Fantasy Baseball Player Notes
2025 Fantasy Baseball Draft Notes
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1.
Jose Ramirez
CLE
While it may seem unbelievable, Jose Ramirez remains underrated. The 32-year-old third baseman seems to fly under the radar every year, and every year, he simply does what he's been doing pretty much since he came into the league. In 2024, he tied his career high in home runs at 39, drove in 118, scored 114, and stole 41 bases. His OBP took a small dip (.335), but his average settled exactly on his career number of .279. Still, it is guaranteed that in at least one league you're in, everyone will look past him anyway. Imagine ignoring the guy who came within one homer of being the first third baseman in history to post a 40/40 season. Coming out of the first round of your draft with Jose Ramirez is one of the safest plays you can make in 2025 fantasy.
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2.
Jazz Chisholm Jr.
NYY
Jazz Chisholm finally delivered on his potential by staying healthy in 2024, playing 147 games between Miami and New York. The 26-year-old showcased his versatility, gaining third base eligibility while being a key contributor across multiple categories. Chisholm posted 24 home runs, 40 stolen bases, 74 runs scored, and 73 RBIs. If the Yankees bolster their lineup, his counting stats could climb in 2025. While his Statcast metrics remain unimpressive, his .256/.324/.436 slash line represents a reasonable expectation for fantasy managers. Focus on his power-speed combo, boosted by Yankee Stadium's short right field and his 82nd-percentile sprint speed, and cross your fingers for a full season of health.
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3.
Austin Riley
ATL
Austin Riley took a step back in 2024 after three years of stellar production. A right-hand fracture ended his season in August after appearing in only 110 games. He struggled in the games he did play, only hitting 19 home runs and slashing an uncharacteristic .256/.322/.461. Fantasy managers can essentially write off the year and trust that the 27-year-old will return to the slugging machine he was in 2021-2023. With a healthier lineup around him, his counting stats should get back to the 30/90/90 that is worth drafting in the third round.
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4.
Rafael Devers
BOS
Rafael Devers offers a level of consistency that only one other third baseman on the board can give, but at a Round 3 cost. In 2024, he hit 28 homers, scored 87 runs, and drove in 83. He slashed .272/.354/.516 while playing in 138 games. Devers dealt with shoulder issues, which probably caused the career-high 24.5% K rate, but his 11.1% walk rate was also the highest of his career. If the rest of the Red Sox lineup can stay healthy, Devers's counting stats should return closer to the 30/100/100 area in 2025. He's worth the pick.
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5.
Manny Machado
SD
Manny Machado continued to produce, even in his age-31 season, and provided fantasy managers with 152 games played for the third time in the last four years. He hit 29 homers, drove in 105, scored 77, and somehow got to 11 steals. His slash line of .275/.325/.472 remains aligned with his career numbers. The primary blemish on Machado's growing resume is that his walk rate has declined for four straight years, which should eventually impact his batting average more than we would like. However, you cannot argue with history, and Machado has hit 28 or more home runs every year since 2015 (save for 2020). As far as the hot corner goes, he remains squarely in Tier 1 heading into 2025.
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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.
Junior Caminero
TB
Junior Caminero arrived late in the season with the Tampa Bay Rays and recorded a .248 batting average, six home runs, 18 RBIs, and two stolen bases over 43 games. His .299 on-base percentage and .424 slugging percentage resulted in a .723 OPS, aligning closely with his expected metrics (.301 xwOBA). Caminero's power potential is evident, boasting an 11.8% barrel rate and an average exit velocity of 89.7 mph. His 22.5% strikeout rate is reasonable for a young power hitter, though his 6.9% walk rate suggests room for improvement in plate discipline. At just 21 years old, Caminero's combination of power and developing contact skills positions him as an exciting prospect for 2025 fantasy rosters.
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8.
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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9.
Mark Vientos
NYM
Mark Vientos did not start 2024 in New York, but by the time the season was over, he was in the big leagues and behind only Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor in team home runs. Vientos played 111 games, smacking 27 home runs, driving in 71, and scoring 58 runs. He slashed an impressive .266/.322/.516 and is in the 92nd percentile in barrel percentage at 14.1. Vientos is going to strike out more than we'd like (29.7% K rate), and his xBA was only .246. However, he now gets to bat behind both Lindor and Juan Soto, which should lead to many more RBI opportunities. Don't expect any stolen bases, but the 25-year-old is a perfectly serviceable third baseman on fantasy rosters.
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10.
Alex Bregman
BOS
Alex Bregman landed in Boston as a free agent in the offseason, a park that may reduce his home run total, but he should punish the Green Monster plenty during the year. Last season, the 30-year-old was snakebit by a .264 BABIP and an absurdly low walk rate at 6.9%. (His career number is 13.4%.) Assuming both of these numbers bounce back in 2025, Bregman offers a stable floor in an excellent lineup. The chance that he could get 2B eligibility would catapult his value even further.
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11.
Royce Lewis
MIN
Royce Lewis is the starting third baseman for Team Imagine If They'd Stay Healthy. He started Opening Day and went 2/2 with a double, home run, and pulled hamstring. Fifty-eight missed games later, he returned and tore up opposing pitching for 23 games before returning to the IL with an adductor strain. From there, he became a below-average hitter, forcing many fantasy managers to decide whether to hold or drop him. The allure of what he could do is too much for most. Chances are good Lewis will move to second base in 2025, which could reduce the wear and tear on him in the field. The power and speed are there (if he's allowed to attempt steals), but you MUST bake in missed time when you draft him. If the price drops far enough (say 9th or 10th round), he is an easy player to risk rostering, but it's hard to justify a cost much higher than that at this point.
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12.
Matt Chapman
SF
Matt Chapman delivered a solid fantasy performance in 2024, hitting 27 home runs, driving in 78 runs, scoring 98 times, and adding 15 stolen bases. His .247/.328/.463 slash line aligns closely with his career .238 batting average. Chapman's power metrics are robust, evidenced by an average exit velocity of 93.2 mph and a 12.6% barrel rate, placing him in the 97th percentile for exit velocity. Notably, he reduced his strikeout rate to 24.4%, the lowest since his rookie season. At 31, Chapman's consistent power and defensive wizardry-highlighted by his fifth Gold Glove award in 2024-make him a valuable third baseman in fantasy leagues.
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13.
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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14.
Eugenio Suarez
ARI
Eugenio Suarez delivered a strong fantasy performance in 2024, hitting 30 home runs, driving in 101 runs, scoring 90 times, and adding 2 stolen bases. His .256/.319/.469 slash line aligns closely with his career .248 batting average. Suarez's power is supported by an 11.3% Barrel Rate and a .469 SLG, though his 27.5% strikeout rate remains a concern. At 33, Suarez will probably offer solid overall stats, but fantasy managers will probably need to ride out extreme ups and downs throughout the season.
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15.
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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16.
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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17.
Nolan Arenado
STL
Nolan Arenado experienced a decline in his offensive production during the 2024 season, hitting 16 home runs, driving in 71 runs, and scoring 70 times over 152 games. His .272/.325/.394 slash line marked a downturn from his career averages, with his slugging percentage notably dropping below .400 for the first time since his rookie year. Advanced metrics further highlighted this regression; his average exit velocity decreased to 86.3 mph, and his barrel rate plummeted to 3.2%, both career lows. Projections suggest a modest rebound, with anticipated improvements in home runs and RBIs. However, at 34 years old, Arenado's age and recent performance trends may temper expectations, making him a more cautious consideration for fantasy rosters.
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18.
Luis Rengifo
LAA
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19.
Josh Jung
TEX
Josh Jung's 2024 season was significantly impacted by injuries, limiting him to just 46 games. During this period, he posted a .264/.298/.421 slash line, with 7 home runs, 16 RBIs, and 4 stolen bases over 178 at-bats. As he enters the 2025 season fully healthy, there's optimism that Jung can return to his 2023 All-Star form and fill your CI slot with some bonus 20-HR power.
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20.
Max Muncy
LAD
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21.
Maikel Garcia
KC
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22.
Ryan McMahon
COL
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23.
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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24.
Willi Castro
MIN
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25.
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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26.
Christopher Morel
TB
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27.
Brendan Donovan
STL
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28.
Jeimer Candelario
CIN
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29.
Ke'Bryan Hayes
PIT
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30.
Joey Ortiz
MIL
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31.
Noelvi Marte
CIN
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32.
Matt Vierling
DET
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33.
Coby Mayo
BAL
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34.
Jose Miranda
MIN
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35.
Josh Smith
TEX
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36.
Jose Caballero
TB
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37.
Dylan Moore
SEA
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38.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa
PIT
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39.
Ernie Clement
TOR
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40.
Deyvison De Los Santos
MIA
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41.
Jace Jung
DET
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42.
Jose Tena
WSH
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43.
Miguel Vargas
CWS
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44.
Caleb Durbin
MIL
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45.
Brooks Lee
MIN
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46.
Jonah Bride
MIA
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47.
Jordan Lawlar
ARI
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48.
Yoan Moncada
LAA
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49.
Jacob Wilson
FA
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50.
Paul DeJong
WSH
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51.
Josh Rojas
CWS
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52.
Lenyn Sosa
CWS
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53.
Gio Urshela
ATH
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54.
Cam Smith
HOU
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55.
Oswaldo Cabrera
NYY
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56.
Brett Baty
NYM
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57.
Brandon Drury
CWS
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58.
Ramon Urias
BAL
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59.
Mauricio Dubon
HOU
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60.
Zach McKinstry
DET
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61.
Amed Rosario
WSH
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62.
Donovan Solano
SEA
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63.
Leury Garcia
FA
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64.
Addison Barger
TOR
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65.
Eguy Rosario
SD
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66.
Jared Triolo
PIT
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67.
Juan Brito
CLE
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68.
Curtis Mead
TB
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69.
Oswald Peraza
NYY
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70.
Shay Whitcomb
HOU
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71.
Max Schuemann
ATH
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72.
DJ LeMahieu
NYY
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73.
Edmundo Sosa
PHI
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74.
Vidal Brujan
CHC
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75.
Santiago Espinal
CIN
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76.
Oliver Dunn
MIL
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77.
Whit Merrifield
FA
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78.
Jon Berti
CHC
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79.
Chris Taylor
LAD
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80.
Darell Hernaiz
ATH
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81.
Casey Schmitt
SF
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82.
Carlos Vargas
FA
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83.
Brady House
WSH
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84.
Cavan Biggio
KC
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85.
Kyle Farmer
COL
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86.
Enrique Hernandez
LAD
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87.
Jose Iglesias
SD
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88.
Ezequiel Duran
TEX
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89.
Orelvis Martinez
TOR
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90.
Chase Meidroth
CWS
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91.
Brock Wilken
MIL
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92.
Blaze Alexander
ARI
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93.
Romy Gonzalez
BOS
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94.
Bryan Ramos
CWS
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95.
J.D. Davis
LAA
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96.
Adam Frazier
PIT
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97.
Ildemaro Vargas
ARI
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98.
Charlie Condon
COL
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99.
Miguel Rojas
LAD
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100.
Gabriel Arias
CLE
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101.
Andy Ibanez
DET
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102.
Luis Urias
ATH
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103.
Aaron Schunk
COL
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104.
J.C. Escarra
NYY
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105.
Eric Wagaman
MIA
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106.
Nicky Lopez
CHC
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107.
Andruw Monasterio
MIL
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108.
Daniel Schneemann
CLE
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109.
Nick Senzel
FA
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110.
Gage Workman
CHC
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111.
Tyler Wade
SD
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112.
Anthony Rendon
LAA
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113.
Nick Loftin
KC
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114.
Graham Pauley
MIA
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115.
Dustin Harris
TEX
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116.
Jordan Diaz
FA
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117.
Emmanuel Rivera
BAL
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118.
Vinny Capra
MIL
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119.
Jared Young
NYM
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120.
Aledmys Diaz
FA
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121.
Kody Clemens
PHI
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122.
Abraham Toro
BOS
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123.
Trey Lipscomb
WSH
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124.
Sebastian Walcott
TEX
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125.
Luis Guillorme
HOU
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126.
Otto Kemp
PHI
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127.
Danny Mendick
FA
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128.
Matt Duffy
FA
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129.
Bobby Dalbec
CWS
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130.
Miguel Sano
FA
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131.
Jose Fermin
STL
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132.
Brett Harris
ATH
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133.
Grae Kessinger
ARI
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134.
Miles Mastrobuoni
SEA
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135.
Nick Maton
CWS
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136.
Joey Wendle
FA
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137.
Elehuris Montero
FA
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138.
Nick Sogard
BOS
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139.
Charles Leblanc
ATL
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140.
Mike Brosseau
SD
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141.
Michael Stefanic
TOR
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142.
Christian Cairo
ATL
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143.
Zach Remillard
FA
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144.
David Bote
LAD
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145.
CJ Alexander
ATH
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146.
Adam Kennedy
FA
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147.
Osleivis Basabe
SF
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148.
Nick Madrigal
NYM
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149.
Jonathan Ornelas
TEX
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150.
Jonathon Long
CHC
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151.
Jorbit Vivas
NYY
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152.
Luis De Los Santos
NYM
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153.
Logan Davidson
ATH
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154.
Braden Shewmake
NYY
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155.
Luke Ritter
NYM
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156.
Luis Vazquez
BAL
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157.
Tristan Gray
CWS
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158.
Andre Lipcius
CWS
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159.
Armando Alvarez
MIN
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160.
Tyler Nevin
FA
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161.
Eduardo Escobar
FA
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162.
Mike Moustakas
FA
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163.
Harold Castro
KC
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164.
Patrick Wisdom
FA
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165.
Jean Segura
FA
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166.
Brian Anderson
FA
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167.
Jace Peterson
FA
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168.
Alejo Lopez
ATH
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169.
Ben Cowles
CHC
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