Health Park, which has played mostly neutral in Triple-A, but A’s hitters should benefit from their new climate and significantly smaller foul territory. The park also had a new batter’s eye installed to improve visibility. OOPSY projects Gelof to be one of only two second basemen to go 20/20 this year. He’s a sleeper available late in fantasy drafts.
Baltimore Orioles: Ryan Mountcastle, 1B
Mountcastle has lost 11 homers to Baltimore’s left-field wall over 2022-24, so he gets a boost in fantasy drafts thanks to dimension changes at Camden Yards. The Orioles are moving in their left-field wall to fix an overcorrection after moving it back before the 2022 season. The dimension changes could have a real impact, as the moved-back wall prevented 196 home runs over the last three years. Oriole Park has decreased HR for RHB by 21% (the third-most in MLB) over that span, and it’s produced the second-lowest HR/FB rate for righties since 2023. Mountcastle should return to 20+ homers in 2025.
Chicago Cubs: Matt Shaw, 2B/SS/OF
Shaw has been slowed by an oblique injury to open spring, but he’s been playing in Cactus League games and remains the favorite to start at third base in Chicago. Shaw was a top-15 pick in the 2023 draft, and he posted a 146 wRC+ across the minors last year. He also added 21 homers and 31 stolen bases over just 443 at-bats. Shaw is eligible at three positions in Yahoo, and he’s capable of going 20/20 as a rookie if playing time cooperates.
Conclusion
As we conclude our examination of the top rookie prospects to consider in 2025 fantasy baseball drafts, it’s clear that this year’s crop is filled with exciting talent. From the electric arms of pitchers like Kumar Rocker and Jackson Jobe, to the potent bats of hitters like Marcelo Mayer and Bobby Witt Jr., there’s no shortage of players who have the potential to make an immediate impact on your fantasy roster. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the world of fantasy baseball, it’s essential to stay ahead of the curve and identify these standout prospects early on.
The significance of these prospects cannot be overstated, as they have the potential to shape the future of their respective teams and the league as a whole. For fantasy owners, identifying and snagging these rookies can be the key to a successful season, as they often provide a significant boost to their team’s production and depth. With the ever-changing landscape of baseball, it’s crucial to stay informed and adapt to the evolving talent pool. By doing so, you’ll be well-equipped to make informed decisions and capitalize on the opportunities presented by these top rookie prospects.
