Fantasy baseball team managers are increasingly investing in rookie players during drafts, often at a premium. Rookies with significant upside can be worth picking earlier than their Average Draft Position (ADP) suggests. In 2025, several rookie players are positioned for standout seasons, including Dylan Crews from the Washington Nationals, who has the potential to lead the league in stolen bases and could emerge as a top-25 outfielder.
Meanwhile, Matt Shaw of the Chicago Cubs is set to take over third base, with a solid Minor League track record that suggests he could be a top-10 player in his position. The Baltimore Orioles' Tomoyuki Sugano, despite being an unproven MLB pitcher at 35, could offer value with his impressive stats from the NPB. Also, Coby Mayo, who has shown potential in the minors, is a name to watch for the Orioles, although he faces competition for playing time.
Lastly, Deyvison De Los Santos of the Miami Marlins stands out for his power potential, despite concerns about his plate discipline. As teams look to bolster their rosters, these rookies are essential considerations for fantasy drafts.