Draft rankings vary between fantasy baseball platforms, especially ESPN. For whatever reason, ESPN draft rankings strongly differ from the consensus average draft position (ADP) among other sites. For example, Detroit pitching prospect Jackson Jobe is ranked 458 on ESPN, far below his consensus fantasy baseball ADP of 254.
A dive into similar examples can reveal undervalued players to target on ESPN to achieve draft-day steals. Therefore, I’ll break down ESPN draft positions as they appear in the draft day lobby, one of ESPN’s two slightly different ADPs, not to be confused with live draft trends. Below are undervalued fantasy baseball picks to target in ESPN drafts.
- 2025 Fantasy Baseball Draft Kit
- Fantasy Baseball Draft Rankings
- Fantasy Baseball Research & Advice
- Fantasy Baseball Average Draft Position (ADP)
Undervalued Players to Target in ESPN Drafts (2025)
Elly De La Cruz (SS – CIN) | 67 ESPN ADP vs. 5 Consensus ADP
This one is a real head-scratcher. I assume the reason for the shortstop’s low ESPN ranking is his 31.3% strikeout rate in 2024. ESPN bases their rankings on points formats, and severe strikeout penalties can change the 23-year-old from elite to good. Regardless, Elly De La Cruz is an electric player and does not belong as a seventh-round pick in ESPN.
Julio Rodriguez (OF – SEA) | 61 ESPN ADP vs. 16 Consensus ADP
Julio Rodriguez had a down year in 2024, but not bad enough to warrant this ESPN draft position. The outfielder’s down year can be attributed to limited power in 2024, slugging .409 compared to .485 and .509 in years before. The young star enters his fourth season with something to prove and provides excellent value in ESPN drafts.
Jarren Duran (OF- BOS) | 60 ESPN ADP vs. 21 Consensus ADP
I don’t understand this draft placement. Jarren Duran accumulated almost a 9.0 WAR last season and was dominant in points leagues, which ESPN favors. He hit 21 homers and stole 34 bases, slashing 285/.342/.492 in a league-leading 735 plate appearances. Draft the 28-year-old outfielder before ESPN comes to its senses.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. (3B, OF – NYY) | 106 ESPN ADP vs. 26 Consensus ADP
Jazz Chisholm Jr. is overvalued as a consensus pick and undervalued on ESPN. I would argue his true value is somewhere between these draft positions. The Yankee plays the valuable positions of third base and outfield and is a good hitter and elite stolen base threat.
Chisholm performed well in his first career healthy season last year, slashing .256/.324/.436 as a whole but .273/.325/.500 after being traded to the Yankees near the deadline. Remember Chisholm as you approach his ESPN draft position.
Marcell Ozuna (OF, DH – ATL) | 111 ESPN ADP vs. 52 Consensus ADP
There is no reason Marcell Ozuna should have a draft position this low on ESPN. The 34-year-old played every game last season, slashing .302/.378/.546 with 39 homers and 104 RBI. He placed fourth in National League MVP voting. Ozuna’s only drawback is his confinement as a designated hitter. Grab the slugger before your league mates do.
Shane McClanahan (SP – TB) | 245 ESPN ADP vs. 123 Consensus ADP
Shane McClanahan looks healthy after missing all of last season due to Tommy John surgery. The Tampa Bay ace will start Opening Day and has had no restrictions during spring training. Admittedly, it is likely McClanahan will have limited innings throughout the season. Any restrictions are easy to stomach at the southpaw’s current discount. In other words, draft McClanahan.
Paul Goldschmidt (1B – NYY) | 243 ESPN ADP vs. 160 Consensus ADP
It looks like the 2022 MVP run was Paul Goldschmidt’s last big year. Despite being mostly healthy, the aging first baseman has taken a slide since 2022. The now 37-year-old was especially bad last season.
Goldschmidt had a dreadful .233 batting average with 41 RBI in 104 games between March and July of 2024 but cleaned up his act and batted .273 with 24 RBI in 50 games between August and the end of September. ESPN managers who believe in a career resurgence with the Yankees should draft Goldschmidt.
Tyler O’Neill (OF – BAL) | 262 ESPN ADP vs. 168 Consensus ADP
Tyler O’Neill is never healthy. He has only played 100+ games in two seasons. When he is healthy, though, he is a great player. O’Neill is coming off one of his best career seasons — 31 homers with an OPS of .847 in 113 games.
Although O’Neill comes with serious health risks, he is much better than other outfielders available in this late draft range. Target O’Neill to solidify your outfield on ESPN at a cheap price.
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