Identifying sleeper players who can outperform their average draft position (ADP) is essential for success in fantasy baseball. Oneil Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates, with a Yahoo ADP of 59.4, possesses elite stats but has room for improvement, potentially becoming a 30-30-.270 player. Lawrence Butler of the Athletics, a late-round pick, showed impressive stats post-All-Star break, hinting at a 30-30 potential. Meanwhile, Bo Bichette's 109.3 ADP could be a steal as he rebounds from injury, while Thairo Estrada, projected at 233.4, thrives at Coors Field. Other notable mentions include Matt Wallner, Jake McCarthy, and Christopher Morel, who each have the tools to exceed expectations in the upcoming season.

The 2025 fantasy baseball draft landscape is shifting, with a focus on hitters who made consistent hard contact last season. Understanding metrics like Exit Velocity (EV50) allows fantasy enthusiasts to identify undervalued assets potentially set for breakout seasons. This analysis delves into several key players, including Jerar Encarnación, who has shown immense power prospects despite past struggles, and others like James Wood and Matt Wallner, who present exciting upside due to their contact quality. The draft prep is crucial in curating a successful roster.

Matt Wallner is emerging as a potential leadoff hitter for the Minnesota Twins, showcasing his versatility during spring training. Having batted leadoff in four Grapefruit League games, the left-handed outfielder is being evaluated by manager Rocco Baldelli to ease into the role ahead of the regular season. His impressive .371 on-base percentage over the last two seasons, coupled with a high walk rate, indicates he could effectively set the table for sluggers like Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton. Baldelli emphasizes the importance of Wallner's comfort in the leadoff position before the season begins.

The Twins have experimented with multiple leadoff hitters previously, with Wallner being seen as a strategic fit among right-handed hitters to disrupt opposing teams’ pitching strategies. This strategy aims to enhance the Twins’ offensive capabilities, especially considering last season's lineup instability at the top of the order. The team's performance in their recent loss against the Orioles saw Buxton and Larnach contributing significantly, hinting at the potential synergy Wallner could bring to the lineup.

The Minnesota Twins are looking to bounce back after a challenging season, with promising prospects like Emmanuel Rodriguez at the forefront. Rodriguez, who had a limited season due to injuries, showcased his potential with a strong batting average and on-base percentage in the minors.

Despite concerns about his passive hitting style and injury history, Twins President Derek Falvey remains optimistic about Rodriguez's future impact. The team is also exploring trade options, particularly for pitcher Chris Paddack, as they aim to enhance their roster while managing payroll constraints.

The Minnesota Twins are gearing up for an active offseason, focusing on trades rather than a rebuild. With a payroll around $130 million, they aim to reallocate funds while keeping most of their roster intact, despite recent struggles.

Top trade candidates include pitcher Chris Paddack, catcher Christian Vázquez, and utilityman Willi Castro. The Twins are considering internal options for first base, with Jose Miranda and Edouard Julien leading the charge, while exploring potential free-agent signings.