As the leaves fall and the hot stove begins to simmer, fantasy baseball managers are already looking ahead to the 2025 season. The MLB offseason is a crucial time for player movement, with blockbuster trades and high-profile free agent signings reshaping rosters and shaking up the fantasy landscape. Let’s dive into the latest moves and analyze their potential impact on your fantasy squads.
Key Players on the Move
According to multiple reports, several big-name players could be donning new uniforms come Opening Day:
- Juan Soto: The young slugger is the prize of the offseason, with numerous contenders vying for his services. A trade seems inevitable, but where will he land? His fantasy value could soar in the right lineup.
- Gerrit Cole: Rumors are swirling that the Yankees ace could opt out of his contract. If he hits the open market, expect a bidding war. A change of scenery might impact his fantasy numbers.
- Corbin Burnes: The Brewers may look to cash in on their Cy Young winner. Burnes would instantly become the ace of any staff, but a move to the AL could slightly diminish his value.
Early Offseason Moves to Note
While the hot stove is just beginning to heat up, a few intriguing moves have already been made:
Jorge Soler traded to Angels: The veteran slugger brings much-needed power to the Halos lineup. Hitting behind Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani could lead to a career year. Soler’s fantasy stock is on the rise.
Soler was the OF31 in ESPN points leagues in 2024, a bit underrated as he remained available in many leagues, and there is little reason to expect diminished performance in 2025.
– Eric Karabell, ESPN Fantasy Analyst
Griffin Canning shipped to Braves: The once-promising righty gets a much-needed change of scenery. The Braves have a knack for reviving pitching careers. Keep an eye on Canning as a late-round flier.
Potential Free Agent Landing Spots
This year’s free agent class is loaded with fantasy-relevant talent. Here’s where some of the biggest names could end up, and what it might mean for their fantasy outlooks:
- Pete Alonso ➡️ Red Sox: If the Polar Bear leaves Queens for Beantown, expect his power numbers to surge in hitter-friendly Fenway. His RBI totals could also explode in a stacked Boston lineup.
- Alex Bregman ➡️ Dodgers: A move out west might be just what the doctor ordered for Bregman. Dodger Stadium’s dimensions could lead to a few more long balls for the veteran third baseman.
- Teoscar Hernandez ➡️ Rangers: The thought of Hernandez launching bombs in Arlington is tantalizing. His fantasy value is heavily tied to landing in a favorable home park.
Sleepers to Target
Offseason moves often create new opportunities for players to break out. Here are a few under-the-radar guys who could see their fantasy stocks soar with a change of scenery:
- Ha-seong Kim: If the slick-fielding infielder lands an everyday role with a new club, his across-the-board contributions could make him a sneaky-good fantasy asset.
- Tyler O’Neill: Injuries derailed his 2024 campaign, but a move to a more hitter-friendly environment could help O’Neill rediscover his 30-30 form.
- Nick Martinez: The talented righty showed flashes of brilliance in 2024. If he finds a secure spot in a rotation, Martinez has legitimate breakout potential.
The MLB offseason is always a whirlwind, with moves happening fast and furious. As a fantasy manager, it’s crucial to stay on top of the latest transactions and analyze their potential impact on your roster. By getting ahead of the curve now, you’ll be better positioned to dominate your draft and build a championship-caliber squad in 2025.
