Opting for an AL-only league format can transform your fantasy baseball experience, making drafts feel more intense and high-stakes due to a limited player pool. However, with this excitement comes the risk of missteps that could jeopardize your season. To navigate these waters, cautious selection of hitters is crucial. This article highlights five hitters to avoid in AL-only leagues, providing insights into their potential risks and performance metrics.

Boston Red Sox's Ceddanne Rafaela, with an ADP of 173, presents significant risk due to subpar advanced metrics despite decent counting stats. Cedric Mullins of the Baltimore Orioles is also a name to steer clear of, as an influx of talent has diminished his fantasy value significantly. Trevor Story and Anthony Santander, both of the Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays respectively, pose similar concerns with their fluctuating performances. Lastly, while Jose Altuve remains a reliable second baseman, signs of decline may make him less appealing in the upcoming season.

Drafting power hitters and pitchers early can leave you lacking in stolen bases, but there are valuable late-round picks with speed potential to consider. Target players like Victor Robles of the Seattle Mariners, who led with a career-high 34 steals and boasts a strong offensive line.

Jacob Young from the Washington Nationals, although lacking power, swiped 33 bags in 2024, while Jose Caballero and Dylan Moore from Tampa Bay and Seattle, respectively, also provide speed with strong defensive metrics. Cedric Mullins of the Baltimore Orioles offers significant upside with his ability to contribute both power and speed.

The Baltimore Orioles have finalized a one-year, $975,000 deal with Dylan Carlson, a former first-round pick by the St. Louis Cardinals. After being non-tendered by the Tampa Bay Rays, Carlson hopes to reinvigorate his career at just 26 years old. Despite hitting only 16 home runs since his standout rookie season in 2021, he brings versatility to the Orioles’ outfield, capable of playing all three positions. With Anthony Santander's departure and the addition of Tyler O'Neill, the Orioles are looking for Carlson to bolster their lineup in a competitive AL East.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Toronto Blue Jays successfully negotiated a one-year contract worth $28.5 million, avoiding a salary arbitration hearing. Guerrero had previously set a record with a $19.9 million salary last year. Houston's Framber Valdez secured an $18 million deal, while Kyle Tucker of the Chicago Cubs requested the highest figure among players negotiating at $17.5 million, but was offered $15 million.

Other players reaching agreements include San Diego's Luis Arraez at $14 million, Arizona's Zac Gallen at $13.5 million, among others. A total of 148 players finalized deals while 169 remain eligible for arbitration, with hearings set for late January through mid-February.

The MLB arbitration deadline has passed, with teams making crucial decisions on player contracts for the 2025 season. A number of players secured deals right before the 1 p.m. ET cutoff, while others will have to exchange salary figures leading to potential hearings. Several teams, including the Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, and Baltimore Orioles, announced various agreements for their players, ranging from substantial contracts to those still pending.

Among the notable signings, the Arizona Diamondbacks reached an agreement with first baseman Josh Naylor for $10.9 million, while pitcher Zac Gallen secured $13.5 million. The Oakland Athletics signed Miguel Andujar for $3 million and extended Brent Rooker’s contract for five years at $60 million. The landscape of arbitration deals reflects teams’ strategies as they negotiate and finalize their rosters for the upcoming season.