UPDATE: The 2025 MLB fantasy season has concluded, showcasing standout performances and surprising underachievers. Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees dominated as the top MVP picks, each hitting over 50 home runs this season.
In a season where fantasy managers faced difficult choices, Ohtani and Judge were the expected stars, but the emergence of lesser-known players like Geraldo Perdomo and Trevor Story has created buzz across the fantasy baseball community.
Perdomo, the 25-year-old shortstop for the Arizona Diamondbacks, entered the season with less than 1% rostered in ESPN leagues. He quickly became a fixture, driving in 24 runs and stealing seven bases in April alone. By the end of the season, he boasted a remarkable .290 batting average, 20 home runs, 100 RBIs, and 27 stolen bases, earning him the No. 13 spot on ESPN’s Player Rater.
Meanwhile, Story, at 32 years old, surprised many after a lackluster 2024 season. Initially written off, he returned with a vengeance, finishing the season with 25 home runs and 31 steals in 157 games, ranking him No. 23 on the Player Rater. His resurgence is a testament to fantasy baseball’s unpredictable nature.
Other noteworthy MVP candidates include Pete Crow-Armstrong from the Chicago Cubs, who achieved the first 30/30 season in franchise history, and George Springer of the Toronto Blue Jays, who rebounded from a dismal prior season to hit .309 with 32 home runs.
On the flip side, several players fell short of expectations, including Yordan Alvarez of the Houston Astros. Once a top draft pick, Alvarez battled injuries, finishing the season with just six home runs in 48 games and ranking outside the top-140 outfielders.
Adley Rutschman, the highly touted catcher for the Baltimore Orioles, also struggled significantly, hitting just .220 with nine home runs after missing time due to an oblique strain.
As the dust settles on the 2025 season, Perdomo and Story have emerged as prime examples of how late-draft steals can change the fantasy landscape. Their unexpected performances are sure to make them coveted names heading into the 2026 season.
Stay tuned as fantasy managers begin to strategize for next year, keeping an eye on emerging talents and bounce-back candidates. The anticipation for the next season is palpable as players like Ohtani and Judge continue to set the bar high.
