10 Must-Draft Hitters for 2025 Fantasy Baseball
A great fantasy baseball draft starts with getting the right hitters. You need power, speed, consistency, and value—and picking the right players at the right time can be the difference between a championship run or a mid-season rebuild.
The hitters on this list aren’t just good—they’re difference-makers. Some bring elite power, others stuff the stat sheet with speed and versatility, and a few might just be the steals of your draft. No matter your strategy, these bats belong on your radar.
So before you make that next pick, take a look at these must-draft hitters for 2025. Let’s get started.
Oneil Cruz (SS, OF – PIT)
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2024 Stats: .262 AVG | 21 HR | 22 SB | 80 R | 75 RBI
Oneil Cruz is the definition of high-upside excitement. He’s a 6’7″ shortstop with elite power and speed, and he’s only getting better. Last season, he showed off his 30/30 potential, leading all qualified hitters in maximum exit velocity (121.5 mph). His strikeout rate dropped in the second half, making him an even better pick for 2025.
Fantasy Outlook: Grab him if you want a mix of power, speed, and jaw-dropping highlights.
Brent Rooker (OF – ATH)
Credit: Instagram
2024 Stats: .293 AVG | 39 HR | 11 SB | 82 R | 112 RBI
Rooker quietly became one of the best power hitters in baseball last season, smashing 39 home runs with a .562 slugging percentage. His strikeout rate improved, and his power metrics are elite across the board. Even though the A’s are playing in Sacramento this year, his home run potential is still huge.
Fantasy Outlook: Affordable power—get him if you need a home run machine.
Lawrence Butler (OF – ATH)
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2024 Stats (Post-June 1st): .291 AVG | 20 HR | 15 SB | 55 R | 50 RBI
Butler struggled in early 2024 but exploded after his return from Triple-A. His combination of power, speed, and improved discipline made him a fantasy goldmine in the second half. If he locks in a full-time role, he could be a five-category contributor at a discount price.
Fantasy Outlook: Late-round steals with the potential to outperform his ADP.
Junior Caminero (3B – TB)
Credit: Youtube
2024 Stats: .265 AVG | 6 HR | 97.8 mph FB/LD Exit Velocity
Caminero raked at every level of the minors before making his MLB debut. His maximum exit velocity (116.3 mph) puts him in elite power company with Pete Alonso. At just 21 years old, he’s a breakout waiting to happen. If he gets everyday playing time, he could have a massive season.
Fantasy Outlook: High-upside breakout pick—target him if you want a power-hitting third baseman.
Luis Arraez (1B, 2B – SD)
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2024 Stats: .310 AVG | 9 SB | 83 R
Batting average isn’t flashy, but Luis Arraez is elite at it. A career .323 hitter, he’s as close to a guaranteed .300+ as you’ll find. He also added stolen bases to his game in 2024, making him more valuable than ever. He’s leading off for the Padres, meaning plenty of run-scoring opportunities.
Fantasy Outlook: If you need an elite batting average and runs, Arraez is your guy.
Heliot Ramos (OF – SF)
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2024 Stats: .269 AVG | 22 HR | 6 SB | 72 RBI
After years of hype, Ramos finally broke out in 2024. He finished in the top 15 in barrels per plate appearance and top 25 in fly-ball exit velocity, showing his power surge was real. At just 25 years old, he’s still getting better and could be a fantasy bargain.
Fantasy Outlook: Breakout potential with legit power—perfect mid-round grab.
Thairo Estrada (2B – COL)
Credit: Youtube
2024 Stats at Coors Field (Career): .348 AVG | 4 HR | 3 SB
Estrada had a rough 2024, but now he’s playing in hitter-friendly Coors Field. His past success at altitude suggests he could be a surprise fantasy asset. He has 17/20 potential in home runs and stolen bases, and he’s going dirt cheap in drafts.
Fantasy Outlook: A late-round dart throw that could pay off big in Coors.
Matt Wallner (OF – MIN)
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2024 vs. RHP: .275 AVG | 12 HR | .387 OBP | 171 wRC+
Wallner crushes right-handed pitching. He’s a classic platoon slugger, making him perfect for daily fantasy formats. He had a top-10 fly-ball exit velocity in 2024 and posted a 171 wRC+ vs. righties. Draft him for power, but use him strategically.
Fantasy Outlook: Platoon-friendly power bat—ideal for daily leagues.
Jonathan Aranda (1B, 2B – TB)
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2024 Stats: .234 AVG | 6 HR | .518 xSLG
Aranda has underrated power. His expected slugging percentage was nearly .100 points higher than his actual stats, suggesting he was unlucky. He mashes righties and has multi-position eligibility, making him a sneaky good bench bat.
Fantasy Outlook: Deep-league sleeper with hidden power upside.
Adrian Del Castillo (C – ARI)
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2024 Triple-A Stats: .312 AVG | 26 HR | .399 OBP
Finding a good second catcher in fantasy is tough. Del Castillo showed huge power in Triple-A and carried it into his MLB debut. If he wins the backup job in Arizona, he could be a great sleeper pick for deep leagues.
Fantasy Outlook: Risky, but intriguing second-catcher option in two-catcher leagues.