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.

As the 2025 baseball season approaches, fantasy managers must navigate a crowded first base landscape. Focusing on late-round sleepers, players like Isaac Paredes of the Houston Astros and Ryan Mountcastle of the Baltimore Orioles offer enticing potential. Paredes, traded from the Chicago Cubs, could thrive in Houston's hitter-friendly park, boosting his power numbers significantly. Meanwhile, Mountcastle's prospects have improved due to favorable changes at Camden Yards, hinting at a resurgence in his power game.

Similarly, Christian Encarnacion-Strand of the Cincinnati Reds presents a risk-reward scenario after an injury-riddled season, while Michael Toglia from the Colorado Rockies wields impressive power stats but comes with a hefty strikeout risk. Jonathan Aranda of the Tampa Bay Rays is also gaining traction as a late-round pickup, leveraging his minor league success to crack the major league lineup.

In his first spring training appearance following shoulder surgery, Shohei Ohtani showcased his power, hitting a solo homer against his former team, the Los Angeles Angels. Despite some initial rustiness, the three-time MVP's swing improved throughout the game, and he left the contest feeling physically fit after three at-bats. Manager Dave Roberts has indicated that Ohtani's return to pitching may not happen until May, but he aims for a solid performance in the upcoming season.

Ohtani's last season was historic; he became the first player to achieve 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in the same year, leading to his third MVP award. Although he made tweaks to his swing in the offseason, he expressed confidence in its consistency. As he prepares for a short spring training before the Dodgers' season opener in Tokyo, he aims to maximize his at-bats this spring.

Spring training for MLB is underway, and several teams are facing critical position battles with lasting fantasy implications. The Baltimore Orioles' outfield spots are highly contested, particularly for Ryan Mountcastle, who has seen a decline in power over recent seasons. Meanwhile, the Red Sox juggle their infield and DH roles with Rafael Devers and Alex Bregman potentially swapping positions, adding layers of complexity to their lineup.

The New York Yankees are navigating injuries, with Giancarlo Stanton's elbow issues potentially affecting the DH slot. Moreover, the Tampa Bay Rays have announced they will not use a six-man rotation, leaving some pitchers vying for a limited number of spots. The Toronto Blue Jays' left field and DH race appears to favor Anthony Santander, but other candidates like Joey Loperfido are pushing for opportunity.

As spring training approaches, fantasy baseball enthusiasts are turning their attention to potential sleeper picks that could yield high returns without spending early draft capital. Sleepers, typically identified as players available after pick 200, can range from aging stars to emerging talents. This year's list highlights players at various positions, focusing on their potential value due to favorable circumstances, changes in team dynamics, or recent performance trends.

Among the notable sleepers, St. Louis Cardinals' Ivan Herrera shows promise with a strong .301 batting average last season, albeit in limited play. Baltimore Orioles' Ryan Mountcastle, despite a recent downturn, is expected to bounce back due to favorable park changes. Tampa Bay Rays' Brandon Lowe aims for a resurgence following injury setbacks. New York Mets' Luisangel Acuña could become a key player as he transitions through the lineup, while Philadelphia's Alec Bohm remains a consistent performer. Finally, Texas Rangers' Joc Pederson targets impactful contributions in a promising lineup.