Fantasy baseball enthusiasts are gearing up for the 2025 season, focusing on second base and shortstop tiers. Notably absent from the elite second base tier are first-round hitters, with Ketel Marte standing out as the only player in the elite tier after an impressive season. His performance has elevated his average draft position to around 30, prompting discussions on whether he's worth the investment. Comparisons with other prominent players like Jose Altuve and Marcus Semien highlight Marte's dominance at the position, but concerns linger regarding the ability of other players to replicate such success.

In the shortstop rankings, the depth of talent contrasts sharply with second base, as names like Bobby Witt Jr. and Gunnar Henderson emerge as top-tier talent. The conversation shifts to the categorization of players like Ellie De La Cruz, whose unique skill set could warrant a first-round selection, albeit with cautious perspectives on balancing his power and batting average potential. The debates among analysts underscore the evolving landscape of fantasy baseball as they dissect player tiers and draft strategies.