The outfield position in Major League Baseball is shaping up to be a treasure trove for fantasy enthusiasts in 2025. The emergence of breakout candidates, coupled with traditional power hitters, makes for an exciting landscape. Kerry Carpenter of the Detroit Tigers showcased glimpses of his potential last season, despite injury setbacks, hitting .284 with 18 homers. Jasson Dominguez, making a long-awaited full-season debut with the New York Yankees, possesses both speed and power, possibly becoming a leadoff fixture. Michael Toglia, while primarily at first base for the Colorado Rockies, is another name to watch for his power potential. TJ Friedl of the Cincinnati Reds looks poised for a bounce-back year after battling injuries. Lastly, Ceddanne Rafaela of the Boston Red Sox is expected to provide depth and versatility, with the potential for a breakout season.

The Boston Red Sox are making significant strides to improve their middle infield defense ahead of the 2025 season. The addition of Gold Glove winner Alex Bregman, whether he plays at second base or third, is expected to dramatically enhance fielding performance compared to last year, particularly when compared to Rafael Devers, who has historically struggled with errors. The team's success will largely depend on the health of veteran shortstop Trevor Story, who has struggled to stay on the field since signing in 2022.

Up-and-coming players like Kristian Campbell and Vaughn Grissom are also set to compete for roster spots, with Campbell having had an impressive 2024 season in the minors, while Grissom looks to bounce back from an injury-plagued year. The presence of Bregman complicates their paths, but both players are seen as vital for depth as the team aims for postseason contention.

Baseball season is officially underway with spring training games providing noteworthy action. Players like Elly De La Cruz displayed power as he homered from both sides, a potential sign of improvement against lefties, which was a struggle for him last season. Ceddanne Rafaela's revamped swing looks promising, and he could carve out a significant role as Boston's everyday center fielder. Maikel Garcia also showcased swing adjustments aimed at bouncing back from a dip in batting average.

New swing mechanics were a common theme, with Thairo Estrada's solid performance indicating he might be a hidden gem for late middle infield needs. Danny Jansen's home run highlights his potential in two-catcher formats, especially with the advantageous conditions at the Rays' minor league park. Meanwhile, young prospects like Orelvis Martinez and Luke Keaschall are making their cases for roster spots, demonstrating both power and reliability. Pitchers are equally noteworthy, with Chris Sale and Sandy Alcantara showing promising velocity. The competition for rotation spots is heating up, setting an exciting tone for the season ahead.

Opting for an AL-only league format can transform your fantasy baseball experience, making drafts feel more intense and high-stakes due to a limited player pool. However, with this excitement comes the risk of missteps that could jeopardize your season. To navigate these waters, cautious selection of hitters is crucial. This article highlights five hitters to avoid in AL-only leagues, providing insights into their potential risks and performance metrics.

Boston Red Sox's Ceddanne Rafaela, with an ADP of 173, presents significant risk due to subpar advanced metrics despite decent counting stats. Cedric Mullins of the Baltimore Orioles is also a name to steer clear of, as an influx of talent has diminished his fantasy value significantly. Trevor Story and Anthony Santander, both of the Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays respectively, pose similar concerns with their fluctuating performances. Lastly, while Jose Altuve remains a reliable second baseman, signs of decline may make him less appealing in the upcoming season.