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.

The 2025 fantasy baseball season is approaching, and managers are gearing up for drafts, especially focusing on third base values in points leagues. While elite players like Jose Ramirez and Rafael Devers dominate early rounds, savvy drafters can find gems later on. One standout is Jake Burger, now with the Texas Rangers, who consistently hits over 30 home runs and is positioned to thrive in a potent lineup. Matt Chapman of the San Francisco Giants also remains a solid choice, coming off a strong performance last season. Meanwhile, Eugenio Suarez of the Arizona Diamondbacks, who has a proven track record for power, and Isaac Paredes of the Houston Astros, known for his ability to deliver homeruns at a favorable park, present great value picks. Lastly, Josh Jung, despite a rocky previous season due to injury, is poised for a rebound, making him a steal at his current draft position.

The San Francisco Giants are actively shaping their roster as spring training progresses, with key position battles heating up. Manager Bob Melvin hinted at a possible Opening Day lineup during a recent exhibition against the Chicago White Sox, featuring LaMonte Wade Jr. at first base and Matt Chapman at third. With veteran Justin Verlander on the mound, the projected lineup, which includes Jung Hoo Lee and Mike Yastrzemski, showed promise with four home runs in a 7-3 victory. Verlander expressed excitement over seeing the team gel, emphasizing the importance of players finding their rhythm in their respective spots.

The pitching staff showcased strong control, a vital improvement over last year’s performance, as they continue to refine their approach leading into the start of the regular season.

In the unpredictable world of baseball, players like Jarren Duran and Brent Rooker are proving that they can surprise us with their performances. Duran, an outfielder for the Boston Red Sox, posted impressive stats in 2024, including a .285 average and 34 stolen bases, suggesting he could be a valuable asset in fantasy leagues. However, concerns about sustainability linger, especially regarding his batting average and speed metrics.

Brent Rooker of the Athletics showcased his power with 39 home runs, but questions about his average and strikeout rates add uncertainty to his future output. Meanwhile, Willy Adames, now with the Giants, faces a challenging environment for repeating his past success, and Matt Chapman appears to be on the rise again after addressing previous swing issues. Across the league, familiar names like Luis Garcia and Jack Flaherty are also making waves, each with their own set of sustainability challenges and potential fantasy value.