Preseason Prep – March 3, 2025
Alejandro Kirk (C-TOR) is in line to see extra time behind the dish than ever earlier than since Danny Jansen is now not on the town. The 26 year-old has flashed some upside up to now, most notably registering a .285 common, with 4 homers, 63 RBI, and 59 runs scored throughout a career-high 541 PA in 2022, with a nicely above-average 129 wRC+, however he has underwhelmed ever since. In simply 386 PA final yr, Kirk recorded a .253 common to go along with 5 dingers, 54 RBI, and 23 runs scored, with a subpar wRC+ of 94. The backstop continued to command the plate nicely with a 13% strikeout charge in opposition to a 9% stroll charge whereas recording an above-average 86.5% contact charge. His Statcast profile – whereas not so good as that which he assembled in 2022 – was higher than it was in 2023 with a 40.5% hard-hit charge, 6.5% barrel charge, and common exit velo of 89.5 mph. A mean launch angle of 10.8 was his highest since 2021, and his 22% liner charge was a profession excessive whereas his 33% flyball charge was additionally his highest since 2021. The ability output is proscribed, however the contact potential ought to result in a minimum of a good common. With elevated quantity this season, a .265 common to go along with 10+ homers is not an unreasonable expectation however there’s the potential for extra right here. His ADP is at the moment 299 total and 21 at his place, so he is a lottery ticket if one misses out on the highest 12(ish) choices at backstop.
Vinnie Pasquantino (1B-KC) missed a while whereas on the IL final season however nonetheless put collectively a career-best marketing campaign that included a .262 common, 19 homers, 97 RBI, and 64 runs scored throughout 554 PA, with an above-average wRC+ of 108. Whereas that is removed from a powerful stat line, he continued to indicate a refined batting eye and method as he registered a 13% strikeout charge in opposition to a 7% stroll charge whereas making a lot of loud contact. Pasquantino’s Statcast profile exhibits a 46% hard-hit charge, 7% barrel charge, and common exit velocity of 91 mph whereas a launch angle of 14.6 bodes nicely for energy output; his liner charge was meh at 17.5%, however the flyball charge was in place at 43%. A slugger who makes plenty of contact (6% swinging-strike charge and 87.5% contact charge), Pasquantino seems to be primed for a profession yr in 2025 if he can keep wholesome as a .270 common to go along with 25 bombs is within the playing cards. He must be a pleasant worth in fantasy drafts given his ADP of 107 total and being the twelfth 1B off the board. Given his plus contact potential and energy, Pasquantino might end the season a top-10 1B.
Colt Keith (2B-DET) is reportedly shifting to 1B and, with Kerry Carpenter (DH-DET) entrenched because the DH, a minimum of in opposition to RHP, Spencer Torkelson (1B-DET) seemingly has restricted upside. After seemingly figuring issues out throughout the second half of the 2023 marketing campaign, Torkelson could now solely face LHP. He spent vital time within the minors final season after a dreadfully sluggish begin and returned later within the marketing campaign, with a complete batting line of a .219 common with simply 10 homers, 37 RBI, and 45 runs scored throughout 381 PA, with a wRC+ of 92 testifying to his below-average manufacturing. Torkelson’s contact charge was below-average at 76% whereas he fanned lots (27.5%) and assembled a career-worst Statcast profile (39.5% hard-hit charge, 6.5% barrel charge, and 89 mph common exit velo). The 2020 first total decide is just getting into his age-25 season and will conceivably flip his profession round, however he has no fantasy worth on the brief aspect of a platoon. His platoon associate, although, Kerry Carpenter, loved a productive age-26 season when wholesome, posting a .284 common with 18 bombs, 57 RBI, and 37 runs scored over 296 PA, with a sturdy 160 wRC+. He fanned bit (25.5%) and his contact charge was decrease than Torkelson’s at 72%, however Carpenter blistered the baseball when he bought the bat on it with a Statcast profile that included a forty five% hard-hit charge, 17% barrel charge, and common exit velo of 90.5 mph. Count on a .260ish common with a homer whole within the low 20s, though experiences point out that he might see extra motion in opposition to LHP this season. Essentially the most fascinating participant of this bunch may be Colt Keith, who confirmed some promise as a 22 year-old rookie final season. He began the season slowly however turned a nook in July, happening to hit .260 with 13 dingers, 61 RBI, 54 runs scored, and seven steals throughout 556 PA. A 97 wRC+ signifies that he wasn’t particularly productive, however Keith’s strikeout charge was acceptable at 20% whereas he registered a 78.5% contact charge. His Statcast profile displays that he took a while to acclimate to the majors with a 35% hard-hit charge, 5.5% barrel charge, and common exit velo of 88 mph. With the strongest hit software of the three and plus uncooked energy that he is not likely tapped into but, will probably be fascinating to see if Keith can take a major step ahead this season, though shedding 2B eligibility after this season could be a blow to his fantasy worth. For 2025, anticipate a mean about .260 with 15-18 homers as a flooring and he could ship extra.
Matt McLain (2B/SS-CIN) could also be restricted to 2B throughout the upcoming season if issues go how new Reds supervisor Terry Francona needs. McLain missed the whole 2024 marketing campaign due to a shoulder harm and a rib cage stress response. In his rookie marketing campaign as a 23 year-old in 2024, he confirmed promise as he hit .290 with 16 dingers, 50 RBI, 64 runs scored, and 14 stolen bases throughout 403 PA. The common is prone to regress considerably, although, as his BABIP was .385 and he fanned at a 28.5% charge in his first run within the majors. Though his swinging-strike charge wasn’t ridiculous at 10.5%, McLain’s contact charge was subpar at 74.5% as he was pretty passive on the dish (42% swing charge). The respectable pop, although, does appear legit as his Statcast profile included a 42% hard-hit charge, 11% barrel charge, and common exit velocity of 89.5 mph whereas his launch angle was 13.8; the outcome was a sturdy 24% liner charge and 37% flyball charge. A 20-20 marketing campaign with a couple of .250 or so common could be very attainable over a full season in 2025. Simply control the information out of spring coaching to verify he secures an on a regular basis position earlier than investing on draft day; in that case, his ADP of 11 at SS and 113 total is a deal. The early returns in spring coaching are encouraging as he went 3-3 with a homer, 2 2B, and a pair of RBI on Wednesday.
Corey Seager (SS-TEX) is anticipated to be a full go for Opening Day (hip/sports activities hernia) after reporting to spring coaching with no restrictions. He missed the top of his age-30 season, and sturdiness is at all times a priority as Seager has registered greater than 600 PA in a marketing campaign solely 3 times since he reached the majors again in 2015. However, as common, he was very productive when wholesome in 2024 as he posted a .278 common to go along with 30 homers, 74 RBI, and 68 runs scored throughout 533 PA, with a nicely above-average wRC+ of 140. Seager’s contact charge was really up at 78.5% (76.5% profession) whereas his Statcast profile was as sturdy as common, if not slightly extra so, with a 49.5% hard-hit charge (46% profession), 15% barrel charge (10.5% profession), and common exit velocity of 92 mph (91 profession). He is now on the unsuitable aspect of 30, however Seager’s expertise has by no means been in query and his skillset doesn’t depend upon youth. Count on a mean of .280 or higher to go along with 30+ homers as long as he can register a minimum of 500 PA. His ADP of 40 total (7 at SS) is a superb worth when it comes to pure expertise, however quantity is at all times a questions mark with Seager.
Jake Burger (1B/3B-TEX) joined the Rangers in an offseason commerce that ought to profit each events. In his age-28 season with the Marlins, Burger hit .250 (for the second straight yr) whereas hitting 29 homers, driving in 76 runs, and scoring 68 runs throughout 579 PA, with a wRC+ of 106. He would not stroll a lot (5.5%) and followers bit (26%) as his swinging-strike charge was 15% (down from 17% in 2023). His contact charge wasn’t nice at 71.5%, however that was higher than the 68.5% he recorded in 2023. Unsurprisingly, Burger excels in high quality of contact as his Statcast profile included a 47% hard-hit charge, 12.5% barrel charge, and common exit velocity of 91.5 mph whereas his launch angle of 13 generated a mixed 56% liner-flyball charge. Search for one other .240-.250 season with 30 or so dingers in his first season with Texas as he is anticipated to function the membership’s main 1B with Nate Lowe now with the Nationals. With an ADP at 14 at his place and 128, there’s worth available right here.
Michael Harris II (OF-ATL) reported that he felt wholesome heading into spring coaching and felt that he had a great offseason. This comes after he was probably slowed on basepaths late within the 2024 season by worry of reaggravating hamstring harm that restricted him to 110 video games. Though Harris’s wRC+ got here in at a career-low 99, he was nonetheless an across-the-board fantasy contributor with a .264 common, 16 homers, 48 RBI, 58 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases. The membership believes in him sufficient that he noticed time at leadoff within the absence of Ronald Acuna, Jr. Whereas he would not stroll a lot (5%), Harris stored the strikeout charge to a suitable 20% clip. However a 13% swinging-strike charge and 39.5% chase charge are regarding and his 76.5% contact charge is not something to put in writing dwelling about. The excellent news is that his Statcast profile remained sturdy with a 47% hard-hit charge, 9.5% barrel charge, and common exit velocity of 90.5 mph, though a launch angle of seven.5 resulted in a 49.5% groundball charge, leaving simply 20.5% liners and 30% flyballs. That may restrict his energy output, but when his velocity is again it is superb for the typical. With good well being, Harris is prone to hit for .275 or so whereas going 20-20. However that is a giant if, and Harris is at the moment being drafted because the sixteenth OF off the board in drafts; plenty of that’s primarily based on projection.
Starling Marte (OF-NYM) and Jesse Winker (OF-NYM) will reportedly platoon at DH for the Mets this season. Because of this each will probably provide minimal fantasy worth throughout the coming marketing campaign. Marte is coming off a second straight marketing campaign by which he registered fewer than 400 PA, and he hasn’t logged greater than 500 since 2019. In his age-35 season, he mustered a .269 common to go along with homers, 40 RBI, 46 runs scored, and 16 steals with a barely above-average wRC+ of 104. His 22% strikeout charge was his highest since 2014 as his contact charge dipped under 75% for the primary time since that very same yr. Alternatively, his Statcast profile was the most effective of his profession (nicely, since Statcast began in 2015) as he registered a 43% hard-hit charge, 7% barrel charge and common exit velo of 90 mph; sadly a career-low 4.3 launch angle restricted his energy output as he had a grounder charge of fifty.5% to go along with a 27% liner charge and 23% flyball charge. Count on diminished manufacturing in 2024 as he’ll be the weak aspect of a platoon and his velocity is prone to slip as he is now within the again half of his 30s. He is additionally been coping with recurring knee soreness since late final season, so control that. The 31 year-old Jesse Winker will man the robust aspect of the platoon as he is coming off one thing of a rebound marketing campaign by which he logged a .253 common, 14 dingers, 58 runs RBI, 63 runs scored, and a career-high 14 steals in 508 PA with the Nationals and Mets. A 118 wRC+ was his greatest since 2021, however that was solely the second time he cracked 500 PA in a season since he reached the majors in 2017. His 21% strikeout charge and 12.5% stroll charge have been each par for the course as was Winker’s 81.5% contact charge. Whereas not fairly on the stage of 2020-2021 when he was with the Reds, his Statcast profile improved from 2022-2023 because it included a 37% hard-hit charge, 7.5% barrel charge, and common exit velocity of 88.5 mph. Primarily based on age, quantity, energy, and his newfound velocity (more than likely due to the brand new bases and guidelines), Winker is the extra fascinating of the 2 for deeper fantasy leagues.
Shane McClanahan (SP-TB) would be the Rays Opening Day starter in opposition to the Rockies on March 28. Whereas the 27 year-old southpaw has indicated that he will not have any form of restrictions throughout spring coaching, the membership is anticipated to cap his workload at round 150 innings this season. McClanahan is coming back from his second Tommy John surgical procedure, which he underwent in August 2023. Earlier than struggling the harm, he was within the midst of however underwhelming season, posting a 3.29 ERA, 9.5 Okay/9, 3.2 BB/9, and three.84 xFIP throughout 115 IP; all however the ERA have been his worst figures as a significant leaguer. To make sure, the growing elbow situation affected his effectiveness, nevertheless it’s value noting that his Statcast profile (42.5% hard-hit charge, 10% barrel charge, and common exit velo of 89.5 mph) was dangerous in comparison with that from his stellar 2022 season (32.5% hard-hit charge, 6.5% barrel charge, and common exit velocity of 87.5 mph). The excellent news is that though he surrendered extra free passes and loud contact (an terrible mixture), McClanahan continued to overlook extra bats than his Okay/9 suggests, as his swinging-strike charge remained elite at 15.5%. He is one thing of a lottery ticket as he comes off his second TJS, however McClanahan has ace upside as a low-3 ERA, 10 Okay/9 man. His present ADP of 133 total and 41 at SP provide good upside for an inexpensive value.
Jesus Luzardo (SP-PHI) was traded to the Phillies this previous offseason after a disappointing 2024 season with the Marlins. After seemingly breaking by means of in 2022-2023, the southpaw pitched solely 66.2 IP in his age-26 season, posting a 5.00 ERA, 7.8 Okay/9, 3 BB/9, and 4.23 xFIP. His common fastball velocity was down a tick and a half to 95.5 mph, however he nonetheless managed a 13.5% swinging-strike charge that was on par with seasons previous. Opposing hitters did, nonetheless, do a greater job of constructing contact on pitches contained in the zone (84.5% z-contact%) in comparison with earlier campaigns whereas Luzardo’s known as strike charge was down to fifteen% (from 17% in 2022 and 15.5% in 2023). Additionally they hit the ball more durable, as his Statcast profile included a 41% hard-hit charge, 10% barrel charge, and common exit velo of 90.5 mph that have been all increased than what they registered in opposition to him in 2022-2023. Again and flexor points restricted him to simply 12 begins final season and seemingly hampered his efficiency earlier than he went on the IL, however experiences point out that he is again to full well being for spring coaching. Fantasy homeowners ought to subsequently anticipate a Okay/9 north of 9 – he is surpassed 10 twice up to now – to go along with an ERA within the mid-high 3s. There’s #2-3 SP potential right here as Luzardo is in his prime and was sharp in 2022-2023. Luzardo’s present ADP is sitting at about 79 at SP and 277 total; he might be a pleasant worth that late. He was electrical in his spring coaching debut on Friday, firing 2 scoreless IP in opposition to the Purple Sox by which he fanned 2 and did not enable a baserunner; he generated 6 swinging strikes as he fired 14 of his 19 choices for strikes whereas his sinker touched 98 mph.
Nick Lodolo (SP-CIN) reported to camp with out having to navigate any well being points, which was not the case in 2024 as he was getting back from a fractured tibia. Accidents lower into his 2024 season, which is a recurring theme for the 27 year-old southpaw. However Lodolo was simpler than his 4.76 ERA suggests when he was capable of take the mound as he compiled a 9.5 Okay/9, 2.9 BB/9, and three.95 xFIP throughout 115.1 IP. His 3.78 SIERA and three.72 xERA additionally counsel that he bumped into some poor luck, particularly a 68% strand charge. Lodolo’s contact charge (74%) and swinging-strike charge (12%) have been each strong whereas his Statcast profile wasn’t dangerous in any respect with a 37.5% hard-hit charge, 8% barrel charge, and common exit velocity of 89 mph. How a lot he’ll pitch is the massive query heading into the 2025 marketing campaign, however his observe report means that an ERA south of 4 to go along with a Okay/9 pushing 10 is an inexpensive expectation. With a present ADP of 72 at his place and 248 total, there’s comparatively little threat right here.
Kumar Rocker (SP-TEX) will not be anticipated to make the Rangers’ Opening Day rotation if all 5 starters in entrance of him are wholesome heading into the season. It is a rotation that features Jacob deGrom and others who’re liable to overlook a while. The 25 year-old righty returned from Tommy John surgical procedure in a giant method final season, posting a 1.96 ERA, 13.5 Okay/9, 1.2 BB/9, and a pair of.04 xFIP throughout 36.2 IP within the minors earlier than getting the decision to the majors. In his temporary debut, he registered a 3.86 ERA, 10.8 Okay/9, 4.6 BB/9, and three.86 xFIP over 11.2 IP. Though his management faltered within the majors, Rocker’s common fastball velocity got here in north of 96 mph whereas he missed some bats (13.5% swinging-strike charge). It is powerful to glean an excessive amount of from lower than 50 whole IP, however suffice to say that Rocker must be on fantasy homeowners’ radars. The Vanderbilt product distinguished himself in his collegiate profession and was the #3 total decide in 2022, so the pedigree is there. He has great things and confirmed good management within the minors final season, so all he wants is a chance. Be sure to’re able to capitalize in fantasy.
