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

Later-Round Fantasy Baseball HR Sleepers - Cheap Draft Targets For Home Runs

Nolan Gorman - Fantasy Baseball Rankings, MLB Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Andy's later-round fantasy baseball sleepers for home runs (HR) in 2025 drafts. These are cheap power hitters with upside to target in fantasy baseball drafts.

Several elite power hitters are going early in drafts and if you choose to pivot and target speed and pitching in the early rounds, you will likely be near the bottom in home run projections. However, there are several options that carry high power upside going later in drafts that can save your home run projections.

While most of these players carry significant downsides in the other standard categories, primarily speed and batting average, based on your team construction, you could afford to sacrifice your batting average to boost your power. In addition, most of these power hitters also carry decent RBI upside, which makes them even more intriguing late-round targets.

Be sure to keep following @RotoBallerMLB and me @A_SMITH_FS on X for more league-winning off-season content. Let's dive in!

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

 

Tyler Soderstrom, 1B, Athletics

ADP: 316

If you decide to wait another two rounds for a corner infielder with power and fade Hoskins, take a look at Tyler Soderstrom. Soderstrom is a former first-round pick from the 2020 MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut in 2023 and struggled across his small 45-game MLB stint. He posted an underwhelming .160/.232/.240 line with three home runs.

However, across his 61-game MLB stint last summer, Soderstrom began to turn the corner. Across this stretch, he held a .233/.315/.429 line with nine home runs and 10 doubles. He suffered a wrist injury in July, which derailed the remainder of his season.

The Turlock HS product took a significant step forward during this small stint. He generated a stellar 14.6 percent barrel rate, 49.6 percent hard-hit rate, and a .480 xSLG. All of these marks were significantly higher than his 2023 production.

tyler-soderstrom-BB-metrics

He also lowered his strikeout rate by seven points and raised his walk rate by 1.4 points.

While he may occasionally sit against southpaws, Soderstrom is an intriguing late-round target who could be poised for a breakout, especially calling a minor league park home.

 

Joc Pederson, UT, Texas Rangers

ADP: 390

Earlier in the offseason, Joc Pederson inked a two-year deal worth $37 million with the Texas Rangers. After a modest 2023 season, Pederson bounced back in a big way in 2024, earning him this contract.

Pederson made almost all of his starts against right-handed pitchers, which was pivotal in his production. In 132 games, Pederson posted an impressive .275/.393/.515 line with 23 home runs. Against right-handers, Pederson posted a .281/.392/.531 line.

The 32-year-old generated a .378 xwOBA, .480 xSLG, and a 12.8 percent barrel rate, placing him in the 95th, 90th, and 87th percentile, respectively. He also drew walks at an elite 12.2 percent rate, which gives him a solid boost in points leagues.

Given his drastic splits, fantasy managers should expect Pederson to remain on the strong side of a platoon in Texas.

Even though he is a utility-only player, batting behind Marcus Semien, Corey Seager, and Wyatt Langford could also provide Pederson with elite RBI opportunities. ATC projects him to swat 21 long balls, making him an excellent value late in drafts, as he will not lower your batting average as much as other players on this list.

 

Nolan Gorman, 2B, St. Louis Cardinals

ADP: 479

The former top prospect has flashed elite power at times during his first three MLB seasons but has shown significant struggles, limiting his playing time. He logged a career-high 119 games in 2023 and saw this number drop slightly to 107 in 2024.

However, President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak stated that the team would like to see Gorman receive close to 600 at-bats in 2025, which suggests that the team views him as an everyday player entering spring training.

Last summer, Gorman posted a .203/.271/.400 line with 19 home runs. This was a slight drop from the 27 long balls and .236/.328/.478 he posted in the 2023 season.

Despite the drop in production, Gorman generated a 16.7 percent barrel rate and a 40.3 percent LA sweet-spot rate, which places him in the 99th percentile in both statistics. These marks were also slightly higher than his 2023 production. In addition, Gorman held a near identical fly-ball rate (38.5 - 38.9), which is a positive sign heading into 2025.

While Gorman carries high risk, given his hefty 37.1 percent strikeout rate and poor batting average, a full-time role in the St. Louis lineup could give him a path to 25+ HR upside.

 

Ryan Jeffers, C, Minnesota Twins

ADP: 234

When looking to improve our power output behind the dish past pick No. 200, be sure to highlight Ryan Jeffers on your draft board. Last season, Jeffers launched a career-best 21 home runs with a .226/.300/.432 line. However, his overall production declined as he posted a .276/.369/.490 line during the 2023 campaign.

Compared to 2023, Jeffers saw his hard-hit and barrel rates drop significantly. He placed below the average marks in all hitting metrics except barrel rate (54th percentile) and bat speed (67th percentile).

Instead, Jeffers was able to tap into his power output due to his pull and fly-ball rate. Last summer, he generated a 28.9 percent fly-ball rate with a 37.2 percent pull rate. As a result, all of his home runs went to the left field.

ryan-jeffers-spray-chart

ATC projects him to meet in the middle of his 2023 and 2024 HR outputs as he is projected to have 17 long balls in 2024, which would be the 12th-most at the position.

 

Heston Kjerstad, OF, Baltimore Orioles

ADP: 342

When looking for power past pick No. 300, take a look at former top prospect Heston Kjerstad. The Orioles drafted the slugger with the No. 2 pick in the 2020 MLB Draft out of Arkansas.

Kjerstad flashed elite power in the minor leagues. During the 2023 season, Kjerstad went deep 21 times across 122 games split between Double-A and Triple-A. Then in 2024, Kjerstad launched an incredible 16 long balls in just 56 games with Triple-A Norfolk. During this stint, he held a .300/.397/.601 slash line.

However, his power has yet to translate to the major leagues. Across 52 MLB games (split between 2023 and 2024) Kjerstad has gone deep just six times and posted a modest .246/.336/.411 line.

Last season, he generated an above-average hard-hit rate (43.9 percent) and an above-average average exit velocity (90.2 mph).

The 26-year-old has been unable to take the next step due to a lack of playing time. Given the depth in the Orioles lineup, he rarely played on consecutive days and was typically deployed in a platoon role.

However, this trend could be changing. Shortly before camp, Orioles GM Mike Elias noted that Kjerstad has "earned the right to get at-bats in the corner outfield and at designated hitter."

Fantasy managers looking to find an upside with 20+ HR potential should take a flyer on a budding slugger.

 

Rhys Hoskins, 1B, Milwaukee Brewers

ADP: 282

After missing the entire 2023 season due to a torn ACL, Hoskins spent the 2024 campaign as the starting first baseman in Milwaukee. Across 131 games, Hoskins held a .213/.303/.419 line with 26 home runs (16th most in the NL) with 82 RBI. He added just 59 runs and swiped three bags.

Under the hood, the 31-year-old generated a strong 12.7 percent barrel rate and a 42.2 percent hard-hit rate, which placed him in the 86th and 63rd percentile, respectively. While he did strikeout at a hefty 26.8 percent rate, he draws walks at a solid 10.3 percent clip, which helps balance his value in the points league.

Hoskins also raised his fly-ball rate by three points and lowered his ground-ball rate by three points in 2024 compared to his 2022 production, which is a good sign for his power production.

However, he generated a poor .202 xBA, which suggests he may see some regression in that category.

Slotting in as the clear everyday first baseman in Milwaukee, Hoskins is a solid option when looking for 25+ HR upside at your corner infield spot. ATC projects Hoskins to go deep 25 times, the sixth-most at his position.



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

NHL

Hendrix Lapierre Signs One-Year Deal with Capitals
Carson Hocevar

Should DFS Players Consider Carson Hocevar for Chicago Lineups?
Tye Kartye

Kraken Re-Sign Tye Kartye for Two Years
Ross Chastain

May be A Decent DFS Option for Chicago Lineups
Dmitri Voronkov

Signs Two-Year, $8.35 Million Extension with Blue Jackets
Ryan Preece

Should DFS Players Roster Ryan Preece at Chicago?
Austin Dillon

Is Too Great of A Risk to Add to Chicago Lineups
Zane Smith

Is A Value Play Worth Rostering At Chicago
Austin Hill

is A Favorable Value Option for Chicago DFS Lineups
Ty Dillon

Is Ty Dillon A Decent Driver to Add For NASCAR DFS At Chicago?
William Byron

Qualifying Crash Makes William Byron a Likely DFS Must-Have
Alex Bowman

Should Finish Well, but Probably Costs Too Much for Serious DFS Consideration
Joey Logano

Has Been Relatively Mediocre on Road Courses Lately
Ryan Blaney

Doesn't Really Fit Neatly into Optimal DFS Lineups
Austin Cindric

Remains an Overrated Road Racer
Brad Keselowski

Likely to Brush Past Chicago Street Course to Focus on Daytona
NASCAR

John H. Nemechek One of the Best Underdog Options After Strong Runs at Mexico City and Last Year
Cole Custer

Strong Mexico City Run and Xfinity Series Chicago Win Make Him a Solid DFS Option
Erik Jones

Likely Not Good Enough on Road Courses for DFS Consideration Despite Poor Qualifying Result
Noah Gragson

May Be Better Than Other Cheap DFS Options
Riley Herbst

Despite Decent Mexico City Run, Don't Expect Riley Herbst to Contend at Chicago
Cody Ware

Is a Road Course Veteran, but It's Rarely Helped Him in NASCAR
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Is The Heavy Favorite to Win at Chicago Street Course
Christopher Bell

Should Be Strong Despite Practice Struggles at Chicago Street Course
Cam Ward

"Not Expecting" to be handed Starting Job
Chase Claypool

Eager to Get Back on the Field
Wyatt Langford

Activated, Playing on Saturday
Jay Huff

on the Move to Indiana
Cam Whitmore

Wizards Acquire Cam Whitmore from the Rockets
LaJohntay Wester

Stands out on Special Teams
Clarke Schmidt

Likely to Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Nolan Arenado

Scratched from Saturday's Lineup
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Starting on Saturday
Corbin Carroll

Activated from 10-Day Injured List
Cincinnati Bengals

Shemar Stewart, Bengals Continue Contract Talks, No Progress Made
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Potential Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade may not Happen Until "August, September"
Ha-Seong Kim

Removed Early During Season Debut
ARI

Christian Fischer Retires From NHL at 28
NHL

Spencer Martin Moves to Russia
WAS

Anthony Beauvillier Re-Signs With Capitals for Two Years
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Sitting Out With Foot Issue
Isaiah Neyor

Impresses at Minicamp
Houston Rockets

Jock Landale Waived by Rockets
Bo Bichette

Back in Blue Jays Lineup
Jonas Valančiūnas

Jonas Valanciunas Considering Returning to Europe
Miles Sanders

Works With Starters During Mandatory Minicamp
Jabari Walker

Signs Two-Way Deal With Sixers
Chimere Dike

Titans Could Move Chimere Dike Inside
Keandre Lambert-Smith

KeAndre Lambert-Smith not Guaranteed Roster Spot
Anthony Bradford

Working Hard to Win Back Starting Job
Byron Young

Still Improving?
Cody Simon

Jonathan Gannon has Been Impressed With Cody Simon
SirVocea Dennis

has Impressive Offseason
Trevor Penning

Could Still Have a Role in New Orleans
Jonathan Kuminga

Warriors Decline Recent Offer for Jonathan Kuminga
Orlando Magic

Moritz Wagner, Magic Agree to One-Year Deal
Clarke Schmidt

Placed on Injured List
José Soriano

Jose Soriano Throws Gem Against Braves
Robbie Ray

Earns Ninth Win in Complete Game
T.J. Watt

Likely to Reset the Edge-Rush Market
George Springer

Blasts Two Homers, Drives in Four
James Wood

Goes Yard in Five-Hit Night
Bradley Beal

Suns Discussing Potential Buyout
Los Angeles Lakers

Jaxson Hayes Staying with the Lakers
NBA

Damian Lillard "Open" to Signing With a Team This Offseason
Max Muncy

Out at Least Six Weeks
Clarke Schmidt

Leaves Start with Forearm Tightness
Colson Montgomery

Promoted to the Major Leagues
Pittsburgh Steelers

Omar Khan, Steelers Agree to Three-Year Contract
Max Muncy

Goes on Injured List With Knee Bruise
Max Muncy

Out of Thursday's Lineup
James Wood

Joining Home Run Derby
SJ

Sharks Claim Nick Leddy Off Waivers
Max Scherzer

Cleared to Start on Saturday
SJ

Sharks Sign Dmitry Orlov to Two-Year, $13 Million Contract
CAR

Nikolaj Ehlers Joins Hurricanes on Six-Year Contract
Kodai Senga

Could be "in Play" to Return Before All-Star Break
Chau Smith-Wade

Having Stellar Offseason
Ace Bailey

Inks Rookie Contract With Jazz
Divine Deablo

Could be the Quarterback of the Defense
Isaiah Rodgers

a Likely Starter for the Vikings
Jacob Monk

Sees Plenty of Work With Starters
Avonte Maddox

has Impressed Dan Campbell
Boston Celtics

Josh Minott Inks Deal With Celtics
Chicago Bears

Ruben Hyppolite Shows Notable Improvement
Sandro Mamukelashvili

Heading to Toronto
Jared McCain

Not on 76ers Summer League Roster
Dylan Harper

Unavailable for California Classic
COL

Brent Burns Inks One-Year Deal with Avalanche
STL

Blues Land Pius Suter on Two-Year Deal
Morgan Frost

Agrees to Two-Year Extension with Flames
WPG

Gustav Nyquist Moves to Winnipeg
Cody Glass

Devils Re-Sign Cody Glass to Two-Year Deal
PIT

Anthony Mantha Joins Penguins
Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. Headed Back to Cavaliers
Eric Gordon

Remaining with 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton Joining Lakers
Emil Heineman

Signs Two-Year Deal with Islanders
Simon Holmstrom

Re-Signs with Islanders for Two Years
UTA

Nate Schmidt Signs Three-Year Deal with Mammoth
UTA

Brandon Tanev Moves to Utah on Three-Year Contract
NJ

Evgenii Dadonov Joins Devils on One-Year Deal
BUF

Sabres Snap Up Alex Lyon on Two-Year Contract
Dallas Mavericks

Dante Exum Returning to Dallas
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Has Surgery to Repair a Turf Toe Injury
Bud Cauley

in Great Form Ahead of John Deere Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

a Player to Avoid at John Deere Classic
Jake Knapp

Riding Momentum Ahead of John Deere Classic
PGA

Sungjae Im Looking for Consistency at John Deere Classic
Ryan Gerard

a Solid Option at John Deere Classic
Rickie Fowler

Looking to Rebound at John Deere Classic
Cameron Champ

a Volatile Option at John Deere Classic
Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success for Jackson Suber
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller-Coaster Ride
Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF