5 Underrated Fantasy Baseball Players To Target In 2025

Image credit: Jung Hoo Lee (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images)

As we head into spring training, this is a great time to look at how lineups, rotations and bullpen roles are potentially shaking out for 2025.

Today, we’ll take a look at five players who might be undervalued assets in fantasy this season.

At this point in the season, any fantasy manager worth his weight is looking for an edge, and that often comes in the form of players less embraced by consensus. While none of the five players listed below are likely to be selected as all-stars, all of them are players who could provide value and strong production based on their roles for their respective clubs.

Porter Hodge, RHP, Cubs

While the trade for Ryan Pressly likely means that Hodge will not be the primary closer in 2025, the soon-to-be 24-year-old could still return value in a variety of formats, particularly in saves/holds leagues. I won’t take this time to urge you to play in leagues that value saves and holds, but with evolving relief roles and the importance of multiple roles in the bullpen, each team has multiple relievers worth rostering. Hodge was a revelation down the stretch for the Cubs in 2024. Over the final two months of the season, he closed eight games and chipped in four holds with a 1.71 ERA while striking out 33.8% of batters he faced with a .130 opponents batting average. Whole Hodge is unlikely to see the lion’s share of saves, he has the two-pitch combination and requisite skills to close long term.

Bowden Francis, RHP, Blue Jays

After struggling to keep his spot in the Blue Jays rotation early in 2024, Francis settled in at mid-season and dominated. Over his final 65 innings spanning 10 starts, Francis posted a 1.80 ERA with a 3.89 FIP. While his strikeout numbers are pedestrian, Francis’ command down the stretch was excellent. He posted a 3.4% walk rate over those final 10 starts while holding opponents to a batting average of .140. Francis’ stuff is just average, but he’s shown the ability to consistently execute and could make the jump to 150+ innings this season.

Jake McCarthy, OF, Diamondbacks

Heading into the 2023 season, McCarthy was considered a top breakout target following a strong finish to his 2022 campaign. Instead, McCarthy struggled and produced a 78 wRC+ a number well below league average. However, McCarthy bounced back in 2024, putting up his best season to date. While power is not a major part of McCarthy’s game, he provides a strong batting average boost and 30+ stolen base upside. The addition of Josh Naylor should help to replace the production lost with the free agent departure of Christian Walker, so the D-backs’ lineup should remain strong. McCarthy is currently penciled into the No. 5 spot in the lineup which could lead to more RBIs than in previous seasons. I like the all-around production of McCarthy and the counting stat potential heading into 2025.

Luis Rengifo, 2B/3B, Angels

Rengifo might be one of the most versatile players in the major leagues at the moment. A switch-hitter who saw time at four different positions in 2024, Rengifo is a fun chess piece for Ron Washington when he’s filling out his lineup card. In 2024, he hit .300/.347/.417 with six home runs and 24 stolen bases over 78 games. Likely to get full-time run in the infield this season, Steamer and other projection systems see potential for high-teen home run totals with 20+ stolen bases this seasons. Early in the preseason, Rengifo is expected to see a majority of his time hitting high in the Angels’ lineup, meaning he could develop into one of the best returns on investment in fantasy this season.

Jung Hoo Lee, OF, Giants

After signing out of Korea prior to the 2024 season, Lee was viewed as a potential target for many heading into last season. However, a shoulder injury limited him to just 37 games. Fully healthy heading into 2025 camp, Lee is penciled in as the Giants’ leadoff hitter. The potential for 80+ runs with a high batting average, mid-teen home run totals and double-digit steals is there. After an injured first season in MLB, Lee might be a forgotten name in your drafts this year.