Fantasy Baseball Sleepers: Garrett Mitchell, Tommy Edman, Zack Gelof

Stolen bases is a category that has become more prevalent in recent years due to rule changes that favor steals. More teams are willing to take risks on the base paths to enhance some run-producing chances with these new rules. With more teams running, you can make up a stolen base deficiency later in drafts.

Many players will be outfielders or middle infielders when looking for steals later in drafts. They will likely come with some other deficiency, be it power or batting average, so your team needs to be OK with those statistics if you draft these targets.

I have highlighted players with an average draft position (ADP) after pick 160 in 12-team leagues with 20+ stolen bases upside this season.

Fantasy Baseball Sleepers to Target for Stolen Bases

Tommy Edman (OF – LAD)

Tommy Edman had an injury-riddled 2024, where he only played 37 games and stole six bases. Over the previous three seasons, Edman stole 27, 32 and 30 bases. He’s healthy now and expected to be the primary center fielder for a dynamite offense with the Dodgers.

Projections have Edman back to playing around 130 games and stealing 25 bases. If healthy, Edman is a great steals source as he’ll add a little power, a decent batting average and should score plenty of runs.

Zack Gelof (2B – ATH)

Zack Gelof is in a tough fantasy spot. He brings a great 20/20 skillset but does not hit for average. Last season, Gelof hit .211 with 17 home runs and 25 stolen bases.

Things were better the previous season, hitting .267 with 14 home runs and 14 steals over 69 games. Gelof’s batting average dropped a ton due to striking out nearly 35% of the time.

Even with the bad batting average, Gelof did steal 25 bases, which is a plus. Projections have Gelof hitting closer to .230 with around 20 home runs and 20 steals. He’ll also play in a Minor League ballpark, which could help his offensive production.

If you are going to draft Gelof, make sure you have a strong batting average base. If you have that, he’s a great pick later in drafts for the power and, more importantly, the speed he’ll bring your fantasy team.

Garrett Mitchell (OF – MIL)

Injuries derailed the start of the 2024 season for Garrett Mitchell, resulting in only 69 games played with the Brewers. He hit .255 with eight home runs and 11 stolen bases over those 69 games. The 26-year-old will participate in his first full season with the Brewers as the expected primary centerfielder. A big fantasy season could happen if Mitchell plays enough and taps into his prospect upside.

Mitchell is projected for 20+ steals over 116 games. There’s a reality where he plays closer to 140 games, which could see Mitchell closer to 30 steals than 20, especially in the way the Brewers like to run. Mitchell is one of my favorite late-round outfielders to target for his upside.