Garrett Crochet's transition from an injury-prone reliever to a top-notch starter exemplifies the phenomenon of post-hype sleepers. Players like Joey Bart, Luis García Jr., and Jurickson Profar also showcase the resurgence of talent that can be overlooked by impatient fantasy managers. This season, several players are positioned to break out, including first-round pick Nolan Schanuel, who could leverage his speed and on-base skills into significant power. Brandon Pfaadt, Gavin Williams, and MacKenzie Gore are pitchers with the potential for breakout seasons despite previous struggles, while Jonathan Aranda offers strong minor league credentials and a chance to seize a DH role.

Fantasy managers should keep an eye on these players and consider their potential to provide excellent late-round or waiver wire value.

In the world of fantasy baseball auction drafts, targeting players with an Average Auction Value (AAV) of just $1 can uncover significant value. This strategy is particularly vital when managing a tight budget during drafts. Players available at this price point often represent potential sleepers that can contribute unexpectedly. Focus on players who not only have shown glimpses of talent but also exhibit promising metrics that can translate well into a fantasy environment.

Nolan Schanuel, a first baseman for the Los Angeles Angels, is a prime example. Despite a mediocre 2024 season, he demonstrated strong plate discipline and solid on-base skills, making him a valuable asset in AVG/OBP formats. Edwin Uceta of the Tampa Bay Rays, after a rocky start to his MLB career, has transformed into a dominant reliever, boasting a 1.51 ERA in 2024. Luke Weaver, now with the Yankees, has also emerged as a potential closer option, especially with the team's recent trade for Devin Williams. Jonathan Aranda, limited by Tampa Bay's roster depth, showed impressive hitting metrics and could thrive with more playing time.

Identifying sleeper players who can outperform their average draft position (ADP) is essential for success in fantasy baseball. Oneil Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates, with a Yahoo ADP of 59.4, possesses elite stats but has room for improvement, potentially becoming a 30-30-.270 player. Lawrence Butler of the Athletics, a late-round pick, showed impressive stats post-All-Star break, hinting at a 30-30 potential. Meanwhile, Bo Bichette's 109.3 ADP could be a steal as he rebounds from injury, while Thairo Estrada, projected at 233.4, thrives at Coors Field. Other notable mentions include Matt Wallner, Jake McCarthy, and Christopher Morel, who each have the tools to exceed expectations in the upcoming season.

Los Angeles Angels owner Arte Moreno is actively seeking to enhance the team's roster for the 2025 MLB season, with reports indicating interest in free agent Pete Alonso. According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, the Angels are in discussions regarding Alonso, but there is a discrepancy in contract length expectations between the two parties.

Alonso, who recently became a free agent after six seasons with the New York Mets, is a highly sought-after player in a slow-moving free agent market. Following a disappointing season for the Angels, which marked the worst in franchise history, the team is eager to add an All-Star caliber player to their lineup. However, acquiring Alonso would necessitate a positional shift for Nolan Schanuel, likely moving him to left field.

Schanuel's rapid ascent from a first-round draft pick to the majors was marked by a strong performance in 2023, boasting a .365 batting average. Despite this, the Angels' management is looking to bolster their offensive power, with Heyman suggesting they might consider another player, Santander, as a viable option.

Alonso, 30, previously turned down a lucrative seven-year, $158 million offer, which has not yielded the results he anticipated. Following a subpar offensive season, he recorded a .240 batting average and a career-low OPS of .788, alongside 34 home runs and 88 RBIs. Although the Angels have made moves to improve their roster, including acquiring Jorge Soler from the Atlanta Braves, the consensus is that Alonso's caliber remains unmatched. Despite the interest from the Angels, predictions lean towards Alonso returning to the Mets as negotiations continue.

The Los Angeles Angels secured the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft following the recent lottery held in Dallas. This lottery, now in its third year during the Winter Meetings, included 16 of the 18 non-playoff teams vying for the top six picks.

The Angels had an 18% chance of landing a top-six pick, falling just behind the Colorado Rockies and Miami Marlins. As a 'payor club,' they risk losing their lottery pick in the 2026 Draft if they remain a lottery team.

First-round picks are vital for the Angels as they rebuild, with recent draftees quickly making their way to the majors.