This season's fantasy drafts see shortstop being a notably top-heavy position, with Bobby Witt Jr., Elly De La Cruz, Gunnar Henderson, and Mookie Betts going in the first round of most leagues. Not far behind, Francisco Lindor is also a popular pick, often within the top ten. As the first round unfolds, managers can expect to see Trea Turner, Corey Seager, Oneil Cruz, and CJ Abrams taken in the third to fifth rounds.

However, even if these elite shortstops aren’t available, there are solid options later in the draft. Players such as Ezequiel Tovar and Zach Neto offer intriguing upside, with Tovar boasting impressive stats from last year, while Neto has shown potential despite facing injury concerns. Dansby Swanson presents a reliable option with consistent offensive numbers and the ability to swipe bases. Tyler Fitzgerald and Carlos Correa also stand as late-round steals, with Correa demonstrating strong numbers when healthy, and Fitzgerald showcasing speed and power potential. Finally, Bo Bichette is expected to bounce back after a disappointing season, making him a high-reward pick this year.

As the 2025 fantasy baseball drafts commence, seekers of value in the later rounds are focusing their attention on players like Tyler Fitzgerald and Christopher Morel, who promise potential upside. Fitzgerald of the San Francisco Giants showed a notable performance last season, with 15 home runs and 17 stolen bases in just 96 games. His speed and power make him an intriguing late-round option, especially given the limited alternatives the Giants have defensively.

Morel, now with the Tampa Bay Rays, brings a streaky performance but a tantalizing power upside, having recorded 21 home runs last season. The Rays' new ballpark conditions could further enhance his production. Meanwhile, Michael Conforto, despite being overlooked in drafts, has the potential to thrive with the Los Angeles Dodgers, bolstered by a favorable hitting environment and a strong lineup. For pitchers, Drew Rasmussen presents a low-risk option after demonstrating solid ratios in the past seasons, while Jackson Jobe's minor league pedigree could make him a valuable late-round flier.

Tyler Fitzgerald is set to take on a pivotal role as the San Francisco Giants' second baseman, following a standout stretch last season where he showcased extraordinary power. He hit 11 homers during a 17-game span, placing him in elite company alongside legends like A-Rod and Barry Bonds. However, his season ended on a down note, with just one homer in his final 36 games. Despite this, his early-season performance secured him a spot in the lineup, and with the Giants' coaching staff expressing confidence in him, he is expected to thrive in 2025.

Fitzgerald's speed is a key asset, as he successfully stole 71 bases in the minors and ranked highly in sprint speed. As he focuses on mastering second base, advice from former Giants star Buster Posey has resonated with him, emphasizing the importance of playing without fear of failure. With a full-time role, he has the potential to steal 30 bases, making him a player to watch in fantasy leagues this season.

The San Francisco Giants have made headlines by signing shortstop Willy Adames to a seven-year, $182 million contract, marking the largest deal in the franchise's history. This move reflects the team's strategy under president of baseball operations Buster Posey, as they aim to strengthen their roster.

Adames, known for his power and defensive skills, had a standout tenure with the Milwaukee Brewers, hitting 107 home runs over four seasons. However, concerns linger about his performance at Oracle Park, which is notorious for being challenging for home run hitters.