This week, our Hitter Profiles take a deeper dive into some under-the-radar prospects who must be on fantasy managers’ radars heading into the 2025 season. For our functions, we’re specializing in gamers who’ve but to debut on the main league stage. In fact, the massive names—Kristian Campbell, Coby Mayo, and Roman Anthony—are getting loads of consideration. However we’re right here to highlight the lesser-known gamers who may make an impression in redraft leagues. These are the late-round heroes you’re in search of whereas everybody else is swooning over the top-tier prospects. Hitting the lottery on one in all these guys would possibly simply plug that early-season damage gap or give your bench a much-needed enhance. All of us love prospecting, so let’s kick off our Hitter Profiles with the hope of huge returns within the 2025 fantasy baseball season.
Drake Baldwin (C – Atlanta Braves)
Baldwin enters his age-24 season after being chosen by the Braves within the third spherical of the 2022 draft out of Missouri State. He’ll be in massive league camp this spring, competing for a roster spot with Chadwick Tromp and Curt Casali. No disrespect to these guys, however there’s little standing in Baldwin’s means in the case of breaking camp with Atlanta. The larger problem might be carving out enjoying time, whether or not behind the plate (the place Sean Murphy had his struggles in 2024) or at DH, the place Marcell Ozuna stays entrenched. However in fantasy baseball, it’s typically clever to guess on abilities and let enjoying time work itself out. A half-season’s price of at-bats in Atlanta isn’t out of the query.
So, ought to we care? Completely. In 2024, throughout Double-A and Triple-A, Baldwin performed 124 video games, slashing .276 with 16 homers and 88 RBIs. He was one in all simply three gamers within the minors to hit .275+ with 15+ homers, a strikeout price beneath 20%, and a stroll price over 10%—all whereas reaching Triple-A earlier than turning 23. The others? Matt Shaw and Kristian Campbell. Due to Triple-A Statcast knowledge, we even have a glimpse into Baldwin’s high quality of contact. Amongst Triple-A hitters with at the least 150 plate appearances, Baldwin ranked second in exit velocity (trailing solely Junior Caminero) and fifth in anticipated batting common. There’s quite a bit to love about what he’s doing within the minors, and as soon as he will get the enjoying time he deserves, he profiles as a high-floor, high-ceiling possibility.
Cooper Bowman (UTIL – Cincinnati Reds)
Bowman was chosen by the Reds with the seventh decide within the 2024 Rule 5 Draft, and it’s straightforward to see why. He performed middle discipline, second base, third base, and shortstop final season—versatility that ought to assist him stick on Cincinnati’s roster. On the plate, Bowman slashed .262 with 12 homers, 83 runs, 70 RBIs, and an eye-popping 43 stolen bases (on 49 makes an attempt). His strategy was equally sturdy, with an 11% stroll price and a 21% strikeout price, signaling a disciplined hitter who can contribute throughout a number of classes.
Cincinnati’s depth chart, Bowman ought to have a robust likelihood to interrupt camp with the Reds on account of his versatility and the workforce’s skinny bench. Beating out somebody like Santiago Espinal isn’t a momentous job, and with a number of platoon bats within the lineup, it’s straightforward to examine Bowman getting at-bats all through the season. All it takes is a sizzling begin in spring coaching for Bowman to carve out a significant position—one that would flip into an on a regular basis gig in probably the most hitter-friendly ballparks in baseball. He’s a deep sleeper to control this spring.
Alan Roden (OF – Toronto Blue Jays)
The Blue Jays named Alan Roden their 2024 Minor League Participant of the 12 months, and for good purpose. The previous third-round pick of Creighton is a real five-tool participant with plus abilities throughout the board. Final season, Roden slashed .293 with 16 homers, 72 runs, 76 RBIs, and 14 steals (on 15 makes an attempt) in 125 video games. If we use the identical statistical filters from Baldwin’s profile—.275+ common, 15+ homers, a Okay% beneath 20%, and a BB% over 10%—however broaden the age to 24, Roden is the one different prospect who suits the invoice and has not but debuted within the majors.
Statcast knowledge additional confirms his sturdy plate abilities, with Roden rating within the high tenth percentile in strategy and wOBA amongst Triple-A hitters. However what actually makes Roden intriguing is his alternative. He has been invited to massive league camp, and there’s an outfield spot ready to be claimed. Because it stands, solely Myles Straw stands in his means, with Daulton Varsho recovering from damage. Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins just lately singled out Roden because the prospect he’s most excited to see this spring:
“I’ll single out and put some strain on Alan Roden—he’s executed a lot to place himself able to maneuver by way of the system rapidly. The best way he goes about his job—the contact charges, the form of his offense, the truth that it’s each side of the ball and base operating, stealing bases, performs protection at a strong stage—very bodily with upside by way of energy. He’s an thrilling piece, and hopefully, I haven’t put an excessive amount of strain on him.”
That’s some excessive reward from the entrance workplace, and with an actual shot at an on a regular basis position in 2025, Roden must be on extra fantasy radars.
