Last Year’s Fantasy Baseball Trash Now Set to Crush Your League
Fantasy baseball is all about timing. One year, a player burns you so badly you swear off drafting him forever. The next, he’s a league-winner. It happens every season. But the trick to dominating your league is spotting the guys everyone else has written off, the ones set to prove last year was a fluke. This year, a handful of players who were fantasy disappointments in 2024 are ready to flip the script. Here’s who’s primed to make a comeback and why they should be on your radar before someone else beats you to them.
Bo Bichette, Toronto Blue Jays
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A mix of injuries and inconsistency kept Bo Bichette from delivering the elite production fantasy managers expected last season. He still possesses one of the best pure bats at shortstop by combining contact skills with sneaky power. Staying healthy and refining his approach could return him to being one of the most reliable middle infielders in fantasy.
Josh Lowe, Tampa Bay Rays
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Josh Lowe is an intriguing bounce-back candidate with speed, power, and the ability to impact a game in multiple ways. He struggled with injuries last season, which limited his ability to find a rhythm at the plate. Lowe could be a valuable late-round steal if he secures a consistent role in the Rays’ lineup and improves his on-base skill.
Nolan Jones, Colorado Rockies
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Nolan Jones has a hitter-friendly ballpark, a powerful left-handed swing, and can run, so he’s an exciting fantasy asset. Strikeouts were an issue last year, but his raw talent is undeniable. He needs to make better contact and tap into his full potential to become a must-start outfielder that rewards home runs and stolen bases.
Christopher Morel, Tampa Bay Rays
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An explosive bat and defensive versatility have given Christopher Morel the chance to contribute across multiple positions in fantasy lineups. His aggressive approach leads to hot streaks, but inconsistency has kept him from reaching the next level. Finding more discipline at the plate while maintaining his power could take him a major step forward in his production.
Thairo Estrada, Colorado Rockies
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A fresh start in Colorado could be exactly what Thairo Estrada needs to maximize his offensive potential. His combination of power and speed makes him valuable. Luckily, he has the tools to outperform his draft-day price. He only needs to take advantage of Coors Field’s hitter-friendly environment and stay in the lineup regularly.
Justin Verlander, San Francisco Giants
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Justin Verlander has never been stopped by his age before, and the Giants are betting he still has another strong season in him. His velocity may not be what it once was, but he remains one of the best in the game at commanding the strike zone. He could deliver solid numbers if he stays off the injury list.
David Bednar, Pittsburgh Pirates
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Closing for a non-contender didn’t help David Bednar’s fantasy stock, but his ability to dominate late innings remains unchanged. To become one of the best relievers this year depends on the Pirates improving and creating more opportunities.
Trevor Story, Boston Red Sox
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Two injury-plagued seasons have kept Trevor Story from showing the power-speed combination that once made him a fantasy star. Boston still believes in his talent, and a fully healthy season could make a world of difference. He just needs to find his old form and settle into an everyday role to be a massive draft value at a discount.
Austin Riley, Atlanta Braves
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A big bat in a stacked lineup has given Austin Riley plenty of chances to drive in runs and crush extra-base hits. Last season wasn’t his best, but his ability to hit for power remains intact. The two-time All-Star only needs to improve his consistency and take full advantage of Atlanta’s deep offense to finish among the top fantasy third basemen.
Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles
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Adley Rutschman is a catcher with patience at the plate and an advanced approach who still has another level to reach offensively. His on-base ability keeps his floor high, but his power hasn’t fully translated to the majors yet. He’s a top-tier player who needs to start launching more home runs and continue making solid contact.
Michael Harris, Atlanta Braves
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Flashes of brilliance in his rookie season showed why Michael Harris is one of the most exciting young outfielders in baseball. He struggled last year, but his speed, power, and defense still make him an intriguing fantasy pick. The 2022 NL Rookie of the Year is a game-changer if he avoids prolonged slumps and builds on his experience.
Ryan Mountcastle, Baltimore Orioles
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Few players hit the ball as hard as Ryan Mountcastle. Still, a better lineup around him should provide more RBI opportunities, which could lead to a major turnaround. Maintaining solid health and keeping his swing locked in makes him a middle-round fantasy steal.
Michael Toglia, Colorado Rockies
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Michael Toglia’s impact last season was limited by a high strikeout rate, but his raw power still makes him an interesting fantasy stash. Coors Field naturally boosts offensive numbers, and if he earns regular playing time, his production could climb quickly. He needs to cut down on strikeouts and tap into his potential to be a sneaky power source.
Francisco Alvarez, New York Mets
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Young catchers often take time to develop, but Francisco Alvarez already has the power to make a difference. His plate discipline needs work, yet his natural ability to drive the ball makes him a breakout candidate. A simple adjustment to big-league pitching and finding a rhythm is all the magic he needs.
Zack Littell, Tampa Bay Rays
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Zack Littell was a surprising bright spot in the Rays’ rotation last season and he showed flashes of being a dependable fantasy arm. He’s also able to limit his walks and generate weak contact, which gives him a solid foundation for success. Zack needs to secure a full-time starting role and continue refining his secondary pitches to deliver strong value.