Fantasy Baseball Mock Draft: Picks & Predictions (ESPN Standard)

Fantasy Baseball Mock Draft: Picks & Predictions (ESPN Standard)

MLB Spring Training is right around the corner! It’s not long before the action begins. Now is the time to prepare for your fantasy baseball drafts. Here’s a look at a fantasy baseball mock draft using our FREE mock draft simulator. You can check out the full fantasy baseball mock draft results below, and we dive into a few of the notable picks.

2025 Fantasy Baseball ESPN Standard Mock Draft Picks & Predictions

Pick 1.04: Juan Soto (OF – NYM)

Juan Soto’s 2024 performance reinforced why he’s a fantasy powerhouse and contributed to his record-setting deal with the New York Mets this offseason. At just 26 years old by the end of the season, Soto demonstrated exceptional durability by appearing in 157 games. He excelled in his trademark areas, boasting a .419 on-base percentage and a .288 batting average. Soto also delivered career highs with 41 home runs and 128 runs scored while contributing 109 RBIs and seven stolen bases. There are some unknowns regarding his supporting case in New York. While Francisco Lindor is an elite option ahead of him in the order, the rest of their lineup remains an enigma depending on what else they do in free agency. Either way, Soto gives you plenty of opportunity to rack up counting stats. Just beware of a small letdown following the massive contract.

Pick 2.09: Francisco Lindor (SS – NYM)

Francisco Lindor followed up his 30/30 season in 2023 with another outstanding performance in 2024. He hit 33 home runs, scored 107 runs, drove in 91, and stole 29 bases in 152 games. He slashed .273/.344/.500, contributing to his career-high xwOBA of .382. The 31-year-old just keeps on keeping on, causing many in the fantasy community to overlook him in that top echelon of shortstops. Lindor will get a boost hitting in front of the newly-acquired Juan Soto, possibly leading to another 30/30 season with 100 runs scored. There are no “Buyer Beware” stickers for one of the highest-floor fantasy players in the game.

Pick 3.04: Chris Sale (SP – ATL)

Chris Sale has perenially been the “If he can stay healthy” pitcher, and in 2024, he finally showed us what that looked like. In his age-35 season, Sale pitched 177 2/3 innings, held a fantasy-happy 18-3 record, struck out 225 batters, and had a 2.38 ERA with a 1.01 WHIP. It was his best year since 2017, so now the question is: Does he have another one of these in him? Pitchers at age 36 are risky, and part of what made Sale’s 2024 so magical was his low draft-day cost. At this point, he will cost you a third-round pick, which seems too high for someone with his profile. However, we circle back to the “If he can stay healthy” mantra; if he can offer a repeat, he’ll return value in spades. How much risk you want to take in your SP1 slot is up to you.

Pick 4.09: Dylan Cease (SP – SD)

Dylan Cease escaped from the White Sox in time to deliver a steady season as the Padres’ ace. The 28-year-old struck out 224 batters in 189 1/3 innings on his way to a 3.47 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP. He is in the 92nd percentile in Whiff% (32.4) and maintained a 29.4 K%. He set a new career-low walk rate at 8.5%, impressive for a pitcher who has struggled with free passes for much of his career. Cease will provide fantasy managers with a steady stream of strikeouts and 30+ starts. Just don’t expect a return of his 2022 numbers anytime soon.

Pick 5.04: Pete Alonso (1B – FA)

Pete Alonso continued to mash the ball in 2024, hitting 34 home runs, though this was his career-low total and probably not the number fantasy managers were hoping for when they drafted him. Now a free agent at age 30, a lot of Alonso’s value will be determined by where he lands and the lineup around him. Projections have him nearing the 40-homer mark, and he should get back to 100 RBIs if he hits that number. Just be aware that his numbers are trending in the wrong direction to be the monster power source he used to be in fantasy.

See the entire draft board here


What is Fantasy Baseball?

Fantasy baseball is an online game where participants act as managers of virtual baseball teams based on real-life Major League Baseball (MLB) players. The performance of these players in actual games determines the results in the fantasy league. It’s a blend of skill, strategy, and a little bit of luck, akin to the real-world decisions team managers must make.

Basic Strategy for Fantasy Baseball Success

1. Understand Your League’s Format and Scoring

Before drafting your team, it’s essential to understand the scoring system and rules of your specific league, as this will influence your drafting and management strategy. Knowing whether you’re in a points-based, category-based, or head-to-head league will guide you in selecting players whose strengths align with the scoring system.

2. Drafting Your Team Wisely

A solid draft is the foundation of a successful season. Here are a few tips for the drafting phase:

  • Balanced Team: Ensure you have a balanced team with a mix of power hitters, average hitters, speedsters, starting pitchers, and relievers.
  • Position Scarcity: Be aware of the depth of talent at each position. Some positions, like shortstop, may have fewer high-quality players, making it beneficial to draft a top player at that position early.
  • High-Floor Players: Early in the draft, focus on players with a proven track record of consistency.
  • Upside Picks: In the later rounds, look for “upside” players. These are athletes who have the potential to outperform their draft position.

3. In-Season Management

  • Stay Active: Constantly look for ways to improve your team through waivers, trades, and free-agent pickups.
  • Mind the Matchups: Pay attention to player matchups, platoon splits, and ballparks. Starting a pitcher in a hitter-friendly park, for example, can be risky.
  • Injury Management: Stay on top of player injuries and have backups ready for your key players.


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