The champagne has barely dried from the 2024 fantasy baseball season, but true dynasty managers know the grind never stops. As you start scheming for redemption or plotting a repeat, our way-too-early 2025 rankings provide a glimpse into the crystal ball. While much can change between now and draft day, savvy owners recognize the importance of staying ahead of the competition. Whether you’re playing in a traditional 5×5 roto format or a more nuanced category league, nailing your early picks is crucial. Let’s dive into the top names to target as you lay the foundation for next year’s title run.
Elite Talents Lead the Way
The upper echelons of the 2025 rankings feature the game’s most bankable stars. Shohei Ohtani looks poised to again pace the field, offering unparalleled value with his two-way dominance. If your league utilizes daily changes and a single pitching pool, Ohtani is the unquestioned 1.1. Young shortstops like Bobby Witt Jr. and Gunnar Henderson aren’t far behind, pairing across-the-board category juice with age-adjusted upside that could fuel your squad for years to come.
Outfield is absolutely loaded at the top, with sluggers like Aaron Judge, Kyle Tucker, and Juan Soto all ticketed for the first round. Their prodigious power numbers become even more valuable as the stolen base becomes increasingly rare. Investing in these high-end bats early allows you to attack pitching a bit later, when some potential SP1s usually slip through the cracks.
Harness the Next Wave
Prospect hounds will be salivating over the next generation of fantasy stars primed to enter their prime. Elly De La Cruz flashed five-category potential in his rookie campaign, so his top-five overall price may actually be a bargain if he takes another step forward. The same could be said for Corbin Carroll, who looks like a speedster with the pop to annually contend for 30/30 honors.
It’s not just hitters who stand out among the up-and-comers. Paul Skenes lived up to his draft hype and then some, making him a trendy pick to lead all of baseball in strikeouts as soon as next season. There’s also a wave of electric arms jockeying to join the SP1 conversation, including Taj Bradley, Hunter Greene, and Grayson Rodriguez. Don’t be afraid to bet on talent over track record with these budding aces.
Veterans Poised to Deliver Surplus Value
As tantalizing as the shiny new toys may be, there’s something to be said for filling your roster with reliable contributors. Manny Machado won’t generate as many headlines as the young guns, but few can match his high floor and sneaky-high ceiling. Even entering his age-32 season, his locked-in skill set makes him well worth an early-round investment.
Machado is the type of player I love targeting in the second round. You know you’re getting bankable production without sacrificing upside.
– Eric Karabell, ESPN Fantasy Baseball Analyst
On the pitching side, Zack Wheeler remains a strong foundational piece even as he enters his mid-30s. His elite combo of strikeouts and innings gives you an edge every time he takes the hill. The same could be said for Corbin Burnes, another aging ace who still looks poised to pay off his acquisition cost.
Cheat Sheet for Draft Day
As you finalize your draft board, keep these key names in mind:
- Yainer Diaz: Could challenge for C1 status in breakout campaign
- Jazz Chisholm Jr.: 40/40 upside if he puts it all together
- Matt McLain: Across-the-board contributor at suddenly scarce SS
- Ronel Blanco: Electric stuff screams SP2 upside at SP4 price
Of course, no ranking list is set in stone. The MLB landscape will inevitably shift as the offseason unfolds, from trades and signings to injuries and breakouts. By staying engaged with the latest news and notes, you’ll be best positioned to identify both the hidden gems and the overhyped busts. Fantasy titles are won by those who stay ahead of the curve, not those content to follow the crowd. So use these rankings as a starting point, but don’t be afraid to forge your own path. Your league mates will be chasing you come October.
