MLB fantasy: 15 rookies to target
2025 is expected to feature a deep rookie class, and fantasy managers are ready to jump at the chance of selecting the next big star before their opponents can.
Below are 15 rookies who could be difference-makers on your roster. Average draft positions (ADP) are as of Monday from FantasyPros.
Top rookies to draft
Roki Sasaki, Dodgers - SP (ADP: 107)
Sasaki enters 2025 with plenty of hype after a wild offseason ended with him joining the Dodgers. The 23-year-old might not throw a ton of innings in a deep Los Angeles rotation, but his chances of posting a low ERA and WHIP, combined with his ability to strike out opposing hitters in bunches, make him an intriguing fantasy selection.
Dylan Crews, Nationals - OF (ADP: 130)
Crews will get a shot to start every day for the budding Nationals, which could lead to some solid numbers for the former No. 2 draft pick. Steamer projects 17 homers, 76 runs, 64 RBIs, and 25 steals for the 22-year-old outfielder.
Jasson Domínguez, Yankees - OF (ADP: 141)
Yankees fans have patiently been waiting for "The Martian" to become a permanent fixture, and 2025 looks like the year he'll set up shop regularly in left field. That's good news for fantasy managers, who could be rewarded with 20-plus homers, 80-plus runs, and 20-plus steals if projection systems hit their marks.
Matt Shaw, Cubs - 2B, 3B, SS (ADP: 247)
It remains to be seen if Shaw will be the Cubs' Opening Day third baseman, but the chances appear to be high. The 23-year-old tore up the minors last season thanks to a terrific mix of power and speed (21 HRs, 71 RBIs, 31 steals), which could make him a late-round steal.
Jackson Jobe, Tigers - SP, RP (ADP: 248)
Jobe got a tiny taste of big-league action in 2024, throwing four scoreless innings in the regular season before a couple of rocky outings in the playoffs. The 22-year-old has a good chance of earning a spot in the Tigers' rotation, where he'll try to replicate his strong minor-league numbers (2.36 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 9.4 K/9) from a season ago.
High-impact prospects on the verge
Roman Anthony, Red Sox - OF (ADP: 275)
Anthony enters 2025 as MLB's No. 2 prospect behind Sasaki. There's a ton of hype surrounding the prized Red Sox outfielder, who has the look of a five-tool player who could light up several fantasy categories once he hits the bigs. He's not a lock to make the Opening Day roster, but he could force his way onto the roster soon.
Kristian Campbell, Red Sox - 2B, SS, OF (ADP: 287)
The Red Sox employ two of baseball's top 10 prospects in Anthony and Campbell, with the latter being tabbed for a potential second-base role if Boston decides to use Rafael Devers at DH and Alex Bregman at third to begin 2025. Campbell only has one minor-league season under his belt but looked really good, posting a .997 OPS with 55 extra-base hits, 77 RBIs, and 24 steals in 115 games.
Bubba Chandler, Pirates - SP (ADP: 303)
The Pirates' rotation already looks bright with Paul Skenes and Jared Jones, and Chandler isn't far away. The 22-year-old right-hander likely won't make the big club, but he's expected to log innings for Pittsburgh at some point this season. Chandler's got high strikeout potential, sitting down 148 in 119 2/3 frames last year.
Andrew Painter, Phillies - SP (ADP: 336)
Painter missed the entire 2024 season due to Tommy John surgery, so there's a good chance the Phillies limit his workload. The prized 21-year-old prospect posted a ridiculous 1.56 ERA and 13.5 K/9 during his 2022 campaign in the minors. This could lead to a relief role if the right-hander pitches in the bigs this season, so keep that in mind.
Carson Williams, Rays - SS (ADP: 599)
Tampa Bay's shortstop of the future will likely spend most of the upcoming campaign in the minors, but he might be one injury away from debuting. Williams has all the tools fantasy managers drool over and did some fine work last year in the minor leagues, posting an .853 OPS with 23 homers, 83 RBIs, and 20 steals in 115 contests.
Risky rookies with upside
Kumar Rocker, Rangers - SP (ADP: 289)
Rocker might be worth a bench stash thanks to his strikeout ability, but his role with the Rangers is yet to be determined as he competes with Cody Bradford and Jack Leiter for the fifth spot in the rotation. He's also prone to walks, leading to an inflated WHIP.
Hyeseong Kim, Dodgers - 2B, SS, OF (ADP: 326)
Kim projects to play everywhere for the Dodgers if he makes the big-league club, which could lead to a lot of plate appearances. The 26-year-old Korean was a solid hitter in the KBO, but most of his fantasy damage will be in categories like hits, batting average, and on-base percentage.
Jordan Lawlar, D-Backs - 3B, SS (ADP: 343)
Fantasy managers continue to be in wait-and-see mode regarding Lawlar, who has been on the radar for a few seasons but hasn't gotten a chance to stick in the majors with the D-Backs. It doesn't look like he'll make the Opening Day roster this year, but his many intriguing tools make him worth keeping an eye on.
Coby Mayo, Orioles - 3B (ADP: 349)
Mayo is an intriguing fantasy option, who has the tools to be a beast if he can find at-bats. The 23-year-old totaled 54 homers and 172 RBIs across the last two seasons in the minors. Unfortunately, he's blocked at third base by Jordan Westburg in Baltimore.
Jacob Wilson, Athletics - SS (ADP: 395)
Wilson looks like he'll be the starting shortstop for the Athletics in 2025, making him a potential late-round steal if he can excel in the bigs like he did in the minors. The 22-year-old slashed .433/.474/.668 in 226 minor-league games last season.