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.

The Boston Red Sox secured an agreement with Alex Bregman, a star third baseman previously with the Houston Astros, instantly enhancing their lineup. With Bregman joining forces with Trevor Story, Triston Casas, and Rafael Devers, the Red Sox now boast a formidable lineup. Jarren Duran, the All-Star Game MVP, leads the order, while the rotation strengthens with Walker Buehler and Garrett Crochet.

This acquisition significantly impacts Vaughn Grissom's prospects, who was eyeing the second base role. Grissom, who arrived at camp with added muscle, may need to return to the minors until he finds a place in a crowded infield. After a promising debut in Atlanta, his experience in Boston has been less fruitful, underlining the competitive nature of the Red Sox's roster as they prepare for the new season.

The Boston Red Sox landed All-Star infielder Alex Bregman with a three-year, $120 million deal, officially removing him from the free-agent market. The Red Sox aimed to bolster their lineup with a right-handed bat, and Bregman fits the bill, despite positional challenges as Boston already has Rafael Devers at third base.

Bregman will likely transition to second base, a position he hasn't played since 2019. While his power numbers may dip moving away from Houston's hitter-friendly park, Fenway's dimensions could enable him to compensate with a higher doubles output. His addition raises intriguing questions about Boston's top prospects and their playoff chances, with current forecasts giving them a 53.8% chance of making the postseason, boosted by a stronger lineup and improved pitching.

As the anticipation for the 2025 fantasy baseball draft season builds, identifying bounce-back players from the previous year becomes critical for success. Among the top candidates, Trevor Story of the Boston Red Sox stands out if he can overcome his injury woes. His previous metrics suggest a potential for significant contributions in home runs and steals if he maintains health.

Isaac Paredes, now with the Houston Astros, could thrive in his new ballpark despite a subpar 2024. Triston Casas, also of the Red Sox, is pegged for a resurgence based on his impressive second-half performance in 2023. Meanwhile, Atlanta's Sean Murphy looks to rebound from a disappointing season, with potential for better luck and health. Lastly, Bo Bichette has metrics that suggest he can reclaim his early-round fantasy value after a down year.

Ha-Seong Kim has emerged as a sought-after player this offseason, drawing interest from multiple teams such as the Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, and San Francisco Giants. However, Jim Bowden of The Athletic suggests a surprising return to the San Diego Padres, emphasizing that they would benefit greatly from retaining Kim as their shortstop while utilizing Xander Bogaerts at second base.

During his tenure with the Padres, Kim has established himself as a reliable player, boasting a .242/.326/.380 batting line over nearly 2,000 plate appearances. While his offensive numbers are commendable, it is his defensive skills that have earned him accolades, including a Gold Glove in 2023. After transitioning from second base to shortstop ahead of the 2024 season, his defensive prowess will continue to be a significant asset for whichever team he plays for.