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Top 20: FYPD Rankings

First Year Player Draft? More like Find Your Process, Dude.

Jacob Milham
Dynasty 12/4/2025

During the 162-game season, baseball is nearly a daily affair. People wonder how I, and other die-hard baseball fans, can keep up with it all. The reality is that if I am not able to critically watch a game and devote the hours needed for that process to be fruitful, I will find ways to fold it into other areas of my life. While at the gym, doing yardwork, or, my favorite, doing the dishes. Our dishwasher was busted for a few months, so I was handwashing dishes and, in a house of four adults and (then) one kid, we can make plenty of dishes in a day. But that 30-45 minute process allowed me a productive yet peaceful retreat to just listen to a radio call. Shoutout to Jake Eisenberg, I need him on a lifetime contract with my Kansas City Royals.

I was doing the dishes earlier this week, and it had been a hard day. Just a day where I felt one step behind everyone and never could quite get that step back. I went to collect myself and, thankfully, now just load a working dishwasher, but I still craved that extra part of my summertime routine. Music and my thoughts can still get me by, but the sound of baseball — Eisenberg, Steve Stewart and Ford C. Frick Award winner Denny Matthews, and the prospect of doing it all again the next day — that’s what really centers me. Knowing that, I asked my handy-dandy Amazon Alexa the question that I knew I would dread the answer to.

“Alexa, how many days until Opening Day?”

When I heard a triple-digit answer, the groan that escaped my mouth sounded more like a child pouting than it should have. Baseball will come back eventually, but it is a long winter ahead, and I could really use another nine innings of action sooner rather than later. I know that pitchers and catchers will report in a couple of months, and the World Baseball Classic will start the baseball calendar off with a bang, but there is nothing like watching or listening to a game that you know, well, matters.

Each MLB contest will have different investors for different reasons. Dynasty fantasy baseball is one reason for millions of people to watch box scores, highlights, and keep tabs on things down on the farm. That ache I have for baseball has found some solace in knowing that the ever-exciting First Year Player Drafts are just around the corner, and even already happening in some leagues. How each manager approaches the draft can vary just as much as their management style, adding some spicy volatility to the process. The trades for picks bring some Winter Meetings-esque swings and reactions, while the rebuilders are still seeking to end that rebuild, and the contenders try to stay on top. It all has some loose threads that mirror the real-world sport. It can be infuriating, joyful, quick, slow, puzzling, and reassuring. In short, it is so much like the sport that I yearn to be back.

Cheat sheet for my leagues: these are my top 20 players heading into this year’s FYPD. They all have different reasons for why they rank where they do, and I hope that you can join me in the process that is finding the next dynasty anchor.

 

1. RHP Tatsuya Imai, 27, MLB FA

 

The 27-year-old Tatsuya Imai arrives as an unusually polished FYPD prize after dominating in Japan. Posted by Seibu after a spectacular 2025 (1.92 ERA, 178 Ks and only 6 homers allowed in 163.2 IP), the right-handed pitcher has been a productive NPB pitcher for years. Over the last three seasons, his ERA sits at a minuscule 2.18. He attacks hitters with a mid-to-upper-90s fastball (touching 99) and a deep arsenal including a sharp slider, splitter, changeup, and sinker. Think Kodai Senga, but with even better pre-MLB numbers. At 5’11”, he’s not physically imposing, yet he’s durable, explosive, and has steadily improved his control. Some evaluators are split on him (public sentiment is high while a few scouts are more cautious) but there’s no denying his track record in Japan. Now the ever-present question: how well will it translate to MLB?

From a dynasty perspective, Imai is enticing as a fast-track contributor. He profiles as a solid mid-rotation starter with upside for more if his swing-and-miss stuff carries over to MLB. He struck out over a batter per inning in NPB, so the strikeout potential is real. Given his age and experience, he will log fantasy-relevant innings as soon as 2026, without the long developmental lag of a teenage prospect. In FYPD drafts, he’s a unique high-floor asset, a likely MLB starter in the near term, and a worthy top pick for teams looking to contend soon or flip a ready arm for other pieces.

2. LHP Kade Anderson, 21, Seattle Mariners

 

Left-handed pitcher Kade Anderson offers the tantalizing combination of a high ceiling, a relatively short and viable path to the majors, all in an organization that knows how to get the best of pitchers . The 21-year-old southpaw just led LSU to a national title, even spinning a shutout win the in the final, and the Seattle Mariners snagged him third overall, a slight surprise given some thought he could go 1.1. Anderson dominated college hitters, finishing 12-1 with a 3.18 ERA and an NCAA-leading 180 strikeouts in 119 innings. He pairs a mid-90s fastball with excellent breaking stuff and a maturity on the mound beyond his years. In big moments he shined, and the Mariners view him as a future front-of-rotation anchor. The fact is he has several above average pitches, just not that one that he rides for success. That bodes even better for his MLB outlook, wondering what will happen if he can polish one, or possibly two, into elite offerings.

For dynasty managers, that means a blend of high long-term upside and a reasonably quick ETA, as late 2026 or 2027 is attainable. The fantasy allure here is a potential strikeout-heavy number one starter you can build a staff around. Anderson’s fastball has good life and his secondary arsenal and command suggest a higher floor than most college arms. He’s not just a stats compiler as scouts rave about his mound presence and poise. There’s always risk with pitchers, but Anderson feels like a relatively safe investment, as he’s battle-tested in the SEC and has shown he can handle high-pressure spots. If things break right, you’re looking at a future ace who misses bats in bunches. Even if he “only” becomes a solid number two guy, his ability to move quickly and contribute strikeouts by the time your window opens makes him one of the top dynasty prizes in this class.

 

3. SS Eli Willits, 17, Washington Nationals

 

Just 17 on draft day, shortstop Eli Willits is a precocious middle infielder with one of the most advanced hit tools in the 2025 class. He reclassified a year early to enter the draft, and the Washington Nationals nabbed this coach’s son in the first round. At the plate, Willits is more hit-over-power right now, profiling more high average, all-fields contact, and plenty of stolen bases rather than home run totals. On the showcase circuit, his contact rates were off the charts (approaching 90% overall), and he showed a discerning eye for a teenager. Scouts describe his approach as “wise beyond his years,” and he led his high school to multiple state titles as a centerpiece hitter.

He’s a plus runner too, swiping bags with an aggression and efficiency that hints at future 30+ steal seasons if he sticks in everyday duty. For dynasty managers, Willits offers the chance to lock in a future table-setter. He projects as a top-of-the-order catalyst, the kind of shortstop who could hit .300 with a great OBP, score tons of runs, and steal 20-30 bags in his peak. The main question is how much power he will grow into as he matures (at 6’1”, 175 lbs, there’s room to fill out). Even if he only develops fringe-average pop 10-14 home run range, his all-around game and likely stickiness up the middle give him a high floor. He’s several years away, even though he already made his emphatic professional debut as one of the youngest players in affiliated ball. But if you have a long runway, Willits could become a cornerstone high-average, high-steals shortstop that dynasty rebuilders covet.

 

4. SS Ethan Holliday, 18, Colorado Rockies

 

Perhaps the most recognizable amateur name in this draft class, Ethan Holliday carries both pedigree and potential in spades. The younger brother of Orioles phenom Jackson Holliday and son of former All-Star Matt Holliday, Ethan was drafted fourth overall by the Rockies and he might possess even more raw power than his illustrious relatives. A left-handed hitter standing 6’4” at just 18 years old, Holliday is built to mash. He was touted by scouts as having the “most usable left-handed power” of anyone in the 2025 high school class, and he proved it by hitting .617 with 16 homers in 32 games as a high school senior.

In games and showcases, when Holliday connects, the ball explodes off his bat (“raw power is stupid,” one scouting director quipped). The Rockies have already hinted that his future is likely at third base rather than shortstop, given his size and arm and that’s perfectly fine from a fantasy standpoint. Coors Field beckons in his future, and it’s hard not to dream about 500-foot home runs in the thin Denver air.

Holliday will need time to develop, and there will be some swing-and-miss to iron out. He’s not a free swinger by any means, but like many young sluggers he’ll be challenged by quality breaking pitches and will have to adjust. The good news is he appears to track spin well for his age and uses the whole field, not just pull-and-pray. The fantasy upside here is enormous: project out a few years and you could have a middle-of-the-order monster who competes for home runs and piles up RBIs in the Rockies lineup. A future 35+ homer bat in Coors is a mouthwatering ceiling. Of course, we must temper expectations given he’s a teenager who hasn’t faced much pro pitching yet and plenty of development lies ahead, and not every power-hitting prodigy pans out. But Holliday’s bloodlines, plus his already advanced strength and approach, provide some confidence that he’ll make the necessary adjustments. For dynasty rebuilders picking at the top of FYPDs, Holliday is the kind of cornerstone power bat you can build around. You’ll need patience as he goes through the minors, but the payoff (a potential fantasy home run king entering his prime in the late 2020s) could be franchise-altering.

 

5. RHP Seth Hernandez, 19, Pittsburgh Pirates

 

High school pitchers are inherently risky in dynasty, but right-handed pitcher Seth Hernandez might tempt you to take the plunge. Drafted 6th overall by Pittsburgh, the 6’4” righty was the top prep arm in 2025 and offers a dizzying arsenal for a teenager. According to MLB Pipeline, he already boasts three plus pitches in a high-90s fastball that has touched 100+ with heavy life, a nasty diving changeup, and a 12-6 curve, in addition to a solid slider. That’s a starter kit for with future ace potential, and his senior-year stats back up the hype: Hernandez struck out 105 batters in 53⅓ innings, walked only seven, and posted a 0.39 ERA, earning Gatorade National Player of the Year honors.

On the mound he’s athletic and surprisingly poised  considering he only started focusing on pitching two years ago, making his polish even more impressive. Physically, he draws some comparisons to a young Josh Beckett as a projectable frame and power stuff with an aggressive demeanor. For fantasy managers, Hernandez is the quintessential high-ceiling, long-horizon prospect. The ceiling really is as high as any pitcher in this FYPD class. He could be a top-of-the-rotation workhorse in, say, 4-5 years if all goes well. He’s already shown flashes of elite velocity, with reports of him up to 101 mph in workouts this fall.

The main drawbacks are the usual ones: he’s a teenage arm, so you’ll need patience and you’ll have to weather the volatility, and injuries or command setbacks could happen. However, Hernandez’s advanced command for his age (just seven walks all spring) offers some reassurance that he’s not as “wild” a lottery ticket as some prep pitchers. If you’re a rebuilder who can afford to wait, Hernandez could be your franchise’s future ace. Just remember that even with his rare blend of stuff and control, there’s risk but the potential reward (an elite strikeout pitcher anchoring your staff) might be worth it.

 

6. SS JoJo Parker, 19, Toronto Blue Jays

 

A lefty-hitting prep shortstop out of Mississippi, JoJo Parker brings an enticing blend of polish and projection. Toronto grabbed him eighth overall, betting on his well-rounded game and advanced bat for his age. Parker, 6’1” and athletic, was considered one of the most polished high school bats in the class. He has excellent bat speed and makes a ton of contact, but he’s no slap hitter. There’s leverage in his swing and the ball jumps off his bat when he finds the barrel. In showcases he showed a strong gap-to-gap approach with the ability to use all fields, and as he matures physically he could grow into legitimate power.

Parker also surprised some with his athleticism, when he ran a 6.67 in the 60-yard dash, indicative of above-average speed to go with smooth actions at shortstop. For fantasy purposes, Parker profiles as a potential across-the-board contributor, even if no single tool is elite. He might develop into a .280 hitter with 15-20 HR pop and double-digit steals, a stat line that plays very well at a premium position. His plate discipline is fairly mature (he doesn’t expand the zone much, even if he can be a bit passive at times), which bodes well for his on-base ability. Importantly, he offers a nice balance of ceiling and floor: there’s everyday SS upside here with a solid average, some pop, some speed, and good run production potential. In a dynasty draft, Parker is the kind of prospect who won’t necessarily win you a league single-handedly, but could be a key long-term piece as a reliable five-category contributor in his peak years, even if none of those categories are league-leading. That kind of profile, safe yet with upside, is gold for rebuilders looking to hit on a core bat or contenders looking to solidify the pipeline.

 

7. SS Aiva Arquette, 22, Miami Marlins

 

Oregan State shortstop Aiva Arquette was viewed by many as the best college bat in the 2025 draft, and the Marlins scooped him up at seventh overall. A 21-year-old switch-hitting shortstop, who might slide to third or second base eventually, Arquette is impressive for both his physicality (6’5”, strong and athletic) and his well-rounded skill set. In his junior year at Oregon State, he slashed .354/.461/.654 with 19 home runs and was a Golden Spikes Award semifinalist. He’s often described as the big shortstop who “makes it work,” drawing loose comparisons to the likes of Corey Seager or Gunnar Henderson in terms of size and offensive upside.

Importantly for fantasy, none of Arquette’s tools grade below average, scouts have 50s or better on his hit, power, speed, field, and arm. The result is a player whose whole might be greater than the sum of the parts. He makes consistent contact, has a patient approach, decent pop, a bit of speed, and should stick near the top or middle of a lineup as a pro. Because he’s so polished, Arquette also carries a high floor. Dynasty managers can dream on a .280, 20+ HR, 10 SB type of stat line at maturity, essentially a contributor across all categories. While he may not steal a ton of bases, he’ll chip in a handful, and his power should land in the 20-25 homer range at peak. Perhaps most enticing, he could move relatively quickly through the minors. With his advanced approach and age, he might only need a couple of seasons before knocking on the MLB door. There’s always a temptation to chase higher risk/reward players in FYPD, but Arquette offers a refreshing combo of safety and upside. His biggest red flag really isn’t something in his control, considering the Marlins’ track record of developing hitters. In short, he profiles as a future everyday infielder who fills up the stat sheet modestly in every column and those players can be linchpins of championship fantasy teams.

 

8. 1B/3B Munetaka Murakami, 25, MLB FA

 

One of the most famous names on this list, infielder Munetaka Murakami is already a superstar in Japan and now he’s likely headed to MLB via the posting system. Murakami is a 25-year-old corner infielder (primarily 3B/1B) who made international headlines in 2022 by crushing 56 home runs for the Yakult Swallows, the most ever in a season by a Japanese-born player. That jaw-dropping power earned him legendary status and some larger-than-life nicknames back home. However, dynasty drafters need to consider both the prodigious power and the accompanying risks.

Since that 56-homer season and a standout performance in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Murakami has seen some regression. In 2025, injuries limited him to 263 plate appearances, but he still blasted 24 homers and slashed .286/.392/.659. The flip side: he also struck out in 27% of those plate appearances. Murakami has long been a three-true-outcomes slugger withmassive power, plenty of walks, and a lot of strikeouts. Even at his best, there’s swing-and-miss in his game. In NPB this past year, his in-zone contact rate was only 73%, with just 64% overall contact, and under 60% contact against spin and offspeed, which suggests MLB pitchers with good breaking stuff could exploit him.

The fantasy math on Murakami is tricky. On one hand, he could come over and immediately contend for MLB home run titles, because his raw power is that special. In a friendly park or environment, imagine him in Colorado or Cincinnati, 35+ homers with a decent OBP is within reason. On the other hand, there’s real batting-average downside. A 50th-percentile outcome for him might look like Joey Gallo, namely .210-.230 average with decent homers and walks, which is valuable in OBP leagues but more challenging in AVG leagues. Many ranking lists will have Murakami near the top due to that power pedigree, but he’s a classic high-risk, high-reward pick. If you’re shooting for the moon and can afford a possible miss, Murakami might be your guy. If you have a more cautious approach, you might bump him down in favor of safer bats. Either way, the allure of a potential 40-homer slugger entering his prime is hard to pass up in dynasty, even with the volatility. His landing spot will really determine his value in my eyes.

 

9. 1B/3B Kazuma Okamoto, 29, MLB FA

 

For all of Murakami’s volatility, then there is Kazuma Okamoto quietly has been one of NPB’s most consistent sluggers. At 27 years old, Okamoto is a bit older than the typical FYPD prospect, which in dynasty terms makes him slightly less appealing to rebuilding teams. But for a win-now team, he might be a gem.

Okamoto has been a mainstay in the Yomiuri Giants’ lineup since his early 20s, and from 2018 through 2023 he topped 30 home runs in six straight seasons. In 2024, the NPB “dead-ball” year, he still hit 27; and in an injury-shortened 2025, he managed 15 homers in just 314 PA with a career-best .992 OPS. What sets Okamoto apart is his combination of power and contact. He’s not an all-or-nothing slugger, he’s a .300 hitter in Japan who rarely strikes out excessively. In 2025, he slashed .322/.411/.581, showing off his ability to hit for average and patience in addition to his power. He also ran a zone-contact rate north of 90% and kept his chase rate around 24%, fantastic numbers for a power hitter.

In other words, he profiles as a hitter who can square the ball up consistently and do damage without a ton of swing-and-miss. His 92.4 MPH average exit velo and 105 MPH 90th-percentile EV  aren’t eye-popping by MLB standards, but they’re plenty good, and he did clock a max around 112 mph. Add in the fact that he’s a Gold Glove-caliber defender at first base, and it’s likely he finds an everyday role quickly for whichever MLB team signs him. Dynasty-wise, Okamoto might not have the 40-homer upside of Murakami, but he could be a safer bet to hit the ground running as a solid all-around hitter. A prime-year line of .270-.280 with 20-25 homers, good RBI totals, and a healthy OBP is a realistic expectation in a neutral MLB context, with upside for more if the smaller MLB parks boost his numbers.

Because he makes a lot of contact and uses the whole field, he’s less likely to fall on his face against MLB pitching. In fact, many might argue he’s a better immediate fantasy contributor than Murakami, albeit with a slightly lower overall ceiling. He is also likely to debut in 2026, so the wait is minimal. For teams looking to contend, Okamoto could be a great FYPD target as a plug-and-play corner infielder who provides steady production across average, power, and RBI categories. His age means his peak will be early on in your control, but those first few years could be quite productive. In sum, Okamoto is a proven slugger with a disciplined bat, and that combo should translate into one of the safer investments in this draft class.

 

10. OF Ethan Conrad, 21, Chicago Cubs

 

Ethan Conrad might have been a top-10 pick if not for a shoulder injury, which could make him a steal for the Cubs at 17th overall and a sneaky value for your dynasty team. A 6’3”, 220-pound left-handed outfielder, Conrad was absolutely raking at Wake Forest before a diving catch dislocated his shoulder and required season-ending surgery. In just 21 games of his junior year, he hit .372/.495/.744 with 7 homers, 8 doubles, and more walks than strikeouts. That brief stat line offers a glimpse of his potential: a patient approach, plus contact (around 90% zone-contact in college), burgeoning power, and athleticism to spare.

Conrad’s athletic profile is a big part of his appeal consider he’s a plus athlete who led Division I with 13 triples in a full 2024 season at Marist College and swiped 17 bags that year. The Cubs have noted how he can turn a double into a triple and generally put pressure on defenses with his wheels. He’s also filled out into a strong frame, which was manifesting as over-the-fence power this spring with seven home runs in those 21 pre-injury games, and his exit velocities indicate even more pop is coming.

In fantasy terms, Conrad offers one of those delicious power-speed combos that can make a player extremely valuable. Projecting him out, you could get a player who hits .280-.300 with 20+ home runs and 15-20 steals in his prime. And unlike many high-ceiling prospects, Conrad might not require an inordinate amount of time in the minors. He’s a college bat with an advanced approach, and aside from needing to get back to full strength post-surgery, there’s not a lot holding him back. He could see the upper minors by 2026 and be pushing for a big-league look by 2027 if all goes well.

The big variable is the shoulder injury: by all accounts he should make a full recovery, but it’s something to monitor especially for a player whose throwing arm and power could be impacted. Assuming a clean bill of health, Conrad is the kind of under-the-radar dynasty pick who could vault into top-100 prospect status quickly with a healthy return. His profile doesn’t have a glaring weakness; it’s more a matter of proving himself over a full season of pro ball. If you’re picking outside the top 6 in FYPD and want a hitter who could advance fast and offer across-the-board production, Conrad is a fantastic target. He might not have one elite carrying tool, but he checks a lot of boxes and those guys often become the unheralded fantasy stars down the line.

 

11. LHP Jamie Arnold, 21, Athletics

 

If you’re hunting for strikeout upside a bit further down the board, Jamie Arnold should catch your eye. The Athletics‘ first-round pick at 11th overall, Arnold is a 21-year-old lefty from Florida State who brings a funky, deceptive look and the performance to back it up. He employs a cross-body, low-three-quarters delivery that gives hitters fits, creating a flat approach angle on his 92-96 mph fastball with deception. That fastball isn’t straight either; coming from that slot, it gets natural run and makes for very uncomfortable at-bats for righties and lefties alike.

Arnold’s best weapon, though, might be his nasty sweeping slider, a plus pitch that he’ll throw in any count. Hitters in the ACC often had no answer for it, and Arnold rode that pitch to gaudy collegiate numbers. Over his last two seasons at FSU, he posted a 2.98 ERA with roughly a 34.0% strikeout rate, essentially serving as the ace of one of the best staffs in the country. The key for Arnold in pro ball will be refining his fastball command. His whippy mechanics can lead to spells of wildness or misses arm-side and up in the zone. The silver lining is that even his “misses” are hard to square up and college hitters really only punished him when he left pitches middle-middle.

The A’s will undoubtedly give him every opportunity to remain a starter. If it all comes together, Arnold could be a high-strikeout mid-rotation starter, with an outside shot at more. If he finds a tick more velocity or consistency, watch out. The Athletics pitching development pipeline is ain intriguing deep dive, and Arnold could be a high-profile benefactor of the system. He’s likely a little under the radar in fantasy drafts because he doesn’t have the 100 mph fastball or top-five-pick shine, but make no mistake, the bat-missing ability is legit. From a timeline perspective, he has enough polish that he shouldn’t be too far away and an ETA around 2027 or 2028 is reasonable. That suits many rebuilders just fine. Picture the kind of lefty who piles up 200 strikeouts in his prime with a mid-3s ERA, that’s the rosy scenario for Arnold. Even if he falls short of that, he could settle in as a solid SP4 who is a strikeout streamer. In dynasty, where upside is often king, Arnold’s nasty slider and K track record make him a worthy gamble in the mid-first round of FYPDs for a rebuilding team.

 

12. LHP Liam Doyle, 21, St. Louis Cardinals

 

If you’re looking for a pitching prospect with a chasm between the floor and the ceiling, Liam Doyle fits the bill. Doyle was the first college arm off the board, going fifth overall to the St. louis Cardianls. He brings a frontline arsenal plus the experience of excelling in the SEC. A 22-year-old lefty out of Tennessee, Doyle’s calling card is a high-90s fastball with elite ride and Baseball America said it “easily” grades as a 70, one of the best heaters in the entire class. He can run it up to 100 mph with a flat approach angle that makes it overpower hitters up in the zone.

In college he leaned on that fastball heavily (understandably, given an 18.6% swinging-strike rate on it) and racked up well over a strikeout per inning against top competition. His secondaries (a solid slider, changeup, etc.) are decent too, and his control is respectable, especially considering his power approach. For a fantasy team, Doyle represents something rare in FYPD: a potential near-term MLB contributor with ace upside. The Cardinals have hinted he could help their big-league club as soon as 2026, maybe even in a rotation role if things click. That proximity, combined with his swing-and-miss stuff, makes him very appealing, essentially the polar opposite of a five-year project high school arm. But the floor is very apparent. Doyle’s high-effort delivery (and mindset) and sometimes questionable arsenal give a clear path to being a high-leverage reliver, but the Cardinals will, and should, give him some time to prove himself in an affiliated rotation.

Of course, no pitching prospect is without risk (arm injuries, adjustment to pro ball, etc.), but Doyle’s combination of experience, stuff, and polish is hard to find. He could be the next college lefty to zoom through the minors. Best case, you’re getting a strikeout-heavy No. 2 starter in a couple years; worst case, maybe he’s a high-octane reliever. Either way, he’s a top-tier dynasty target on the mound, especially if you’re tired of drafting 18-year-old arms and waiting half a decade for a payoff.

 

13. RHP Kyson Witherspoon, 21, Boston Red Sox

 

Kyson Witherspoon emerged from the University of Oklahoma as the top right-handed collegiate pitcher in the 2025 draft, and the Boston Red Sox grabbed him in the late first round. He’s one of the younger college draftees, and his 2025 performance showed a massive step forward with a 2.65 ERA with 124 Ks in 95 innings against SEC lineups. Witherspoon sets the tone with a mid-90s fastball that has ride and arm-side run, though it wasn’t a huge whiff pitch yet, something the Red Sox development team will look to change.

His real strength is a deep arsenal of secondaries. He features a slider with depth, a cutter with similar movement but more velocity, a curveball with two-plane break, and a changeup that sits around 90 with big fade. Impressively, all four of those secondary pitches generated whiff rates north of 30% in college. He also throws strikes at a solid clip and is athletic on the mound, so many see him as a high-floor arm. From a fantasy standpoint, Witherspoon could develop into a mid-rotation workhorse who contributes in multiple categories. The Red Sox have had success lately graduating pitching, and one can imagine Witherspoon slotting in as a reliable third starter on a good team in a few years.

At worst, his combination of stuff and control should ensure he’s a firm starter prospect with a low likelihood of implosion. The unrealized upside comes if Boston helps him add a tick of velocity or optimize his pitch usage thinking there might be a bit more strikeout potential than he showed. He could reach the majors by 2027-2028, perhaps even quicker if he tears up the minors. Dynasty managers who prefer safer arms with some upside will find a lot to like: Witherspoon isn’t as flashy as some of his other peers, but he could be pitching meaningful innings for your fantasy squad while others from this class are still finding their way. Consider him a floor play with room to dream, making him valuable for both contenders (for the floor/ETA) and rebuilders (for the possible ceiling) alike.

 

14. LHP Kruz Schoolcraft, 18, San Diego Padres

 

With a name like a movie villain and a 6’8” frame to match, Kruz Schoolcraft might be the most boom-or-bust prospect in this entire class. The San Diego Padres took the towering Oregon prep lefty 25th overall, betting on his jaw-dropping raw talent. Schoolcraft reclassified to enter the 2025 draft early, so in many ways he’s a very young, moldable ball of clay. But what a piece of clay it is. He already sits mid-to-upper 90s with his fastball from the left side. When he’s on, he can absolutely overpower hitters. His best secondary is a vicious high-spin slider with late bite, a pitch that flashes plus-plus at times. And unlike many ultra-tall young pitchers, he’s shown he can also kill speed effectively: he has a feel for a changeup that’s unusually advanced, giving him a weapon to fade away from right-handed bats. In high school competition, he was essentially untouchable (96 Ks in 54 IP, 0.50 ERA his senior spring) while barely breaking a sweat.

Now, the challenges. Players of Schoolcraft’s stature often struggle to synchronize their mechanics, and while he has shown decent strike-throwing ability for his size, pro hitters will be a much stiffer test. Some evaluators see an eventual ace if everything clicks; others worry about the track record of pitchers his archetype; injuries, command issues, or the rigors of a professional season could derail him. But it helps that he’s a good athlete, and he was a two-way star, hitting .482 with 10 homers, giving hope that he can withstand playing more and more.

From a dynasty perspective, Schoolcraft is the kind of pick that could make you look like a genius or leave you empty-handed after several years. If he hits, you could have a strikeout machine with unique platoon advantages. But “if” is doing a lot of work there. He will likely take a while, at least 4-5 years, to develop, and there could be significant bumps along the way as he refines his control and secondary consistency. The Padres are an aggressive org, but even they will probably be cautious with Kruz, given the investment.

If you’re a rebuilding team with a deep farm, Schoolcraft is a fun lottery ticket to stash. Just set expectations: he’s a high-variance asset. He might be the guy you pair with a safer pick (like an established college bat) to balance your draft. Because if he does pan out, a 6’8” lefty throwing 99 with a wipeout slider is the stuff fantasy aces are made of. It just may be quite a journey to get there.

 

15. SS Steele Hall, 18, Cincinnati Reds

 

The Cincinnati Reds made waves by taking Steele Hall ninth overall, and it’s easy to see what drew them in. Hall might be the most athletic player in the draft. He reclassified to come out a year early (like Willits did), so he’s only 17, making him one of the youngest draftees. Despite that, his physical tools pop off the page. Hall is a right-handed hitting shortstop with 80-grade speed, thanks to plus-plus wheels and a lightning-quick first step that make him a terror on the basepaths and a standout defender up the middle. Cincinnati scouts even dared to compare him in style to a young Trea Turner as an “ultra-athletic leadoff type” who can change the game with speed, defense, and hitting ability.

That’s a lofty comp and represents a dream scenario, but it speaks to Hall’s talent level. At the plate, he currently employs a contact-oriented approach. He’s not very big (5’11”, 175) and may actually be a bit shorter than his listing, but he has quick hands and puts the bat on the ball effectively. He’ll need to fill out to hit for power though some project he could develop at least moderate pop down the road with strength training.

For fantasy managers, Hall is the epitome of a high-upside lottery ticket. If everything clicks, you’re looking at a  top-of-the-order shortstop who might hit .270 with 40+ steals at his peak. Those don’t grow on trees in today’s game. He’s the kind of prospect who could eventually contribute strongly in runs, AVG, and SB (and even chip in a bit of power later in his career). However, it’s a long road. Hall could be five years away from the majors, and a lot can happen in that time. There’s also the question of how his bat will handle pro pitching as he faces better breaking balls; right now his game is more about slapping line drives and using his speed. In a deep rebuild, Hall is a thrilling pick. Few players in this FYPD have his ceiling in the speed category. Just be prepared to be patient. He could require ample development time to add strength and experience, but if you have the luxury to wait, Hall’s upside as a game-changing leadoff hitter is worth the gamble.

 

16. INF Gavin Fien, 18, Texas Rangers

 

Gavin Fien checks almost every box you’d want in a fantasy prospect, making him one of the most exciting prep hitters from the 2025 class. Drafted 12th overall by the Texas Rangers after a meteoric rise in his senior year, Fien forwent a commitment to Texas to sign with the Rangers and begin what could be a quick ascent. Physically, he’s a projectable 6’3” infielder with a strong, loose swing that generates big power. At the plate, Fien shows an impressive combination of hit and power tools, and he can barrel the ball consistently and drive it out of the park to all fields.

There are a few unorthodox elements in his setup and swing mechanics that scouts have noted, but the results speak loudly, with the in-game power is already above average and trending up. He’s also a good athlete with a huge arm and could stick at the hot corner long-term, though the Rangers will find a lineup spot for him anywhere if the bat develops as hoped. From a fantasy lens, Fien’s profile is that of a potential middle-of-the-order run producer. We’re talking about a player who, if it all comes together, could hit in the .240-.250 range with 25+ homers and strong RBI totals in his prime. And unlike some slugger types, Fien’s feel for contact and approach are promising enough that he’s not all-or-nothing and he should make enough contact to let his power play. He will take some time in the minors (coming from high school), so patience is required. But the upside is a premium fantasy third baseman who contributes in four categories. Given how “safe” his bat already seems, Fien is a concrete top-20 FYPD pick in dynasty and a prospect who could surge up rankings with a strong debut.

 

17. 3B Xavier Neyens, 19, Houston Astros

 

Neyens has many of the qualities dynasty managers covet in a young prospect. At 6’4” and around 210 lbs, this left-handed hitter is built to crush baseballs, and the Houston Astros thought highly enough of his bat to take him 21st overall in 2025. He offers at least plus-plus raw power, with the bat speed and leverage to drive balls out to all fields. In high school he showed an outstanding approach at the plate, though he did battle some swing-and-miss against elite competition late in the showcase circuit. If he can refine the hit tool in pro ball, Neyens’ offensive upside is enormous. Some evaluators have even evoked a left-handed Austin Riley comparison for his ceiling.

Originally a two-way prep star who played shortstop, Neyens is likely to settle in at third base as a pro. He’s athletic for his size but not a runner; his fringy foot speed means the hot corner is a better fit than shortstop long term. The good news is his plus arm, he could fire mid-90s fastballs as a pitcher, will play very well at third, and he has the tools to be a solid defender there. For fantasy purposes, though, it’s the bat we’re interested in. Neyens generates huge power and loft, projecting as a potential 30+ homer slugger if it all comes together. He’s only 19 and likely won’t see the majors until 2029 or 2030, so patience is required, but that’s part of the appeal: you’re buying into a long runway of development. In a 2026 FYPD, Neyens is a worthy high-round target for managers swinging for the fences on premium power upside.

 

18. SS Dax Kilby, 19, New York Yankees

 

Few 2025 draftees boosted their stock as much as Dax Kilby. Once an under-the-radar prep shortstop, Kilby shot up boards and wound up being drafted 29th overall by the New York Yankees who immediately looked like a smart, savvy team. A lean 6’2” athlete with plenty of room to grow, Kilby’s profile is built on projection and advanced feel. He’s already shown an excellent batting eye and contact ability for a teenager.

In his brief pro debut he slashed .353/.457/.441 with more walks than strikeouts, and he chased pitches out of the zone under 8% of the time. That kind of strike-zone judgment and 92% in-zone contact rate at 18 years old is almost unheard of. He didn’t homer in that small sample, but his 90th-percentile exit velocity was a robust 104.2 mph, suggesting that as he gains strength, the power will come. For dynasty managers, Kilby is a long-term investment who could pay off in a big way. There’s a scenario where he grows into, say, 6’2”, 200 lbs and starts driving balls out of Yankee Stadium regularly.

Given his feel to hit and speed, him being a solid AVG and SB shortstop who also posts a decent OBP from the top third of a lineup — that’s the dream. The intangibles are all there: great approach, athleticism, and defensive chops to stick in the middle infield. The main ingredient missing is loft and strength for home run power (he’ll need to lift the ball more to fully tap into extra-base damage). Kilby isn’t as “safe” as a college bat, but his advanced hitting skills give him a higher floor than most high schoolers. If you’re looking for a prospect who might explode in value with physical development, Kilby is a prime candidate — and landing in the Yankees system only adds to the allure.

 

19. OF Devin Taylor, 21, Athletics

 

Taylor brings a more polished bat to the table, having performed against Big Ten pitching for three years at Indiana. The Athletics snagged the lefty slugger in the second round in 2025 (48th overall), and he promptly validated their enthusiasm by slashing .264/.388/.481 with six homers in a 28-game pro debut at Low-A Stockton. Taylor has the potential to hit for both average and power at the highest level. He’s got plenty of bat speed and strength, consistently hitting the ball extremely hard with power to all fields. His approach is advanced for a young hitter: Taylor isn’t shy about swinging the bat, but he noticeably cut down on chase swings this past year and showed he can handle breaking pitches. In college he almost walked as often as he struck out, underscoring that mature plate discipline and strike-zone control.

Make no mistake, Taylor’s profile is bat-first. The majority of his value will come from his offensive production. His speed, arm, and defensive instincts are all fringy, likely limiting him to left field in the long run. That means he’ll go as far as his bat carries him but thankfully, that bat has middle-of-the-order potential. Think of a future lineup centerpiece who could hit .250+ with 25-30 homers and a decent OBP in the Athletics lineup if things break right. Taylor’s relative polish should also help him move faster than the teenage prospects in this class. It’s not unrealistic to imagine him pushing toward Double-A by late 2026 and reaching the majors by 2027 or 2028 if he excels. For dynasty GMs eyeing the 2026 FYPD, Taylor represents a reasonable-floor power bat who could pay dividends sooner rather than later, making him a savvy pick.

20. OF Jace LaViolette, 21, Cleveland Guardians

 

Few college hitters embody the term “high risk, high reward” quite like Jace LaViolette. At 6’6” and 230 lbs, LaViolette looks every bit the prototype of a power-hitting corner outfielder. In fact, he entered the spring as the consensus top college bat and a candidate for 1-1 in the draft thanks to his light-tower power. Things didn’t go perfectly to script, though. He scuffled out of the gate at Texas A&M, which dragged his average down, and while he rebounded, he finished with a .258 batting average, an unusually low mark for a first-round college hitter.

Nonetheless, the Guardians saw enough to take him in the mid-first round, likely because that elite power tool is impossible to ignore. He still launched 18 homers with a whopping .576 SLG and showed exemplary patience, logging a .427 OBP (he walked nearly as often as he struck out). When LaViolette makes contact, the ball explodes. He recorded a 108 mph 90th-percentile exit velocity in 2025, along with a 53% hard-hit rate — numbers that place him among the very top tier for raw power in this class. He’s basically built to hit 30+ homers in the majors.

The question is whether he will hit enough to fully utilize that power. In 2024, he looked more athletic and had a better all-around showing; in 2025, as mentioned, he appeared a bit stiff at times and pitchers found holes in his swing. His overall contact rate was about 72%, and notably, he managed only around 63% contact against breaking and offspeed pitches. That indicates that advanced pitching — especially anything with spin — can get him out right now.

For fantasy players, LaViolette is the kind of prospect that could swing a league championship…or never quite make it. If he figures out his swing and approach (and Cleveland has had mixed success with hitter development), he could become a three-true-outcomes beast in the mold of, say, Kyle Schwarber or Joey Gallo — lots of homers, lots of walks, and a low average but playable if you’re in an OBP league. There’s also a scenario where he refines his hit tool enough to be more like a poor man’s Aaron Judge (to be clear, not predicting that level, but the style of a big man who hits for a semi-respectable average and huge power). Conversely, there’s a real bust potential if higher-level arms exploit his long levers and he can’t adjust.

 

Next Five: INF Kayson Cunningham, RHP Tyler Bremner, INF Gavin Kilen, RHP Gage Wood, C Ike Irish

 

 

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