Fantasy Baseball Player Notes
2025 Fantasy Baseball Draft Notes
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1.
Ketel Marte
ARI
Ketel Marte went off in 2024, setting new career highs in home runs (36) and RBIs (95). He added 93 runs and seven stolen bases while slashing .292/.372/.560, rewarding fantasy managers who took him on draft day and catapulting him into the 2B1 position heading into 2025. Marte missed some time last season with an ankle injury and has only played in 150 or more games twice in his career, so there is some injury risk baked in. However, at age 31, he seems primed for another monster season and is one of only two second basemen capable of a 30/100/100 season. Draft him with confidence.
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2.
Jose Altuve
HOU
Jose Altuve bounced back from his injury-plagued 2023 and played 153 for the Astros in 2024. He hit 20 home runs and stole 22 bases, the most since 2017. However, he is now entering his age-35 season, and we need to ask if the decline is in store sooner rather than later. His expected stats suggest Altuve experienced more luck than usual last season. His xBA was .262, compared to his final line of .295. Hix xSLG is perhaps even more concerning, dropping below .400 for the first time since 2015. The chances of him reaching 20 steals again seem low, but he can still get to the 15 mark fairly easily. Second base remains a difficult position to fill, so Altuve still has plenty of value. But don't pay for the player of yesteryear in case Father Time arrives early in 2025.
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3.
Mookie Betts
LAD
Mookie Betts got off to a torrid start in 2024 before a hand injury took out a chunk of his season and left him with only 116 games played. As hand injuries are wont to do, it sapped a bit of his power (19 HR), but he still reached 75 runs and RBIs while stealing 16 bases, his highest total since 2019. Betts's Statcast profile is one of a player who is simply really good at hitting baseballs. He is in the 90th percentile or higher in xwOBA, xBA, squared-up percentage, chase rate, whiff rate, strikeout percentage, and walk percentage. His 11% strikeout rate stands out in particular. Betts will have shortstop and outfield eligibility in all leagues and, depending on the format, may carry 2B as well. One of the most solid draft strategies in 2024 was "just draft all the Dodgers," and 2025 doesn't look much different. Betts is the table setter and a star in all fantasy formats.
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4.
Ozzie Albies
ATL
Ozzie Albies could stake a claim to the 2B1 title if he can stay healthy, which he has struggled to do. In 2024, he managed to play only 99 games and failed to produce much when he was on the field. He hit 10 home runs, scored 52, drove in 53, and only stole eight bases. The concerning note for Albies is that his 2024 stat line looked much like his injury-plagued 2022 year. Of course, in between the two, he produced MVP-like numbers (33/96/109). Which Albies we will get in 2025 remains to be seen. It would be prudent to draft him as though he will end up between those two extremes (think somewhere in the 20/90/80 range) while being hopeful that another 2023 is in store because the upside is definitely there.
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5.
Marcus Semien
TEX
The always-reliable Marcus Semien proved to be otherwise in 2024. He still played in 159 games and crossed 700 plate appearances, but the results were less than ideal. He hit 23 home runs and scored 101 runs, but he only knocked in 74 and stole only eight bases, the first time he failed to reach double digits since 2014. Some of Semien's issues came from an abnormally low BABIP of .250 (career of .283). This tanked his slash line to .237/.308/.391, but his underlying stats don't suggest any vast dropoff in performance. However, as he enters his age-34 season, there is always the potential for decline, and he should drop some in drafts as a result.
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6.
Jordan Westburg
BAL
Jordan Westburg returned for his second season in Baltimore and played 107 games, hitting 18 home runs and slashing .264/.312/.481. With the Orioles bringing in the left field fence, Westburg's right-handed power should see a boost in 2025. This is encouraging for fantasy managers, as the 26-year-old hit .303 at home. Westburg will most likely play third base in 2025 unless Jackson Holliday fails to take the leap at second. Either way, with second base this year's version of a wasteland, Westburg holds plenty of value for fantasy managers.
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7.
Matt McLain
CIN
Matt McLain's 2024 season was unfortunately curtailed due to injury. After a promising 2023 rookie year with the Cincinnati Reds, where he posted a .290 batting average, 16 home runs, 50 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases over 89 games, McLain faced health setbacks in 2024. He began the season on the injured list, recovering from a right oblique strain sustained in late August 2023. Despite efforts to return, including a brief rehab assignment in September 2023, he re-aggravated the injury and was shut down for the remainder of the season. In March 2024, McLain underwent shoulder surgery to repair a labrum tear and cartilage damage, sidelining him indefinitely. As of March 2025, McLain is actively participating in spring training, aiming to regain his form and secure his spot in the Reds' lineup for the upcoming season.
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8.
Luis Garcia
WSH
Luis García Jr. emerged as a key contributor for the Washington Nationals in 2024, delivering a solid fantasy season. Over 140 games, he posted a .282 batting average, hitting 18 home runs, driving in 70 runs, scoring 58 times, and adding 22 stolen bases. His .282/.318/.444 slash line marked a notable improvement over his career .270 average. However, he had a walk rate of just 5.1% and a strikeout rate of 16.3%. The power may regress in 2025, but if his contact rate remains high, he offers good production at the wasteland that is second base.
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9.
Brice Turang
MIL
Brice Turang delivered a multifaceted performance in 2024, showcasing his speed and defensive prowess. Over 155 games, he posted a .254 batting average with 7 home runs, 57 RBIs, and 72 runs scored. Notably, Turang excelled on the basepaths, swiping 50 bases, ranking third in the National League. While Turang's .254/.316/.349 slash line marked an improvement from his 2023 figures, his offensive metrics remained below league average, reflected in his 85 OPS+. However, his reduced strikeout rate-from 21% in 2023 to 16.6% in 2024-and increased walk rate to 9.2% indicate a more disciplined approach at the plate. Despite these gains, Turang's .349 slugging percentage suggests limited power, with only 7 home runs and a hard-hit rate of 29.7%. If he can build upon his improved plate discipline and tap into more power, he has the potential to become a more well-rounded offensive contributor, complementing his already stellar defense and base-running skills.
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10.
Xander Bogaerts
SD
Xander Bogaerts continued his struggles in 2024, appearing in only 111 games after switching from shortstop to second base. The 32-year-old hit 11 home runs and stole 13 bases while slashing .264/.307/.381. Bogaerts has seen his power sapped since arriving in San Diego, and there is some question whether or not the power will return, especially as his age creeps up. There was some hope toward the end of the season as Bogaerts hit .292 in the second half. If his health can hold up to more than 111 games, he does offer a solid batting average, but the guy we knew in Boston may be gone at this point.
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11.
Andres Gimenez
TOR
Andrés Giménez struggled during the 2024 season, recording a .252 batting average with nine home runs, 63 RBIs, 64 runs scored, and an impressive 30 stolen bases. While his batting average dipped from his 2022 peak of .297, his speed on the basepaths remained a significant asset. Gimenez's offensive metrics, such as a .638 OPS and a career-low .340 slugging percentage, made fantasy managers regret their high pick. His hard-hit rate declined to 27.0%, down from 37.8% in 2022. Now with the Blue Jays, Gimenez has entered that tier of infielders offering stolen bases and would go much lower in drafts if he was not a second baseman.
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12.
Nico Hoerner
CHC
Nico Hoerner delivered a solid fantasy season in 2024, recording seven home runs, 48 RBIs, 86 runs scored, and 31 stolen bases over 151 games. His .273/.335/.373 slash line aligns closely with his career .278 batting average, suggesting a sustainable performance. While Hoerner's power metrics, such as a 1.2% Barrel Rate and an average exit velocity of 85.7 mph, indicate limited home run potential, his elite contact skills are evident in his 12.1% strikeout rate, ranking eighth-lowest among qualified hitters. An October surgery to repair a flexor tendon in his right forearm may impact his availability for the start of the 2025 season. Fantasy managers should monitor his recovery closely, as his speed and contact skills make him a valuable second baseman when healthy.
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13.
Bryson Stott
PHI
Bryson Stott took a step back in 2024 from his rookie campaign. He only hit 11 home runs and slashed an ugly .245/.315/.356 after promising numbers in 2023. Where Stott will help fantasy managers is in the stolen base category, as he upped his total from 31 to 32 last season. He is otherwise a fairly unexciting player whose position (2B) will keep him coming off draft boards earlier than what his numbers suggest.
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14.
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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15.
Luis Rengifo
LAA
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16.
Jackson Holliday
BAL
Jackson Holliday's 2024 rookie season with the Orioles showcased both his potential and areas for growth. In 60 games, he posted a .189 batting average, hitting 5 home runs, driving in 23 runs, scoring 28 times, and adding 4 stolen bases. His .255 on-base percentage and .311 slugging percentage resulted in a .566 OPS, both of which should improve in his sophomore season. He hit the ball hard with a 45.1 hard hit rate, but he will need better plate discipline (33.2% strikeout rate). At 21 years old, Holliday has plenty of upside while batting at the bottom of a good lineup.
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17.
Gleyber Torres
DET
Gleyber Torres delivered a solid fantasy performance in 2024, recording 15 home runs, 63 RBIs, 80 runs scored, and 4 stolen bases over 154 games. His .257/.330/.378 slash line aligns closely with his career average of .265. Advanced metrics indicate a slight decline in power, with a Barrel Rate of 6.3% and a Hard Hit percentage of 35.4%, both below his career averages. His strikeout rate increased to 20.5%, up from 14.6% in 2023. The move to Detroit from New York won't help his offensive output. He's a later round MI draft pick in 2025.
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18.
Jonathan India
KC
Jonathan India delivered a solid fantasy performance in 2024, recording 15 home runs, 58 RBIs, 84 runs scored, and 13 stolen bases. His .248/.357/.392 slash line aligns closely with his career numbers. India's power metrics, including a .412 xSLG and a 7.7% Barrel Rate, indicate potential for increased power output. Notably, he improved his plate discipline, achieving a career-high 12.6% walk rate and reducing his strikeout rate to 19.6%, both career bests. Following an offseason trade to the Kansas City Royals, India is expected to be a key contributor in their lineup and an excellent late-round option at 2B for those who wait.
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19.
Brandon Lowe
TB
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20.
Maikel Garcia
KC
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21.
Zack Gelof
ATH
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22.
Ceddanne Rafaela
BOS
Ceddanne Rafaela brings a versatile skill set with contributions across multiple categories. He has the potential for around 15 homers and 20 steals, but his on-base percentage remains a concern (.274 OBP in 2024). With the improvements in the Red Sox lineup, Rafaela has the potential for boosts in the counting stats categories. He is an intriguing draft pick in 2025.
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23.
Colt Keith
DET
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24.
Brendan Donovan
STL
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25.
Willi Castro
MIN
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26.
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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27.
Connor Norby
MIA
Connor Norby landed in Miami in one of the most perplexing trades of the season, and he demonstrated his potential power once he was there. Norby hit nine home runs and collected 20 RBI in only 36 games. However, he struck out at a 33.3% clip, which is what will most likely continue to suppress his batting average going forward. Norby's barrel rate will offer fantasy managers plenty of power, but it will come with some growing pains and more effect on your ratios than you may want. His cost is low enough, though, to take the chance in 2025.
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28.
Christopher Morel
TB
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29.
Matt Shaw
CHC
Matt Shaw should be the starting third baseman for the Cubs as soon as Opening Day, though the acquisition of Justin Turner may delay his arrival. However, there is everything to love about Shaw in fantasy. The 23-year-old hit 21 home runs and stole 31 bases across both Double-A and Triple-A last season. He has also maintained a high OBP at every level of the minors and demonstrated a strong hard-hit percentage across. Shaw is the type of prospect where expectations for a high floor right away seem reasonable. He is an excellent late round pick (currently going in the 23rd round).
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30.
Kristian Campbell
BOS
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31.
Thairo Estrada
COL
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32.
Spencer Horwitz
PIT
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33.
Hyeseong Kim
LAD
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34.
Nolan Gorman
STL
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35.
Otto Lopez
MIA
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36.
Jeff McNeil
NYM
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37.
Gavin Lux
CIN
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38.
Jose Caballero
TB
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39.
Jorge Polanco
SEA
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40.
Michael Massey
KC
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41.
Jonathan Aranda
TB
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42.
Dylan Moore
SEA
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43.
David Hamilton
BOS
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44.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa
PIT
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45.
Caleb Durbin
MIL
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46.
Nick Gonzales
PIT
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47.
Edouard Julien
MIN
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48.
Brooks Lee
MIN
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49.
Vaughn Grissom
BOS
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50.
Christian Moore
LAA
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51.
Jose Tena
WSH
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52.
Will Wagner
TOR
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53.
Lenyn Sosa
CWS
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54.
Richie Palacios
TB
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55.
Mauricio Dubon
HOU
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56.
Nick Yorke
PIT
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57.
Josh Rojas
CWS
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58.
Brendan Rodgers
HOU
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59.
Thomas Saggese
STL
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60.
Zach McKinstry
DET
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61.
Ronny Mauricio
NYM
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62.
Amed Rosario
WSH
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63.
Ryan Bliss
SEA
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64.
Juan Brito
CLE
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65.
Leury Garcia
FA
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66.
Curtis Mead
TB
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67.
Travis Bazzana
CLE
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68.
Davis Schneider
TOR
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69.
Orelvis Martinez
TOR
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70.
Marco Luciano
SF
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71.
Blaze Alexander
ARI
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72.
Oswaldo Cabrera
NYY
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73.
Edmundo Sosa
PHI
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74.
Chris Taylor
LAD
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75.
Kevin Newman
LAA
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76.
Jose Iglesias
SD
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77.
Brandon Drury
CWS
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78.
Jared Triolo
PIT
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79.
Max Schuemann
ATH
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80.
Jorge Mateo
BAL
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81.
Vidal Brujan
CHC
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82.
Jahmai Jones
DET
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83.
Whit Merrifield
FA
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84.
Brooks Baldwin
CWS
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85.
Richard Palacios
CLE
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86.
Enrique Hernandez
LAD
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87.
Kyle Farmer
COL
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88.
Hao-Yu Lee
DET
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89.
Leo Jimenez
TOR
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90.
Luke Williams
ATL
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91.
Santiago Espinal
CIN
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92.
Ildemaro Vargas
ARI
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93.
Casey Schmitt
SF
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94.
Adael Amador
COL
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95.
Chase Meidroth
CWS
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96.
Cavan Biggio
KC
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97.
Luke Keaschall
MIN
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98.
Romy Gonzalez
BOS
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99.
Adam Frazier
PIT
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100.
Javier Sanoja
MIA
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101.
Andy Ibanez
DET
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102.
Miguel Rojas
LAD
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103.
Aaron Schunk
COL
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104.
Payton Eeles
MIN
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105.
Austin Martin
MIN
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106.
Garrett Hampson
ARI
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107.
Cole Young
SEA
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108.
Brett Wisely
SF
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109.
Scott Kingery
LAA
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110.
Andruw Monasterio
MIL
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111.
Nick Gordon
BAL
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112.
Nicky Lopez
CHC
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113.
Nacho Alvarez Jr.
ATL
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114.
Enmanuel Valdez
PIT
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115.
Keston Hiura
COL
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116.
Tyler Wade
SD
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117.
Nick Loftin
KC
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118.
Max Acosta
MIA
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119.
Cooper Bowman
CIN
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120.
James Triantos
CHC
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121.
Liover Peguero
PIT
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122.
Vinny Capra
MIL
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123.
Aledmys Diaz
FA
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124.
Jordan Diaz
FA
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125.
Abraham Toro
BOS
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126.
Luis Guillorme
HOU
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127.
Otto Kemp
PHI
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128.
Jared Serna
MIA
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129.
Tim Tawa
ARI
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130.
Danny Mendick
FA
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131.
Matt Duffy
FA
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132.
Jose Fermin
STL
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133.
Grae Kessinger
ARI
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134.
Alika Williams
PIT
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135.
Miles Mastrobuoni
SEA
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136.
Nick Maton
CWS
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137.
Joey Wendle
FA
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138.
David Hensley
DET
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139.
Nick Sogard
BOS
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140.
Charles Leblanc
ATL
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141.
Mickey Gasper
MIN
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142.
Michael Stefanic
TOR
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143.
Kyren Paris
LAA
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144.
Darren Baker
WSH
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145.
Christian Cairo
ATL
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146.
Zach Remillard
FA
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147.
Adam Kennedy
FA
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148.
Osleivis Basabe
SF
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149.
Nick Madrigal
NYM
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150.
Tyler Callihan
CIN
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151.
Jorbit Vivas
NYY
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152.
Livan Soto
BAL
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153.
Samad Taylor
SEA
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154.
Logan Davidson
ATH
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155.
Coco Montes
TB
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156.
Braden Shewmake
NYY
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157.
Luke Ritter
NYM
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158.
Tony Kemp
FA
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159.
Eduardo Escobar
FA
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160.
Harold Castro
KC
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161.
Kolten Wong
FA
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162.
Jean Segura
FA
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163.
Jace Peterson
FA
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164.
Jack Lopez
SEA
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165.
Levi Jordan
CIN
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166.
Donovan Walton
NYM
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167.
Alejo Lopez
ATH
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168.
Ben Cowles
CHC
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