Fantasy sports enthusiasts are always on the lookout for breakout players, yet oftentimes overlook post-hype sleepers who can still provide value in drafts. By examining players who were once top prospects but have since struggled, this guide identifies several candidates poised for a resurgence. Parker Meadows of the Detroit Tigers, who boasts potential for 20 homers and 25 steals, and Jordan Walker of the St. Louis Cardinals, who showed improvement upon his call-up, are highlighted as key post-hype picks.

Other notable mentions include Miami Marlins' Connor Norby, who has a strong offensive upside despite contact issues, and Jonathan Aranda of the Tampa Bay Rays, who may capitalize on a potential full-time role. Additionally, young prospects like Jordan Lawlar and Trevor Larnach are given attention for their talent and opportunity as they aim to break through after prior setbacks. Those willing to take calculated risks on these players could reap significant rewards in the upcoming fantasy season.

Connor Norby, acquired by the Miami Marlins during the 2024 trade deadline, is being highlighted as a key player to watch for a breakout season in 2025. After joining the Marlins from the Baltimore Orioles, where he was traded for pitcher Trevor Rogers, Norby quickly rose to become the No. 3 prospect within the team, showcasing his potential with a franchise record of nine extra-base hits in his first 12 games. Despite a challenging rookie season that saw him hitting .236 overall, analysts remain optimistic about his future, citing impressive metrics such as high barrel rates and excellent sprint speed.

As he transitions to third base with Otto López solidifying his place at second, Norby is expected to improve defensively. His strong Triple-A statistics—averaging .294 with an .867 OPS—underscore his offensive capabilities, indicating that a more productive performance in the majors could be on the horizon. Spring Training begins on February 17, offering an early opportunity for Norby to establish himself as a reliable option for the Marlins.

In the wake of the Baltimore Orioles' offseason activities, fans are expressing frustration over the team's recent acquisitions, which seem to lack long-term vision. The roster adjustments, featuring veteran pitchers, appear to be merely short-term fixes rather than a foundation for sustained success.

The Orioles' market viability was significantly compromised two decades ago with the introduction of the Washington Nationals, limiting their ability to pursue top-tier talent. This has led to a reliance on short-term contracts for players like Elfin, Morton, and Sugano, who are seen as subpar additions.

The Baltimore Orioles are at a critical juncture as they navigate the complexities of maintaining a competitive roster in Major League Baseball. After two successful seasons where they notched over 90 wins and made playoff appearances, the Orioles now face the potential of squandering their opportunity to solidify themselves as a perennial contender. Historically, the team has relied on a model of developing star players and trading them before they hit free agency, a strategy that has often left them with a low payroll but also limited long-term success.

In recent years, the Orioles have rebuilt their roster, acquiring top talents such as Adley Rutschman and Jackson Holiday through the draft. However, as free agency progresses, the team has been notably inactive, missing out on key free agents and failing to make significant moves to bolster their pitching staff. The departure of Corbin Burnes to the Arizona Diamondbacks highlights a concerning trend for Baltimore, as they continue to sign less impactful players like Tomoyuki Sugano instead of pursuing top-tier talent.

Moreover, the Orioles have shown reluctance to trade some of their promising prospects, potentially missing opportunities to acquire established players who could help them compete immediately. The recent trade of Connor Norby and Kyle Stowers for Trevor Rogers did not yield the desired results, further emphasizing the need for a more aggressive approach. As they watch division rivals like the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox strengthen their rosters, the Orioles risk falling behind in the competitive AL East if they do not adapt their strategy and capitalize on their window of opportunity.