X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

5 Fantasy Baseball Sleepers: AL Central Edition - Later Round Value Picks

Lane Thomas - Fantasy Baseball Rankings, Draft Sleepers, MLB Injury News

Jarod's mid-to-late round fantasy baseball sleepers from the AL Central in 2025. These upside hitters and pitchers are fantasy baseball value picks at their ADP.

With spring training games underway, fantasy baseball draft season will begin to kick into full gear. To get fully prepared for your drafts, be sure to check out each article in this series about fantasy baseball sleepers and draft values in the mid-to-late rounds.

In this piece, we will analyze five players -- one from each team -- from the American League Central who are value picks at their current ADP in the mid-to-late rounds of drafts.

Finding value is one of the main ways to achieve an edge over your league mates from the start. Maximizing return on late-round picks will drive success, and your fantasy squad will be humming along with the below players, while other managers' final picks will become waiver wire fodder in short order.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

 

David Festa, SP, Minnesota Twins

ADP: 337

(Update: Festa was optioned to Triple-A on March 16)

My first instinct was to put Willi Castro here, but even at pick No. 229, there's not a ton of value there. But if you need a bat at the end of your draft, remember that he's eligible at second base, third base, shortstop, and the outfield on Yahoo. His switch-hitting should also help keep him in the lineup more often than not, and he'll bat leadoff.

As far as David Festa is concerned, the righty had a rude welcoming to the big leagues last season, getting roughed up for 12 runs in his first two starts before being sent back to the minors.

However, when the 6-foot-6 hurler was recalled, things went much more smoothly. The former 13th-round draft pick made 10 more starts and pitched 54 1/3 more innings over the rest of the season, posting a 3.81 ERA (3.15 FIP), 1.25 WHIP, and a 20.4 percent K-BB rate.

After allowing seven home runs in his first six appearances, he buckled down and yielded just two long balls over his final eight outings. Overall, the youngster finished with 77 strikeouts in 64 1/3 innings pitched.

If the 24-year-old were guaranteed a spot in the starting rotation, this call would be a no-brainer at his current price. Unfortunately, he'll have to battle Simeon Woods Richardson, and perhaps Zebby Matthews, for the final rotation spot this spring.

If he starts in the minors, expect his name to be called early as soon as one of the starters succumbs to injury or underperforms (looking at you, Chris Paddack). Speaking of the minors, he owns a 29.9 percent career strikeout rate and 11.12 K/9 in the minors, so although major league hitters are a step above, you know he's got good stuff. Keep an eye on the rotation battle this spring.

 

Lane Thomas, OF, Cleveland Guardians

ADP: 173

Look at Lane Thomas' final 2024 stat line, and you might think it looks pretty underwhelming, outside of the stolen bases, of course: .237 BA, 15 HR, 63 RBI, 65 R, 32 SB.

However, if you look under the hood, the meager final line was a result of two awful months -- April and August. He hit .164 (27-for-164) with just two home runs over those two months.

During the other four months of the season, the former fifth-round draft pick hit .276 (85-for-308), belted as many as seven home runs in September, and collected as many as 21 RBI in June alone.

A baseball season is full of ebbs and flows in productivity, but by simply avoiding those full-blown implosion months, the 29-year-old's final line is going to look much better.

He's proven he can do it before, as he is only one season removed from a .268 BA, 28 HR, 86 RBI, 101 R, 20 SB season in which the right-handed hitter recorded a .334 wOBA and 110 wRC+.

With a late-season uptick in power that I outlined in my September Power Surgers article, combined with better-than-league-average chase and contact rates, Thomas has the ability to improve in 2025, likely producing a season that lands somewhere between his 2023 and 2024 output.

That means a solid average, 20-plus homers, and 20-plus steals while hitting in the middle of the Guardians lineup, which should provide plenty of RBI opportunities. This will put him in a position to easily outperform his depressed ADP.

 

Parker Meadows, OF, Detroit Tigers

ADP: 178

(Update: Meadows was placed on the 60-day IL on March 24, making June the most optimistic timetable for his return)

As with Lane Thomas, Parker Meadows endured a horrendous first month of the 2024 season, slashing .100/.222/.229 with a .212 wOBA and 34 wRC+, resulting in a demotion in early May.

Letting him work on some things in the minors seemed to do the trick. Upon his full-time return to the majors on July 5, the lefty hitter slashed .296/.340/.500 with a .359 wOBA and 137 wRC+ over 47 games (201 PA).

But it wasn't just singles; of his 55 hits over that stretch, 10 were doubles, five were triples, and six were home runs. He showed off some base-stealing acumen as well, swiping six bags during that time.

The former second-round draft pick also cut down on his strikeout rate, turning in a 20.9 percent strikeout rate down the stretch, compared to a 29.3 percent strikeout rate for his career up until that point.

The 25-year-old is expected to lead off for Detroit, which should prove lucrative from a run-scoring and stolen base standpoint, while his ability to hit for extra bases should afford plenty of RBI opportunities.

Note, there is some cloudiness surrounding his Opening Day status, as he recently suffered a nerve issue in his throwing arm, but there isn't a definitive timetable for return. Monitor his status closely, because if it doesn't resolve itself soon, it could jeopardize Opening Day and this prognostication.

 

Andrew Vaughn, 1B, Chicago White Sox

ADP: 291

I had a whole write-up on why Andrew Benintendi was a value pick, but he had to go and get hit by a pitch, fracturing his hand and is likely not returning until some time after Opening Day, so we'll take a look at another White Sox player (although I'll say that with the way Benintendi finished last season, it shouldn't be that hard to outproduce his NFBC ADP of 451).

With Andrew Vaughn's performance over his first four major league seasons, some might have forgotten that he's a former third-overall draft pick whose entire minor league career before he became a regular in the big leagues consisted of 55 MiLB games.

But he'll still only be 27 years old for most of the season and the way he finished 2024 may have been overshadowed by the White Sox's march toward the record books for having the most losses in a single season ever.

From September 3 through the end of the year, a period of 22 games, Vaughn slashed .303/.340/.483 with four home runs, a .355 wOBA, 133 wRC+, and a remarkable 93.9% contact rate on pitches in the zone.

Sure, the 2025 version of the White Sox offense will still limit RBI opportunities, but as I noted in my Post-Hype Sleepers article, Chicago's three-hole hitter finished with an xSLG, Average EV, Barrel%, and HardHit% all at 63rd percentile or better for the first time in his career in 2024.

If you're looking for a bat towards the end of your draft that can hit .250 or better with 20-plus home runs and 80 RBI with some upside given his pedigree, then Vaughn could be your guy. With an ADP of 291, there's little risk involved anyway if it doesn't pan out.

If you need more convincing, check out the article I mentioned in the previous paragraph, it might get you on board!

 

Vinnie Pasquantino, 1B, Kansas City Royals

ADP: 112

Most Royals are fairly priced, in this author's opinion, although I really like Jonathan India as a value. I've already made the case for him in great detail in my Fantasy Infield Breakouts article, so check that out if you are interested in learning more about why India will break out (again) in 2025.

In this article, however, I will tell you why there is still a little meat left on the bone regarding the Pasquatch and his ADP.

First of all, we have yet to see what a full season looks like for the former 11th-round draft pick. Last year, he totaled 131 games, which was easily a career-high, but it was cut short due to a broken thumb that occurred during a collision.

The 6-foot-4 first baseman still managed to collect 97 RBI but was on pace for 114, which would have given him the fourth-most in baseball. The 27-year-old boasts a career 86.2 percent contact rate, a low 12.8 percent strikeout rate, and a hard-hit rate of 44.8 percent.

The left-handed slugger is expected to hit behind the aforementioned India and last year's American League MVP runner-up Bobby Witt Jr., and in front of nine-time All-Star Salvador Perez.

With a career barrel rate of 7.6 percent, it's hard to envision much more than a 20-homer season -- although some projections give him as many as 26 -- but all of what was just outlined should be plenty of contact and pop to keep piling up the RBI.

With his ability to put the bat on the ball at a high rate, don't expect a significant dip in average; instead, an improvement to his career .267 BA is probably more likely. Either way, he won't hurt your fantasy team's batting average.

He's a zero in the stolen base department, but the fourth-year big leaguer will be a four-category producer that you can grab around the ninth round of a fantasy draft who offers some upside if he can hit his most aggressive projections.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!



More Fantasy Baseball Advice




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Junior Caminero

Day-to-Day With Back Tightness
Will Smith

Won't Return When First Eligible
Tyler Soderstrom

Returns to A's Lineup
Tyler Warren

Sidelined on Wednesday with Toe Injury
Jaylen Waddle

Questionable for Week 3 Against Buffalo
Joe Burrow

Bengals Not Closing the Door on Joe Burrow Returning This Year
CFB

LaNorris Sellers to Play Against Missouri?
Kyle Tucker

Progress has "Plateaued"
Isaac Paredes

has "Outside Chance" to Return This Weekend
CFB

Kaidon Salter Expected To Start for Colorado on Saturday
Willson Contreras

Goes on 10-Day Injured List, Done for Season
Justin Fields

Ruled Out for Week 3 Due to Concussion
Jayden Reed

Out Indefinitely After Foot and Shoulder Surgery
Washington Commanders

Preston Smith Signs With Commanders
Trey Jemison III

Joins Knicks on Two-Way Contract
Kevin McCullar Jr.

Signs New Two-Way Deal With Knicks
Matt Ryan

Returns to Knicks on Exhibit 10 Contract
New York Knicks

Alex Len Signs Exhibit 9 Deal With Knicks
Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Expected to Take on Larger Offensive Role With Hawks
Thomas Sorber

Undergoes Surgery
Dominic Canzone

Has Five-Hit, Three-Homer Game Tuesday
Cal Raleigh

Sets Single-Season Home Run Record for a Switch-Hitter
Jayden Reed

Undergoes Clavicle and Foot Surgeries, Out for Foreseeable Future
Bo Bichette

to Miss Rest of Regular Season
Zach Neto

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Hand Injury
Yordan Alvarez

Out on Tuesday, Dealing With "Significant" Ankle Sprain
Aaron Jones Sr.

Vikings Place Aaron Jones Sr. on Injured Reserve With Hamstring Injury
CFB

Diego Pavia Refutes Report of Seeking Seventh Collegiate Season
Christian Kirk

Expected to Return in Week 3
CFB

Diego Pavia Seeking Another Year of Eligibility
Tarik Skubal

on Track to Start Thursday
CFB

Kevorian Barnes Questionable Against SMU
Bo Bichette

has Short-Term Knee Injury, Could Return for Postseason
Tosan Evbuomwan

Joins Knicks
NBA

Kai Jones Links Up With EuroLeague Team
Bismack Biyombo

Returns to Spurs
Bones Hyland

Rejoins Timberwolves
Kobe Bufkin

Moves to Brooklyn
Trey Yesavage

Sets Franchise Strikeout Record On Monday
Yordan Alvarez

To Receive MRI For Sprained Left Ankle On Tuesday
Willson Contreras

Exits Early Monday With Right-Biceps Tightness
Yordan Alvarez

Exits With Ankle Sprain
Brock Bowers

Officially Active on Monday Night
Jauan Jennings

Day-to-Day With Ankle Injury
Logan O'Hoppe

Activated Off Seven-Day Injured List
CBJ

Denton Mateychuk Dealing With Groin Issue
Bo Horvat

Fine for Training Camp
Kirby Dach

on Track to Be Ready for Opening Night
Jose Altuve

Returns Against Rangers
J.J. McCarthy

Expected to Miss 2-4 Weeks With High-Ankle Sprain
J.J. McCarthy

Likely Out for Week 3 With High-Ankle Sprain
Jean Silva

Gets Finished For The First Time In His Career
Aaron Jones Sr.

Unlikely to Play in Week 3 Due to Hamstring Injury
Diego Lopes

Returns To The Win Column
Jayden Daniels

' Week 3 Status in Doubt
Rob Font

Outclassed In The Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
David Martinez

Wins His Second UFC Fight
Jared Gordon

Suffers Brutal TKO Loss At Noche UFC 3
Rafa Garcia

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Brian Thomas Jr.

Dealing with Wrist Injury
Dustin Stoltzfus

Drops A Decision At Noche UFC 3
Kelvin Gastelum

Gets Back In The Win Column
Diego Ferreira

Suffers Second-Round TKO
Alexander Hernandez

Extends His Win Streak With A Brutal TKO
Quang Le

Suffers First-Round Knockout
Santiago Luna

Shines In His UFC Debut
Christopher Bell

Earns his First Bristol Cup Series Victory
Alex Bowman

Falls Short of Advancing Through Cup Series Playoffs
Chase Briscoe

Collects his Third Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Ryan Blaney

Strong Top-Five Bristol Performance Advances him to the Playoffs
Corey Heim

Earns his First Career Cup Series Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Leads Greece to Bronze Medal
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Drops 28 Points in EuroBasket Finals
CFB

Indiana's Lee Beebe Jr. Out for Season with Knee Injury
Dennis Schröder

Dennis Schroder Named EuroBasket MVP
Bryce Eldridge

Giants to Promote Bryce Eldridge
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Progressing in Recovery
Jonathan Kuminga

Receives New Offer From Warriors
Kenneth Walker III

Bounces Back with Big Week 2 Performance
Bijan Robinson

Rushes for 143 Yards in Week 2
Justin Fields

Currently in Concussion Protocol
Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals Calling Around to Available Free-Agent Quarterbacks
Joe Burrow

to Undergo Surgery, Out at Least Three Months
Emil Heineman

Aiming to Take the "Next Step" This Season
Braeden Cootes

Good to Go for Camp
Ivan Fedotov

Blue Jackets Acquire Ivan Fedotov From Flyers
Garrett Crochet

Punches Out 12 in Win
Quentin Grimes

Still Not Close to a New Contract Agreement
Joel Embiid

"Looking Slender, Spry and in Positive Spirits"
Ty Gibbs

Has Arguably his Best Career Drive, but Only Finishes 10th
Chase Elliott

Despite Crashing Out at Bristol, Chase Elliott Advances to Round of 12
Austin Dillon

Misses Round of 12 After Extremely Mediocre Bristol Run
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Fails to Advance to Round of 12
Josh Berry

Finishes Last in All Three Round of 16 Races to Fail to Advance
CFB

Ryan Williams Explodes In Return To Field
CFB

Drew Allar Plays Mediocre Game In Blowout Win
CFB

LaNorris Sellers Exits Game In Blowout Loss
CFB

DJ Lagway Tosses Five Interceptions In Loss
CFB

Garrett Nussmeier Plays Game Manager in Saturday's Win
CFB

CJ Carr Remains Poised In Narrow Loss
CFB

John Mateer Leads Oklahoma In Rout
CFB

Arch Manning Struggles Against UTEP
CFB

Jeremiah Smith Impresses In Win
CFB

Sam Leavitt Shines As Arizona State Rebounds From Week 2 Loss
Ivan Demidov

Turning Heads in Rookie Camp
NHL

Calvin de Haan Signs With Swedish Team
Samuel Girard

Skates With Non-Contact Jersey
Mackenzie Blackwood

Dealing With Injury Ahead of Training Camp
Spencer Knight

Signs Three-Year Extension With Blackhawks
Chris Buescher

May have Another Solid Run at Bristol
Corey Perry

Out 6-8 Weeks Following Surgery
Kyle Busch

Should DFS Managers Roster Kyle Busch at Bristol?
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Is Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Too Risky to Consider Rostering at Bristol?
Michael McDowell

Could be A Solid Value Option For Bristol DFS Lineups
Chase Elliott

Probably Won't Factor in for Bristol Win
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Not as Strong at Bristol as Other Short Tracks
Alex Bowman

Needs to Win to Make Round of 12
Ross Chastain

has Never Led at Bristol but Has Been Pretty Consistent
Austin Dillon

Richmond Speed Unlikely to Carry Over to Bristol
Josh Berry

Might Run Well at Bristol, but Almost Certainly Won't Win to Advance
Justin Haley

Bristol One of Justin Haley's Few Recent Bright Spots
CFB

Austin Simmons Listed As Game-Time Decision Against Arkansas
CFB

Nico Iamaleava Struggles In Fourth Straight Loss
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Dealing With a "Tweak"
BUF

Alexandar Georgiev Joins Sabres on One-Year Deal
Corey Perry

Injured During Pre-Camp Skate
CFB

Antonio Williams Out Against Georgia Tech
CFB

CJ Bailey Flashes Again in Win Over Wake Forest
CFB

Jaxson Moi a Game-Time Decision for Tennessee on Saturday
Jean Silva

A Favorite At Noche UFC 3
Diego Lopes

Set For Noche UFC 3 Main Event
Rob Font

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
David Martinez

Set For Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
Rafa Garcia

An Underdog At Noche UFC 3
Jared Gordon

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Dustin Stoltzfus

Looks To Return To The Win Column
Kelvin Gastelum

In Dire Need Of Victory
Diego Ferreira

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Malcolm Brogdon

Heading to Knicks on One-Year Deal
Landry Shamet

Staying with the Knicks

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP