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 Prospect Sleepers - Rookies To Stash (2025)

Jackson Jobe - Fantasy Baseball Rankings, MLB Prospects, Draft Sleepers

Zach's later-round fantasy baseball prospect sleepers and stashes for 2025. His upside rookie draft targets include Jackson Jobe, Andrew Painter, Caleb Durbin.

Rookies are a great way to build your fantasy baseball team with some exciting new talent, and there are some exciting young players ready to emerge onto the scene in 2025. Some rookies are being drafted very early in drafts, but others can bring great value late in drafts with one of your last few picks.

Big names like Jasson Dominguez, Roman Anthony, Roki Sasaki, Dylan Crews, and Matt Shaw have been covered in other articles on RotoBaller and bring some exciting upside. In this post, though, I'm going to focus on some of the rookies available later in your drafts who bring nice upside and good potential at a very affordable level of investment.

None of these players are sure things, and rookies bring with them extra risk since this is their first extended run in MLB. Make sure your team is deep enough to handle the risk of adding these players and evaluate your league settings to see if it's possible to stash these players if they begin the year in the minor leagues. If you can carry them on your roster and deal with the additional risk, these five later-round rookies bring very exciting upside.

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

 

Caleb Durbin, 2B/3B, Milwaukee Brewers

The Brewers acquired Durbin from the Yankees in the Devin Williams deal this offseason. The 25-year-old righty brings lots of defensive versatility and has made a strong case to leave spring training as part of the Brewers' Opening Day roster.

The Brewers lost Willy Adames to free agency and didn't add any infield pieces, meaning Brice Turang or Joey Ortiz will likely play shortstop with the other playing either second or third base. Durbin could fill the other spot, or at least be in the mix with Oliver Dunn and Andruw Monasterio.

Durbin has drawn comparisons to Jose Altuve because he's a small, compact hitter who brings both power and speed potential. Last year, he played 90 games in the minors and finished with 10 home runs and 31 stolen bases while hitting .275 with a .378 wOBA. Durbin also played in the Arizona Fall League, where he set a new league record with 29 stolen bases in 24 games while hitting .312 with five home runs and a .976 OPS.

Throughout his rise to MLB, Durbin has had excellent command of the strike zone, a low strikeout rate, and a good OPS to go with his excellent speed. He may slot in at the top of the order for the Brewers at some point this season, which would give him plenty of value, but he'll likely start lower in the order.

In spring training, he hit two home runs and had two stolen bases in his first nine games.

With some potential positional versatility and good speed production, the floor is fairly high for Durbin once he makes the roster and earns playing time. His power may or may not stick, but either way, he's worth a look at his current ADP well outside the top 300.

 

Tirso Ornelas, OF, San Diego Padres

In the outfield, I laid out some of my top late-round hidden gems earlier this spring training. One of the quickest-rising hitters to target late in drafts is Padres prospect Tirso Ornelas. He could be part of the solution in the corner outfield spot vacated by the departure of Jurickson Profar to the Braves.

The lefty has been in the organization a long time, working his way up the system. Last year, he played 128 games in Triple-A and hit a very solid .297 with 23 home runs, 89 RBI, and a .376 wOBA. He continued his strong year in the Mexican Winter League, hitting .289 with seven home runs and nine stolen bases in 48 games for the Charros de Jalisco.

Ornelas didn't start the year on many top rookies lists, but he's continued mashing in spring training.

Whether he gets the job from Opening Day or has to work his way into playing time, he's one of the most well-rounded prospects available in the late rounds. He's still barely being drafted, so stashing him late is a great way to build outfield depth.

 

Jacob Wilson, SS, Athletics

The A's drafted Wilson No. 6 overall in the 2023 MLB Draft and by the end of 2024, he had arrived in MLB. In 53 games across the minors, he hit an impressive .433 with 28 doubles, seven home runs, and a .504 wOBA.

After all that success, he hit .250 in his first 28 games in MLB. He had two doubles and two triples but only a .281 wOBA. Despite his lack of great quality contact, he did manage just a 9.7 percent strikeout rate, which was the fifth lowest by any hitter with at least 100 plate appearances. Even though he had some growing pains, the Athletics are ready to give Wilson their everyday starting job at shortstop this season.

Wilson has shown more power this spring training:

He and the Athletics get a park upgrade as they play in Sacramento, and since the 23-year-old is locked into a full-time role, he is a good late-round addition. His averages should be good enough to help and not hurt you, and he should have strong counting stats, making him a low-risk, late-round pick who brings good upside.

 

Andrew Painter, SP, Philadelphia Phillies

Painter will still be 21 at the start of this season, but the big righty is coming back from Tommy John surgery, so the Phillies will manage his workload very closely. With the MLB rotation already running five deep, he will likely begin the year in Triple-A, but the Phillies are already planning for a midseason arrival.

In 2022, Painter reached Double-A at just 19 years old and went 6-2 with a 1.56 ERA, 2.02 FIP, and 13.5 K/9 in 103 2/3 innings. He was on all the lists of top prospects and ready to take off, but he missed all of the 2023 and 2024 minor league seasons with Tommy John surgery.

Painter was back on the mound for the first time last year in the Arizona Fall League. He only pitched 15 2/3 innings, but he had an impressive 2.30 ERA while allowing 10 hits and four walks. Even more impressive is that he racked up 18 strikeouts and had a 68 percent strike rate. He looked outstanding and was named Arizona Fall League Player of the Year.

My RotoBaller colleague Eric Cross has Painter ahead of Jobe in his top 10 pitching prospects:

Painter is the better option in the long term, but for redraft leagues, Jobe is a better pick since he has a straighter line to a starting role. Painter will have a huge impact when he arrives, but you'll have to be patient if you draft him, depending on how your league allows you to stash players in the minor leagues or inactive.

He isn't expected in MLB until June at the earliest, but when he arrives, he'll make an immediate impact.

 

Jackson Jobe, SP, Detroit Tigers

The Tigers drafted Jobe with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, and the 22-year-old looks ready to make an impact in 2025. He pitched 21 games in the minors last year, going 5-3 with a 2.36 ERA, 3.41 FIP, and 96 strikeouts in 91 2/3 innings. He even made a cameo with four shutout innings in MLB at the end of the regular season, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out two.

This season, the Tigers have room for Jobe in their starting rotation, which is headlined by Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal and free-agent returnee Jack Flaherty. There are veteran options in the mix, so his spot isn't locked up yet, but it seems to be trending in that direction, especially with the draft pick incentives from putting him on the Opening Day roster.

His stuff is filthy:

His main pitch is a four-seam fastball, which can get to 100 mph, but usually sits around 96 mph. He pitches off that with a split change and a cutter in addition to a sweeper from spring training highlighted above.

Right now, Jobe is going around pick No. 250 in drafts as a depth piece for your rotation. There are about 70 starting pitchers off the board ahead of him, so it doesn't take a huge investment to get in on some of his tantalizing upside. So far in spring training, he has given up some hard contact but also showcased his devastating stuff and a mature approach.

The Tigers will manage his workload, but he has the potential to emerge as one of the top young pitchers in the majors this season. Working at pitcher-friendly Comerica Park all summer could lead to a breakout campaign in which he could even challenge Dominguez for AL Rookie of the Year.



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

Scottie Scheffler

The Untouchable Favorite At CJ Cup
Tom Kim

A Popular Name To Avoid At TPC Craig Ranch
Austin Eckroat

Looking To Find Success Again At TPC Craig Ranch
Ben Kohles

Finishes Tied For 59 At Corales Puntacana Championship
Joel Dahmen

Finishes Tied For Second At Corales Puntacana Championship
Beau Hossler

Finishes Tied For 60 At Valero Texas Open
Doug Ghim

Finishes Tied For 18 At the Valero Texas Open
Jordan Spieth

Finishes Tied For 18 At RBC Heritage
Kurt Kitayama

Misses The Cut At Valero Texas Open
Si Woo Kim

Finishes Tied For Eighth At RBC Heritage
George Kirby

"Feeling Great", Could Throw Again On Sunday
Tyler Fitzgerald

Returning To Starting Nine
Josh Lowe

Progressing Well, Could Play In Rehab Games On Saturday
Shane McClanahan

Begins "Throwing-Like" Activities
Patrik Laine

Remains Day-To-Day
Gabriel Vilardi

On Track To Return Wednesday
Brandon Hagel

Ruled Out For Game 5
Marcus Johansson

Returns To Action Tuesday
Cole Ragans

Won't Start On Wednesday
Dylan Moore

Placed On 10-Day Injured List With Hip Inflammation
Jonas Siegenthaler

Considered A Game-Time Decision Tuesday
Brett Pesce

A Game-Time Call Tuesday
Yordan Alvarez

Back In Tuesday's Lineup
Frederik Andersen

Unavailable Tuesday
Aaron Nesmith

Upgraded To Available
Las Vegas Raiders

Jack Bech A Strong Candidate To Be An Immediate Starter
Las Vegas Raiders

Zamir White Competing For Depth Role
New York Jets

Mason Taylor To Immediately Be Atop Jets Tight End Depth Chart
Bennedict Mathurin

Cleared For Game 5
Buffalo Bills

Dalton Kincaid Setting Up As Post-Hype Sleeper In 2025?
Denver Broncos

Dre Greenlaw Expected To Be Ready For Training Camp
Seattle Seahawks

Sam Darnold To Take Over 90% Of The Snaps
Tennessee Titans

Titans In No Rush To Trade Will Levis
Daulton Varsho

Reinstated From Injured List And Starting On Tuesday
Minnesota Vikings

J.J. McCarthy Says He Knows He's Ready To Start For Vikings
Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals Picking Up Fifth-Year Option On Dax Hill
Los Angeles Chargers

Chargers Apply Unrestricted Free-Agent Tender To J.K. Dobbins
Seattle Seahawks

Jaren Hall Cut Loose By Seahawks
Kansas City Chiefs

Chiefs Compare Josh Simmons To Christian Darrisaw, Rashawn Slater
Denver Broncos

Pat Bryant Compared To Michael Thomas
Denver Broncos

RJ Harvey Could Do It All For Broncos
Carolina Panthers

Tetairoa McMillan Likely To Man The X Spot For Panthers
Green Bay Packers

Packers, Jaire Alexander Continue To Discuss Potential Reunion
Dallas Cowboys

Cowboys Discussed George Pickens With Steelers
Kansas City Chiefs

Chiefs To Pick Up Fifth-Year Option On Trent McDuffie, George Karlaftis
Washington Commanders

Matt Gays Signs One-Year Deal With Commanders
San Francisco 49ers

George Kittle Signs Four-Year Extension With 49ers
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Records Third Consecutive Double-Double
Brandin Podziemski

Hits Six Treys During 26-Point Performance
Jimmy Butler III

Leads Warriors In Scoring Monday Night
Jarrett Allen

Has Double-Double, Six Steals In Blowout Win
Brandon Boston Jr.

Recovering From Ankle Surgery
Kelly Olynyk

Undergoes Heel Procedure
Aaron Nesmith

Probable For Tuesday's Action
Nathan MacKinnon

Has Two Points In Losing Effort
Martin Necas

Records Two Assists In Game 5 Loss
Mikko Rantanen

Tallies Three Points In Monday's Win
Wyatt Johnston

Leads Stars To Game 5 Victory
Sergei Bobrovsky

Returns To Winning Ways
Anton Lundell

Earns Two Points Monday
Ryan Gerard

Going For A Texas Trifecta Of Sorts
Brandon Hagel

Departs Loss Early
Joe Highsmith

Hoping To Make More Putts In Texas
Eric Cole

Expecting Big Things In Texas
Brian Campbell

May Go Under The Radar At CJ Cup
Riley Greene

Homers Twice On Monday
Yordan Alvarez

Exits Monday's Win Early
Los Angeles Chargers

Tre Harris Expected To Fill X Role For Chargers
Jimmy Butler III

Officially Active For Game 4
Isaiah Stewart

Uncertain For Game 5
Michael Porter Jr.

Expected To Play In Game 5
Brandon Nimmo

Has Career Game
Russell Westbrook

Questionable For Tuesday Night
Tyler Glasnow

Going On The Injured List
Jaylen Brown

Back On The Injury Report
Jrue Holiday

Out Again On Tuesday Night
Bennedict Mathurin

Questionable For Game 5
Damian Lillard

May Not Play Next Season
Luis Arraez

Expected To Return On Tuesday
Johnathan Kovacevic

To Remain Out Tuesday
Brenden Dillon

Unavailable Tuesday
Luke Hughes

Not Ready To Return For Game 5
Darius Garland

Remains Out On Monday
Ross Colton

Remains Out On Monday
Oskar Bäck

Oskar Back Returns To Stars Lineup Monday
Miro Heiskanen

To Miss Game 5
Jordan Westburg

Placed On Injured List
Anthony Cirelli

Good To Go For Game 4
William Byron

Ends With A Strong Top-Five Finish At Talladega
Ryan Blaney

Bad Luck Continues With Talladega Crash
Kyle Larson

Has A Career-Best Performance At Talladega
Ian Machado Garry

Gets Back On Track With UFC Kansas City Win
Brad Keselowski

Talladega Run Ends Early After Crashing
Carlos Prates

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Zhang Mingyang

Still Undefeated In The UFC
Anthony Smith

Retires After UFC Kansas City Loss
Giga Chikadze

Takes Unanimous Decision Loss
Giga Chikadze

Takes Unanimous-Decision Loss
David Onama

Extends Win Streak At UFC Kansas City
Michel Pereira

Drops Decision At UFC Kansas City
Abus Magomedov

Extends His Win Streak
Nicolas Dalby

Gets Finished For The First Time
Randy Brown

Gets Back In The Win Column
Ikram Aliskerov

Gets First-Round TKO Finish At UFC Kansas City
Andre Muniz

Gets TKO'd At UFC Kansas City
Chase Elliott

Recovers from Speeding Penalty to Finish Fifth
Joey Logano

Finishes Last at Talladega After Disqualification for Missing Spoiler Brace
Ryan Preece

Loses Talladega Race First in Photo Finish Then in Post-Race Inspection
NASCAR

Poor Toyota Strategy Arguably Cost Bubba Wallace Winning Chances at Talladega
Christopher Bell

Unhurt After Hard Contact with Inside Retaining Wall
Joe Ryan

Posts Stellar Outing
Jaylen Brown

Available For Game 4
Nick Lodolo

Throws Seven Scoreless Innings
Tyler Glasnow

Removed Early On Sunday
Darius Garland

Questionable For Game 4
Jaden Ivey

Making Progress
Tarik Skubal

Racks Up 11 Strikeouts
Luke Weaver

In Line To Get The Bulk Of Save Opportunities Moving Forward
Devin Williams

Removed From Closer Role
Chase Elliott

Is One OF The Top Overall DFS Picks Of The Week
Joey Logano

Could Joey Logano Finish A Race With A Top Finish At Talladega?
NASCAR

DFS Players Should Like Bubba Wallace For Talladega This Week
Christopher Bell

Should DFS Players Roster Christopher Bell At Talladega?
Austin Cindric

Is Austin Cindric Worth Rostering For Talladega DFS Lineups?
Shane Van Gisbergen

Is A Solid, Safe, DFS Choice For Talladega Lineups
Austin Dillon

Is Austin Dillon A Viable DFS Play At Talladega This Week?
Josh Berry

Qualifies Too High At Talladega To Be Worth Rostering In DFS
Michael McDowell

Should DFS Players Take A Shot On Michael McDowell At Talladega?
Noah Gragson

Could Be A Sneaky DFS Play For Talladega
Denny Hamlin

Probably Qualified Too Well for DFS Consideration
Kyle Larson

Increasingly Undervalued Due to His Crashing, but Still a Great DFS Option
Austin Hays

Smacks Two Homers On Saturday
Carlos Prates

Looks To Remain Undefeated In The UFC
Ian Machado Garry

Set For UFC Kansas City Main Event
Zhang Mingyang

Scheduled For Co-Main Event
Anthony Smith

Set For His Final UFC Bout
David Onama

Set For Featherweight Bout
Giga Chikadze

Looks To Bounce Back
Abus Magomedov

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Michel Pereira

Returns To Action At UFC Kansas City
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF