Introduction

As the 2025 MLB season approaches, fantasy baseball enthusiasts are on the lookout for hidden gems that can provide exceptional value. Tristan H. Cockcroft has identified 20 sleeper picks who could outperform expectations and become key assets in your fantasy lineup.

Key Players to Watch

Sandy Alcantara, SP, Miami Marlins

Returning from Tommy John surgery, Alcantara is already showing signs of his former dominance. With a strong spring performance, he’s set to lead the Marlins' rotation and could be a top-tier fantasy pitcher once again.

Tanner Bibee, SP, Cleveland Guardians

Bibee has steadily increased his workload and is a dark horse for the innings title. His cutter against left-handed hitters was particularly effective last season, making him a potential fantasy ace.

Junior Caminero, 3B, Tampa Bay Rays

Caminero’s raw power is undeniable, with impressive exit velocities and hard contact rates. Batting in the heart of the Rays' order, he’s a strong candidate for 30-plus home runs.

Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF, Chicago Cubs

Known for his speed, Crow-Armstrong made significant improvements with the bat in the latter part of 2024. A slight adjustment in his stance has led to better launch angles and hard-hit rates, setting him up for a potential breakout.

Oneil Cruz, SS/OF, Pittsburgh Pirates

Despite not meeting lofty expectations last season, Cruz’s underlying metrics were outstanding. Staying healthy and playing 146 games, he’s primed for a significant step forward in 2025.

Christian Encarnacion-Strand, 1B, Cincinnati Reds

Injuries have kept Encarnacion-Strand under the radar, but his raw power is immense. With Spencer Steer’s shoulder issues, he could find more playing time and become a low-cost sleeper.

Riley Greene, OF, Detroit Tigers

Greene showed signs of a breakthrough in 2024 but hasn’t yet reached superstar status. His improved chase rate and barrel rate make him an attractive value pick.

Jackson Holliday, 2B, Baltimore Orioles

Holliday’s first MLB stint was underwhelming, but he’s still a highly talented prospect. At his current price point, he’s worth a gamble for a potential rebound.

Clay Holmes, RP, New York Mets

Holmes is transitioning from closer to starter and has looked impressive this spring. His new pitch, the "kick change," could diversify his repertoire and make him a valuable fantasy asset.

Shea Langeliers, C, Athletics

Langeliers combines volume and raw power, and the move to Sacramento’s hitter-friendly ballpark could boost his numbers significantly.

Zebby Matthews, SP, Minnesota Twins

A deep sleeper with excellent command, Matthews has a path to the Twins' rotation. His gyro slider is a strikeout machine, making him a great AL-only or deep-mixed league pick.

Garrett Mitchell, OF, Milwaukee Brewers

Mitchell has elite speed and plate discipline but needs to improve his ground ball rate. Batting cleanup in a strong lineup, he has the potential for a breakout season.

Vinnie Pasquantino, 1B, Kansas City Royals

Injuries have plagued Pasquantino, but his contact quality metrics are top-tier. He’s a low-cost option with the potential to be a top-10 fantasy first baseman.

Brent Rooker, DH, Athletics

Rooker’s power numbers should benefit from the move to Sacramento. He’s a strong candidate to improve on his career-high 39 homers from 2024.

Cristopher Sanchez, SP, Philadelphia Phillies

Sanchez has made significant gains in velocity and command. If he can boost his strikeout rate, he has the ceiling of a top-20 fantasy SP.

Justin Slaten, RP, Boston Red Sox

Slaten’s skills are closer-worthy, and with limited competition, he’s a great dart throw in AL-only and deep-mixed leagues.

Taylor Ward, OF, Los Angeles Angels

Ward is a consistent performer who could quietly reach 25-plus homers. His late-season improvements in 2024 suggest he’s undervalued.

Gavin Williams, SP, Guardians

Williams’ return to his 2023 slider has been promising. With a deeper repertoire, he has the potential to be a top-50 fantasy SP.

Bryan Woo, SP, Seattle Mariners

Injuries are a concern, but Woo’s improvements with his changeup and sweeper make him a worthwhile risk at his current price.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto, SP, Los Angeles Dodgers

Overshadowed by Roki Sasaki, Yamamoto’s stuff remains elite. He’s a bona fide fantasy ace and should be drafted accordingly.

Conclusion

These 20 sleeper picks offer a mix of potential and value that could make a significant impact in the 2025 fantasy baseball season. Keep an eye on these players as you prepare for your drafts.