2025 Fantasy Baseball: Breakout and Sleeper Speedy Outfielders
A rabbit-like base stealer can give fantasy teams a competitive edge, provided he runs frequently when in the lineup and his lack of power doesn’t drag down a team’s home run and RBI totals. To be worth drafting, his price must also align with his value.
Deep Sleeper: Sal Frelick, Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee’s outfield rotation looks crowded in spring training, which will push someone into DH duties or Frelick even into infield reps to secure playing time. After bulking up in the offseason to add pop, he still profiles as a contact-oriented “Judy” hitter until he proves he can hit for more power. His speed remains his standout trait, and a strong approach could vault him to the top of the Brewers’ lineup. He’s worth monitoring in shallow leagues, while in 15-team formats, he offers rotational value when he’s racking up steals.
Deep Sleeper: Jacob Young, Washington Nationals
Young appears set to claim the lion’s share of centerfield at-bats for Washington in 2025. His elite speed could make him a top-5 stolen base threat if he gets 500+ at-bats, though his lack of power—minimal home runs and RBIs—could erode a roster’s edge over an entire season, even alongside big boppers. If his draft cost fits and the timing’s right, this unassuming pickup could turn into a fantasy gem, especially in high-stakes leagues where a bench stash with stealing potential pays off.
Breakout Upside: Garrett Mitchell, Milwaukee Brewers
Mitchell enters 2025 as a likely platoon bat until he proves he can handle left-handed pitching. He’s not a middle-of-the-order threat yet, and with Jackson Chourio and Christian Yelich locked into Milwaukee’s top two lineup spots, his opportunities may be limited. Still, his .431 contact batting average with the Brewers mitigates some risk from his high strikeout rate. Defensively sound, Mitchell has the tools for a 20 HR/30 SB season with 550 at-bats. Expect an improved swing in 2025, with his peak fantasy value likely emerging in the second half.
Sleeper: Jake McCarthy, Arizona Diamondbacks
McCarthy’s 2025 outlook hinges on whether he can translate his minor-league potential (think .300/100 R/17 HR/85 RBI/47 SB) into big-league production, despite a weak power bat and uncertain playing time with Arizona. His 2024 sprint speed (29.8, 7th in MLB) hints at a tantalizing stolen base ceiling. He’ll compete with Alek Thomas for at-bats, making him a wild card who could surprise across the board with 550 at-bats. Now entering his prime, McCarthy’s spring training performance and managerial comments about his role bear watching.
Breakout Player: Ceddanne Rafaela, Boston Red Sox
Rafaela’s 2024 was a developmental year in the majors, setting the stage for a leap in 2025. His minor-league track record suggests more power and speed than he’s shown, though his free-swinging style carries risk. A defensive standout, he also logged time at second base (5 games), third base (4), and shortstop (82) last year. Boston stuck him in the 8th or 9th lineup spots for 91.9% of his 544 at-bats, capping his runs and RBI upside. After posting a -0.15 FPGscore (72nd among hitters) in 2024, Rafaela’s dual shortstop/outfield eligibility and .270/80 R/20 HR/75 RBI/30 SB potential make him a steal at his early March draft slot (114th hitter off the board).