Frank Ammirante | Fri, Mar 14th 2025, 7:06am EDT

Perfect Fantasy Baseball Draft (2025)

Fantasy baseball drafts involve looking through player rankings, comparing projections and monitoring average draft position (ADP). But another way you can get ready for the big day is by looking at an ideal draft from an experienced player.

Below you will find my perfect fantasy baseball draft. The goal here is to use NFBC ADP (since March 1st) to craft a well-rounded team that can compete in each of the 10 categories — batting average, runs, home runs, RBI, stolen bases, wins, saves, ERA, WHIP and strikeouts. We’ll use NFBC ADP because it’s the most active platform but with a more standard format: 12-team league with 1-C, 1-1B, 1-2B, 1-3B, 1-SS, 1-MI, 1-CI, 3-OF, 1-UTIL, 2-SP, 2-RP, 3-P and five bench spots.

With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at my perfect fantasy baseball draft. We’ll go with the second slot because that’s my preferred pick for this season.

The Perfect Fantasy Baseball Draft

Round 1, 2nd overall: Bobby Witt Jr. (SS – KC) | 1.56 ADP

Bobby Witt Jr. put up a .332 batting average with 125 runs, 32 home runs, 109 RBI and 31 stolen bases in his age-24 season. We’ve seen the Royals superstar top out at 49 steals (2023), so there’s a high upside for speed here. Witt sometimes goes first overall, but his NFBC ADP since March 1st is 1.56, so there’s a 50-50 chance he’d be available here.

Round 2, 23rd overall: Bryce Harper (1B -PHI) | 22.72 ADP

Bryce Harper is a safe pick due to his lengthy track record. The Phillies slugger has put up a .280+ batting average, 30+ home runs and seven or more stolen bases in two of his last four seasons. The elite plate discipline (12% walk rate and 21.9% strikeout rate in 2024) and strong batted-ball metrics (10.4% barrel rate) are still there. It’s also nice getting a batting average asset with home run upside who chips in with rare speed at first base.

Round 3, 26th overall: Logan Gilbert (SP – SEA) | 27.25 ADP

Logan Gilbert registered a 3.23 ERA and 0.89 WHIP with 220 strikeouts in 208.2 innings last season. The Mariners righty improved his strikeout rate from 24.5% to 27.4%, resulting in an impressive 3.19 SIERA. This is a dependable ace with projected volume and the ability to miss bats, playing in the most pitcher-friendly environment in Seattle.

Round 4, 47th overall: Josh Hader (RP – HOU) | 48.75 ADP

It’s a good idea to lock in an elite closer because you don’t want to be too reliant on chasing saves during the season. Josh Hader has one of the best track records in MLB, putting up 33+ saves in five of his last six seasons, including a 36% or better strikeout rate in each of those years. Expect more of the same for Hader in 2025.

Round 5, 50th overall: Ozzie Albies (2B – ATL) | 63.59 ADP

Don’t be afraid to reach on Ozzie Albies, who is a five-category contributor at a suppressed fantasy baseball ADP due to an injury-plagued 2024 season. This is a 28-year-old second baseman in an elite lineup with two 30+ home runs and 10+ stolen bases seasons in the last four years. There have been injury issues at times, but he’s healthy now, so take the plunge.

Round 6, 71st overall: Spencer Schwellenbach (SP – ATL) | 78.22 ADP

Spencer Schwellenbach was one of three pitchers to put up a sub-3.50 SIERA with a walk rate below 5% and an HR/9 of under 1.2, joining Tarik Skubal and Logan Gilbert last season. The Braves’ 25-year-old righty will be relied upon due to Max Fried‘s departure and Spencer Strider‘s injury recovery. All signs point to a full breakout in 2025.

Round 7, 74th overall: Luis Robert Jr. (OF – CWS) | 78.41 ADP

Luis Robert Jr. is one year removed from a 37-home run/20-stolen base season. There’s a good chance the White Sox’s power-speed threat will be traded at some point in the year, with the Reds expressing interest during the offseason. A change of scenery could help Robert get back to pre-2024 form. While there is injury risk here, the upside is too good to ignore.

Round 8, 95th overall: Riley Greene (OF – DET) | 104.94 ADP

Riley Greene was able to put up a 135 wRC+ with 24 home runs and an 11% walk rate in 2024. The Tigers outfielder was worth 4.0 WAR while posting impressive batted-ball metrics, including a 13.4% barrel rate and 114 miles per hour (MPH) max exit velocity. This is a budding star with 30+ home run power and the ability to chip in 10+ stolen bases. We just need him to stay healthy.

Round 9, 98th overall: Hunter Brown (SP – HOU) | 105.34 ADP

Hunter Brown is a former top prospect who finally figured it out last year. From May 11th to the end of the year, Brown put up a 3.49 SIERA and an 18.8% strikeout-to-walk rate (K-BB%) in 142.2 innings. Brown is an innings-eater entering his prime, making him the ideal SP3 to join Gilbert and Schwellenbach in my starting rotation. Don’t be surprised to see Brown emerge as the Astros’ ace.

Round 10, 119th overall: Tanner Scott (RP – LAD) | 119 ADP

Tanner Scott is an undervalued closer because the Dodgers’ bullpen is loaded with stud relievers such as Kirby Yates, Evan Phillips, Blake Treinen and Michael Kopech (once he returns from injury). But the Dodgers have already publicly announced Scott will get the bulk of save opportunities. That’s valuable on a likely 100+ win team.

Round 11, 122nd overall: Ian Happ (OF – CHC) | 128.75 ADP

Ian Happ is the perfect pairing with my riskier outfielders like Luis Robert and Riley Greene. The Cubs veteran has put up 21+ home runs and nine or more stolen bases in three of his last four seasons. This includes 640+ plate appearances in three of those years. There’s a high floor here with some upside given the Cubs’ improvements on offense now that Kyle Tucker is on the team.

Round 12, 143rd overall: Masyn Winn (SS – STL) | 147.59 ADP

Masyn Winn has untapped stolen base upside. Not only does the Cardinals’ shortstop have 87th percentile sprint speed, per Baseball Savant, but he’s also publicly stated he wants to steal 30+ bases this year. St. Louis is a rebuilding team that should let their young players run wild on the basepaths. Winn slots in perfectly as my middle infielder.

Round 13, 146th overall: Eugenio Suarez (3B – ARI) | 166.03 ADP

Eugenio Suarez is an undervalued third baseman due to advanced age and suppressed production from his time in the biggest pitcher’s park in MLB in Seattle. The Diamondbacks slugger put up a .256 batting average with 30 home runs and 101 RBI last season. This is the last of the third basemen you could feel truly comfortable with as your starter.

Round 14, 167th overall: Ryan Pepiot (SP – TB) | 171.63 ADP

Ryan Pepiot had a rock-solid debut season with the Rays, posting a 3.88 SIERA and 26.3% strikeout rate in 130 innings. While the control can be an issue (8.9% walk rate), the upside is there for an even better season. The Rays righty boasts a four-seamer with a 31.4% whiff rate and a changeup that allowed .274 xwOBA last year, per Baseball Savant.

Round 15, 170th overall: Gavin Williams (SP – CLE) | 194.19 ADP

Gavin Williams looks poised for a breakout year. Let’s remember this is a former top prospect who was held back by injuries last season. Now fully healthy, we’re seeing impressive results in spring training, including 16 strikeouts in only eight innings. This is another upside arm to add to my rotation that is anchored by a stalwart in Gilbert.

Round 16, 191st overall: Yandy Diaz (1B – TB) | 200.28 ADP

Yandy Diaz can provide a much-needed batting average boost to your team, putting up a .280+ batting average in three consecutive seasons. The Rays are playing in a more hitter-friendly ballpark this season, which could also boost Diaz’s power output. Batting average can be a tough category to address, so grabbing Diaz makes a lot of sense here.

Round 17, 194th overall: Keibert Ruiz (C – WSH) | 223.44 ADP

Keibert Ruiz is only 26 years old and one year removed from a season where he hit .260 with 18 home runs and 67 RBI. After waiting on catcher, getting Ruiz feels like a strong move here, especially since he’s recorded as many as 562 plate appearances as recently as 2023. You have to love that kind of volume after punting this position.

Round 18, 215th overall: Clarke Schmidt (SP – NYY) | 239.25 ADP

Clarke Schmidt posted a 3.77 SIERA while increasing his strikeout rate from 21.5% to 26.3% last season. With Gerrit Cole out for the season and Luis Gil facing an extended absence, the Yankees need to rely on Schmidt more than expected. That means more innings with more potential for wins. If Schmidt can stay healthy, bet on a breakout season.

Round 19, 218th overall: Max Scherzer (SP – TOR) | 249.38 ADP

Max Scherzer reportedly feels healthier this year than he has in a couple of seasons. We’re seeing positive results in spring training, including two earned runs allowed in nine innings, along with 14 strikeouts. While innings are a concern, this is the type of ceiling you want to bet on in the backend of your rotation. Ride the wave while it lasts.

Round 20, 239th overall: Parker Meadows (OF – DET) | 252.50 ADP

Parker Meadows’ ADP has dropped as he’s dealing with upper-arm inflammation. Buy the dip because there’s power and speed upside here — nine home runs and nine stolen bases in only 298 plate appearances last season. If Meadows is out for longer than expected, you can just cut him loose and move forward.

Round 21, 242nd overall: Chris Martin (RP – TEX) | 273.75 ADP

It’s a good idea to take a shot on a late-round potential third closer, and that’s exactly what we’re doing here with Chris Martin. While the veteran has limited closing experience, he’s expected to get the first crack at the job for a World Series-contending Rangers team. If it doesn’t work out, you can quickly move on from Martin.

Round 22, 263rd overall: Connor Norby (3B – MIA) | 276.19 ADP

Connor Norby put up an intriguing 14.8% barrel rate last season. While it’s tough to be too excited about him given the pitcher-friendly environment in Miami, you have to like the rare stolen base upside at third base. Norby has 94th-percentile sprint speed, according to Baseball Savant. Norby is a flier who can back up Suarez, Diaz and Meadows.

Round 23, 266th overall: Jo Adell (OF – LAA) | 292.19 ADP

Jo Adell is another swing for the fences pick on a volatile hitter with power and speed upside. The Angels outfielder feels like he’s been around forever, but he’s only entering his age-26 season. Adell put up 20 home runs and 15 stolen bases in only 451 plate appearances last year. This is the perfect fill-in for Meadows while he recovers from injury. Cut bait if Adell struggles.

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