Avoid These Overvalued Fantasy Baseball Players in 2025 Drafts

NEW YORK, NY — As fantasy baseball drafts heat up for the 2025 season, many players are at risk of overvaluation based on previous performance and expectations. Experts recommend avoiding certain players who may not live up to their draft positions this year.

Tristan H. Cockcroft, a fantasy baseball analyst, highlighted a dozen players he categorizes as overpriced in the current drafting climate. Among them is Ronald Acuña Jr., an outfielder for the Atlanta Braves, who is tentatively placed at No. 37 overall due to injury concerns. Acuña missed significant playing time recovering from a torn ACL and has been cautious in spring training. “I’d rather steal 30 and play the whole season than try to steal 70 while nursing injuries,” Acuña reportedly stated.

Another player facing skepticism is Jose Altuve of the Houston Astros. Nearing age 34, Altuve is coming off a season with the lowest strikeout and chase rates of his career, prompting questions around his value at a top-40 pick. Cockcroft mentions that Altuve’s transition to left field complicates his positioning in drafts.

At the catching position, Willson Contreras of the St. Louis Cardinals may not be the best investment, considering his history of injuries and the Cardinals’ rebuilding status. Inconsistent numbers in a pitcher-friendly park add to the complexity of his value.

Certain pitchers also fall into the ‘avoid’ category. Jacob deGrom’s potential resurgence remains uncertain as he enters a challenging recovery phase, making his No. 48 average drafting position in NFBC leagues appear risky to many analysts. Cockcroft cites the rarity of successful comebacks for pitchers with deGrom’s injury profile.

Boston Red Sox pitcher Tanner Houck is another name on Cockcroft’s list. Despite an impressive 2024 campaign, Houck’s performance diminished considerably in late-season outings, coupled with struggles thus far in spring training.

Others include outfielders like Doyle of the Colorado Rockies and García of the Texas Rangers, whose recent underperformance and injury concerns make them less appealing. “The upside is undeniable, but I’d rather know what I’m getting from other established players,” Cockcroft explained.

In conclusion, while every player has the potential to succeed, analysts advise caution when drafting these specific athletes in the upcoming 2025 fantasy baseball season. Recognizing past performance, injury history, and situational changes can aid players in making informed decisions during their drafts.