Preseason Prep – March 10, 2025
Ivan Herrera (C-STL) impressed in his first important run within the majors final season, registering a .301 common with 5 homers, 27 RBI, 37 runs scored, and 5 stolen bases throughout 259 PA, with a wRC+ of 127 as a 24 year-old. Stories point out that he’ll share time behind the plate in 2025 with Pedro Pages as Willson Contreras strikes to 1B, however it’s probably that Herrera sees extra taking part in time. In 2024, his strikeout fee was acceptable at 20.5% whereas his stroll fee was above-average at 9.5% and his contact fee was stable at 78.5% whereas his swinging-strike fee was 9.5%. Herrera’s Statcast profile was stable as nicely, with a 42% hard-hit fee, 9% barrel fee, and common exit velo of 89.5 mph. Whereas his common launch angle got here in at simply 9, his batted ball profile included plenty of liners (27%) to go together with just a few extra flyballs (30%) and the stability grounders (43%). If he can carve out a daily function that places him over 500 PA, his plus hit instrument ought to generate a stable common to go together with 12-15 homers and 6-8 steals. Not a top-10 backstop, however definitely within the subsequent tier; that is good worth provided that he is sitting at round 19in ADP on the place and 283 total. Keep watch over reviews relating to the character of the timeshare with Pages and go from there.
Jonathan Aranda (1B-TB) is anticipated to see common taking part in time because the membership’s DH and backup to 1B Yandy Diaz this season. That is an thrilling prospect for the 26 year-old left-handed hitter, who will profit from the pleasant confines of Steinbrenner Park. Aranda has seen restricted taking part in time within the majors since first reaching the bigs in 2022, compiling a .22 common, 10 homers, 33 RBI, and 45 runs scored over 333 PA, with a wRC+ of 99. However he is proven a capability to hit for each common and energy within the minors as he logged, as an illustration, a .339 common, 25 dingers, 81 RBI, and 82 runs scored throughout simply 434 PA with Triple-A Durham in 2023. Throughout that span, he posted a 20% strikeout fee in opposition to a 14.5% stroll fee whereas his Statcast profile was spectacular (49% hard-hit fee and common exit velo north of 92 mph). That onerous contact has translated to the majors as Aranda has recorded a forty five.5% hard-hit fee, 11% barrel fee, and common exit velocity of 91 mph in his restricted MLB motion up to now. Given 500+ PA, a mean north of .260 to go together with 25 homers is sort of doable. His present ADP is outdoors of the highest 300 total and outdoors of the highest 35 at 1B, so there might be good worth right here.
Gleyber Torres (2B-DET) joined the Tigers throughout the offseason, and is anticipated to function the first 2B whereas batting within the high half of the lineup. Torres is coming off an age-27 marketing campaign by which he batted .257 with 15 homers, 63 RBI, 80 runs scored, and 4 stolen bases throughout 665 PA with the Yankees. His 104 wRC+ was the second-lowest of his profession as his energy dipped considerably because of a Statcast profile that featured a 35.5% hard-hit fee, 6.5% barrel fee, and common exit velocity of 88.5 mph that was among the many worst of his profession. For the second straight season, his contact fee remained stable (79.5%) as he not often chased (22.5%) and registered a 9.5% swinging-strike fee. The transfer from Yankee Stadium to Comerica Park will do him no favors within the energy division. Even with an ADP of 19 at 2B and 208 total, I need no inventory in him, particularly given his new residence park.
Masyn Winn (SS-STL) might be a steal in fantasy drafts this season as his total ADP is at the moment 176 whereas he’s, on common, the nineteenth SS off the board. As a 22 year-old final season, he held his personal as he batted .267 with 15 dingers, 57 RBI, 85 runs scored, and 11 stolen bases throughout 637 PA, with a barely above common wRC+ of 102. Whereas none of these numbers are tremendous spectacular, Winn possesses plus velocity and has expressed a need to swipe extra luggage; based mostly on his wheels and minor-league monitor report, 30+ thefts is sort of doable if the staff does give him the inexperienced mild extra typically. Contact was his sturdy swimsuit on the dish as he logged an 83% contact fee whereas his swinging-strike fee got here in underneath 8%; he registered a 90.5% contact fee contained in the zone. The standard of contact, although, wasn’t unbelievable as his Statcast profile exhibits a 32.5% hard-hit fee, 3.5% barrel fee, and common exit velocity of 87 mph. On the plus aspect, his common launch angle of 13.2 generated a balanced profile of a 22% liner fee, 40.5% grounder fee, and 37.5% flyball fee that helps an honest common and a few energy. There is a bit more pop to unlock right here, however he is unlikely to show right into a slugger. Count on a .260+ common with 14-18 homers whereas he stated he needs to swipe 30-40 luggage this season.
Ceddanne Rafaela (SS/OF-BOS) will reportedly settle right into a full-time function at CF this season because the staff thinks that lack of defensive residence could have hampered his offensive manufacturing in 2024. Even so, the then-23 12 months previous flashed some upside on the dish as he recorded a .246 common, 15 homers, 75 RBI, 70 runs scored, and 19 stolen bases throughout 571 PA. A 79 wRC+ just isn’t good and Rafaela proved allergic to bases on balls as he walked at only a 2.5% clip and fanned at a 26.5% fee. A 70% contact fee, 18.5% swinging-strike fee, and 46.5% o-swing% point out a poor strategy on the plate, which is one thing that may be addressed, though a 79.5% z-contact% is regarding. The Statcast profile was fairly ho-hum as nicely, with a 36.5% hard-hit fee, 7.5% barrel fee, and 86.5 mph common exit velocity. The underlying metrics are, once more, regarding, however there’s an intriguing power-speed combo right here and the potential to unlock extra with some maturation on the dish. In his age-24 season, Rafaela might bat .250 with a 20-20 line. Or his common might backside out and he might be demoted to Triple-A. With that in thoughts, he is very a lot a lottery ticket with an total ADP of 179 whereas he is often in regards to the forty seventh OF off the board in fantasy drafts. He not too long ago missed just a few video games due to hamstring tightness however reentered the lineup on Saturday.
Eugenio Suarez (3B-ARI) is undervalued with an ADP of 145 total and the 14th 3B on common being drafted in fantasy leagues. In his age-32 season, Suarez hit .256 with 30 homers, 101 RBI, and 90 runs scored throughout 640 PA, with a wRC+ of 115. His peak days of 2018-2019 are nicely behind him, however Suarez is just an above-average producer (profession wRC+ of 112) who constantly makes plenty of exhausting contact. In 2024, as an illustration, his Statcast profile included a 42.5% hard-hit fee, 11.5% barrel fee, and common exit velocity north of 89 mph, all of that are in keeping with his profession norms. Contact just isn’t a powerful swimsuit as that determine was 72.5% final season, however that was his greatest quantity in that division since 2019 whereas his 84.5% zone contact fee was his highest since 2018. Dude will fan a bit (27.5% in 2024, 27% profession), however he merely makes plenty of loud contact and his 19.3 launch angle makes probably the most of it as he registered a 23.5% liner fee and 43.5% flyball fee final season. He is likely to be unexciting at this stage of his profession however he is reliably productive.
Seiya Suzuki (OF-CHC) will reportedly spend “loads” of time at DH this season, which is an effective factor because it ought to assist to maintain him wholesome; whereas Suzuki hasn’t missed a ton of time since becoming a member of the majors, he is but to surpass 600 PA in a season as minor accidents appear to briefly sideline him every season. As a 29 year-old final season, Suzuki registered his most efficient season but (by wRC+, at the least, which got here in at a career-high 138) as he posted a .283 common, 21 homers, 73 RBI, 75 runs scored, and 16 stolen bases throughout a career-high 585 PA. His strikeout fee did climb to 27.5% final season, however he additionally drew extra walks (11%) whereas recording a career-best Statcast profile that included a 49% hard-hit fee, 11.5% barrel fee, and common exit velo of 91.5 mph, along with his career-high launch angle of 16.2 fueling a career-high 47% flyball fee (up from 34.5% in 2023). With three MLB seasons now underneath his belt, it is fairly clear that Suzuki ought to be counted on for a stable common (suppose .275ish), a homer complete within the low-20s, and 150ish mixed RBI and runs scored. A pleasant improvement final season was the 16 steals, which surpassed his complete from the earlier two campaigns; he did get caught 6 instances however it appears that evidently 12+ steals is sort of doable once more in 2025. With an total ADP of 86 and an ADP of 26 at his place, he is a stable decide for a #2 OF.
Ian Happ (OF-CHC) is reportedly the highest candidate to bat leadoff for the Cubs this season. That is attention-grabbing for the reason that 30 year-old put collectively yet one more solidly productive marketing campaign in 2024, registering a .243 common, 25 homers, 86 RBI, 89 runs scored, and 13 steals throughout 657 PA, with a 122 wRC+. His strikeout fee was up a bit from the earlier two years at 25.5%, however he continued to stroll a great bit (over 12%); with a .343 profession OBP, he is not a foul selection for the leadoff spot. His contact fee (74.5%) and swinging-strike fee (11.5%) had been akin to the earlier two seasons whereas his Statcast profile was among the many better of his profession with a forty five% hard-hit fee, 11.5% barrel fee, and common exit velocity of 91 mph. Happ’s manufacturing has been pretty constant since 2021, so it appears that evidently we’ve got a reasonably good thought of what he’s at this level. A .240-.250 common with 22-25 homers and 10-12 steals with 160+ mixed runs and RBI – probably skewed towards the previous if he sticks at leadoff – is an effective expectation. Not dangerous for a man with an ADP of 33 at OF and 117 total.
Parker Meadows (OF-DET) has not too long ago resumed mild baseball actions as he offers with a nerve problem in his proper arm; his standing for Opening Day is questionable, so regulate the information. Meadows is an intriguing choice for fantasy in 2025 after he completed final 12 months on a powerful observe. Certainly, his total line of a .244 common, 9 homers, 28 RBI, 39 runs scored, and 9 stolen luggage throughout 298 PA hints at his potential as a 111 wRC+ was above common. However the line is very spectacular when one considers that he was batting simply .096 with 2 homers, 3 RBI, 9 runs scored, and three steals over 85 PA when he was demoted to Triple-A in early Could. After he was recalled in early July, he hit .299 with 7 dingers, 25 RBI, 30 runs scored, and 6 steals throughout 213 PA the remainder of the best way. Throughout that span, his strikeout fee was an affordable 20.5% whereas he improved his swinging-strike fee (10.5%), raised his contact fee (77.5%), and improved his zone contact fee (88.5%). His Statcast profile was nonetheless underwhelming with a 31.5% hard-hit fee, 6.5% barrel fee, and common exit velocity of 87.5 mph, however Meadows hasn’t precisely been touted as a slugger, though he has the potential to hit 15-20 bombs a 12 months. In 2025, a 15-20 line is sort of doable, and the typical might are available north of .250 if he can maintain the diminished strikeout fee. Particularly if he is able to go on Opening Day (or quickly after), he’d be a pleasant worth decide as his present ADP is 216 total and 56 at his place.
Roman Anthony (OF-BOS) is battling for a spot on Boston’s Opening Day roster this spring, however has not too long ago missed time whereas battling an sickness. Extensively thought to be one of many high prospects within the recreation, the 20 year-old has little left to show within the minors after batting .291 with 18 dingers, 65 RBI, 93 runs scored, and 21 steals (in 28 makes an attempt) throughout 540 PA in Double-A and Triple-A a 12 months in the past. He fanned at a 23.5% clip and walked at a 14.5% fee, each of which mirror his minor-league monitor report; his swinging-strike fee wasn’t dangerous at 8.5% whereas he chased at solely a 22.5% clip throughout his 164 Triple-A PA. High quality of contact was there throughout his time with Triple-A, too, as he registered a forty five% hard-hit fee. Scouts disagree on his hit instrument, which they grade as starting from barely under common to above common, though they like his superior strategy and agree that his energy is a plus instrument whereas his velocity is common to barely above. Some have likened his state of affairs on the dish to that of Ronald Acuna, Jr. as he broke into the majors, with a pathway to stardom if the hit instrument performs sufficient to maximise his plus uncooked energy. He is no burner, however he is obtained sufficient velocity to swipe 20+ luggage given MLB’s family-sized bases and steal-friendly guidelines. The common is a query mark, however there’s 20-20 potential right here if he can break camp with the massive membership, with (a lot) extra definitely doable within the homer division.
David Festa (SP-MIN) is an intriguing arm for fantasy in 2025, particularly if he can safe one of many Twins’ last rotation spots. He is battling the likes of Chris Paddack in spring coaching, so regulate how that performs out. The righty made his MLB debut as a 24 year-old final season, registering a 4.90 ERA, 10.8 Okay/9, 3.2 BB/9, and three.58 xFIP in 64.1 IP. The hole between the ERA and xFIP factors to a 68.5% strand fee specifically elevating the previous. Festa missed some bats (13% swinging-strike fee) whereas limiting the opposition’s contact fee to 73.5% whereas his Statcast profile wasn’t notably good or dangerous (39% hard-hit fee, 8.5% barrel fee, and 89.5 mph common exit velocity). He is added a sinker to his repertoire in an effort to induce extra grounders (common launch angle of 15.1 final season with a groundball fee of simply 36%), so we’ll see if that delivers and helps him safe a spot within the big-league rotation. If that’s the case, he might ship good worth as he at the moment has an ADP of 337 total and 102 at SP.
Ian Anderson (SP-ATL) hasn’t pitched within the majors since 2022, however has the within monitor to win a spot within the rotation, partly as a result of he is out of minor-league choices. The righty’s profession fizzled after a promising begin in 2020 (1.95 ERA, 11.4 Okay/9, 3.9 BB/9, and three.45 xFIP in 32.1 IP) however he is nonetheless simply 26 years previous and has the pedigree (he was, in spite of everything, the third total decide within the 2016 beginner draft). Anderson pitched within the minors for Atlanta final season, compiling a 3.44 ERA, 9 Okay/9, 3.84 BB/9, and 4.05 xFIP throughout 68 IP, most of them in Triple-A. The management was definitely shaky, however it’s encouraging to see that Anderson missed bats (12.5% swinging-strike fee) and limiting the opposition to a 71.5% contact fee. Once more, it was the minors, however Anderson additionally minimized exhausting contact with a 33.5% hard-hit fee and 86 mph common exit velo. A launch angle of simply 5.7 led to a bunch of grounders (52%) and few flyballs (24.5%). He is removed from a certain factor to stay within the rotation long-term and do nicely, however Atlanta appears to consider in him and he is a lottery ticket in fantasy drafts with an ADP of 607 total and 204 at SP.
Spencer Arrighetti (SP-HOU) was higher in 2024 than his 4.53 ERA would recommend. Throughout 145 IP, the righty additionally compiled a 4.01 xFIP, 10.6 Okay/9, and 4 BB/9 as a 24 12 months previous. Sure, the management wasn’t good, however Arrighetti’s swinging-strike fee was stable at simply over 12% whereas the opposition mustered only a 74% contact fee in opposition to him. The Statcast profile was a blended bag with a 39.5% hard-hit fee, 7.5% barrel fee, and common exit velocity of 89 mph whereas a mean launch angle of 16.4 translated to a mixed 54% flyball and liner fee. The excellent news is that he confirmed enchancment because the season progressed, for in 9 begins in August and September he logged a 2.72 ERA, 11.4 Okay/9, 3.1 BB/9, and three.25 xFIP over 53 IP; it was particularly encouraging to see the stroll fee come down throughout that stretch. With an ADP of 68 on the SP place and 224 total, Arrighetti could be a good worth decide as he has the stuff to be a #3 SP for fantasy.
Hunter Brown (SP-HOU) is coming off of a stable sophomore marketing campaign by which he recorded a 3.49 ERA, 9.5 Okay/9, 3.2 BB/9, and three.47 xFIP in 170 IP. As a 25 year-old, the righty reigned within the homer problem that plagued him in 2023 as his HR/9 went from 1.5 to 0.95 and his HR/FB went from 21% to 12.5%. His Statcast profile contains main clues as to why that occurred as his 30.5% hard-hit fee, 4.5% barrel fee, and common exit velocity of 86 mph had been all markedly higher than the 12 months earlier than (44%, 11%, and 91 mph, respectively). Though Brown’s strikeout fee dipped, his swinging-strike fee modified little because it remained an underwhelming 10.5%, however the excellent news is that whereas the opposition’s contact fee rose barely from 77% to 78%, hitters made much less contact on pitches contained in the zone as they registered an 84.5% z-contact% in 2024 after that was 88% in 2023. There have been important modifications in Brown’s repertoire as he threw his heater much less typically (right down to 34.5% from 46%) whereas deploying a sinker (18%, up from nearly no utilization) and including a change (12.5% utilization). His management stays common at greatest, however Brown misses some bats whereas limiting exhausting contact. For fantasy, he is a stable #3ish arm with #2 upside. His present ADP is roughly 110 total and he is in regards to the thirty third SP picked in fantasy drafts.
Sonny Grey (SP-STL) loved arguably his most interesting skilled season at age 34 a 12 months in the past, posting a 3.84 ERA, 11 Okay/9, 2.1 BB/9, and a couple of.82 xFIP throughout 166.1 IP. The hole between his ERA and xFIP factors to a low 68% strand fee (73% profession) and excessive 14% HR/FB (12% profession, though xFIP accounts for a ten% fee). Grey’s 13.5% swinging-strike fee was a profession greatest whereas his 72.5% contact fee was one of many lowest of his profession as his o-swing% got here in north of 30% (at 31.5%) for the primary time in his profession. His Statcast profile was a blended bag, although, as his 38% hard-hit fee was par for the course whereas the oppositions common exit velo of 89.5 mph was a bit increased than normal (88.5 profession) and their 9% barrel fee was the best of his profession. Adjustments to pitch utilization probably helps to elucidate Grey’s late-career surge as he deployed his fastball a career-low 24% of the time whereas utilizing his cutter a career-high 18% of the time and turning away from his curve a bit (right down to 14%). With 5 pitches deployed at a 14% or better clip, Grey is just utilizing a various repertoire and robust command to maintain hitters sincere. And it is working. He is reportedly getting into camp wholesome after ending the common season on the IL due to proper (throwing) forearm flexor tendinitis, so he might be a sneaky worth decide in drafts if different managers in your league overlook him due to his age; he at the moment has an ADP at about 115 total and is often in regards to the thirty sixth SP taken in drafts.
