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 Mock Draft (Yahoo)
Pick 1.08: Jose Ramirez (3B – CLE)
While it may seem unbelievable, Jose Ramirez remains underrated. The 32-year-old third baseman seems to fly under the radar every year, and every year, he simply does what he’s been doing pretty much since he came into the league. In 2024, he tied his career high in home runs at 39, drove in 118, scored 114, and stole 41 bases. His OBP took a small dip (.335), but his average settled exactly on his career number of .279. Still, it is guaranteed that in at least one league you’re in, everyone will look past him anyway. Imagine ignoring the guy who came within one homer of being the first third baseman in history to post a 40/40 season. Coming out of the first round of your draft with Jose Ramirez is one of the safest plays you can make in 2025 fantasy.
Pick 2.05: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (1B, 3B – TOR)
Vladimir Guerrero Jr was the top first baseman in 2024 fantasy baseball. If that surprises you, it shouldn’t. The 25-year-old has demonstrated an elite ability to hit since he entered the league in 2019. Last year, in an ugly Toronto lineup, Vladdy hit 30 home runs, drove in 103, and scored 98 himself. He slashed an impressive .323/.396/.544. Some of those numbers may have resulted from an abnormally high .342 BABIP, but they’re not outrageous compared to his career averages. The Blue Jays recently added some protection for Vladdy in the form of Anthony Santander, but the really good news for Vladdy is that he will be a highly coveted free agent after this season. Fantasy managers should jump all over the opportunity to take advantage of the young superstar.
Pick 5.08: Devin Williams (RP – NYY)
Devin Williams had a truncated 2024 season due to back fractures, but he returned to form after resuming closer duties. He racked up 14 saves while only blowing one of them and struck out 38 batters in 21 2/3 innings for a ridiculous 43.2% strikeout rate. He will always walk more people than we’d like for fantasy purposes, but it’s the trade-off for one of the top strikeout artists in the closer role. Now in the Bronx, Williams will be the ninth-inning guy for the Yankees with all the job security in the world.
Pick 9.08: Randy Arozarena (OF – SEA)
Randy Arozarena’s 20/20 season last year was far from inspiring. His strikeout rate, already high at 23.9%, climbed to 26.1%, while his walk rate dipped from 11.3%. On top of that, his Barrel % fell significantly from 12.3% to 8.3%, contributing to a disappointing .219/.332/.388 slash line. His overall production suffered as well, with just 77 runs scored and 60 RBIs. To make matters worse for fantasy managers, Arozarena now plays in Seattle-a team with one of the league’s weakest lineups and a notoriously pitcher-friendly ballpark. Don’t let his name recognition push you into drafting him too early; he profiles more realistically as a low-end OF3 or even an OF4.
Pick 19.08: Alec Burleson (OF – STL)
Alec Burleson fell just shy of 600 plate appearances, delivering solid value to fantasy managers who grabbed him off waivers. However, his performance declined significantly in September. Known for his ability to avoid strikeouts (12.8 K%), Burleson also rarely draws walks. With the Cardinals’ outfield situation being crowded, his playing time in 2025 remains uncertain, but he has the potential to hit around 20 home runs. That said, his overall upside appears limited.
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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