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

Yahoo Fantasy Baseball Rankings Analysis - Draft Values and ADP Advantages (2025)

Oneil Cruz - Fantasy Baseball Rankings, Draft Sleepers, MLB Injuries

Michael analyzes Yahoo fantasy baseball rankings to identify draft sleepers. Gain ADP advantages on Yahoo drafts in 2025 with his fantasy bargains and overpays.

NFBC is the platform folks use when feeling the itch to draft in December or January for the upcoming fantasy baseball season. We are now in prime drafting territory for every format and every provider, especially those that host home leagues. That includes Yahoo, which specializes in the head-to-head categories format (though also offers points and rotisserie style games as well).

As drafters of any stripe or site know, it’s important to have a sense for average draft position (ADP). Even if one likes a player more than others do, pushing him up too far above market price only squanders potential values elsewhere. Hence, it is key to know the unique ADP characteristics of the platform you use.

Today, we present the biggest differences in Yahoo ADP as compared to NFBC and Fantrax. The table below shows the various ADPs of players who represent relative bargains on Yahoo. Then, we provide a list with other values past pick 200. Finally, we created a chart of the biggest overpays on Yahoo, i.e. the players going earlier than on other platforms.

Be sure to draft with our updated fantasy baseball rankings:

 

Catcher Values for Yahoo Drafts

Will Smith (124, -25)
Shea Langeliers (165, -35)

Yahoo leagues are predominantly one-catcher formats, and as a result, the position properly gets pushed down when compared to a two-catcher platform like NFBC; Fantrax offers a mix of the two.

Will Smith has become a pretty boring but steady provider of 20ish home runs, a .250-.255 average, and good counting stats. He was banged up early this spring (ankle sprain and HBP in knee) but has since appeared in games and seems healthy to go for Opening Day.

Shea Langeliers broke out last year with 29 homers, backed by a legit 13 percent barrel rate. He plays a lot, finishing seventh at the position in plate appearances (534) and fifth in RBI (80). Despite a .224 batting average, his .241 xBA may portend upside to a more reasonable mark. He’s a nice target if you wait a bit but still want an advantage at catcher.

 

First Base Draft Targets for Yahoo

Michael Toglia (213, -33)

Drafters have recognized there is a cliff at first base right around the top 10, hence there are few “bargains” at the position on Yahoo. However, Toglia certainly qualifies.

The young Rockie came out of nowhere last year, establishing himself in the field and popping 25 homers with an unexpected 10 stolen bases in just 399 at-bats. Now, that came with a .218 average and Toglia struggled against non-fastballs.

We would not necessarily pair him with a Langeliers, for example. But at pick 213, he makes an intriguing potential utility bat, especially as he also qualifies at outfield on Yahoo.

 

Second Base Draft Targets for Yahoo

Luis Garcia Jr. (150, -25)
Andres Gimenez (208, -45)

Garcia is a popular breakout pick after, well, a breakout in 2024. (I recently saw an MLB writer call Cole Ragans a breakout, even though he finished fifth in AL Cy Young voting.) Garcia’s already done it, too, hitting for his usual good average (.282) but adding more power (18 homers) and nabbing 22 steals. He’s a platoon risk but that should make him more valuable in daily moves leagues, as many Yahoo formats are.

Gimenez is a decent source of batting average (in the .250 to .260 range), will play a lot no matter how he hits given superlative defense, and is a near-lock for 25 stolen bases. Yahoo managers can wait on second base with solid options like Gimenez and the similar Bryson Stott drafted in the early 200s.

 

Third Base Draft Targets for Yahoo

Luis Rengifo (212, -38)
Maikel Garcia (292, -95)

Rengifo captured the hearts of Yahoo managers everywhere last year, batting .300 with 24 stolen bases while qualifying at literally every position except catcher and first base. That was done in just 78 games as, unfortunately, he dealt with various minor injuries.

Durability is the only real knock on Rengifo, who has been slowed by a hamstring injury during spring training. While he didn’t play enough shortstop or outfield to qualify there for 2025, he may add eligibilities in-season; we know he will be penciled in every day somewhere for the Angels.

Garcia is almost a cheaper version of Rengifo. With two eligibilities coming into 2025, the team plans on using him in center field regularly, so it’s likely he will be triple-eligible by mid-April. Like Rengifo, he makes above-average contact (85.6 percent), has limited power (3.7 percent barrel rate), and runs successfully (37-39 on stolen base attempts).

Despite a rough .231 average last year, his .260 xBA and .272 from the year prior make him a likely asset in the category. Garcia’s wheels, hit tool, and versatility make him a nice, versatile weapon we can draft late in head-to-head leagues.

 

Shortstop Draft Targets for Yahoo

Oneil Cruz (58, -10)

The dual-eligible Cruz (OF) is a borderline third-rounder on NFBC. While he has his detractors, who question the 30 percent strikeout rates and struggles against lefties, he’s a reasonable bet to take another leap after posting 100th-percentile hard-hit, barrel, and exit velocities.

Cruz began running more in the second half, too, perhaps portending a spicier categories profile after he just went 20/20 (he already has four swipes in spring). If everything breaks right, Cruz could produce like a first-round player.

 

Outfield Draft Targets for Yahoo

Lawrence Butler (82, -12.5)
Taylor Ward (225, -63)

The flashy young breakout and the boring but productive vet are great outfield values on Yahoo. The 24-year-old Butler made a swing adjustment last June and over his final 61 games, he knocked 13 home runs with a .300/.345/.553 line. He also went 18-18 on stolen base attempts and says he wants to run more often in 2025. Butler is penciled in to lead off for a rising Athletics offense, so he could be a five-category stud.

Ward seems to do the same bland but effective thing every year: .255-.260 average, 22-25 home runs, 70-plus RBI. He’s not a burner but will throw in the odd five or six steals as well. It appears he is going to lead off for the Angels. There are much worse ways to fill out one’s outfield even in a three-outfielder league.

 

Pitcher Draft Targets for Yahoo

Garrett Crochet (39, -10)
Bailey Ober (104, -25)
Hunter Greene (111, -27)
Ryan Pepiot (197, -27)

Garrett Crochet has steadily risen through the draft season on NFBC; once available in the fifth round of 12-teamers, he’s now at the back end of the second round. The reigning starter king in strikeout rate and strikeout minus walk rate, Crochet makes for a tempting Yahoo value in the fourth round.

Bailey Ober can be divisive as his rising four-seam fastball generates whiffs but clocks in at under 92 mph and can lead to homers, hence his ERA is usually a bit inflated. He possesses elite control, however -- Ober has a 1.03 WHIP over his last 68 starts -- to stabilize that category. He is not only a great source of volume, but his strikeouts are above average on a rate basis (9.6 K/9, leading to 191 strikeouts in 178.2 IP). He’s an ideal No. 2 or even No. 1 if you wait.

Hunter Greene reached an entirely new level last year -- 2.75 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and 10 K/9 -- after showing great tools he could never fully hone in his first two seasons. Greene added a splitter last season to better attack lefties, and the third offering helped keep batters off balance. The market is a bit cautious given his prior volatility, but a near 30-pick discount on Yahoo sure seems like a nice place to take a shot on what could be an imminent ace.

Ryan Pepiot has always produced well when he pitched but last year was the first time he made more than seven starts in the majors. It went well as he posted a 3.60 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and well over a strikeout per inning, showing an improved fastball and slider to go with what has always been a strong changeup. Grabbing Pepiot near pick 200 is an ideal add as SP4 or SP5 to fill out your fantasy rotation.

Jeff Hoffman (136, -17)

A few of the top-tier closers are mispriced on Yahoo on the bargain end. In head-to-head categories leagues, saves are one of the five pitcher statistics and the weekly minimum innings requirement is low enough (around 20-25 IP) that some managers can excel by going reliever-heavy to dominate the two ratios as well as saves categories (the “Marmol Strategy”). This makes closers scarce resources.

In Hoffman’s case, it appears the Yahoo market has not fully adjusted to his set role as Toronto’s closer. He has elite skills (2.39 SIERA, .96 WHIP, 12 K/9 last year) and with the role secure, he represents a major value going later than, for example, less skilled closers like Alexis Diaz and Robert Suarez.

 

Other Fantasy Baseball Bargains After Pick 200

These are the other players who Yahoo drafters can pick at relative bargains after pick 200.

 

Yahoo Overpays for Fantasy Baseball Drafts

Given the gameplay and different league types on the various platforms, there are a few general trends with players who are more expensive on Yahoo.

Hitters and closers tend to go early here relative to NFBC and Fantrax. There’s a markup for first and third basemen in particular. With Fantrax having so many points leagues embedded in its ADP, closers go very late relative to the other platforms.

Yahoo requires two relievers, and with saves being a category, the elite closers are in relatively high demand. Even guys like Ryan Pressly and Pete Fairbanks are pushed up (given this general trend, we did not list all the relievers or that would be the entire table).

Meanwhile, Yahoo public leagues are exclusively 12-teamers while NFBC offers a plethora of 15-team contests, so starting pitching gets pushed up in the latter.

Here are the most relevant players Yahoo owners are drafting more aggressively in the top 300. Be prepared to pay up for these guys.



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

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
Aaron Jones Sr.

Injures Hamstring During Sunday Night Football
Garrett Crochet

Punches Out 12 in Win
Cole Ragans

to Return on Wednesday
George Kirby

Strikes Out 14 in Win
Carlos Estévez

Carlos Estevez Exits with Back Tightness
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
Adam Lowry

Aims for Early-Season Return
P.J. Washington

Officially Signs Contract Extension

RANKINGS

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