2025 Fantasy Baseball: Top 15 Outfielders

The outfield position has a wide range of different skill sets. The best options offer winning stats in five categories. Unfortunately, the inventory is short in this area, forcing drafters to make difficult decisions when building their rosters. They must compare players at different positions to determine which hitters have the best overall value. At the same time, they need to understand the trade-offs in value in different rounds in drafts.

When writing about the top 15 outfielders, I will include Shohei Ohtani. His stats should be compared to the best players in the game. I didn’t include his stats when sorting the best 12 outfielders in 2024.

Only two outfielders finished with over 100 runs and 100 RBIs (Aaron Judge – 122/144 and Juan Soto – 128/109). They hit next to each other in the Yankees lineup. Judge (58), Anthony Santander (44), and Soto (41) were the only outfielders in the 40 home run club. Three other players had more than 30 home runs (Yordan Alvarez – 35, Teoscar Hernandez - 33, and Tyler O’Neill (31). Corbin Carroll (121) and Jarren Duran (111) were the only other two outfielders to score at least 100 runs. Nine outfielders stole 30 bases or more.

The average top 12 outfielders (.275/96/31/91/19 over 573 at-bats) in 2024 ranked first in roster construction for hitters. Aaron Judge was worth $50.11 in auction dollars for a fantasy team using a 180/80 split between hitting and pitching. His FPGscore (14.55) was second best for any player last season, only trailing the great season by Shohei Ohtani (FPGscore – 19.55 and $62.91 in auction value).

Note: I wrote the 2025 top 15 outfielder rankings by NFBC ADP in early January. After completing all the players, I adjusted their ranks to match my feelings about the player pool.

1 – Shohei Ohtani (ADP – 1.4)

Over the past four seasons, Ohtani developed into a beast home run hitter (178 over 2,256 at-bats), highlighted by one of the best seasons in baseball history in 2024. He has three MVP awards (2021 – AL, 2023 – AL, and 2024 – NL) while also winning the American League Rookie of the Year award in 2018. Last year, he led the NL in plate appearances (731), runs (134), home runs (54), and RBIs (130) while setting career highs in almost every category.

Ohtani posted an elite contact batting average over the past two seasons (.427 and .416) while continuing to improve his strikeout rate (22.2 – career-best). He finished 2024 with a step back in his walk rate (11.1 – 15.2) while remaining in a favorable area. His average hit rate (2.086) has been exceptional in his career (2.041). Ohtani had 99 extra-base hits (50.3% of his hits).

He had three monster months last season – June (.293/26/12/24/3 over 99 at-bats), August (.235/24/12/22/15 over 115 at-bats), and September (.393/27/10/32/16 over 107 at-bats). Ohtani stole 33 bases over the second half, with a high-ranking success rate (59-for-63 – 93.7%).

His exit velocity (95.2 mph) and hard-hit rate (60.1) finished second in both categories behind Aaron Judge. Ohtani had a career-low groundball rate (36.0), leading to more flyballs (40.4%) but a slight drop in his HR/FB rate (28.0).

I will do a pitching profile for Ohtani when I swing into my starting pitching writeups.

Fantasy Outlook: The Dodgers will pay Ohtani $2 million a season from 2024 to 2023, followed by a 10-year run with $68 million in earnings. The success of his bat almost forces the fantasy market to view him as a hitter going forward. His power is off the chart, and he has 35 consecutive successful steals. With pitching added to his workload, Los Angeles may not let him run as much in 2025. His increase in plate appearances last season, paired with the move to Los Angeles, led to his stats reaching an elite level in five categories. With 600 at-bats, a .300/125/50/120/30 season is a reasonable outcome. Late in the year, a fantasy team gaining an offensive edge will have the ability to rotate on the pitching side. On a side note, Ohtani suffered a late left shoulder injury (labrum) in the World Series that required surgery in early November.

2 – Aaron Judge, NYY (ADP – 3.5)

Two things that stand out for Judge last season outside of his elite power. First, hitting behind Juan Soto in the lineup led to a significant jump in his RBI chances (471 – career-best) and a new top in his RBI rate (19). Second, the Yankees' lack of a proven power clean-up bat led to Judge getting 20 intentional walks and a career-high in walks (133 – 18.9%). By taking that many walks, he has fewer chances to put the ball over the fence.

His contact batting average (.464) was electric while having elite success in this area over his previous three seasons (.403, .448, and .414). He led the majors in average hit rate (2.178), exit velocity (96.2 mph), and hard-hit rate (60.9), but all three stats were below his injury-shortened 2023 seasons (2.296/97.6/64.2). Judge had a higher fly-ball rate over the past two seasons (50.0 and 46.2), highlighted by his launch angle (20.4 and 18.9).

After a slow start in batting average (.207) in April last year, Judge tore the cover off the ball over the next four months (.369/93/45/105/6 over 360 at-bats). He finished with almost equal success at home (.328/65/31/71/5) and away (.316/57/27/73/5) and against left (.326/94/42/106 over 427 at-bats) and right (.311/28/16/38/5 over 132 at-bats) handed pitchers. The Yankees hit him third in the batting order for all his at-bats.

Fantasy Outlook: New York added a couple of veteran bats (Paul Goldschmidt and Cody Bellinger) behind Judge in the batting order to hopefully offset the loss of Juan Soto at a fraction of the price. I expect his RBI chances to regress, and some pullback in batting average should be expected. His power is immense, and he had a career-high 95 extra-base hits last season. Judge had a floor of 550 at-bats in three of his past four years, helped by more chances at DH (41 games in 2024). Buy the 50+ home runs with a high floor in runs, RBIs, and batting average. A higher ceiling starts with repeating his career-best strikeout rate (24.3). Judge missed 30 or more games in 2018 (50), 2019 (60), 2020 (32), and 2023 (56).

3 – Kyle Tucker, CHC (ADP – 8.0)

From 2021 to 2023, Tucker developed into a top run-producer (311 RBIs) with a high floor in home runs (30, 30, and 29), supported by strength in his average hit rate (1.856). His stolen base output has risen yearly in the majors until 2024 (injured). In 2023, he played well from June 1st to August 30th (.300 with 59 runs, 19 home runs, 64 RBIs, and 19 steals over 289 at-bats). Houston hit him third, fourth, and fifth in the batting order for 569 of his 574 at-bats.

Last season, Tucker played well over his first 60 games (.266/42/19/40/10 over 214 at-bats), putting him on pace for career highs in runs (108) and home runs (49) with 103 RBIs with 550 at-bats. Over this stretch, he had more walks (46) than strikeouts (41). Unfortunately, what looked like a minor lower leg issue in early June turned into three months on the injury list. His bat shined again over his final 18 games (23-for-63 with 14 runs, four home runs, and nine RBIs), but Tucker only stole one base.

His strikeout rate (15.6) remained in line with his previous three seasons. He finished with an elite walk rate (16.5) while increasing his approach for the fifth consecutive season.

Tucker turned into a beast against left-handed pitching (.300/25/12/47 over 210 at-bats) in 2023 with an excellent approach (22 walks and 28 strikeouts). Last season, he hit .262 vs. lefties with 14 runs, five home runs, 16 RBIs, and three stolen bases over 103 at-bats.

His exit velocity (91.1) and hard-hit rate (44.3) in 2024 fell within range of his career path. Tucker had a spike upward in his fly-ball rate (52.4% - 45.1 in his career). His HR/FB rate (19.5) and launch angle (21.2) were career highs.

Fantasy Outlook: After getting traded to the Cubs in the offseason, Tucker should have the best opportunity of his career to hit in a premium spot in the batting order. His bat and approach continue to improve, and he has a home run-inducing swing path. Chicago stole 143 bases last season compared to 91 by the Houston Astros, a sign that Tucker should run more in 2025. He is on a contract year. His stats in 2022 and 2023 ranked him as a top 10 hitter by FPGscore. Tucker looks poised to set career highs in runs and home runs with plenty of help in batting average, RBIs, and stolen bases. His ADP is in a tight range with Juan Soto and Corbin Carroll in mid-January in the NFBC.

4 – Juan Soto, NYM (ADP – 8.6)

At age 26, Soto had 655 runs, 201 home runs, and 592 RBIs over 3,280 at-bats, putting him on pace to rank highly in baseball history if he fulfills his 15-year obligation to the Mets ($765 million). He comes off career highs plate appearances (713), at-bats (576), runs (128), and home runs (41). His approach (strikeout rate – 16.7 and walk rate – 18.1) is one of the best in the game.

Over the first two and a half months last year, Soto had his best success (.319/58/18/55/4 over 257 at-bats). He had his highest output in home runs (10) in August, but he only hit .222 with 20 runs and 19 RBIs. Surprisingly, his bat was slightly better on the road (.292/68/21/50/5 over 288 at-bats). Soto had plenty of power and production against lefties (.278/37/13/42/3 over 180 at-bats).

He had his best exit velocity (94.2 mph – 5th) and hard-hit rate (57.0 – 3rd) of his career. His ceiling in power has been restricted by his launch angle (10.7) in his career, but Soto had a better swing path last season based on his lower groundball rate (43.6 – 51.0 in 2023). His HR/FB rate (25.0) has been over 22% every season in the majors except 2022 (17.2).

His contact batting average (.363) is trending higher, along with his average hit rate (1.976), putting on pace to post a .300+ batting average with a floor of 35 home runs with 550 at-bats.

Fantasy Outlook: Soto ranked sixth in FPGscore (8.95) for hitters in 2024, nine spots higher than 2023 (5.98). He trails the elite batters in baseball by a wide margin in stolen base, forcing him to post a .320 batting to overcome this shortfall. The Mets have on-base talent at the top of their lineup, suggesting he’ll bat third season. It’s important to me that Pete Alonso resigns with the Mets for projection and higher results in runs. Based on his propensity to take walks, Soto may never have 600 at-bats in a season, costing his chances at more home runs. I respect his potential in runs, home runs, and RBIs while understanding that he’s just reaching the prime of his career. To reach a more impactful ceiling, he must be more opportunistic on the base paths.

5 – Corbin Carroll, ARI (ADP – 9.4)

The Diamondbacks gave Carroll 155 games of action in 2023, leading to impressive stats in all categories, highlighted by his exceptional value in steals (54). He battled a left knee injury, a right shoulder issue, and a minor wrist injury during the year, but he never missed more than two games for any issue. Before the All-Star break, Carroll had the most value in power (.289/63/18/48/26 over 308 at-bats), so his late June/early July shoulder issue may have been the reason for his decline in power (seven home runs over his final 257 at-bats). In September, he cranked up stolen base output (13) to reach the 50-mark.

Other than runs (47), Carroll was a bust last year over the first three months (.213 with two home runs, 23 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases over 305 at-bats. He saved his season power in August (11 home runs) while running more in September (13 stolen bases). Carroll hit .250 over his final 284 at-bats with impact stats (runs – 74, home runs – 20, RBIs – 51, and steals – 21).

His contact batting average (.296) was well below his first two years with Arizona (.366) and his minor league career (.435). He maintained a high average hit rate (1.853) despite seeing a regression in his HR/FB rate (12.0), exit velocity (89.3 mph), and hard-hit rate (40.6). Carroll finished with a higher fly-ball rate (39.2) at the expense of his line drive rate (16.7 – 19.0 in 2023). His only injury last year was his side issue in June.

Carroll was on base 231 times in 2023, leading to 116 runs. Even with a drop of 25 hits last season with more at-bats (589), he reached base 219 times, scoring 121 runs. His strikeout rate (19.0) improved while upping his walk rate (10.7).

Fantasy Outlook: In a way, Carroll is a better version of Elly De La Cruz in fantasy team build due to his approach. His stature paints a lower profile, but he makes up for this shortfall by hitting the ball hard and scoring at a fantastic rate. His second half paints a 40/40 player with an excellent chance of having a rebound season in batting average. I’ll set his bar at .290 with 125 runs, 30 home runs, 80 RBIs, and 50 stolen bases.

6 – Julio Rodriguez, SEA (ADP – 13.3)

Over the past two draft fantasy draft seasons, the coin toss was between Bobby Witt and Rodriguez early in the first round. Unfortunately, controlling the strike zone (25.5 K rate) has been more of an issue for Rodriguez than expected early in his career. He also had a regression in his walk rate (6.2) again in 2024.

A midsummer ankle injury last year led to 19 days on the injured list. Rodriguez wasn’t a budding star over his first three months (.247/37/7/29/17 over 336 at-bats). He hit .316 over his final 215 at-bats with 36 runs, 12 home runs, 36 RBIs, and six steals, but it wasn’t enough to save his season.

His contact batting average (.377) has been an asset in his time with the Mariners (.382) while showing a higher gear in the minors (.422). Rodriguez slid to 30th in exit velocity (91.7 mph) and 28th in hard-hit rate (48.4). He had a slight bump in his launch angle (10.5) but a fade in his HR/FB rate (13.8 – 19.6 in 2023 and 21.4 in 2022), highlighted by his steep decline in his average hit rate (1.497).

Seattle finished 24th in runs (676) last season, leading to fewer RBI chances (360). He also had a fade in his RBI rate (14). Rodriguez ranked 35th in FPGscore (2.31) for batters.

Fantasy Outlook: Finding 30/30 type players with impact upside in the other three categories is a rarity in most fantasy seasons. Rodriguez must improve his approach and regain his lost power stroke to reach elite status, which was expected of him coming into the majors. I view him as a strong buy this year, but I’m not a fan of the offensive structure of the Mariners in mid-January.

7 – Fernando Tatis, SD (ADP – 9.7)

Drafting Tatis has been a losing investment over the past three years due to a missed season (2022) and 60 games on the sidelines last season. He teased the fantasy market over 702 at-bats from 2020 and 2021 (.281/149/59/142/36).

Tatis missed the first three weeks of 2023 with a slow recovery from shoulder surgery. Despite hitting nine home runs over his first 150 at-bats, he had weakness in his runs (21) and RBIs (19) with a short batting average (.240). He played much better over the next third of the season (.293/38/9/34/12 over 215 at-bats). Tatis drove the bus home with a step back in play over 210 at-bats (.233 with 32 runs, seven home runs, and 25 RBIs) except for 12 stolen bases.

Last season, he suited up for 102 games due to 10 weeks on the injured list with a quad issue. Tatis hit .279 over his first 308 at-bats with 50 runs, 14 home runs, 36 RBIs, and eight steals, putting him on pace for an 89/25/64/20 season if given 550 at-bats. His bat showed more power in September (.267/14/7/13/3 over 90 at-bats).

His strikeout (21.9) was a career-best while taking fewer walks (7.3%). Tatis lost his swing against lefties (.225/14/2/5/3 over 98 at-bats). He struggled with runners on base (RBI rate – 12).

Despite his shortfalls in expected production, he ranked high in exit velocity (93.5 – 9th) and hard-hit rate (55.8 – 4th), plus strength in his HR/FB rate (20.4). Tatis has a fading launch angle (10.0) with a lower fly-ball rate (34.0).

Fantasy Outlook: Based on the results on the field, Tatis doesn’t belong in the first round of drafts. His contact batting average (.364) remains high but below his first three years in the majors (.432). He projects to have a floor of 30 home runs with speed to push higher in stolen bases. The question is: to bet on his potential or avoid his propensity to get hurt? Tatis is miles away from free agency (2035). Possible top five-hitter if on the field for 150+ games.

8 – Jackson Chourio, MIL (ADP – 16.7)

Milwaukee signed Chourio for $1.8 million in 2021 at age 17. Over his three seasons in the minors, he hit .286 with 194 runs, 47 home runs, 191 RBIs, and 68 stolen bases over 1,090 at-bats. In 2023, 510 of his 531 at-bats came at AA (.280/84/22/8943). His walk rate (8.1) and strikeout rate (20.6) were about league average.

The Brewers saw enough progress in his game to sign him to an eight-year $82 million contract in December of 2023. Chourio had 21 at-bats of experience at AAA (.333 with four runs, two RBIs, and one steal) coming into last season.

In his rookie campaign, Chourio rewarded Milwaukee for the investment in him by making the major league roster out of spring training. He struggled over his first 51 games (.207/20/5/16/7 over 164 at-bats) due to a rise in his strikeout rate (27.3). For the remainder of 2024, his bat proved to be major-league-ready (.305 over 364 at-bats with 60 runs, 16 home runs, 63 RBIs, and 15 stolen bases). Over this span, his strikeout rate (18.4) beat the league average while needing work with his walk rate (7.3).

His exit velocity (89.7 mph) ranked 90th for batters with at least 400 plate appearances. Chourio finished with higher success in hard-hit rate (44.9 – 65th). He had a groundball swing path (48.3%) with strength in his HR/FB rate (16.4). His bat lacked punch against left-handed pitching (.267/21/3/15/8 over 161 at-bats).

Fantasy Outlook: When given a chance to hit on the top two spots in the Brewers’ batting order, Chourio hit .287 with 44 runs, 11 home runs, 40 RBIs, and 15 steals over 268 at-bats. He ranked 20th in FPGscore (3.00) for batters. Here are the positives for him in 2025: Will he hit in a favorable part of the batting order? √ Can Chourio hit 20+ home runs? √ And does his minor league profile support 35+ stolen bases? √ When adding his success with runners on base (RBI rate – 19), he looks poised to be a better player in 2025. Let’s go: .280 with 100+ runs, 20+ home runs, 80+ RBIs, and 40+ steals.

9 – Yordan Alvarez, HOU (ADP – 18.0)

In 2023, an oblique injury led to Alvarez missing about 45 days between June and July. Over his first 202 at-bats, he hit .277 with 41 runs, 17 home runs, and 55 RBIs. After returning from his injury, his bat stayed on a productive path (.308/36/14/42 over 208 at-bats).

Alvarez set career highs in plate appearances (635), at-bats (552), hits (170), batting average (.308), and steals (6) last season. Unfortunately, his value in runs (88) and RBIs (86) fell short of expectations. He continues to offer an edge in his contact batting average (.372) with an excellent approach (strikeout rate – 15.0 and walk rate (10.9) for a power hitter. Alvarez had a regression in his average hit rate (1.841) while struggling more with runners on base (RBI rate – 15).

His bat was elite vs. left-handed pitching (.362/23/10/30/1 over 188 at-bats), with more success on the road (.333 with 53 runs, 22 home runs, 56 RBIs, and three stolen bases over 273 at-bats). Alvarez lost his power in May (.283/10/2/4/3 over 106 at-bats). He hit between seven and eight home runs in four different months. From June through August, his batting average (.347) was a significant edge, leading to 48 runs, 19 home runs, 49 RBIs, and three steals over 254 at-bats. Alvarez missed the final five games of the season with a right knee issue.

He ranked 13th in exit velocity (93.1) and 18th in hard-hit rate (49.7), which were lower than his two previous seasons. His fly-ball rate (47.6) was a career-high and has risen for five consecutive seasons. On the downside, Alvarez posted a career-low with his HR/FB rate (16.0 – 21.9 in 2023 and 21.9 in his career).

Fantasy Outlook: The Astros want to keep Alvarez in their lineup for more games, so they will limit his playing time in the outfield in 2025. His foundation skill set is tremendous, giving him an edge in power and batting average. He finished 15th in FPGscore (5.34) for hitters in 2024 while underperforming in runs and RBIs for his improved opportunity. Houston has him locked up for four more seasons. I love his floor in batting average and his potential to smash 50 home runs, but Alvarez must avoid the injured list to post difference-maker stats. With a second-round ADP in 2025, he will be a gift for some team structures.

10 – Jackson Merrill, SD (ADP – 26.0)

Merrill came to San Diego via the 27th selection in the 2021 MLB June Amateur Draft. Over three short seasons in the minors, he hit .295 with 133 runs, 21 home runs, 114 RBIs, and 31 stolen bases over 800 at-bats. His highest experience level was AA (.273/26/5/31/5 over 187 at-bats). Merrill has a below-par walk rate (7.4) while being challenging to strikeouts (15.1).

Despite only about a third of a year of experience at AAA, Merrill made the Padres starting lineup in 2024. He hit .280 over his first 186 at-bats in San Diego with 22 runs, three home runs, 22 RBIs, and seven stolen bases. His power emerged in June (.320/17/9/20/2 over 103 at-bats) and August (.303/18/7/23/5 over 99 at-bats). Merrill had less success against left-handed pitching (.240/13/5/17/4 over 146 at-bats). He hit an impressive .326 on the road with 40 runs, 12 home runs, 51 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases over 288 at-bats.

His strikeout rate (17.0) was in a favorable area, but he had a free-swinging approach (4.9% walk rate). Merrill finished with a line drive swing path (23.9%) with a slight increase in his HR/FB rate (13.0). He ranked 67th in exit velocity (90.4) and 75th in hard-hit rate (43.9).

Fantasy Outlook: Merrill surprised in home runs last year based on his incoming average hit rate (1.605). He upped that number (1.710) in 2024, painting a new floor of 25 home runs if repeated with 550 at-bats. He performed well with runners on base (RBI rate – 18). His minor league resume supports more stolen bases (he ranked 43rd in sprint speed last season). For now, I’ll view Merrill as a 25/20 player with help in runs, RBIs, and stolen bases. He finished last season ranked 22nd in FPGscore (3.95) for hitters.

11 – Jarren Duran, BOS (ADP – 22.7)

The debate when looking at baseball players each season is between progression and regression. The direction a player is moving is critical to having success in the fantasy market. Durran came into 2024 with 643 at-bats in the majors over three seasons. He hit .258 with 86 runs, 13 home runs, 67 RBIs, and 33 stolen bases while striking out 27.7% of the time. He lowered his strikeout rate (24.9) in 2023, a sign of gaining more confidence at the major league level at the plate.

Boston handed him their leadoff job in 2024, and Durran responded with a top-10 fantasy season by FPGscore (6.78). He led the American League in plate appearances (735), at-bats (671), doubles (48), and triples (14) while setting career highs in all other categories. He lowered his strikeout rate to 21.8%, with some improvement in his walk rate (7.4).

Over the first two months of 2024, Duran still had job loss risk (.253/32/3/23/11 over 237 at-bats). His bat caught fire in June (.360 with 26 runs, seven home runs, 17 RBIs, and nine steals over 111 at-bats), with follow-through over the next two months (.302/38/11/29/12 over 215 at-bats). In September, he only hit .241 with 15 runs, no home runs, six RBIs, and two steals. Duran held his own against lefties (.255/25/4/18/8 over 208 at-bats). He hit 14 of his 21 home runs on the road.

His exit velocity (90.8) was higher than in 2023 (89.9). He ranked 75th in hard-hit rate (43.9). Duran finished with small increases in his HR/FB rate (11.7) and fly-ball rate (35.2) while still having a groundball swing path (46.6%). His strength in contact batting average (.374) was supported by his minor league career (.392).

Fantasy Outlook: I’m never a fan of a player having a career season, especially well above their previous resume. On the positive side, Duran did have success at AAA (.266/103/28/80/36 over 564 at-bats), which maybe should have foreshadowed his potential coming into last season. At age 28, his window to get paid in the majors is relatively short. Did he ENHANCE his chances in 2024? By his stats, yes, but Duran won’t be a free agent until 2029. I’m fading him as I can’t see him repeating his high total of at-bats, and I’m paying for last year’s stats on draft day. If he slumps, will Boston ride him out in 2025? I expect a 15 to 20% regression in his stats this year.

12 – Ronald Acuna, ATL (ADP – 31.7)

As the calendar flipped to March last year, Acuna was a late scratch from the Braves lineup in spring training. The high-stakes market had him pinned as the first overall pick for six months after his historic 2023 season. After some testing on his right knee (meniscus issue), he was back taking batting practice a week later and playing the outfielder in games by the middle of the month.

There was something clearly wrong with his knee or knees based on his lost power (four home runs and 15 RBIs) over his first 192 at-bats. Acuna had a dismal RBI rate (10) and a sharp decline in his average hit rate (1.458). His left knee (torn ACL) gave away on May 26th, followed by his surgery on June 7th. The recovery time for this type of injury typically takes nine months, putting Acuna on track to return in April. Atlanta has already floated out there that he won’t be ready for opening day.

In 2021, Acuna had surgery to repair his right ACL on July 22nd. He returned to game action on April 28th the following season (just over nine months), leading to him missing the first 19 games. Acuna ran over his 22 starts (.284/13/2/10/9 over 81 at-bats), but he struck out 32.3% of the time. Groin, quad, and foot injuries led to 12 missed games in May and June. His best production came over the final two months (.275/31/7/27/7 over 204 at-bats). Acuna stole 20 of his 29 bases before the All-Star break.

With this in mind, the fantasy market can’t expect Acuna to produce anywhere close to his stats in 2023 this season.

Last year, he had a career-high groundball rate (51.1), with a further decline in his fly-ball rate (27.3) and weakness in his HR/FB rate (10.5 – 24.0 in 2023 and 12.8 in 2022). His exit velocity (92.2 mph) and hard-hit rate (47.6) weren’t that far off his career averages (92.3/50.8).

Fantasy Outlook: I expect Acuna back by mid-April if he doesn’t have a setback. His ADP will fluctuate in March based on his news and ability to get on the field. When in the starting lineup, the Braves will bat him leadoff, and he wants to run. As the 25th batter drafted in mid-January, Acuna would need to produce a season in the range of stats with Jackson Merrill, Bryce Harper, Jackson Chourio, or Trea Turner in 2024.

13 – Wyatt Landford, TEX (ADP – 50.0)

After two dynamic seasons (.364 with 156 runs, 47 home runs, 120 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases over 492 at-bats) at the University of Florida, the Rangers selected Langford with the fourth overall selection in the 2023 MLB June Amateur Draft.

Over the back half of the 2023 baseball season, his bat pushed through four minor league levels, with success at every stop. Langford hit .360 over 161 at-bats for the year with 36 runs, 10 home runs, 30 RBIs, and 12 steals. He finished with an elite walk rate (18.0) with a favorable strikeout rate (17.0). Langford had more walks (128) between college and the pros than strikeouts (123).

The Rangers had Langford in their opening-day lineup in 2024. He looked overmatched over his first 116 at-bats (.224/13/1/11/1) before landing on the injured list for three weeks with a hamstring issue. His bat came around in June (.309/11/3/22/6 over 97 at-bats), but Langford only had nine home runs over his first 399 at-bats. A hot three games (5-for-13 with five runs, two home runs, and eight RBIs) in early September vs. the Yankees set the stage for a good end to the season (.300/25/8/20/7 over 100 at-bats).

His strikeout rate (20.7) and walk rate (9.2) beat the league average. Langford has success with runners on base (RBI rate – 17). He had a balanced swing path, but his HR/FB rate (9.9) was well below his limited minor league resume (21.3%). Langford ranked 93rd in exit velocity (89.6) and 78th in hard-hit rate (43.4). His launch angle (16.6) bodes well for more power.

With minimal experience in the minors, his contact batting average (.328) finished below his college (.442) and minor league (.457) careers. Langford also fell well short of expectations with his average hit rate (1.643 – 1.879 in the minors and 2.056 in college).

Fantasy Outlook: His 2024 stats projected over 550 at-bats came to 82 runs, 18 home runs, 82 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases. He finished the season ranked 62nd in FPGscore (0.43) while outperforming his rookie expectations in speed. Landford is a bet-on-the-come player, but one must believe in his ceiling, not his shortfalls in some rookie metrics. I expect him to bat third for the Rangers once his bat heats, pointing to higher outputs counting stats. I see a .300/100/30/100/20 player, making Langford a player to fight for in drafts in 2025.

14 – Michael Harris, ATL (ADP – 38.4)

After an excellent start at AA (.294/33/5/33/11 over 174 at-bats) in 2022, the Braves called up Harris to the majors in late May. His bat had instant success over his first 31 games (.325 with 20 runs, four home runs, 17 RBIs, and four steals) while hitting ninth in Atlanta’s batting order. He had a productive July (13/5/13/7 over 90 at-bats) despite hitting only .222. Harris ended the year with top-of-the-order production (.314 with 42 runs, 10 home runs, 34 RBIs, and nine steals over 210 at-bats).

Harris failed to match his rookie stats in his first entire season with the Braves in 2023 despite having 91 more at-bats. He missed three weeks in April with a back issue, followed by two more injuries (knee and foot). Over his first 109 at-bats, Harris hit .174 with 12 runs, two home runs, eight RBIs, and five stolen bases. His bat (.326/54/16/49/15 over 396 at-bats) reached his expected potential over the last four months.

After a slow start over the first two and a half months (.250/30/5/20/8 over 260 at-bats), Harris landed on the injured list for 60 days with a hamstring issue. He flashed more power (11 home runs) over his final 180 at-bats, but his speed (two steals) left the building.

His strikeout rate (20.0) rose slightly while continuing to have a low walk rate (4.9 – 4.7 in the minors). Harris had a regression in his contact batting average (.335 – .381 over his first 919 at-bats with the Braves), with a decline in his average hit rate (1.586).

His groundball swing path (49.4%) led to a low fly-ball rate (29.9). Harris has some pullback in his exit velocity (90.5 mph) and hard-hit rate (47.0). His HR/FB rate (15.4) rated well each year in the majors.

Fantasy Outlook: Locking in a favorable slot in the batting order has been an issue for Harris in his career. He doesn’t take enough walks to seize the two-hole job, and Atlanta has too much middle-of-the-order depth for him to earn a premium RBI opportunity. In addition, Harris has been a below-par hitter with runners on bases (RBI rate – 13.7) over the past two seasons. He handled lefties (.286/19/7/19 over 140 at-bats) well in 2024. I like his potential in batting average (.290), home runs (20+), and steals (20+), setting the stage for a five-category season in 2025.

15 – James Woods, WAS (ADP – 56.3)

The Padres drafted Wood out of high school in the second round of the 2021 MLB June Amateur Draft. Over his first two and half seasons at the lower levels (RK, A, and High A) of the minors, he hit .318 over 529 at-bats with 121 runs, 23 home runs, 120 RBIs, and 38 stolen bases, painting a high-profile bat. The Nationals acquired him at the trade deadline in 2022 in the Juan Soto deal with San Diego.

In his first experience at AA in 2023, Wood lost his edge at the plate (.248/48/18/55/10) due to a much higher strikeout rate (33.7). The following year. His bat dominated at AAA (.353 with 44 runs, 10 home runs, 37 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases over 190 at-bats) while showing a much better approach (40 walks and 42 strikeouts – 18.2% strikeout rate).

Washington called him up on June 28th after battling a hamstring issue. His batting average was an issue in July (.245/12/2/16/2) and September (.248/13/4/10/3) while flashing a higher ceiling in August (.302 with 18 runs, three home runs, 15 RBIs, and nine steals over 96 at-bats). His strikeout rate (28.9) regressed while maintaining a high walk rate (11.6).

Wood graded well in exit velocity (92.8 mph) and hard-hit rate (52.0%), but he hit a ton of ground balls (55.6%) with a low fly-ball rate (22.2). His HR/FB rate (20.5) shows his power impact when the ball is in the air.

Fantasy Outlook: In his whole minor league career, Wood had an elite contact batting average (.443), allowing him to have a reasonable floor in batting average until his approach catches up in the majors. Pitchers will have a better handle on him in 2025, forcing Wood to be more patient at the plate. If not, they will expand the strike zone on him, creating more swings and misses. The Nationals are rebuilding their offense, pointing to Wood getting a chance to bat in the upper half of their lineup. He is certainly tempting due to his baseline skill set in power and speed. I expect a couple of down months, but Wood should help fantasy teams in four categories (runs, home runs, RBIs, and steals) this season.