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.

Jeremy Peña is focusing on a simplified batting stance this spring, allowing him to concentrate better on pitch recognition. His updated mechanics have led to improved contact rates and a slight decrease in strikeouts. However, Peña still struggles with chasing pitches outside the zone, which could hinder further improvements in his offensive output.

With a higher hard-hit rate and a league-average OPS, Peña's performance shows promise. The Astros' coaching staff emphasizes that enhancing his pitch selection will lead to better hitting opportunities. Peña's early spring training results suggest he is making strides, hitting well and being more selective at the plate.

The Houston Astros have made significant strides in their farm system, which has historically ranked poorly. MLB Pipeline's recent update for the 2025 season highlights this progress, noting that the Astros now boast their strongest group of positional prospects. Notable names include slugger Cam Smith, who has dazzled with a .571 batting average in spring training, and Brice Matthews, who has moved up in the ranks. The pitching prospects also show promise, with Miguel Ulloa and Anderson Brito leading the charge. Ulloa's performance in the minors has been impressive, while Brito's impressive debut ERA of 1.51 has drawn attention.

The Astros' top five prospects are rounded out by Jacob Melton, Walker Janek, and Zach Dezenzo, with Melton providing a strong outfield option and Janek as a promising catcher. The depth in their system is further emphasized by the emergence of additional pitchers like Ryan Forcucci and Ethan Pecko. This revitalization of the Astros' farm system signals a bright future for the organization as they continue to build for sustained success.