Fantasy Baseball: The Perfect Picks for Every Draft Slot
Hey there, fantasy baseball enthusiasts! With Opening Day just around the corner, it’s time to gear up and get your fantasy roster ready. We’re diving into what the perfect draft might look like this year, because let’s be honest, no one wants to mess up that crucial first round, right?
Draft Slot No. 1
Tristan’s Pick (Points League): Round 1 – Shohei Ohtani, Round 2 – Ketel Marte
Eric’s Pick (Rotisserie League): Round 1 – Shohei Ohtani, Round 2 – Trea Turner
“Sho-time” is back, folks! Ohtani is a must-have for your roster, even if he won’t be pitching right away. He’s a points machine and adds massive value if he hits too. Marte is a savvy pick after that; he’s got underrated skills and fits perfectly in a thin second-base market.
Draft Slot No. 2
Tristan’s Pick: Round 1 – Juan Soto, Round 2 – Corbin Burnes
Eric’s Pick: Round 1 – Bobby Witt Jr., Round 2 – Jackson Chourio
Soto’s got an impressive record of walks and hard contact—he’s your points league stud without a doubt. Karabell goes with Witt, who’s shown he can do it all and may just be ready to shine brighter than ever this season.
Draft Slot No. 3
Tristan’s Pick: Round 1 – Aaron Judge, Round 2 – Francisco Lindor
Eric’s Pick: Round 1 – Aaron Judge, Round 2 – Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Judge may be a surefire power choice—seriously, he’s racked up a ton of fantasy points. Pairing him with Lindor is smart, less about the flash and more about consistent performance. Karabell suggests Guerrero as an ace addition, who’s hungry for a comeback year after a less stellar 2024.
Draft Slot No. 4
Tristan’s Pick: Round 1 – Jose Ramirez, Round 2 – Fernando Tatis Jr.
Eric’s Pick: Round 1 – Jose Ramirez, Round 2 – Zack Wheeler
Ramirez is such a reliable option—you can’t go wrong here. Adding Tatis, who’s got the potential for that first-round value if he can stay healthy, makes for an exciting pick. Karabell thinks Wheeler might be worth the risk as he’s pitched consistently for several seasons now.
Draft Slot No. 5
Tristan’s Pick: Round 1 – Bobby Witt Jr., Round 2 – Dylan Cease
Eric’s Pick: Round 1 – Gunnar Henderson, Round 2 – Tarik Skubal
Witt’s your young star with five-tool capability while Cease has emerged as a potential ace. On the other hand, Henderson’s got loads of potential, and Skubal might just continue his Cy Young trajectory, making them a powerful duo.
Draft Slot No. 6
Tristan’s Pick: Round 1 – Mookie Betts, Round 2 – Logan Gilbert
Eric’s Pick: Round 1 – Elly De La Cruz, Round 2 – Paul Skenes
Though Betts is getting up there in age, his versatility and consistency are hard to beat. Gilbert also presents a solid option. Meanwhile, De La Cruz’s speed is unparalleled, and Skenes is being touted as the next big star.
Draft Slot No. 7
Tristan’s Pick: Round 1 – Skubal, Round 2 – Gunnar Henderson
Eric’s Pick: Round 1 – Betts, Round 2 – Yordan Alvarez
With Cy Young talent, Skubal’s a smart choice; combining him with Henderson could equal your success. For Karabell, Betts is still a powerhouse even after his injuries, and Alvarez is often overlooked but brings solid contributions across the board.
Draft Slot No. 8
Tristan’s Pick: Round 1 – Kyle Tucker, Round 2 – Skenes
Eric’s Pick: Round 1 – Tucker, Round 2 – Julio Rodriguez
Tucker’s got a lot to prove and compelling stats to back it up. He fits well with Skenes, another pitcher with a bright future ahead. For Rodriguez, it’s time to redeem himself after a rocky 2024; if he can bounce back, you’re golden.
Draft Slot No. 9
Tristan’s Pick: Round 1 – Alvarez, Round 2 – Corbin Carroll
Eric’s Pick: Round 1 – Lindor, Round 2 – Tatis
Alvarez is a double threat in terms of batting average and power, and pairing him with Carroll, who is coming off a strong finish, is a pretty sweet combo. Lindor and Tatis might set you up for a thrilling season if Tatis can stay injury-free.
Draft Slot No. 10
Tristan’s Pick: Round 1 – Guerrero, Round 2 – Wheeler
Eric’s Pick: Round 1 – Soto, Round 2 – Carroll
Guerrero is at the prime age for a breakout, and catching Wheeler as a solid pitcher makes a great pairing. Soto completes this round right on target if you’re playing it safe while also aiming high.
So there you have it! Each of these picks brings a unique twist to your draft strategy, and while it’s all up to you how you play your cards, we believe this draft guide will help you snag those key players for a victorious season. Let the drafting begin!
