Fantasy Baseball Draft Strategies: Perfect Picks for 2025
As we find ourselves in the middle of March, the excitement for Opening Day is palpable. Fantasy baseball managers worldwide are gearing up for those all-important drafts, hoping to assemble a roster that will lead them to a championship. The question on everyone’s mind is: What does a “perfect” draft look like?
Tristan H. Cockcroft and Eric Karabell have shared their insights on ideal picks from each of the 10 draft positions in an ESPN standard league, covering both points-based scoring and rotisserie formats. They’ve also provided the perfect second-round complements to these first-round selections.
Draft Slot No. 1
Cockcroft (points-based leagues): Round 1 – Shohei Ohtani, Round 2 – Ketel Marte
“Sho-time” is back! Ohtani, baseball’s unicorn, is expected to return to the mound in May. As a hitter, Ohtani has averaged the third-most fantasy points over the past three seasons. Even if he wasn’t pitching in 2025, he’d still be a top pick. His pitching debut in mid-May could add 19 valuable outings to his already stellar production. ESPN’s daily-lineup flexibility gives Ohtani a huge advantage.
Marte is one of the game’s most underrated hitters, with significant gains in contact quality and selectivity at the plate. Second base is a thin position in 2025, making Marte a must-have in the second round of any points league.
Karabell (rotisserie leagues): Round 1 – Ohtani, Round 2 – Trea Turner
While Tristan and I may not agree on everything, we both see Ohtani as the first pick for roto/categories formats. However, it’s close, and some analysts might consider another AL Central shortstop. Ohtani’s value depends on league rules regarding his hitting/pitching appearances. Turner, Philadelphia’s shortstop and new leadoff hitter, is a top roto investment despite a less-than-stellar 2024 season.
Draft Slot No. 2
Cockcroft: Round 1 – Juan Soto, Round 2 – Corbin Burnes
Soto is a points league favorite, with 68 more walks than anyone else over the last three years and elite contact rates. If not for Ohtani, Soto would be a perennial No. 1 pick. Pairing him with a proven ace like Burnes, despite concerns about his strikeout rate, is a wise move.
Karabell: Round 1 – Bobby Witt Jr., Round 2 – Jackson Chourio
Witt is a strong choice for No. 1 in roto formats, with another 30/30 campaign and improved batting average. Chourio, a rookie star for the Milwaukee Brewers, is expected to reach even greater heights in 2025. Five-tool players like Chourio are coveted in roto formats.
Draft Slot No. 3
Cockcroft: Round 1 – Aaron Judge, Round 2 – Francisco Lindor
Judge’s power and patience make him a top point-league pick, with two of the best single-season Offensive Wins Above Replacement numbers. Pairing him with Lindor, who has been stable in terms of injuries, balances out any concerns about Judge’s health.
Karabell: Round 1 – Judge, Round 2 – Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Judge is the pre-eminent power source, and Guerrero, while not on Judge’s level, is a consistent power hitter. Guerrero is motivated to return to his 2021 form in his free agent season.
Draft Slot No. 4
Cockcroft: Round 1 – Jose Ramirez, Round 2 – Fernando Tatis Jr.
Ramirez is a captain of consistency, with three 500-point fantasy seasons. Tatis, if healthy, offers first-round value, and teams can hope for a solid starting pitcher in the third round.
Karabell: Round 1 – Ramirez, Round 2 – Zack Wheeler
Ramirez’s combination of home runs and stolen bases makes him a top pick. Wheeler, a consistent performer, could earn his first Cy Young award in the future.
Draft Slot No. 5
Cockcroft: Round 1 – Bobby Witt Jr., Round 2 – Dylan Cease
Witt’s five-tool ability makes him a compelling pick, and Cease is a top-tier starting pitcher, especially with the recent news about Gerrit Cole’s surgery.
Karabell: Round 1 – Gunnar Henderson, Round 2 – Tarik Skubal
Henderson, despite a mild injury, remains a top pick. Skubal, the easy AL Cy Young choice, is a solid foundation for a fantasy rotation.
Draft Slot No. 6
Cockcroft: Round 1 – Mookie Betts, Round 2 – Logan Gilbert
Betts, despite a fluky injury in 2024, remains valuable with his consistency and dual-position eligibility. Gilbert’s skill set gives him a high statistical floor, making him a viable pick.
Karabell: Round 1 – Elly De La Cruz, Round 2 – Paul Skenes
De La Cruz’s stolen bases make him more valuable in roto formats, and Skenes, with his impressive 2024 debut, is a top pitcher choice.
Draft Slot No. 7
Cockcroft: Round 1 – Skubal, Round 2 – Gunnar Henderson
Skubal is a top pitcher choice, and Henderson, despite a so-so finish, remains a valuable hitter.
Karabell: Round 1 – Mookie Betts, Round 2 – Yordan Alvarez
Betts is a five-category provider, and Alvarez, despite being overlooked, offers exceptional value.
Draft Slot No. 8
Cockcroft: Round 1 – Kyle Tucker, Round 2 – Skenes
Tucker’s rebound potential is high, and pairing him with Skenes is a dream scenario.
Karabell: Round 1 – Tucker, Round 2 – Julio Rodriguez
Tucker has much to prove, and Rodriguez, despite a disappointing 2024, has immense talent.
Draft Slot No. 9
Cockcroft: Round 1 – Alvarez, Round 2 – Corbin Carroll
Alvarez’s batting average/power combination is sound, and Carroll’s strong finish makes him an attractive pick.
Karabell: Round 1 – Lindor, Round 2 – Tatis
Lindor’s stats are impressive, and Tatis, despite past injuries, offers five-category potential.
Draft Slot No. 10
Cockcroft: Round 1 – Guerrero, Round 2 – Wheeler
Guerrero, despite being somewhat overrated, has shown growth, and Wheeler is a top pitcher choice.
Karabell: Round 1 – Soto, Round 2 – Carroll
Soto is a four-category roto option, and Carroll’s stolen bases set him apart.
Originally Written by: Tristan H. Cockcroft and Eric Karabell
