As fantasy baseball drafts continue into the 2025 season, savvy players are looking for hidden gems in the later rounds. This year's National League sleepers include Joey Ortiz, a third baseman for the Milwaukee Brewers, who is transitioning to shortstop. After a solid rookie season, he offers reliable stats with a projected average of .248 and 12 home runs in the upcoming year. Additionally, veteran pitcher Justin Verlander, now with the San Francisco Giants, is poised for a bounce-back season after a disappointing 2024. With an ADP of 346.0, he represents an excellent late-round target for fantasy managers.

Other notable mentions include Grant Holmes of the Atlanta Braves, who boasts a commendable strikeout rate and could slide into the starting rotation while filling in for Spencer Strider. Lastly, the Pittsburgh Pirates' Bubba Chandler, an emerging talent with a powerful fastball, could soon become a key player in their rotation after an impressive minor league season.

The Milwaukee Brewers' recent spring training game against the Arizona Diamondbacks was nothing short of chaotic, culminating in a staggering score of 16-9. Starting pitchers Freddy Peralta and Corbin Burnes struggled, yielding a combined 18 runs and 19 hits, highlighting pre-season nerves ahead of opening day against the New York Yankees. Notably, Joey Ortiz had an unexpected exit from the game, rushing to the restroom mid-at-bat, a moment that elicited both laughter and a potential kangaroo court penalty based on team tradition.

Despite the rough outing, Peralta kept his spirits high, commenting on the need to brush off such a performance and focus on the upcoming regular season. The Brewers' offense overwhelmed Burnes, showcasing their prowess with aggressive hitting and baserunning, notably William Contreras' perfect day at the plate. This game served as a reminder of the unpredictability of spring training, where lessons are learned amid the fun.

Joey Ortiz has been named the new shortstop for the Milwaukee Brewers following Willy Adames' move to the San Francisco Giants on a lucrative seven-year deal. The Brewers face a pivotal transition period, and Ortiz, who primarily played third base last season, is set to take on this critical role. Brice Turang, last year's National League Platinum Glove winner, will remain at second base, despite recent shoulder concerns, as he was expected to be healthy for the season's opening. Ortiz brings a solid .239 batting average with 11 home runs and 60 RBIs as a rookie.

Identifying sleeper picks is crucial for any fantasy baseball manager, as late-round selections can drastically shape your roster. In the National League, prospects like DJ Herz, Bubba Chandler, Ryan Weathers, and Joey Ortiz stand out as potential gems. Herz, pitching for the Washington Nationals, showed promise with a strong strikeout rate but needs to improve his control. Chandler, with a solid minor league track record, is on the cusp of breaking into the Pirates' rotation. Weathers, now with the Miami Marlins, is impressing in spring training and could emerge as a key starter. Lastly, Ortiz's versatility and consistent performance in 2024 make him a valuable target for managers looking for depth.

Identifying breakout players is crucial for fantasy baseball success, especially in the mid-rounds of drafts. Concentrating on infielders aged 26-29, a few players have the potential to deliver significant value this season. Jonathan Aranda of the Tampa Bay Rays presents an intriguing option with his power potential, especially playing at Steinbrenner Field. Baltimore's Jordan Westburg is valuable due to his eligibility at multiple positions, while Michael Toglia of the Rockies is noted for his impressive power numbers. The Angels' Luis Rengifo and Houston's Isaac Paredes both have abilities that could result in productive seasons if given the opportunity.

Spencer Horwitz of the Pirates has the potential to pounce on his opportunity following a wrist injury, while Joey Ortiz of the Brewers could regain his first-half form after playing through injury. Each of these players could be a steal in drafts, providing solid statistics while being overlooked by many.