As the 2025 MLB season approaches, attention shifts to the pivotal figures poised to shape its narrative. Players like Chandler Simpson, the minor-league speedster for the Rays, are set to make waves with their unique talents, while James Wood and Junior Caminero represent promising potential for the Nationals and Rays, respectively. The spotlight also falls on veterans such as Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander, who are fighting to extend their illustrious careers. The Mets’ Clay Holmes is a key acquisition, aiming to bolster their pitching lineup amid uncertainty in their rotation. Meanwhile, Buster Posey’s new role with the Giants as POBO introduces a fresh perspective to an iconic franchise.

This season will witness ongoing storylines around emerging stars and seasoned veterans alike, underlining the importance of player performance and health. For fantasy league enthusiasts, keeping tabs on these key figures will be essential as they can significantly impact team dynamics and overall success. As the season kicks off, expect to see these players and their performances closely monitored and analyzed.

The MLB season is set to kick off on March 18 with an exciting two-game series between the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers in Tokyo. This early start means fantasy baseball drafts will need to be scheduled earlier than usual. To prepare, we've identified key sleepers who are poised to outperform their average draft positions (ADP) in the upcoming season.

Ozzie Albies of the Atlanta Braves, currently carrying an ADP of 49.3, presents a risky yet enticing option. Despite injury concerns and a below-par performance last season, his impressive numbers from his last healthy season suggest considerable upside. James Wood of the Washington Nationals (ADP 55.7) is another player to watch; his rookie campaign showed potential for a breakout based on his strong metrics. San Diego Padres pitcher Michael King (ADP 59.1) is an underrated starter with a stellar season, while Framber Valdez (ADP 60.7) continues to be a reliable pick for fantasy managers. Lastly, Minnesota Twins' Pablo López (ADP 65) rounds out this list as a consistent starter with solid strikeout capabilities. This season is ripe with potential, offering savvy fantasy players the chance to secure valuable talent earlier than expected.

As the 2025 fantasy baseball season approaches, several promising second-year hitters are ready to make their mark. Elly De La Cruz of the Cincinnati Reds is a standout example, having improved significantly after a modest rookie season. His performance sets the stage for other young players looking to break out this year.

Among the top candidates are Pete Crow-Armstrong of the Chicago Cubs, whose late 2024 surge hints at a full breakout. Jackson Holliday of the Baltimore Orioles, despite an underwhelming debut, shows potential from his impressive minor league stats and is expected to step up. James Wood of the Washington Nationals displayed commendable power and speed last season, indicating he too could elevate his game this year.

Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays, despite limited playing time, has shown offensive potential and is poised for a breakout, while Wyatt Langford of the Texas Rangers, selected early in the 2023 draft, is anticipated to fulfill expectations after a slower start in the majors. These players could become valuable assets in fantasy drafts.

Yahoo Fantasy Plus has unveiled substantial upgrades for the 2025 fantasy baseball season, aimed at giving subscribers a competitive edge. Key enhancements include advanced maximum and minimum projections, helping managers better assess player value and potential. The Fantasy Plus Experts Consensus model has flagged three outfielders with the most uncertain outcomes, offering insights that could shape draft strategies.

Wyatt Langford of the Texas Rangers is spotlighted with a projected 1,167 fantasy points, featuring a maximum of 1,557 and a minimum of 747. Despite fluctuating performances, Langford’s speed and power make him a high-upside pick. Lawrence Butler of the Athletics, with a similar range, shows promise after his 2024 season, while James Wood of the Nationals, noted for his intriguing skills, faces uncertainty but could also be a breakout star.

Fantasy baseball is not just about snagging the hottest prospects; it's equally crucial to identify the players who are overvalued based on their draft position. For the upcoming 2025 season, here are five outfielders to be cautious of during your drafts.

First up is Bryan Reynolds from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Despite a solid track record, his age and a lack of upside due to a struggling lineup make him a risky investment at his current ADP of 95.84. Steven Kwan of the Cleveland Guardians presents a similar dilemma; his promising last season is tempered by a low barrel rate and concerns about power potential at an ADP of 136.29.

Next, Adolis Garcia of the Texas Rangers, with an ADP of 149.40, may not be the bounce-back candidate many hope for as he enters his age-32 season with alarming strikeout rates and injury concerns. Also, Brenton Doyle from the Colorado Rockies, though initially appealing, carries risks of regression after a strong season, particularly at his elevated ADP of 68.67. Lastly, James Wood of the Washington Nationals is a young talent with high potential but comes with a top-50 asking price that might be too steep for unproven performance.