As the 2025 fantasy baseball draft season approaches, late-round third basemen present lucrative opportunities for savvy managers. Maikel Garcia of the Kansas City Royals is projected to bounce back after a disappointing 2024, leveraging his speed on the base paths. Though his batting average dipped, his elite baserunning stats suggest significant upside, making him a potential steal at an ADP of 204.

Josh Jung of the Texas Rangers, recovering from a wrist injury, started strong last season. With a career barrel rate of 11.2%, he holds promise if he can stay healthy, making him an intriguing option at an ADP of 215. Meanwhile, Joey Ortiz is transitioning to shortstop for the Brewers, which may enhance his playing time and fantasy value, projecting to provide solid but unspectacular stats.

Chicago Cubs' prospect Matt Shaw could thrive given the opportunity to start after a strong minor league season, and Deyvison De Los Santos from the Marlins has shown a tantalizing power-speed combination but remains a risk due to his inconsistent performance.

The Chicago Cubs have made significant strides this offseason, bolstering their roster with strategic signings and trades. A notable move includes the return of veteran starter José Quintana, who has signed a one-year deal with the Milwaukee Brewers after a successful 2024 season with a commendable 3.75 ERA over 31 starts. Quintana's experience, which spans various teams including the New York Mets and Chicago White Sox, positions him to potentially be the Brewers' fifth starter, especially given their reputation for effective pitching development. The Cubs' recent roster turnover, particularly in pitching, highlights their ongoing commitment to improving their performance.

Fantasy baseball enthusiasts should keep a close watch on potential sleepers from all 30 Major League Baseball teams. A.J. Puk from the Arizona Diamondbacks showcases elite metrics from the bullpen, while Zack Gelof of the Athletics stands out for his offensive potential, especially in light of the team's move to a more hitter-friendly park. The Braves' Grant Holmes and the Orioles' Ryan Mountcastle could provide significant returns in drafts, as both have promising outlooks for 2025.

Other players to consider include Trevor Story of the Red Sox, who can contribute in multiple categories despite injury concerns, and the Cubs' Matt Shaw, who can slot in at several positions and has the potential for a strong rookie campaign. Meanwhile, the Reds' Nick Lodolo and Guardians' Kyle Manzardo are also solid picks for those looking to balance their roster. Keep an eye on these players as you head into fantasy drafts this year.

In fantasy baseball, success hinges on a profound understanding of player dynamics, as demonstrated in a recent analysis that emphasizes the importance of a solid player pool knowledge. This year's playbook reveals that standout athletes like Bobby Witt Jr. have continued to break records and set impressive metrics, highlighting the significance of both speed and power in his performance. Meanwhile, Aaron Judge's remarkable past season raises concerns about regression and injury history, prompting caution in drafting strategies.

Other players, such as Corbin Carroll and Kyle Tucker, showcase potential despite recent setbacks, indicating the importance of timing and adaptability in fantasy picks. With a focus on emerging stars and proven veterans, the analysis underscores the ever-evolving landscape of fantasy baseball and the crucial decision-making required for optimal team construction.

As the Chicago Cubs approach the regular season, their offseason efforts to improve seem promising, with a series of trades enhancing their roster. However, a significant missed opportunity was the pursuit of free agent Alex Bregman, who has since joined the Boston Red Sox. This leaves the Cubs with rookie Matt Shaw expected to start at third base, raising concerns given Shaw's lack of Major League experience.

In response to this uncertainty, the Cubs might look to players like Brett Baty from the New York Mets. Baty, blocked from regular play by established teammates, has shown potential during spring training. With solid minor league performance and impressive spring stats, including a .538 batting average, he could serve as a viable backup for the Cubs at third if Shaw struggles.