As fantasy baseball drafts approach, finding value can make or break your team. Isaac Paredes stands out as a must-target option, currently projected around pick 170, with an ADP of 191. After a strong performance with 19 home runs and 80 RBIs last season, his move to the Houston Astros, especially with their favorable hitting conditions, enhances his potential for growth. Expect Paredes to thrive hitting behind stars like Jose Altuve and Yordan Alvarez.

Michael Toglia is another intriguing option. Projected around pick 160 with an ADP of 173, Toglia has demonstrated power with 25 home runs last year. His ability to improve his batting average could elevate his fantasy value significantly, particularly with favorable hitting conditions at Coors Field.

Parker Meadows, currently projected around pick 179 with an ADP of 190, had a rocky start, but showed promise with a .296 batting average and six home runs after his August recall. Hitting leadoff for the Tigers could provide him ample opportunities to score runs, making him a potential sleeper candidate.

As the 2025 fantasy baseball season approaches, identifying value in late rounds is essential for success. Players like Christian Encarnacion-Strand of the Cincinnati Reds are primed for breakout seasons. With elite contact rates and potential for 30 home runs, he could be a significant asset. Similarly, Isaac Paredes of the Houston Astros is gaining traction after a power surge in 2023, while Masyn Winn from the St. Louis Cardinals aims for 30 stolen bases. Bryson Stott of the Philadelphia Phillies is a buy-low candidate looking to up his game, and Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays may soon become a top-tier player. Targeting these undervalued players can give fantasy managers an edge on draft day.

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.

Houston Astros manager Joe Espada is experimenting with lineup configurations this spring, particularly with his top four hitters: Jose Altuve, Isaac Paredes, Yordan Alvarez, and Christian Walker. This arrangement could maximize the effectiveness of this revamped lineup, with Paredes potentially hitting second due to his high walk rate, which complements Alvarez's hitting capability. Espada emphasizes the importance of creating scoring opportunities for his power hitters by having effective table-setters.

Alvarez, who thrived in both the second and third batting spots last season, is a focal point in these discussions. His ability to produce runs in scoring situations is crucial, especially with Altuve's history of performing well in similar scenarios. The Astros aim to balance their lineup, considering both left-handed and right-handed matchups, as they anticipate a more strategic approach to hitting order this season.

The Houston Astros are putting a renewed focus on infield defense as they prepare for the upcoming season. After ranking 19th in defensive metrics last year, the addition of Gold Glove winner Christian Walker to first base aims to address the team’s struggles, particularly with a -14 runs saved at the position. Manager Joe Espada acknowledged the need for improvement, stating that defense remains a key strength of the organization.

This spring, the Astros are experimenting with Jose Altuve in left field, allowing Mauricio Dubón to potentially take over at second base. Dubón, a utility player who won a Gold Glove, had a solid defensive season last year, and Espada hopes that Walker’s addition will elevate the entire right side of the infield. The Astros believe improved metrics are essential, especially with pitchers like Framber Valdez and Hunter Brown leading the rotation, both of whom favor groundball pitching.