2025 Fantasy Baseball: Breakout, Sleeper, and Value Shortstops
The shortstop position in 2025 fantasy baseball drafts offers a wealth of talent, value, and potential breakout stars, giving drafters flexibility in building their offenses.
Comeback Player: Trevor Story, BOS
Story enters 2025 with a heavily discounted profile and more uncertainties than certainties in the fantasy landscape. His ADP (237) is a far cry from his 2018-2020 peak, when he consistently ranked among the top 10 hitters by FPGscore (10.00, 7.75, and 3.75 in the shortened season). The Red Sox, with Story under contract for two more years, are eager for a return on their investment. With the skills to vastly outperform his ADP and little risk if he falters, positive spring buzz could make him a steal in deeper leagues.
Spring Stats (3/10/25): 11-for-24, 7 runs, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 0 BB, 6 K
Sleeper: Masyn Winn, STL
Masyn Winn has voiced his intent to ramp up his stolen base totals this year, targeting at least 30 steals—a goal backed by his minor league track record. His average hit rate (1.554) doesn’t scream 20+ home runs, but a .270 average with 100 runs, 15 HR, 65 RBI, and a 30-steal floor feels achievable.
Spring Stats (3/10/25): 3-for-26, 1 run, 1 SB, 3 BB, 7 K
Bounce-Back Player: Bo Bichette, TOR
Bichette plummeted from cornerstone bat to disappointment in a single season, and drafters aren’t rushing to rescue him. His contact batting average last year was an outlier compared to his career norms, suggesting a rebound is likely. However, banking on a 20/20 season feels riskier than it once did. At 26 and in a contract year, Bichette has extra motivation to shine ahead of free agency. Batting near the top of Toronto’s lineup, he has the tools to reclaim top-six shortstop status with a power resurgence and freedom to run.
Spring Stats (3/10/25): 9-for-26, 3 runs, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 0-for-1 SB, 1 BB, 4 K
Value: Matt McLain, CIN
McLain’s 2023 success in AAA and the majors exceeded expectations from his scouting reports. His ADP last year (65, 38th hitter) has softened, and I expect his batting average to settle around .270 until his approach fully matures. In the Arizona Fall League, he posted a .240/12/4/12/1 line with 21 strikeouts over 50 at-bats.
He was previously on pace for a 20/30 season with strong runs and RBI totals in 2023. His shoulder surgery recovery might temper his power outlook this year. With outfield eligibility added in 2025, my initial projections ranked him first at second base and 12th at shortstop by FPGscore, aligning with his early March NFBC ADPs (4th at 2B, 10th at SS).
Spring Stats (3/10/25): 7-for-23, 5 runs, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1 BB, 7 K
Breakout Stud: CJ Abrams, WAS
CJ Abrams may lack the flash of Elly De La Cruz or Oneil Cruz entering 2025, but his superior strike zone control sets him apart. His power is developing, and with 47 steals already under his belt, he’s poised for a leap in overall production. Adding 10 pounds of muscle this offseason, I envision a .280/100/30/80/50 stat line in his future. He’s positioned to deliver significant value this year at his current price.
Spring Stats (3/10/25): 5-for-26, 2 runs, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1 BB, 2 K