Injured players often present value in fantasy baseball drafts, and savvy managers can exploit this by stashing them. Players such as Zach Neto of the Los Angeles Angels, Sean Manaea of the New York Mets, and Brandon Woodruff of the Milwaukee Brewers are excellent stash candidates. Neto, recovering from shoulder surgery, is a high-upside pick following a breakout 2024. Manaea, while sidelined by an oblique strain, showed impressive stats last season and may return early. Woodruff's potential is notable despite missing the previous season, he has a history of strong performance.

Other players to consider include Luis Gil of the New York Yankees, who will miss part of the season with a lat strain but has demonstrated significant strikeout potential. Lastly, Francisco Alvarez, the Mets' catcher, is out for several weeks with a hand injury but possesses power worth waiting for. Knowing when to draft these players can provide a competitive edge as they return to form.

This season's fantasy drafts see shortstop being a notably top-heavy position, with Bobby Witt Jr., Elly De La Cruz, Gunnar Henderson, and Mookie Betts going in the first round of most leagues. Not far behind, Francisco Lindor is also a popular pick, often within the top ten. As the first round unfolds, managers can expect to see Trea Turner, Corey Seager, Oneil Cruz, and CJ Abrams taken in the third to fifth rounds.

However, even if these elite shortstops aren’t available, there are solid options later in the draft. Players such as Ezequiel Tovar and Zach Neto offer intriguing upside, with Tovar boasting impressive stats from last year, while Neto has shown potential despite facing injury concerns. Dansby Swanson presents a reliable option with consistent offensive numbers and the ability to swipe bases. Tyler Fitzgerald and Carlos Correa also stand as late-round steals, with Correa demonstrating strong numbers when healthy, and Fitzgerald showcasing speed and power potential. Finally, Bo Bichette is expected to bounce back after a disappointing season, making him a high-reward pick this year.

The fantasy baseball shortstop landscape in 2025 is loaded with both undervalued and overvalued players, creating a rich terrain for fantasy enthusiasts. Names like Bobby Witt Jr. and Francisco Lindor are commanding top draft slots, while players like Ezequiel Tovar and Bo Bichette present intriguing value options. Tovar, despite his high whiff rate, showcased potential with a successful 2024 season, making him a sleeper pick at ADP 160. Conversely, Bichette's injury-riddled past year at 131.3 ADP could yield a bounce-back opportunity. Then there’s Willy Adames, signed by the Giants, who may be overvalued due to his new pitcher-friendly environment. A comprehensive look reveals that while some shortstops are primed for breakout seasons, others may not live up to their lofty draft positions.

After a dismal 2023 season, the Los Angeles Angels are looking to rebound with strategic offseason moves, including the signing of former All-Star shortstop Tim Anderson. With Zach Neto sidelined due to shoulder surgery, Anderson has a clear path to secure a spot on the big league roster. Competing against players like Kevin Newman and Scott Kingery, Anderson aims to reclaim his former glory after struggling with the Chicago White Sox and Miami Marlins over the last two seasons.

Anderson's drop in performance was attributed to a leg injury that hindered his swing mechanics, leading to a disappointing .214 batting average in 2023. Now, after extensive training to break his bad habits, he is optimistic about his fresh start with the Angels and the guidance of infield coach Ron Washington. As Anderson embarks on this new chapter, he hopes his journey will transform into a compelling comeback story.

Anthony Rendon, a key acquisition for the Los Angeles Angels signing a hefty seven-year, $245 million contract, has faced significant struggles with injuries since joining the team. Following another setback in his recovery that necessitates hip surgery, Rendon will be sidelined indefinitely, raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming season.

On a more positive note, fellow Angel Zach Neto has reported improvements with his shoulder injury, though uncertainty lingers over his readiness for Opening Day. Meanwhile, speculation swirls around the Angels potentially securing a big-name starting pitcher before the 2025 season, which could bolster their rotation significantly.