25 fantasy MLB sleepers who will be league-winners in 2025

Bubic showed an uptick in velocity and effectiveness in his dominant return from Tommy John surgery last season. He's working out as a starter in Spring Training, and could join Cole Ragans atop the Royals rotation if the stuff and control he showed in the bullpen last season holds up.

Drafting catchers is risky with the toll of the job behind the plate, and Contreras was front and center with injuries last season. With the departure of Paul Goldschmidt, the Cardinals have shifted Contreras to first base where he can focus more on hitting and stay healthier. He should be a shoo-in for 20-plus home runs again this season.

Crews doesn't have elite speed, but the 2023 first-round pick ran wild after the Nats promoted him last season. He had 12 steals in 31 games, and there's no indication Dave Martinez will give him the red light. A 20/40 season looks possible for Washington's young star.

Donovan has a high floor as an excellent batting average hitter, but there could be more in the tank. He had a healthy offseason, which is more than he could say last year following elbow surgery, and could get shifted up in the batting order after the Cardinals quiet offseason. Donovan's counting stats could see a nice boost, as a result.

The versatile and speed Durbin was acquired in the offseason for Devin Williams. He broke the Arizona Fall League record with 29 steals, and has the position flexibility to help the Brewers and find regular playing time. Durbin could be a cheap 30-plus steal player as a rookie.

Estrada was a strong source of power and speed in 2022 and 2023, but struggled with injuries last season. The Rox are buying low, and the help of Coors Fields could skyrocket Estrada's offense.

Festa was inconsistent as a rookie, but a great minor league track record and 3.35 K/BB show promise. He will be a key member of Minnesota's rotation after their quiet offseason and faces a favorable schedule in the AL Central.

The Mets raised eyebrows when they signed Holmes to be a starting pitcher in the offseason. The former Yankees closer has the stuff to succeed in the role with an elite sinker and good strikeout numbers, with the potential to be a Logan Webb at a much cheaper price in drafts.

Kjerstad has consistently put up big numbers in the minors, but he hasn't seen a full MLB opportunity yet. Baltimore's outfield is full of talent, but Kjerstad should be able to find a roster spot with a strong Spring Training and presents 30 home run upside.

No young hitter had more hype last Spring than Langford. While he struggled early, Langford eventually got on track in the second half hitting .251-11-34 with 11 steals in only 62 games. He shows clear 20/20 ability and possible first-round upside despite being drafted outside the top 40.

Langeliers has quietly turned into a franchise player for the A's, hitting 29 home runs and 80 RBI last season while playing strong defense. There should be more in the bat this year with the team moving to a smaller home park in Sacramento, but Langeliers is being drafted outside the top 100.

Lawlar was arguably the top offensive prospect in baseball before last season, but multiple injuries made 2024 a lost year. Arizona has committed to Geraldo Perdomo at shortstop with a long-term contract, but Lawlar could make an impact at other positions this season. After showing 20/40 ability in the minors, he's a worthy late-round stash.

Lee was as advertised early last season after signing a lucrative deal out of Korea. Unfortunately, he played only 37 games due to a shoulder injury. He has elite plate discipline and batting average ability, but the lack of proven production leaves him outside the top 200 picks.

Lowe was a breakout player in 2023, but multiple injuries limited him to only 106 games last season. It remains to be seen if his batting average will rebound, though Lowe is still an elite base stealer with 20 home run power. His ability is too good to be drafted outside the top 150.

Lux struggled in his return from ACL surgery, but turned around his season after the break. The former top prospect hit .304-7-26 in 210 plate appearances, and enters a smaller ballpark in Cincinnati this year. Carrying over last year's momentum, Lux could be a strong regular option.

Morel struggled after he was traded to Tampa Bay last year, but enters 2025 with a clean slate. He launched 26 home runs in only 107 games for the Cubs in 2023, and has the pull power to be an elite home run option for a minimal price.

A few poor starts ruined Pfaadt's ERA last season, but the indicators show a better pitcher. He had an outstanding 4.40 K/BB ratio and a FIP that was more than one run lower than his actual ERA. 

Pivetta signed a four-year deal with the Padres in February after a strong year in Boston. Home runs have long been a problem for him, but PETCO Park could help solve that issue for one of the better strike throwers in the game.

Rocker has a long arm injury history, but impressed in three starts for Texas late last season. The big right-hander has shown an increase in velocity, and could be an ace if he can stay healthy.

Ruiz's 2024 season was disrupted by a bad bout of the flu, and it took a toll on his offensive numbers. He hit an impressive .260-18-67 for the Nats in 2023, and is capable of returning to that production with better health.

Scott could be an elite closer this season, but his early price hasn't reflected it. He had a 1.75 ERA in 72 appearances for the Marlins and Padres last season, and the lefty is expected to be the Dodgers primary closer this year.

Only two years into his career, many have already given up on Walker. He appeared lost at the plate last season, but Walker made progress down the stretch and has reworked his swing in the offseason. Only entering his age 23 season, Walker has the upside of a middle of the order hitter immediately.

Walker took over the closer role late last season in San Francisco without much fanfare. He was an elite reliever overall, improving his control, and posting a great 5.50 K/BB ratio and 1.91 ERA. Manager Bob Melvin has already anointed Walker the closer in 2025, and he shows elite upside.

Slumps are a fact of life for many all-or-nothing power hitters, and Wallner is no exception. After a slow start and demotion last season, he found his way back to the majors and hit another 13 home runs in only 75 games. Wallner has clear 30 home run upside, especially if he gets off to a strong start.

Yoshida has been an afterthought entering Spring Training, especially after the Red Sox signed Alex Bregman. Still, he's one of the most expensive players on the Boston roster, and has a strong .285 batting average and .343 OBP through two MLB seasons. With a healthy shoulder, Yoshida is likely to find playing time in the outfield with the potential to be a batting average asset late in drafts.