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

Hitters Under $5 - Fantasy Baseball Auction Draft Values (2025)

Christian Encarnacion-Strand - Fantasy Baseball Rankings, Draft Sleepers, MLB Prospects

Pranav's auction draft fantasy baseball sleepers, hitters under $5 to target in 2025 auction leagues. These are upside fantasy baseball auction draft values.

Welcome RotoBallers to the next article in our fantasy baseball auction draft series targeting hitters with an average auction value (AAV) of under $5. In the auction draft format, fantasy baseball managers are no longer bound to the inane order of the snake draft.

But with freedom comes choice. You may have blown too much cash trying to haul in the big players, and realized you have to fill out your roster with cheap players. It may feel scary, but if you plan ahead for draft picks under $5, you'll likely be in a great spot going into the season.

In this article, we will target the hitters with average auction values of less than $5 that should offer the most value. RotoBaller's content for fantasy baseball auction leagues will keep on coming, so be sure to check it all out!

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

 

Trevor Story, SS, Boston Red Sox

$3 AAV (Average Auction Value)

After suffering through three injury-riddled seasons, Trevor Story has become untrustworthy in fantasy baseball. Last year, he only appeared in 26 games, slashing .255/.340/.394 with two home runs, 10 RBI, eight runs, six stolen bases, and a 31.1 percent strikeout rate.

With such a small sample size, there's very little you can glean from his 2024 performance. There's as much data to support him as there is to oppose him. However, his important measurables held relatively stable.

His 28.1 ft/sec sprint speed is lower than the 29.6 ft/sec sprint speed of his peak, but the 31-year-old is still reliable for double-digit steal totals at that rate.

You can't look at his 2024 season, but Story has a track record of success that you can't find for cheap any longer. Even in seasons where he was limited to under 100 games, Story has managed double-digit steal and home run totals. He should still give fantasy players those numbers in 2025, as ATC projects .230/.301/.383 with 13 home runs, 51 RBI, 53 runs, and 19 stolen bases through 112 games.

You can't love what you have seen recently from Story, but you shouldn't throw the baby out with the bathwater. The starting shortstop is an everyday player who should pick up enough home runs and steals to justify drafting him in 2025.

While you shouldn't rely on Story as a starting piece, he's less of a risk in auction leagues, considering how low he is priced. RotoBaller recommends an auction value of $6 for Trevor Story, making him a steal at his $3 AAV.

 

Christian Encarnacion-Strand, 1B, Cincinnati Reds

$3 AAV (Average Auction Value)

Christian Encarnacion-Strand came into the 2024 season off the heels of an incredible performance in his debut year. In 2023, he slashed .270/.328/.477 with 13 home runs, 37 RBI, 29 runs, and two stolen bases through 63 games.

However, a wrist injury torpedoed his second season, as he was limited to just 29 games, slashing .190/.220/.293 with two home runs, 16 RBI, and 13 runs.

Nevertheless, the 25-year-old is still one of the league's most interesting young hitting talents. In 2023, he held a 48.4 percent hard-hit rate, .457 xwOBAcon, 38.6 percent sweet-spot rate, and 10.5 percent barrel rate, all putting him among the better players in the league. His power numbers will play well in the incredibly hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park.

The only worry should be the lack of clear playing time in Cincinnati. However, the young hitter has a good shot at displacing any of designated hitter Jake Fraley, or the infielders Gavin Lux and Jeimer Candelario with a decent showing in spring training (he's already up to two home runs through 13 plate appearances).

ATC projects a line of .257/.309/.451 with 17 home runs, 57 RBI, 47 runs, and two stolen bases in just 95 games. RotoBaller recommends an auction value of $3 for Christian Encarnacion-Strand, making him a worthy pick for cheap power.

 

Lars Nootbaar, OF, St. Louis Cardinals

$3 AAV (Average Auction Value)

A statistical darling since his debut in 2021, Lars Nootbaar has yet to put together a full season. His performance in 2024 looks to be among the worst numbers of his career, but he still managed a solid season, slashing .244/.322/.417 with 12 home runs, 45 RBI, 39 runs, and seven stolen bases through 109 games.

However, the advanced numbers still held up for Nootbaar in 2024, with a .264 xBA, .455 xSLG, .355 xwOBA (.331 wOBA), .395 xwOBAcon, 49.5 percent hard-hit rate, and 9.9 percent barrel rate. All of these suggest that he performed well enough to consider his 2024 season a continuation of his strong statistical profile.

The only concern with 2025 is his health, but there is no way to foresee the 27-year-old missing time. ATC projects a line of .247/.344/.428 with 17 home runs, 55 RBI, 60 runs, and nine stolen bases in 121 games.

RotoBaller recommends an auction value of $3 for Lars Nootbaar, making him a good value pick at his current AAV.

 

Jacob Young, OF, Washington Nationals

$3 AAV (Average Auction Value)

In his second year in the majors, Jacob Young settled into a nice everyday role with the Washington Nationals, slashing .256/.316/.331 with three home runs, 36 RBI, 75 runs, and 33 stolen bases in 150 games.

His statistical profile is rather gruesome, but Young still offers fantastic value in fantasy baseball this season.

His 33 steals are largely a byproduct of his elite 29.7 ft/sec sprint speed. The 25-year-old is likely to reach 30 steals again, if not more, in 2025. Additionally, he'll likely be ninth in the batting order, setting him up to once again deliver a high quantity of runs.

He should also offer solid production in the AVG category, with a .253 xBA, 19.3 percent whiff rate, 19.6 percent strikeout rate, and 83.1 percent contact rate likely to keep his batting average afloat.

The big worry for Young is his power. With a .317 xSLG, 1.6 percent barrel rate, and 28.9 percent barrel rate, his lack of power places him below more well-rounded candidates in the outfield.

While his elite defense (19 OAA in 2024, leading all outfielders) will keep him in the lineup daily, he won't be a starting-caliber option in fantasy baseball until he can add power. He arrived at spring training noticeably bigger and has already hit one over the fence through 16 spring training plate appearances, so he has a shot at improving his fantasy profile.

When you are this deep into the player pool, you will not find as many reliable, everyday players who offer massive production in at least one category. Young gives you that with his speed. He'll keep you afloat in the AVG category regardless, but he'll be one of the steals of the 2025 draft if his power improves.



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

Ross Colton

Healthy for Start of Season
Daniel Palencia

Cubs Place Daniel Palencia on Injured List With Shoulder Strain
Pete Crow-Armstrong

Returning on Monday
Sean Murphy

Done for the Year With Hip Labral Tear
Alec Bohm

Lands on Injured List With Cyst in his Shoulder
Trea Turner

Going on Injured List, Phillies Hope to Have him Back for Playoffs
Brock Bowers

Considered Day-to-Day With Knee Injury
Jonathan Taylor

is "Good" After Taking a Hit to his Neck in Week 1
Caio Borralho

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Kyle Stowers

Suffers Setback on Rehab Assignment?
Nassourdine Imavov

Extends Win Streak
Mauricio Ruffy

Gets Submitted
Benoît Saint Denis

Benoit Saint Denis Taps Out Mauricio Ruffy
Michael King

Expected to Return on Tuesday
Russell Wilson

Remains the Giants Starter
Trea Turner

Undergoing MRI Exam on Monday
Paul Craig

Retires After UFC Paris Loss
Denny Hamlin

Earns his First Cup Victory at Gateway
Kyle Larson

Damage Ruins Kyle Larson's Chance At a Top Finish at Gateway
Christopher Bell

Scores his Third Top-10 Finish at Gateway
Joey Logano

Maintains his Perfect Top-Five Streak at Gateway
Ryan Blaney

Struggles and Recovers for a Top-Five Finish at Gateway
Modestas Bukauskas

Scores First-Round Knockout
Bolaji Oki

Suffers Second-Round TKO Loss
Xavier Worthy

Week-to-Week with Dislocated Shoulder
Mason Jones

Scores Comeback Win
Rhys McKee

Suffers Third-Round TKO Loss
Axel Sola

Successful In His UFC Debut
Robert Ruchała

Robert Ruchala Unsuccessful In His UFC Debut
William Gomis

Bounces Back In The Win Column
Derrick Henry

Scores Twice but has Costly Fumble on Sunday
Lamar Jackson

Shines With Three Total Touchdowns in Loss to Bills
Keon Coleman

Leads the Team With 11 Targets on Sunday
Josh Allen

Totals Four Touchdowns in Win Over Ravens
Chase Elliott

Gets Lucky but Still Has Best Run at Gateway
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Wins Stage 2, but Was Let Down by Strategy
Tyler Reddick

Despite Bad Luck, Tyler Reddick Does What he Needed to Do
Chase Briscoe

Recovers from Incident with Daniel Suarez to Finish Second
William Byron

Late Caution Foils William Byron's Shot at Gateway Victory
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Dominates Targets in Seattle, Records 124 Receiving Yards in Week 1
Puka Nacua

Leads Rams in Targets, Catches, and Receiving Yards in Week 1
Logan O'Hoppe

Exits After Concussion Scare, Status Remains Unclear
Christian McCaffrey

Logs 31 Touches in Season Opener
Travis Etienne Jr.

Dominates Backfield Touches in Jacksonville, Posts Monster Day
Jayson Tatum

"Moving Around Way Better"
Russell Wilson

Giants Won't Commit to Russell Wilson as Week 2 Starter
Drake London

Day-to-Day with Shoulder Sprain
George Kittle

and Jauan Jennings to Undergo MRIs
Jake Moody

49ers to Evaluate Kicker Position After Jake Moody Struggles
Evan Engram

Questionable to Return Against Titans
Daniel Palencia

to Miss Time With Shoulder Injury
Jauan Jennings

Questionable to Return With Shoulder Injury
Emeka Egbuka

Scores Twice in NFL Debut
Aaron Rodgers

Throws Four Touchdowns in Week 1
Justin Fields

Scores Three Times in Loss
Byron Buxton

Exits Early With Knee Contusion
Trea Turner

Suffers Hamstring Strain
Ryan Blaney

Should Contend at Gateway
Denny Hamlin

Fastest in Qualifying, the Favorite to Win at Gateway
Christopher Bell

Looking for Redemption at Gateway
Joey Logano

Has Been Elite at Gateway
Austin Cindric

Should Be On Your Radar at Gateway
AJ Allmendinger

Could Be a Sleeper Again at Gateway
Tyler Reddick

Southern 500 Near-Miss Makes Tyler Reddick a Stronger Option for Gateway
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace a Likely Gateway Contender
Alex Bowman

a Long Shot to Advance in Playoffs
Austin Dillon

Richard Childress Racing Looks Slower at Gateway, Which Will Hurt Austin Dillon
Shane Van Gisbergen

Starts 18th in Gateway Debut
Bubba Chandler

to Make First Start on Sunday
Samuel Basallo

Exits Early with Hand Injury
Jeremy Swayman

Ready to Get Back on Track
Connor McDavid

Aiming for More Goals
NJ

Luke Glendening Signs Tryout Deal With Devils
Pete Crow-Armstrong

Leaves Early on Saturday After Fouling Ball Off his Knee
Dylan Harper

Hoping to be Ready for the Opener Versus Dallas
EDM

Derek Ryan Retires From Hockey
Connor Zary

Agrees to Three-Year Deal With Flames
Carey Price

Canadiens Trade Carey Price to Sharks
Bobby Witt Jr.

Dealing With Back Spasms
Bobby Witt Jr.

Exits Early on Friday
Adolis García

Adolis Garcia Placed on Injured List With Quad Strain
Tyler Glasnow

Scratched on Friday With Back Tightness
Rasmus Hojgaard

Finishes Tied For Second at Omega European Masters
Tyrrell Hatton

Finishes Tied for 32nd at LIV Indianapolis
Matt Fitzpatrick

Finishes Fifth at Omega European Masters
Patrick Cantlay

Finishes Tied For Second in 2025 FedEx Cup Standings
Xander Schauffele

Finishes 42nd in 2025 FedEx Cup Standings
Tyler Glasnow

Scratched From Friday's Start for Undisclosed Reasons
Shohei Ohtani

Returning to the Mound on Friday
Caio Borralho

Set For A Title Eliminator Bout
Nassourdine Imavov

Looks To Earn A Title Shot
Mauricio Ruffy

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Benoît Saint Denis

Benoit Saint Denis Set For UFC Paris Co-Main Event
Modestas Bukauskas

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Paul Craig

In Dire Need Of Victory
Mason Jones

Set for Main-Card Bout
Bolaji Oki

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Rhys McKee

Set To Open Up UFC Paris Main Card
Jon Rahm

Looks to Prove His Importance on European Ryder Cup Team
Tommy Fleetwood

Among Leaders of European Ryder Cup Team
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Close to Triple-Double Versus Serbia
Nikola Jokić

Nikola Jokic Fills Box Score Against Turkey
Nikola Jović

Nikola Jovic Shakes Off Minor Injury
E.J. Liddell

Inks Two-Way Deal With Nets
NBA

Ben Simmons Reportedly Considering Retirement
P.J. Washington

Agrees to Four-Year, $90 Million Extension
Sepp Straka

Gets Captain's Pick to Join Team Europe
PGA

Victor Hovland to Make Third Ryder Cup Appearance for Team Europe
J.J. Spaun

Set to Represent Team USA for First Time at Bethpage
Russell Henley

Makes First Ryder Cup Appearance at Bethpage
Harris English

Named to Ryder Cup Team for Second Time
Justin Thomas

Making Fourth Ryder Cup Team Appearance at Bethpage
Ben Griffin

Making First Career Ryder Cup Appearance at Bethpage
Bryson DeChambeau

Set to be Part of Team USA at Bethpage
Santi Aldama

Bags Double-Double in Losing Effort
Guerschon Yabusele

Erupts for 36 Points Against Poland
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Leads Slovenia Into Next Round at EuroBasket
San Antonio Spurs

Stanley Umude Signs Training Camp Deal With Spurs
Reece Beekman

Joins Magic for Training Camp
Justin Minaya

Signs Exhibit 10 Deal With Magic
Alexandre Sarr

to Miss Rest of EuroBasket
Jared McCain

"On Pace" for Training Camp
Luke Hughes

Devils Optimistic About Signing Luke Hughes

RANKINGS

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