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.

In the National League East, job battles are heating up as teams finalize their rosters ahead of the season. For the Atlanta Braves, the right field position is under scrutiny with Bryan De La Cruz and Jarred Kelenic vying for a spot until Ronald Acuña Jr. returns from injury. Kelenic, despite a promising start, struggled last season, while De La Cruz hopes to capitalize on the opportunity. The Braves' starting rotation sees Grant Holmes as a frontrunner for the fifth starter role, with Ian Anderson also in the mix after recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Meanwhile, the Miami Marlins face significant uncertainty in multiple positions. The catcher position remains up for grabs between Agustin Ramirez and Nick Fortes, both lacking strong offensive credentials. At first base and DH, options like Deyvison De Los Santos are not expected to break camp with the team, indicating a potentially tough season ahead for the Marlins. In contrast, the New York Mets are poised to leverage their depth, with players like Luisangel Acuña competing to fill in for the aging Jeff McNeil.

The 2025 MLB season presents a unique landscape for fantasy baseball managers at first base, a position that has become increasingly top-heavy. While elite talents like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bryce Harper, and Freddie Freeman dominate early drafts, many teams may find themselves scrambling for value later on. However, there are several under-the-radar players poised for breakout seasons. Tyler Soderstrom, Kyle Manzardo, Deyvison De Los Santos, and Nolan Schanuel each have the potential to exceed their current rankings and provide significant returns for fantasy teams.

Soderstrom, coming off a wrist injury, displayed promising power numbers in a hitter-friendly environment. Meanwhile, Manzardo, with limited MLB experience, has shown impressive minor league stats and could capitalize on a change in team dynamics. Deyvison De Los Santos, the 2024 First Base Prospect of the Year, brings raw power, while Nolan Schanuel's consistent performance hints at potential growth. These players offer intriguing options for savvy managers willing to look beyond established stars.