Fantasy Baseball Sleepers: Unearthing Hidden Gems for Your Championship Run
The pursuit of fantasy sports glory hinges on shrewd drafting, savvy trades, and, perhaps most importantly, the ability to identify and capitalize on sleeper picks. These are the players lurking beneath the surface, overlooked by the masses, yet possessing the potential to explode and propel your team to the top of the standings. Forget about the predictable stars; the true difference-makers are often found in the later rounds, or even on the waiver wire. While predicting the future is impossible, a combination of statistical analysis, insightful research, and a touch of intuition can significantly increase your odds of uncovering those elusive league-winning gems.
Here are some potential sleeper candidates, one from each position, who could significantly outproduce their draft position and become valuable assets to your fantasy team:
Catcher: Shea Langeliers, Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics, amidst their relocation to Sacramento, present a unique opportunity for fantasy owners. Their temporary home ballpark is expected to be more hitter-friendly than the cavernous Coliseum, potentially unlocking the offensive potential of several players, particularly Shea Langeliers. Last season, Langeliers displayed a stark contrast in performance based on location, slashing .250/.306/.492 on the road compared to a meager .197/.270/.406 at home. This suggests that a change of scenery could be precisely what he needs to elevate his game.
Furthermore, Langeliers has shown consistent improvement in his plate discipline throughout his brief major league career, steadily increasing his walk rate and decreasing his strikeout rate each year. Considering he’s currently being drafted as the eighth catcher off the board, around pick 143, Langeliers presents a low-risk, high-reward option. A realistic projection of 30 home runs would make him a top-5 catcher in fantasy terms, offering exceptional value for a pick in the 10th or 11th round.
First Base: Nick Kurtz, Oakland Athletics
This is a deep sleeper, a player to monitor closely but likely not to draft initially. Nick Kurtz is a prospect tearing through the minor leagues, showcasing prodigious offensive skills. His 2024 performance in the Arizona Fall League, a .353 batting average and a 1.058 OPS across 13 games, is indicative of his immense potential.
While there’s competition at first base in Oakland with Tyler Soderstrom, Kurtz’s upside is undeniable. If he continues his dominant performance in the minors, a mid-season call-up is highly probable. He has the raw talent to become a top-10 first baseman in baseball, and acquiring him from the waiver wire would be a significant boost to your team without sacrificing a valuable draft pick.
Second Base: Brandon Lowe, Tampa Bay Rays
Brandon Lowe’s biggest obstacle is his health. He hasn’t played more than 110 games since 2021. His performance also dips considerably against left-handed pitching, leading to platoon situations with the Rays. However, Lowe possesses exceptional power at a position often lacking in that department.
The Rays’ temporary relocation to George M. Steinbrenner Field for 2025 could significantly benefit Lowe’s power numbers. Tropicana Field was one of the worst parks for left-handed hitters in terms of home run factor. If Lowe can stay healthy and play in at least 130 games, a 35-home run season is a distinct possibility, a rare feat for a second baseman.
Third Base: Isaac Paredes, Houston Astros
Isaac Paredes has a knack for hitting home runs down the left field line. While Tropicana Field’s short left field foul pole (315 feet) contributed to his power numbers in Tampa, his production dipped after being traded.
Fortunately, the Houston Astros’ Minute Maid Park boasts a left field wall precisely 315 feet from home plate, effectively recreating the conditions that fueled his power surge. In just five career games at Minute Maid Park, Paredes has already hit two home runs. This suggests a high probability of Paredes returning to his 25-30 home run form of 2023 and early 2024. With an ADP around 168, Paredes is a steal at third base.
Shortstop: Dansby Swanson, Chicago Cubs
Dansby Swanson struggled through a core injury throughout a significant portion of the 2024 season, impacting his power numbers across the board. With a full offseason to recover, Swanson should regain his previous form.
Additionally, the addition of Kyle Tucker to the Cubs’ lineup should provide Swanson with more opportunities for RBIs (if he bats behind Tucker) or runs (if he bats in front of Tucker). A healthy Swanson hitting in a strong Cubs lineup could be a significant upgrade at the shortstop position.
Outfield: Stone Garrett, Washington Nationals
Stone Garrett is currently battling for a starting role as an outfielder or designated hitter for the Washington Nationals. When healthy, he has demonstrated impressive offensive capabilities. However, injuries have limited his playing time since 2023.
Garrett suffered a fractured left fibula in 2023 and played only two games in 2024. Despite limited playing time, he posted an .827 OPS with a nearly 50% hard-hit rate in 91 games. Garrett is a high-risk, high-reward pick. He’s coming off a major injury with limited prior experience and heading into his age-29 season. But, if he secures consistent playing time and maintains his previous performance, he could be an invaluable asset.
Outfield: Evan Carter, Texas Rangers
Evan Carter is a post-hype pick. After a promising debut in 2023, injuries and inconsistent performance in 2024 have caused many to forget about him. Carter is going late in drafts, but he’s atop the Rangers’ depth chart in left field. A year removed from a .306/.413/.645 slash line across 23 games, Carter could offer substantial value if he can regain his form.
Outfield: TJ Friedl, Cincinnati Reds
TJ Friedl regressed in 2024 after a stellar 2023 season, but a bounce-back is likely. He had an unusually low .229 BABIP in 2024. His hard-hit rate actually increased from 2023 to 2024, suggesting bad luck rather than a decline in skills.
Friedl also saw improvements in his launch angle, fly ball rate, and home run per fly ball rate. His strikeout rate decreased as well. Given these factors, Friedl is a strong candidate to return to his 2023 form. With top-30 outfielder potential, his current OF68 ADP represents a significant bargain.
Starting Pitcher: Jeffrey Springs, Oakland Athletics
Jeffrey Springs has a 2.44 ERA and a 3.10 FIP over the last three seasons, striking out ten batters per nine innings. You can draft this pitcher very late in drafts.
Springs was poised for a breakout season in 2023 before suffering a Tommy John surgery. He pitched in seven games for Tampa Bay in 2024, striking out more than ten batters per nine while getting hitters to chase pitches outside the zone 31.3% of the time. While injury concerns and the Athletics’ new hitter-friendly ballpark are factors, Springs could be an ace after drafting him with a late-round pick.
Relief Pitcher: Yennier Cano, Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles are a strong team. Whoever their closer is will get plenty of save opportunities. Felix Bautista is the Orioles’ primary closer, but is recovering from Tommy John surgery. If Bautista doesn’t return to his previous form, Cano is the likely candidate to take over.
Andrew Kittredge has never been a full-time closer, and Seranthony Dominguez hasn’t posted a sub-3 ERA since 2018. Keegan Akin could be a good fit, but he is the only consistent left-hander in the Orioles’ bullpen. Cano has 13 saves with the Orioles over the last two years and was an All-Star in 2023. He could very well get closing opportunities later in the year.
By identifying and drafting these sleeper candidates, you can gain a competitive edge in your fantasy league. Remember to monitor their progress, adjust your roster as needed, and remain vigilant for other potential breakout players throughout the season. With a combination of skill, diligence, and a bit of luck, you can unearth the hidden gems that will lead you to fantasy glory.
