Drafting effective pitchers in the late rounds can be the secret to fantasy baseball success, especially this season where volatility in pitching is high. While traditionally reliable options such as Cristopher Sánchez and Zack Eflin have value, true sleepers can be found well past pick 200. Bowden Francis of the Toronto Blue Jays stands out with his impressive 1.53 ERA since becoming a full-time starter. Clarke Schmidt of the Yankees is poised for a breakout, aided by injuries in the rotation. Jason Adam could emerge as a top closer for the Padres, while Jesús Luzardo's potential makes him a high-risk, high-reward pick. Other noteworthy late-round options include Nestor Cortes and Cody Bradford, who both show promise despite limited prior opportunities. DJ Herz and David Festa are rookies with high strikeout potential, and Ben Brown's swing-and-miss capability rounds out a list of intriguing options.

For redraft leagues gearing up for the 2025 season, an All-Rookie team featuring top prospects presents a strategic opportunity. With names like Drake Baldwin leading the catching position due to Sean Murphy's injury, and power-hitter Deyvison De Los Santos eyeing a spot on the Marlins' roster, these players are primed for immediate contributions. Kristian Campbell offers a potential shakeup at second base as Boston considers shifting Alex Bregman to third. The Cubs' Matt Shaw is being touted as a Rookie of the Year candidate, and with pitchers like Roki Sasaki from Japan and Andrew Painter making waves, this rookie class is set to turn heads.

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.