Fantasy Baseball position rankings: Outfielders/Pitchers

Outfielders:

No. 1: Aaron Judge, New York Yankees

Coming off his second MVP and another 50 home run season Judge comes into the season as the league’s best hitter.

With his ability to hit the long ball and also hit for average this makes Judge the best outfielder for fantasy baseball.

No. 2: Juan Soto, New York Mets

Soto's 201 career home runs before turning 26 are tied for sixth-most in history, and he's the only player to register a top-15 fantasy point total among hitters in each of the past six seasons.

Coming fresh off a record breaking deal I expect Soto to keep up his excellence and add to his already highly decorated career.

No. 3: Kyle Tucker, Chicago Cubs

Injuries held Tucker back last year from being able to showcase his talents, but on a new team and in a contract year I expect Tucker to have a huge season.

DH/UTIL:

No. 1: Brent Rooker, Athletics

Rooker is slated to bat near the top of the team's order in 2025 after exploding for a career-best 39 home runs, 112 RBI, 82 runs and 11 stolen bases while posting a .927 OPS last year.

Expect Rooker to carry over his performance from a season ago into 2025.

No. 2: Marcell Ozuna, Atlanta Braves

Ozuna delivered big time for the Braves a year ago hitting 39 bombs and driving in 104.

One of the best at the DH slot is also in a contract year so expect big numbers for the third year in a row for Ozuna.

No. 3: Kyle Schwarber, Philadelphia Phillies

Schwarber is slated to be a solid but streaky power source for a fantasy lineup in 2025.

Don’t expect Schwarber to hit for average but his ability to hit the long ball and drive in runs makes him a great choice for the DH/Utility spot in your lineup.

Starting Pitchers:

No. 1: Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates

Skenes is fresh off a rookie campaign where he started 23 games and had a record of 11-3, which earned him the NL Rookie of the Year honors.

He never allowed more than six hits and only struck out fewer than six batters three times (once being Game 161, when he was pulled after two scoreless frames).

It would have been a masterful showing even if he weren’t only one year out of college, and Skenes enters 2025 No. 1 on the pitching big board as a result.

No. 2: Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers

A lot of experts have put Skubal at the No. 1 spot, and rightfully so. The 28 year-old lefty is coming off of a Cy Young season where he pitched 192 innings.

During his Cy Young campaign, he added velocity, did not walk anyone at a high rate and had an amazing K percentage.

There have been no signs of slowing down from the Tigers ace. High a high strikeout percentage and a low walk percentage, Skubal will once again be the best left-handed arm in fantasy.

No. 3: Zach Wheeler, Philadelphia Phillies

Last season Wheeler continued to impress, having the best season he has had in a Philly uniform since his first year there in 2021.

Wheeler provides innings while providing minimal damage. While he may not have 200 innings or the strikeout stuff he showed last year, he returns the favor by not giving up a lot of hits.

There is some risk considering Wheeler is entering his 35 year-old season, but he has shown no signs of slowing down and should continue to be an ace of any fantasy baseball pitching staff.

Relief Pitchers:

No. 1: Emanuel Clase

Do not be fooled by his shaky postseason, Clase was by far and away the best reliever in fantasy baseball last season. The Guardians closer posted a 0.61 ERA across 74.1 innings and placed third in the American League Cy Young voting. He also received MVP votes.

Clase is the complete package as a closer. He is on a competitive team that will likely be in many close-game situations this year, he strikes out 25 percent of the batters he faces and does not give up any runs.

Barring a major collapse, it is tough to pick against someone who was so dominant last year. Clase will continue to be the No. 1 reliever option in fantasy this season.

No. 2: Tanner Scott

2023 was really Scott’s coming out party, where he posted a 1.18 ERA through 45.2 innings. Last year he was not given the chance to be the guy who shuts down games, as he was traded from the Marlins to the Padres at the trade deadline.

This upcoming season gives Scott the best chance to return to his 2023 form. The newest member of the reigning champion Dodgers has already closed the door for the team in the Tokyo series against the Cubs.

In arguably the best situation a reliever can be in, Scott has been given every opportunity to shine on his new team, and fantasy managers should absolutely be buying into the hype.

No. 3: Devin Williams

Williams is in a similar position to Scott this year: a reliever who had a “down year” in 2024 who signed with a perennial world series contender this winter.

After sustaining an injury early last season, Williams' campaign was cut short. In this shortened stint, he posted a 1.25 ERA in 21.2 innings pitched.

Fantasy managers should be feasting on the opportunity to get Williams on their squad this season. He is a great closer when healthy who is in a perfect situation in the Bronx.

Brennan Kirkpatrick is a second-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email blk5545@psu.edu.

Austin Moran is a second-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email acm6506@psu.edu.

Peyton Waddell is a second-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email prw5142@psu.edu.