Fantasy Baseball Player Notes
2025 Fantasy Baseball Draft Notes
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1.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
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.
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2.
Bryce Harper
PHI
Bryce Harper stayed relatively healthy in 2024, playing in 145 games, his highest total since 2019. He hit 30 bombs, drove in 87, scored 85, and stole seven bases. His slash line remained an ever-impressive .285/.373/.525, and he has an elite walk rate of 12%. Of note, his strikeout rate has seen a slight increase for three consecutive years, but it remains within his normal career average. His 2025 projections put him back in the 30/100/100 range. The 32-year-old will only have first-base eligibility, but he should be one of the first three off the board at that position.
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3.
Freddie Freeman
LAD
Freddie Freeman dealt with an ankle injury in 2024 that limited him to 147 games, his lowest total since 2017. He also failed to hit .300 for the first time since 2019. Some of this is attributable to an outlier BABIP of .306, well below his career average. However, the rest of his fantasy profile remained strong as he hit 22 homers, drove in 89, scored 81 times, and stole nine bases. Freeman will be playing his age-35 season, which could scare off some managers on draft day, but he still bats squarely in the middle of the best lineup in baseball and has not shown any indications of serious decline. He remains a safe bet to set-and-forget in your first base slot.
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4.
Matt Olson
ATL
Matt Olson followed his career year in 2023 with a bit of a dud (especially concerning his draft cost) in 2024. He failed to hit 30 home runs for the first time since 2018, ending with 29 after smacking 54 the year before. He also came up just short of 100 RBIs with 98. Olson's walk rate decreased, and his 12.4 barrel percentage was the lowest in seven years. So, what can we expect from the first baseman this season? Assuming the Atlanta lineup returns to good health, his counting stats should rebound, and chances are he will get to 35 home runs again. If there is a discount on draft day, don't be afraid to scoop him up and assume regression will land him in the range we're used to. Just don't expect 2023 numbers again.
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5.
Pete Alonso
NYM
Pete Alonso continued to mash the ball in 2024, hitting 34 home runs, though this was his career-low total and probably not the number fantasy managers were hoping for when they drafted him. After a lengthy offseason of rumors, Alonso is returning to New York to bat behind Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto. Projections have him nearing the 40-homer mark, and he should get back to 100 RBIs easily with those two ahead of him. Just be aware that his numbers are trending in the wrong direction to be the monster power source he used to be in fantasy.
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6.
Josh Naylor
ARI
Josh Naylor rewarded fantasy managers who drafted him in 2024. He played 152 games for the Guardians, hitting 31 homers with 108 RBIs and scoring 84 runs. Batting behind Steven Kwan and Jose Ramirez definitely has its perks. Naylor is now in Arizona to be the slugging first baseman in the order behind Corbin Carroll and Ketel Marte. While 30 home runs might be too lofty of an expectation, Naylor should land in the 25/80/90 range in 2025, and he should see some improvement in his .249 batting average, which was suppressed due to an outlier BABIP of .246. He leads the second tier of first basemen that you can have for a cheaper cost in the middle rounds.
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7.
Christian Walker
HOU
Christian Walker has been chronically undervalued for most of his career. Over the past three years, he has been a model of consistency, though an oblique injury cut into his production in 2024. He was traded from Arizona to Houston in the offseason, where he will bat in the middle of the order and provide protection for Yordan Alvarez. While he is heading into his age-33 season, Walker should be the fifth first baseman off the board in most drafts and should provide similar production to the four above him at a much cheaper cost.
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8.
Cody Bellinger
NYY
Cody Bellinger experienced the expected regression in 2024 following his stellar 2023 campaign. The 29-year-old outfielder finished with 18 home runs, 78 RBIs, 72 runs scored, and nine stolen bases while slashing .266/.325/.426. Injuries limited him to 130 games, impacting his overall production. Despite the dip in numbers, he opted into his player option to stay with the Cubs and was promptly traded to the Yankees, which could offer a boost to his home run total. The biggest concern is whether he reverts to his 2021-2022 form, when he struggled significantly. Viewing him as an OF3/OF4 in fantasy drafts is reasonable, but there's still the risk that he falls below replacement level.
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9.
Triston Casas
BOS
Triston Casas' 2024 season was marred by injuries, limiting him to just 63 games. Despite this, he showcased his power potential by hitting 13 home runs and driving in 32 runs over 212 at-bats, resulting in a .241/.337/.462 slash line. His advanced metrics support his power, with a 13.3% barrel rate and a .330 xwOBA, indicating that his underlying performance aligns closely with his actual results. However, his 31.7% strikeout rate is a concern, as it represents a significant increase from his 25.1% rate in 2023. At 25 years old, Casas still has room for development, but reducing his strikeouts will be crucial for sustained success. Looking ahead to 2025, a healthy season could see him emerge as a key power contributor for the Red Sox, whose offseason acquisitions have greatly improved their overall lineup. Fantasy managers should monitor his health and strikeout trends, as a full season could yield substantial home run totals.
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10.
Vinnie Pasquantino
KC
Vinnie Pasquantino took a good-sized leap in his first full season in the majors. Even though his season was cut short due to a thumb injury, Italian Breakfast still hit 19 home runs and drove in 97 while slashing .262/.315/.446. While his walk rate took a small step down, his strikeout rate (12.8%) and whiff rate (14.5%) remain in the 96th percentile in the league. Pasquantino should remain in the lineup behind Bobby Witt Jr and Salvador Perez, making him a fantastic target for counting stats. If you wait on first basemen, nabbing Pasquantino in the 10th round can give you the return you're looking for.
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11.
Jake Burger
TEX
Jake Burger delivered a strong fantasy performance in 2024, hitting 29 home runs, driving in 76 runs, scoring 68 times, and adding one stolen base. His .250/.301/.460 slash line aligns closely with his career .251 batting average, suggesting sustainability. Burger's power is supported by a 12.3% Barrel Rate and a 91.3 mph average exit velocity, both indicative of his legitimate power. The Rangers' Globe Life Field is considered neutral regarding hitter friendliness, so it may not significantly impact Burger's counting stats next season. With eligibility at both third and first base, Burger's consistent power and improved plate discipline make him a valuable asset for fantasy rosters in 2025.
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12.
Salvador Perez
KC
Salvador Perez continued to be a reliable fantasy player in 2024, delivering 27 home runs, 104 RBIs, and 58 runs scored over 158 games. His .271/.330/.456 slash line marked an improvement in on-base percentage compared to his career .303 OBP, thanks to a career-high 44 walks. Perez's power remains legitimate, with a 12.2% barrel rate and an average exit velocity of 91.1 mph, aligning with his career norms. Given his consistent power production and improved plate discipline, Perez remains a valuable option for fantasy managers seeking stability at the catcher position.
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13.
Spencer Steer
CIN
Spencer Steer remained a valuable multi-position asset in fantasy baseball during 2024, though his batting average took a notable dip from .271 to .225. Despite the decline, the 26-year-old showcased power and speed, launching 20 home runs and swiping 25 bases-an increase of 10 steals from the previous season. Playing half his games in Cincinnati should help sustain his power output, and hitting in a solid lineup will support his counting stats. While some batting average rebound is possible, expecting him to return to .270 seems unrealistic; a more reasonable projection is around .240. His versatility adds appeal, but fantasy managers should be cautious not to overpay.
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14.
Paul Goldschmidt
NYY
Paul Goldschmidt experienced a challenging 2024 season, posting a .245/.302/.414 slash line with 22 home runs, 65 RBIs, 70 runs scored, and 11 stolen bases over 154 games. These numbers marked a decline from his career averages of a .289 batting average and a .384 on-base percentage. A significant factor in Goldschmidt's downturn was his increased strikeout rate, which rose to a career-high 26.5% in 2024, up from 23.4% in 2023. Concurrently, his walk rate dropped to a career-low 7.2%, contributing to a diminished on-base percentage. Despite these struggles, Goldschmidt maintained a hard-hit rate of 40%, ranking 15th among qualified hitters, and an average exit velocity of 91.2 mph. At 37 years old, Goldschmidt's ability to rebound in 2025 is questionable, though the change to Yankee Stadium is definitely a positive.
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15.
Yandy Diaz
TB
Yandy Díaz experienced a notable regression in his offensive performance during the 2024 season. After leading the American League with a .330 batting average in 2023, Díaz's numbers declined to a .281/.341/.414 slash line over 145 games in 2024. He recorded 14 home runs, 65 RBIs, and 55 runs scored, without any stolen bases. Advanced metrics indicate that Díaz's average exit velocity decreased from 93.4 mph in 2023 to 88.0 mph in 2024, and his barrel rate dropped from 9.5% to 5.9%. Despite these setbacks, Díaz maintained a solid on-base percentage (.341) and a low strikeout rate (15.3%). Entering his age-33 season, it remains to be seen if he can replicate his previous success or if the 2024 season marks the beginning of a decline.
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16.
Yainer Diaz
HOU
Yainer Diaz became the Astros' starting catcher in 2024, which put a dent in his power numbers given the physical responsibilities of playing the position more regularly. In 148 games, he hit 16 homers with 84 RBI and 70 runs while slashing .299/.325/.441. For some, the catcher position in fantasy is about finding someone who isn't going to hurt you, and Diaz offers that, particularly in batting average. His xBA was the exact same as his actual, and he has a career average of .291. It's possible that the 26-year-old could cross the 20-homer mark in 2025, but you should draft him for his average and RBI potential.
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17.
Luis Arraez
SD
Luis Arraez continued his exceptional contact-hitting prowess in 2024, achieving a .314 batting average-the highest in the National League-and totaling 200 hits, including 32 doubles, three triples, and four home runs. He also contributed 46 RBIs, scored 83 runs, and stole nine bases over 150 games. Arráez's success stems from his elite bat-to-ball skills, reflected in his MLB-leading 4.3% strikeout rate and a 26.5% line drive percentage. However, his limited power (.392 slugging percentage) will always limit his fantasy value. He is best paired with a low-average slugger from an early round in order to find complementary pieces.
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18.
Isaac Paredes
HOU
Isaac Paredes delivered a solid fantasy performance in 2024, hitting 19 home runs, driving in 80 runs, and scoring 64 times across 153 games split between the Tampa Bay Rays and Chicago Cubs. His .238/.346/.393 slash line remained in line with 2023's numbers. Paredes's average exit velocity of 85 mph and a 27.1% hard-hit rate suggest some caution regarding drafting him for potential power. A 16.4% strikeout rate aligns with his career norms, but his 11.9% walk rate indicates a keen eye at the plate. The Astros' Minute Maid Park, with its short left-field porch, should complement Paredes' pull-heavy approach, potentially boosting his home run totals.
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19.
Alec Bohm
PHI
Alec Bohm delivered a solid fantasy performance in 2024, recording 15 home runs, 97 RBIs, 62 runs scored, and five stolen bases over 143 games. His .280/.332/.448 slash line marked a slight improvement over his career .277 batting average. Bohm's season began impressively, with a .370 batting average and four home runs in April. However, his production declined in the second half, partly due to a left hand injury that sidelined him for 14 games. Statcast metrics reveal a mixed profile: an average exit velocity of 90.4 mph and a 45.6% hard-hit rate suggest solid contact, but a 6.8% barrel rate indicates limited elite power. His 17.4% strikeout rate reflects good plate discipline, though his 4.9% walk rate remains below league average. He is a fine option for a CI spot, but be prepared for the peaks and valleys that come along with him.
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20.
Michael Toglia
COL
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21.
Ryan Mountcastle
BAL
Ryan Mountcastle posted a .271/.308/.425 slash line, contributing 13 home runs, 30 doubles, 63 RBIs, and 54 runs scored in 124 games. Advanced metrics highlight Mountcastle's solid contact quality. He recorded an average exit velocity of 90.8 mph and a hard-hit rate of 45.2%. Mountcastle's strikeout rate remained a concern, as he fanned 114 times in 473 at-bats, resulting in a 24.1% strikeout rate. Mountcastle's consistent batting average and improved contact metrics suggest potential for increased power production, especially if he can adjust his launch angle. Addressing his strikeout rate will be crucial for maximizing his offensive contributions.
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22.
Nathaniel Lowe
WSH
Nathaniel Lowe had an average season in 2024, hitting 16 home runs, driving in 69 runs, and scoring 62 times over 486 at-bats. His .265/.361/.401 slash line aligns closely with his career averages. Lowe's power metrics were below average, however, including an average exit velocity of 88.9 mph and a 5.8% barrel rate. He remains a free-pass machine, sitting in the 97th percentile with a 12.6% walk rate. Following a December 2024 trade to the Washington Nationals, Lowe is poised to be a key contributor in their lineup for the 2025 season. In the fantasy realm, however, he remains a replacement-level option at 1B.
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23.
Michael Busch
CHC
Michael Busch stepped into Chicago and became the everyday first baseman. He hit 21 bombs with 65 RBI and 73 runs scored. He had a respectable .775 OPS, and the biggest concern about him is that he may find himself in a platoon if his numbers versus lefties struggle. However, the playing time should be there in general, and the Cubs have a decent lineup ahead of him to boost his RBI numbers. Looking forward, Busch is in a good position to take another step forward in 2025 and is a good late-draft power option.
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24.
Christian Encarnacion-Strand
CIN
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25.
Rhys Hoskins
MIL
Rhys Hoskins returned to MLB action in 2024 after missing the entire 2023 season due to a torn ACL. In his comeback season with the Brewers, Hoskins posted a .214 batting average, hitting 26 home runs, driving in 82 runs, and scoring 59 times over 137 games. His .303 on-base percentage and .419 slugging percentage contributed to a .722 OPS, way below his career average of .827. Notably, his 12.7% barrel rate in 2024 suggests that his power potential remains intact. However, his 28.8% strikeout rate raises concerns about his contact skills. As he enters his age-32 season, maintaining health and improving plate discipline will be crucial for Hoskins to be a late-round valuable power hitter.
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26.
Alec Burleson
STL
Alec Burleson fell just shy of 600 plate appearances and proved to be a solid waiver-wire pickup for fantasy managers, though his production dipped in September. He makes plenty of contact with a low 12.8% strikeout rate but rarely draws walks. His role in the Cardinals' crowded outfield remains uncertain, but if he sees consistent playing time, he has the potential to hit around 20 home runs in 2025. However, his overall upside is somewhat limited.
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27.
Brandon Lowe
TB
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28.
Andrew Vaughn
CWS
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29.
Tyler Soderstrom
ATH
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30.
Jake Cronenworth
SD
Jake Cronenworth maintained his consistent performance in the 2024 season, appearing in 155 games for the San Diego Padres. He posted a .241/.324/.390 slash line, hitting 17 home runs, driving in 83 runs, scoring 72 times, and stealing five bases. At 31 years old, Cronenworth's skill set is well-established. His versatility across multiple infield positions enhances his value, but the stats themselves remain average.
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31.
Nolan Schanuel
LAA
Nolan Schanuel maintained a .250 batting average, hitting 13 home runs, driving in 54 runs, scoring 62 times, and adding 10 stolen bases. His .343 on-base percentage and .362 slugging percentage resulted in a .705 OPS, aligning closely with his expected metrics, as indicated by a .321 xwOBA. Schanuel's disciplined approach at the plate was evident with an 17.0% strikeout rate and a 11.2% walk rate. However, his power numbers were modest, reflected by a 3.5% barrel rate and an average exit velocity of 86.1 mph. As he enters his age-23 season, Schanuel's consistent contact skills and plate discipline suggest room for growth, particularly in developing his power, making him a player to watch in 2025.
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32.
Josh Bell
WSH
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33.
Jeimer Candelario
CIN
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34.
Luke Raley
SEA
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35.
Kyle Manzardo
CLE
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36.
Ryan O'Hearn
BAL
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37.
Spencer Horwitz
PIT
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38.
Carlos Santana
CLE
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39.
Spencer Torkelson
DET
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40.
Connor Wong
BOS
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41.
Jonathan Aranda
TB
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42.
Deyvison De Los Santos
MIA
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43.
Pavin Smith
ARI
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44.
Dylan Moore
SEA
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45.
Jose Miranda
MIN
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46.
LaMonte Wade Jr.
SF
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47.
Kris Bryant
COL
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48.
Ty France
MIN
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49.
Justin Turner
CHC
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50.
Jonah Bride
MIA
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51.
Seth Brown
ATH
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52.
Tyler Black
MIL
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53.
Ben Rice
NYY
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54.
Agustin Ramirez
MIA
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55.
David Fry
CLE
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56.
Anthony Rizzo
FA
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57.
Gio Urshela
ATH
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58.
Juan Yepez
WSH
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59.
Wilmer Flores
SF
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60.
Nick Kurtz
ATH
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61.
Luken Baker
STL
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62.
Zach Dezenzo
HOU
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63.
Tyler Locklear
SEA
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64.
Mauricio Dubon
HOU
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65.
Garrett Jones
FA
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66.
Brandon Drury
CWS
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67.
Matt Mervis
MIA
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68.
Juan Brito
CLE
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69.
Billy Cook
PIT
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70.
Kevin Newman
LAA
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71.
Alex Kirilloff
FA
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72.
Donovan Solano
SEA
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73.
Rowdy Tellez
SEA
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74.
Victor Caratini
HOU
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75.
DJ LeMahieu
NYY
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76.
Joey Meneses
NYM
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77.
Oswaldo Cabrera
NYY
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78.
Mark Canha
MIL
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79.
Bryce Eldridge
SF
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80.
Austin Shenton
SEA
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81.
Jon Singleton
HOU
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82.
Jared Young
NYM
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83.
Kennys Vargas
FA
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84.
Nick Pratto
KC
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85.
Trenton Brooks
SD
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86.
Connor Joe
SD
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87.
Enrique Hernandez
LAD
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88.
Xavier Isaac
TB
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89.
CJ Kayfus
CLE
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90.
Tre' Morgan
TB
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91.
Ezequiel Duran
TEX
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92.
Samuel Basallo
BAL
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93.
Joey Gallo
CWS
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94.
Romy Gonzalez
BOS
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95.
Greg Bird
FA
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96.
J.D. Davis
LAA
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97.
Andy Ibanez
DET
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98.
J.C. Escarra
NYY
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99.
Brett Sullivan
SD
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100.
Gavin Sheets
SD
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101.
Jac Caglianone
KC
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102.
Harry Ford
SEA
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103.
Luke Keaschall
MIN
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104.
Jake Bauers
MIL
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105.
Keston Hiura
COL
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106.
Jose Abreu
FA
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107.
Andres Chaparro
WSH
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108.
Matt Carpenter
FA
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109.
Ryan Noda
LAA
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110.
Cavan Biggio
KC
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111.
Aledmys Diaz
FA
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112.
Jordan Diaz
FA
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113.
Emmanuel Rivera
BAL
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114.
Kody Clemens
PHI
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115.
Troy Johnston
MIA
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116.
Matt Duffy
FA
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117.
Grant Lavigne
FA
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118.
Bobby Dalbec
CWS
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119.
Miguel Sano
FA
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120.
Tim Tawa
ARI
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121.
Dominic Smith
NYY
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122.
Garrett Cooper
ATL
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123.
Yuli Gurriel
SD
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124.
Elehuris Montero
FA
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125.
Mickey Gasper
MIN
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126.
Mike Brosseau
SD
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127.
Niko Kavadas
LAA
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128.
Bligh Madris
DET
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129.
David Villar
SF
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130.
Darick Hall
PIT
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131.
Tim Elko
CWS
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132.
Cooper Hummel
HOU
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133.
CJ Alexander
ATH
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134.
Jonathon Long
CHC
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135.
Luke Ritter
NYM
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136.
Tristan Gray
CWS
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137.
C.J. Cron
FA
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138.
Andre Lipcius
CWS
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139.
Armando Alvarez
MIN
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140.
Tyler Nevin
FA
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141.
Brandon Belt
FA
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142.
Mike Moustakas
FA
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143.
Harold Castro
KC
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144.
Patrick Wisdom
FA
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145.
Brian Anderson
FA
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146.
Jake Cave
FA
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