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

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
Aaron Jones Sr.

Injures Hamstring During Sunday Night Football
Darren Waller

Not Expected to Play in Week 3
Garrett Crochet

Punches Out 12 in Win
Cole Ragans

to Return on Wednesday
Jameson Williams

Records Long Touchdown in Week 2, Still Limited to Downfield Role?
George Kirby

Strikes Out 14 in Win
Jayden Daniels

Considered "Day-to-Day" with Knee Injury
Carlos Estévez

Carlos Estevez Exits with Back Tightness
Jonathan Taylor

Tops 200 Yards From Scrimmage in Week 2 Win
Joe Burrow

Could Miss Three Months if he Requires Toe Surgery
Davante Adams

Headlines Rams Receiving Corps Sunday
Wan'Dale Robinson

Explodes for 142 Yards, Touchdown in Overtime Thriller
Joe Flacco

Browns Not Considering Benching Joe Flacco After Week 2
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
Luis Arraez

Takes a Seat on Sunday With Head Injury
Adolis García

Adolis Garcia Activated, Starting on Sunday
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
Bryan Woo

Records Career-High 13 Strikeouts
Max Muncy

Exits Early on Saturday
CFB

Sam Leavitt Shines As Arizona State Rebounds From Week 2 Loss
Salvador Perez

Reaches 300 Home Runs, 1,000 RBI
Jose Altuve

Exits Early With Foot Discomfort
Trey Yesavage

Heading to Big Leagues
Will Smith

Placed on 10-Day Injured List
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
Tarik Skubal

Avoids Serious Injury, Expected to Make Next Start
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
CFB

David Sanders Jr. Won't Play Against Georgia
Landry Shamet

Staying with the Knicks
CFB

Dylan Edwards Slated to Return on Friday
Adam Lowry

Aims for Early-Season Return
CFB

Ryan Williams Expected to Play Against Wisconsin
CFB

Billy Edwards Jr. Unlikely to Play on Saturday
P.J. Washington

Officially Signs Contract Extension
CFB

David Sanders Jr. Questionable to Make Debut Against Georgia
Lauri Markkanen

Big at Both Ends as Finland Books Place in EuroBasket Semis
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Notches 39 Points in Losing Effort
NBA

Cam Reddish Expected to Move to Europe
NBA

Trey Lyles Joins Real Madrid
Charles Bassey

Signs Exhibit 10 Deal With Hawks
Sacramento Kings

Terence Davis Waived by Kings
Matthew Knies

Ready for Bigger Role With Maple Leafs
Jack Eichel

Unbothered by Lack of Extension
Sidney Crosby

Not Thinking About Leaving Pittsburgh
SJ

Michael Misa Signs Entry-Level Contract With Sharks
Rutger McGroarty

Nursing an Injury

RANKINGS

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