Preseason Prep – March 19, 2025
Drake Baldwin (C-ATL) seems more likely to open the 2025 marketing campaign as Atlanta’s beginning backstop. That’s attention-grabbing information from a fantasy standpoint given Baldwin’s standing because the group’s prime prospect. As a 23 year-old final season, he batted .276 with 16 dingers, 88 RBI, and 58 runs scored throughout 551 complete PA on the Double-A and Triple-A ranges. He confirmed sturdy command of the plate with a 13% stroll price in opposition to a 17% strikeout price whereas registering an 8.5% swinging-strike price and 23.5% chase price. Baldwin confirmed off his plus hit instrument with an 81.5% contact price whereas his Statcast profile confirmed plenty of loud contact with a 53% hard-hit price and common exit velocity of 93 mph in 334 Triple-A PA. His batted ball profile exhibits a wholesome 22.5% liner price, 30% flyball price, and 47.5% grounder price within the minors final season. With an ADP of 496 general and #38 at C – across the likes of Elias Diaz and Jake Rogers – Baldwin is a wonderful later-round choose in fantasy leagues given his potential. He is loved a pleasant spring, batting .333 with 3 RBI, 4 runs scored, and a 5.5% strikeout price in opposition to a 16.5% stroll price by means of 36 PA.
Rhys Hoskins (1B-MIL) may very well be a steal in fantasy drafts with a present ADP of 26 at 1B and 243 general; he is being drafted across the likes of Nathaniel Lowe and Connor Wong, and he has the best upside of that bunch. His inventory is so low as a result of he batted simply .214 with 26 dingers, 82 RBI, and 59 runs scored throughout 517 PA final season – with a wRC+ of 100 – after lacking all the 2023 marketing campaign. Final 12 months, his strikeout price was a career-worst 29%, however his swinging-strike price (10%) and get in touch with price (77%) had been each close to his profession averages. He undoubtedly bumped into some poor luck as his Statcast profile was fairly typical for him with 42% hard-hit price, 12.5% barrel price, 88.5 mph common exit velo, and a launch angle of 20.7; the exit velocity was on the low facet however all of the others had been half for the course for Hoskins. Furthermore, he is loved a wonderful spring as he was batting .310 with 6 dingers, 8 RBI, and 10 runs scored by means of 34 PA coming into Tuesday’s motion.
Luis Garcia, Jr. (2B-WSH) is being drafted as a top-10 2B in fantasy (#9 2B with an ADP of 129 general), and rightfully so after he broke out in 2024. Throughout 528 PA in his age-24 season, Garcia registered a .282 common, 18 dingers, 70 RBI, 58 runs scored, and 22 steals (in 27 tries) with a wRC+ of 111. Whereas he did not stroll a lot (5.5%), he additionally did not fan typically (16.5%) whereas recording an 81% contact price. Garcia did chase pitches outdoors the zone a bit (35.5% 0-swing%), however whiffing wasn’t a problem (9.5% swinging-strike price) whereas his Statcast profile was fairly stable with a 41% hard-hit price, 8% barrel price, and common exit velo of 89 mph. A launch angle of 8.2 left him with a 47.5% groundball price in opposition to a 20% liner price and 32.5% flyball price, to a point limiting his energy output. Though Garcia’s hit instrument is definitely a plus, his energy and pace are each fairly common. In consequence, it is robust to undertaking a 20-20 marketing campaign. Anticipate .270/15/15, though a bit extra is feasible. A top-10 2B rating appears a bit lofty on condition that stat line, however he is being drafted across the likes of Xander Bogaerts and Nico Hoerner; I would take Garcia over these two.
Xavier Edwards (SS-MIA) is a throwback contact-speed participant, and that confirmed in 2024 as he batted .328 with 1 homer, 26 RBI, 39 runs scored, and 31 steals (in 35 makes an attempt) throughout 303 PA as a 24 year-old rookie; his 128 wRC+ was solidly above common. He did not fan so much (17%) whereas drawing his fair proportion of walks (11%), which works effectively along with his wheels. Predictably, the Statcast profile is nothing to put in writing dwelling about (24% hard-hit price, 2% barrel price, common exit velocity of 86 mph, and a 6.7 launch angle) as he is largely a slap-hitter who recorded an 84.5% contact price and confirmed good self-discipline on the dish with a 22.5% o-swing%. He is more likely to bat leadoff, albeit for the rebuilding Marlins, so his runs-RBI complete is more likely to are available round 120 or so over a full season. A mean north of .300 is tough to undertaking, however .280+ may be very doable whereas he is liable to swipe 40+ luggage over a full marketing campaign. Not dangerous for a man at present being drafted because the #14 SS in fantasy with an ADP of 136.
Alec Bohm (3B-PHI) might return to spring coaching motion on Wednesday as his bruised foot is feeling higher. That growth was a bit disappointing since he has loved a pleasant spring as he is hitting .344 with 3 homers, 5 RBI, and 10 runs scored over 36 PA. The facility output has been particularly welcome since he is hit greater than 15 homers in a season precisely as soon as since reaching the majors again in 2020 (not that the abbreviated 2020 marketing campaign ought to rely in opposition to him) whereas his profession ISO is simply .139. In 2024, Bohm’s productiveness was above common as his wRC+ got here in at 115, however his general line of a .280 common, 15 homers, 97 RBI, 62 runs scored, and 5 steals (a profession excessive!) over 606 PA was underwhelming for a 3B. Certain, he would not strike out typically (14% in 2024) however he additionally would not stroll a lot (6.5%). Bohm’s contact price was stellar at 85% and his zone contact price was wholesome at 92% whereas Statcast exhibits an encouraging profile of a forty five% hard-hit price, 6.5% barrel price, and common exit velo of 90.5 mph. A 9.8 common launch angle was his lowest since 2021 and Bohm’s flyball price got here in at simply 33% (in opposition to 21% liners and 46% grounders). That definitely restricted his energy output, nevertheless it’s good to see him getting a bit extra raise on his swing in spring coaching as his groundall price is at present at 36% after it got here in at 46% final season (46.5% profession). Given this growth, he could also be a pleasant worth in last-minute fantasy drafts as his ADP is 146 and he is being drafted #15 on the sizzling nook.
Brandon Nimmo (OF-NYM) has handled a sore proper knee throughout spring coaching however returned to motion on Monday after an injection apparently helped. Quickly to be 32, Nimmo is coming off a combined bag in 2023 as his .224 common was low whereas his 15 stolen luggage had been a profession excessive and his 23 dingers had been the second most of his profession; he additionally drove in 90 runs and scored 88 whereas registering a 109 wRC+ in 663 PA. As soon as seemingly susceptible to the harm bug, Nimmo has recorded at the least 663 PA within the final three seasons. His strikeout price was as much as 24% final season (no larger than 21.5% the earlier 4 campaigns) however he continued to stroll at a excessive price (11.5%). His contact price was down a bit to 79% (after being north of 80% the earlier three seasons) as his swinging-strike price was as much as 9.5% (was no larger than 8% since 2021). However his high quality of contact remained sturdy as Statcast exhibits a 47.5% hard-hit price, 9% barrel price, and common exit velo of 92 mph with a median launch angle of 11.2 that generated a 20% liner price, 38% flyball price, and 42% grounder price. His .267 BABIP final season (.322 profession) due to this fact appears unfortunate greater than the rest. Anticipate a median nearer to .250 to go together with about 20 homers and 10 steals this season, and he ought to ship. First rate for a man with an general ADP of 145 and #40 at OF.
Jurickson Profar (OF-ATL) is predicted to be prepared for Opening Day after struggling an harm that was recognized as a bone bruise; reviews point out he might resume spring coaching motion on Thursday. The 32 year-old is coming off his finest season within the majors with the Padres, during which he hit .280 with 24 dingers, 85 RBI, 94 runs scored, and 10 steals throughout a career-high 668 PA; each single a kind of figures was a profession finest, as was his 139 wRC+. His plate self-discipline was stellar as he registered an 11.5% stroll price in opposition to a 15% strikeout price whereas logging a 7% swinging-strike price and 22.5% chase price. Contact was nice as Profar’s 84.5% contact price was a profession excessive whilst his Statcast profile was the perfect of his profession with a 44% hard-hit price, 7% barrel price, and common exit velocity of 91 mph. Profar has all the time had expertise, nevertheless it took fairly a while for it to all come collectively. Now he is apparently slotted for a premium spot within the loaded Atlanta lineup, so he ought to once more be an asset if he can keep on the sector. He is priced as a #3 OF in fantasy drafts with an general ADP of 162 and as #44 at his place. Simply make certain to keep watch over the harm information.
Jerar Encarnacion (OF-SF) is an intriguing participant for fantasy this season, particularly since he is going undrafted in most leagues with an ADP of 516 and, the place taken, is the #132 OF off the board. He noticed restricted motion as a 26 year-old with the Giants final season, recording a .248 common to go together with 5 homers, 19 RBI, and 13 runs scored throughout simply 119 PA. Contact was a problem (28.5% strikeout price) whereas he did not stroll typically (4%), however his Statcast profile is tantalizing because it exhibits a 59% hard-hit price, 15% barrel price, and common exit velocity of 95 mph in that modest pattern dimension. Contact is a little bit of a priority (74% final season) as he tends to chase (37% o-swing%) and his launch angle of 6.7 did generate plenty of grounders (49%), however his intensive minor-league observe report signifies that sufficient raise to get to a liner price within the low-20s and 35% or so flyball price. If he is in a position to carve out a daily position, a .240 common and 25+ bombs is within the playing cards.
Reese Olson (SP-DET) appears to be undervalued in fantasy drafts as he at present has an ADP of 276 and is, on common, the 82nd SP off the board. In his sophomore season as a 24 year-old, the righty compiled a good 3.53 ERA, 8.1 Ok/9, and a couple of.6 BB/9 throughout 112.1 IP, with a 3.72 xFIP indicating that he was about as stable because the floor numbers indicated. His 12.5% swinging-strike price and 73% contact price each indicated that his floor numbers might enhance, and Olson possesses a various repertoire that features a 94-mph heater (23.5% utilization), 94-mph sinker (20.5%), 85-mph slider (28%), 86-mph change (22.5%), and 79% curve (6%). His plus secondaries are his calling card and he appears primed to take a step ahead this season. And Olson has been extra stable in spring coaching than his 4.82 ERA suggests, recording a 3.49 xFIP, 9.6 Ok/9, and 1 BB/9 in 9.1 IP.
Robbie Ray (SP-SF) is a increase/bust proposition in 2025 fantasy drafts as he at present has an ADP of about 157 as he is in regards to the forty ninth SP off the board on common. The 33 year-old southpaw logged solely 34 IP within the majors during the last two seasons as he missed appreciable time whereas recovering from Tommy John surgical procedure and coping with a strained hamstring. However he was just about his outdated self in restricted motion final season because the lefty recorded a 4.70 ERA, 12.6 Ok/9, 4.4 BB/9, and 4.09 xFIP in 30.2 IP. His management was by no means nice (3.8 BB/9 profession) however that is typically the very last thing to rebound following TJS, so it is encouraging to see that his common fastball velo was over 94 mph in his return to motion, proper about his profession common and a half-tick larger than what he registered over 189 IP with Seattle in 2022. He is regarded sharp in spring coaching as he is compiled a 1.93 ERA, 16.4 Ok/9, 0 BB/9, and a couple of.37 xFIP by means of 9.1 IP.
Bryan Woo (SP-SEA) is coming off a stable sophomore marketing campaign during which he registered a .289 ERA, 7.5 Ok/9, 1 BB/9, and three.75 xFIP throughout 121.1 IP as a 24 year-old. The righty’s Ok/9 was definitely underwhelming in comparison with the 9.6 he posted in 2023, however his 11.5% swinging-strike price wasn’t dangerous in any respect whereas his common fastball and sinker velo remained regular at about 95 mph. The improved management was a really constructive growth, as his BB/9 was down from 3.2 in 2023. His Statcast profile, too, remained wholesome because the opposition solely registered a 35% hard-hit price, 5% barrel price, and common exit velocity of 89 mph in opposition to him. Woo undoubtedly has a bit extra strikeout capacity to unlock, so it could not be shocking to see him push towards a Ok per inning whereas sustaining a better-than-average stroll price to go together with an ERA within the mid-3s. That is #3 fantasy SP stuff, and that is about his going price in drafts as his ADP is about 132 whereas he is, on common, the thirty ninth SP off the board.
Bubba Chandler (SP-PIT) was reassigned to minor-league camp on Thursday after a tough spring coaching. He reportedly had a shot of creating the membership’s Opening Day roster, so he ought to make his MLB debut later this season. He threw solely 2.1 IP this spring during which he posted a 19.29 ERA, 7.7 Ok/9, and 15.4 BB/9. The 22 year-old righty is, in any case, coming off a powerful 2024 marketing campaign during which he registered a 3.08 ERA, 11.1 Ok/9, 3.1 BB/9, and three.38 xFIP throughout 119.2 IP in Double-A and Triple-A. Alongside the way in which, Chandler registered a 13.5% swinging-strike price because the opposition’s contact price got here in at 72%. On the Triple-A stage, opposing hitters struggled to make laborious contact in opposition to Chandler, as evidenced by a 30.5% hard-hit price and common exit velocity of 85.5 mph per Statcast. He is a late-round flier in fantasy now with an ADP of 305 general and #91 at SP that appears more likely to dip given the current information of his demotion; be happy to draft and stash you probably have the roster flexibility.
Chase Dollander (SP-COL) might nonetheless break camp with the Rockies as his most up-to-date spring coaching look was stable (4 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 2 BB, 3 Ok in opposition to the Athletics). The 23 year-old righty is coming off of a productive 2024 marketing campaign during which he compiled a 2.59 ERA, 12.9 Ok/9, 3.6 BB/9, and three.24 xFIP throughout 118 IP on the Excessive-A and Double-A ranges. It was his first skilled season and he is but to throw a pitch in Triple-A but the membership is severely contemplating him for the Opening Day rotation. Dollander’s management is a piece in progress, however the strikeout capacity has been on show as he registered a 16.5% swinging-strike price within the minors final season to go together with a 67.5% contact price. He’s flyball oriented (only a 36.5% grounder price within the minors final 12 months), which is a priority since he’ll name Coors his dwelling park; however he did a great job of minimizing the homers final season (6.5% HR/FB and 0.53 HR/9). With an ADP of 203 at SP and 630 general, he is a late-round fantasy choose that might pay dividends for a minimal funding on draft day.
A.J. Smith-Shawver (SP-ATL) remains to be within the working for a rotation spot with Atlanta despite the fact that Ian Anderson and Grant Holmes – each of whom are out of minor league choices – are the presumptive favorites to safe the ultimate two spots within the rotation. By means of 12 IP up to now in spring coaching, he is compiled a 3.75 ERA, 13.5 Ok/9 and a couple of.25 BB/9 with a 3.76 xFIP. Smith-Shawver might need disillusioned up to now in his restricted MLB motion up to now (3.64 ERA, 7.3 Ok/9, 3.9 BB/9, and 5.63 xFIP in simply 29.2 IP), however he is now simply 22 years outdated and has the stuff to be a fantasy contributor. In Triple-A final season, he recorded a 4.86 ERA, 10.8 Ok/9, 4.1 BB/9, and 4.61 xFIP over 87 IP. The management is clearly a priority, however Smith-Shawver missed bats (14% swinging-strike price) whereas limiting the opposition to a 70.5% contact price. He seems to be altering his pitch combine a bit throughout spring coaching as he is deployed his 96-mph heater at a 54% clip, his 77-mph curve at a 20.5% price, and his 86-mph change at a 25.5% price whereas not utilizing his slider (13% final season) in any respect. The slider rated because the worst of his choices, along with his fastball-change his bread and butter whereas the curve is a stable third providing. Control the information to see if he is in a position to safe a spot on the Opening Day roster, however even when he would not he ought to be a part of the massive membership earlier than too lengthy. His price ticket on draft day is kind of cheap as his ADP is 535 general whereas he is outdoors of the highest 160 at SP.
Garrett Crochet (SP-BOS) will begin on Opening Day in opposition to the Rangers. The 25 year-old lefty has put collectively a powerful spring coaching along with his new membership as he is fired 10.1 IP during which he is surrendered only one run whereas recording an 18.3 Ok/9, albeit with a 5.2 BB/9. Crochet loved a breakout 2024 marketing campaign with the White Sox during which he registered a 3.58 ERA, 12.9 Ok/9, 2 BB/9, and a couple of.38 xFIP over 146 IP as he was restricted to brief begins over the last couple months of the season. Though his ERA suffered from some poor luck within the type of a .318 BABIP and 14.5% HR/FB, Crochet was really elite as he primarily employed his 97-mph heater (53.5% utilization) and 92-mph cutter (28.5%) whereas mixing in his 84-mph slider (10%), 91-mph change (6%), and 98-mph sinker (2%). His 16% swinging-strike price was stellar whereas the opposition registered only a 69.5% contact price in opposition to him. His Statcast profile was a combined bag with a 39% hard-hit price, 9% barrel price, and common exit velocity of 88.5 mph, however opposing hitters struggled to get the bat on the ball. With an ADP of 36 general and seven at SP, he is being drafted like an ace and he ought to be one.
