As spring training kicks off, fantasy managers should focus on standout players from each MLB team, particularly those poised for breakout seasons. Heston Kjerstad of the Baltimore Orioles, a former second overall draft pick, is expected to secure significant playing time and could launch 20-plus homers this season. For the Boston Red Sox, Kristian Campbell's ascent suggests he may soon replace Trevor Story, while Jasson Domínguez of the Yankees boasts high fantasy upside and could be a five-category contributor. Shane Baz of the Tampa Bay Rays is a post-hype sleeper to monitor, and Bowden Francis is also intriguing following a solid 2024 finish.

In the AL Central, pitchers like Sean Burke from the White Sox and Gavin Williams from the Guardians are among those to watch closely for potential. The AL West has promising talents such as Nick Kurtz with the Athletics and Isaac Paredes with the Astros, both of whom are positioned to make significant impacts. Meanwhile, Corbin Burnes with the Diamondbacks and Chase Dollander with the Rockies could bolster pitching lineups in the NL.

Draft season for fantasy baseball is upon us, and savvy managers are eager for undervalued pitchers. This article highlights post-hype starters, players who once had significant expectations but have fallen off the radar. Notable names include Shane Baz of the Tampa Bay Rays, who, despite an ADP of 174, boasts impressive stats from last season. Gavin Williams of the Cleveland Guardians, with an ADP of 231, showcases potential with his minor league dominance and improved pitch arsenal. Other pitchers mentioned include Brayan Bello, Bobby Miller, Reid Detmers, and Luis Ortiz, all of whom present intriguing values for astute fantasy players.

The 2025 fantasy baseball season is shaping up to be an exciting one, especially with emerging players like Taylor Ward and Ryan Pepiot making headlines as potential sleeper picks. Ward, hitting for the Los Angeles Angels, may not be the flashiest choice, but his consistent performance in the past season suggests he could exceed his ADP of 187, with projections of 25 home runs and 78 RBIs. Meanwhile, Pepiot of the Tampa Bay Rays showcased promising skills with a 3.60 ERA last year, making him a valuable selection at his ADP of 195.

Shane Baz, also from the Rays, is looking to bounce back after injury, while Eugenio Suarez of the Arizona Diamondbacks finished strong last season. Not to be overlooked, Nick Castellanos continues to be a low-risk option for fantasy managers, consistently outperforming his ADP. Lastly, Randy Arozarena's 20-20 potential makes him a major sleeper despite a rough previous season. These players represent fantastic late-round picks for this year's fantasy drafts.

As the MLB 2025 season approaches, fantasy baseball players are already strategizing for their drafts, focusing on sleeper pitchers who might significantly outperform their average draft positions. Among the highlighted players is Joe Ryan from the Minnesota Twins, who has enhanced his pitching arsenal with new pitches leading to a promising season. Drew Rasmussen of the Tampa Bay Rays is set to return to a starting role post-Tommy John surgery, showing strong metrics from his previous seasons. Max Meyer of the Miami Marlins, a post-hype prospect, is looked at favorably following Miami's pitching overhaul.

Other notable mentions include David Festa from the Twins, who showcased skills suggesting a potential breakout season, and Justin Verlander, potentially undervalued due to past injuries. Shane Baz of the Tampa Bay Rays, despite missing two seasons due to surgery, has demonstrated high strikeout capabilities in the minors. Lastly, Quinn Mathews from the St. Louis Cardinals and Reynaldo Lopez of the Atlanta Braves also present intriguing late-round options for fantasy players.

The Tampa Bay Rays successfully navigated salary arbitration for all seven of their eligible players, including pitcher Zack Littell, ahead of the deadline. Littell is set to earn $5.72 million in 2025, a significant increase from his $1.85 million salary in 2024, surpassing the initial projections of $4.8 million.

Since joining the team off waivers in 2023, Littell has transitioned from a career reliever to a reliable starter, achieving impressive statistics. In 2023, he recorded a 3.93 ERA and 7.4 strikeouts per nine innings over 14 starts. He improved in 2024, finishing with an 8-10 record and a 3.63 ERA in 29 starts, leading all Rays players with a 2.8 WAR.