When I look for players to target in AL-Only leagues I want players who can stand out in either a certain category or are set to gain new position eligibility during the season for much-needed flexibility. You will see that as a trend for the top targets mentioned.
Otherwise, the focus shifts to playing time. If you can project playing time for players that others may not see coming then you can get a step up on competitors.
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AL-Only Players to Draft
Tyler Soderstrom (1B – ATH)
This is the third time I have written about Tyler Soderstom this year. I might have a problem. But when you cover deeper league content then it tends to happen. With Soderstrom it is simple. He is expected to bat in the middle of the order and can be a difference-maker with power even as a platoon bat (strong side). He had strong barrel% (14.6%) and hard-hit% (48.9%) in his small sample last year.
What makes him a must-get in AL-Only leagues is the potential for catcher eligibility. He has catcher experience in the Minor Leagues, has gotten reps in spring training and the team has commented on him potentially getting run as the backup catcher because it would help open up a roster spot. Even without said eligibility, there is a lot to like. However, gaining catcher eligibility would provide a massive boost in value.
Gio Urshela (3B – ATH)
The Athletics often have players who go under the radar, but Gio Urshela is expected to start the year as the everyday third baseman. There is nothing flashy here. Urshela has middling power potential and can hit for some average, but what you are getting is playing time — and playing time is king in AL-Only formats.
MJ Melendez (OF – KC)
MJ Melendez has yet to hit on the pedigree or expectations placed on him as a prospect. However, there is still time. He continues to work on his craft and has made a swing/mechanical adjustment this spring. He has a .270/.308/.568 triple slash line with two home runs through 39 spring plate appearances.
It is a small sample, but he is looking good early. This should be enough to secure a strong side platoon role for a team we have seen willing to platoon plenty in the past. Melendez offers power upside and playing time. If his changes in the mechanics can lead to tangible change in production then we are in business. It is a big if, though.
Trevor Larnach (OF – MIN)
Trevor Larnach has to be one of the more overlooked players projected to bat cleanup entering 2025. He has a career 10.7% barrel rate and 44.6% hard-hit rate. Last year we saw him make a lot more contact. You put all of that together and you have a solid producer in the middle of a good batting order.
It is not flashy, but Larnach could have a good batting average with above-average power production. Even if he platoons you get a player in the middle of the order with some interesting skills. Not a bad bet to take.
Ernie Clement (3B – TOR)
Although the bat is mediocre in general, the glove is elite. Ernie Clement is poised to enter the year as the starting third baseman for the Blue Jays. He has some power and speed (neither are a strength) with elite contact skills. Those contact skills could lead to a good abetting average. As long as the glove remains elite, the playing time should be there.
Additional Names to Consider
- Ryan Bliss (2B – SEA): A ton of speed and could start the year as the starting second baseman. Not guaranteed, though.
- Dylan Moore (2B – SEA): If Dylan Moore does not win the second base competition he should still play plenty and play multiple positions.
- Chase Meidroth (SS – CWS): Seems to be in the running for the starting shortstop spot in Chicago. Has elite on-base percentage (OBP) skills and could fight for a leadoff spot at some point.
- Oswaldo Cabrera (3B – NYY): Not flashy but should play most days as the starting third base.
- Ben Rice (1B – NYY): Expected to get run as the designated hitter with Giancarlo Stanton hurt. Big-time power upside (likely platoon), but has question marks surrounding his contact skills.
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