In the National League East, job battles are heating up as teams finalize their rosters ahead of the season. For the Atlanta Braves, the right field position is under scrutiny with Bryan De La Cruz and Jarred Kelenic vying for a spot until Ronald Acuña Jr. returns from injury. Kelenic, despite a promising start, struggled last season, while De La Cruz hopes to capitalize on the opportunity. The Braves' starting rotation sees Grant Holmes as a frontrunner for the fifth starter role, with Ian Anderson also in the mix after recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Meanwhile, the Miami Marlins face significant uncertainty in multiple positions. The catcher position remains up for grabs between Agustin Ramirez and Nick Fortes, both lacking strong offensive credentials. At first base and DH, options like Deyvison De Los Santos are not expected to break camp with the team, indicating a potentially tough season ahead for the Marlins. In contrast, the New York Mets are poised to leverage their depth, with players like Luisangel Acuña competing to fill in for the aging Jeff McNeil.

Identifying sleeper candidates in fantasy baseball, particularly among hitters around the 300th pick or later, can yield significant value in drafts. This analysis highlights five players who may present opportunities based on their recent performance and potential for increased playing time.

Jordan Walker of the St. Louis Cardinals is a notable selection despite a challenging 2024 season. His impressive metrics from 2023 suggest he could reclaim his status as a valuable asset. Similarly, Christopher Morel of the Tampa Bay Rays faced struggles but has underlying power potential that could lead to a bounce-back year. Joey Ortiz from the Milwaukee Brewers checks off both power and speed boxes but needs to improve his launch angle to maximize his production.

Jarred Kelenic, now with the Atlanta Braves, has a chance to become a strong side platoon option despite inconsistencies. Lastly, Chas McCormick from the Houston Astros offers a discount after an injury-plagued season, with potential for double-digit home runs and stolen bases.

Jurickson Profar has inked a significant three-year, $42 million deal with the Atlanta Braves, marking a remarkable turnaround from his previous $1 million contract with the San Diego Padres. After a standout season where he posted a .280 batting average with 24 home runs, Profar's resurgence has enabled him to secure a spot on the Braves' roster alongside outfielders like Michael Harris and Jarred Kelenic. The Braves are currently managing expectations for 2023 NL MVP Ronald Acuña Jr., who is recovering from a torn ACL, with hopes he may return by mid-season.

Profar's journey in MLB has been marked by ups and downs; he initially debuted as a highly-touted prospect with the Texas Rangers but faced challenges that hindered his early career. He finally achieved his first All-Star selection and Silver Slugger award last season, highlighting his potential. Profar will contribute not only on the field but also through a commitment to donate 1% of his salary to the Atlanta Braves Foundation.

Jurickson Profar has signed a lucrative $42 million, three-year agreement with the Atlanta Braves, marking a significant upgrade from his previous $1 million contract with the San Diego Padres. Profar's stellar performance last season, where he boasted a .280 batting average and hit 24 home runs, helped revive his career. The Braves, who will be without 2023 NL MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. at the start of the season, are looking to deepen their outfield options. In addition to Profar, they recently signed Bryan De La Cruz, adding depth to a roster that includes Michael Harris and Jarred Kelenic. Profar’s impressive stats also earned him an All-Star berth and the Silver Slugger Award.

Jurickson Profar, coming off a standout season with the San Diego Padres, has signed a lucrative three-year, $42 million contract with the Atlanta Braves. In 2024, he achieved career highs, boasting a .280 batting average, 24 home runs, and an impressive OPS+ of 134. His performance was characterized by improved plate discipline and contact rates, marking a significant upswing in his career at age 31.

Profar's addition to the Braves provides a potential everyday left fielder, particularly as Ronald Acuña Jr. continues to recover from his ACL injury. With Profar in the mix, the Braves can explore versatile outfield configurations, enhancing their chances of advancing in the postseason after consecutive seasons without a playoff series win since their 2021 championship.