As the fantasy baseball season progresses into Week 3, several previously promising players are struggling significantly. This week’s analysis focuses on five notable hitters and pitchers who have seen their value drop dramatically, raising the question of whether to hold on, sell low, or drop them altogether. Jackson Holliday of the Baltimore Orioles, once a highly touted prospect, is currently hitless in his last 17 at-bats, reflecting a troubling slump. Similarly, Mark Vientos from the New York Mets is batting just .130 with a high strikeout rate, causing concern among fantasy owners.

Boston Red Sox’s Triston Casas, who demonstrated potential last season, has also started poorly this year, prompting speculation about his long-term viability. Matt Chapman of the San Francisco Giants is in an even deeper slump, going hitless over his last eight games. Lastly, Yusei Kikuchi, a pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels, has not been delivering the expected results despite his previous form. Collectively, these players present dilemmas for fantasy managers as they weigh their options heading into the next week.

Baseball metrics are crucial for evaluating player performance, especially for fantasy managers. One emerging stat, EV50, measures the average exit velocity of the hardest 50% of a player's batted balls, providing insights into power potential. In 2024, only 23 out of 405 hitters achieved an EV50 of over 103 mph and an average exit velocity on flyballs and line drives of 96 mph, signaling they are players to watch for power output in 2025.

Highlighted are James Wood from the Washington Nationals, Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays, and Matt Chapman of the San Francisco Giants. Wood, while dealing with groundball issues, has shown great potential with a 20% home run rate. Caminero, whose ADP is climbing, may benefit from a hitter-friendly park environment, while Chapman consistently ranks among the elite power hitters. Other mentions, like Heliot Ramos and Tyler Soderstrom, also show promising signs for power production.

Best Ball fantasy leagues are gaining popularity, especially among younger players, due to their fast-paced nature and lack of in-season management. Participants enjoy quick drafts and roster optimization that automatically scores based on weekly totals. While this format is appealing, understanding its unique scoring rules is crucial for maximizing potential success.

Players like Matt Chapman of the San Francisco Giants, often overlooked in drafts, present significant value based on projections. His improved approach and decreased strikeout rate suggest he could greatly outperform his draft position. Similarly, Taylor Ward from the Los Angeles Angels is flying under the radar, despite consistent performance metrics suggesting he could be a solid late-round pick. Andrew Vaughn of the Chicago White Sox and Mike Trout, albeit risky due to injury concerns, are also highlighted as players with high upside that could prove beneficial if healthy.