Unveiling the Blueprint for a Perfect MLB Fantasy Draft

As the 2025 MLB season approaches, fantasy baseball managers are gearing up for one of the most crucial aspects of the game: the draft. Crafting the perfect draft is an art, and who better to guide us than ESPN's fantasy baseball experts, Tristan H. Cockcroft and Eric Karabell? Let's dive into their ideal picks for the first two rounds of a 10-team draft, tailored to both points-based and rotisserie formats.

Draft Slot No. 1

Tristan H. Cockcroft (Points-Based Leagues):

• Round 1: Shohei Ohtani
• Round 2: Ketel Marte

Ohtani, baseball's unicorn, is set to return to the mound in May, making him a must-have in the first round. His dual-threat capabilities are unmatched, and even without pitching, his hitting prowess remains elite. Marte, an underrated hitter with exceptional plate discipline, is a perfect complement in the second round, especially given the thin second base position.

Eric Karabell (Rotisserie Leagues):

• Round 1: Shohei Ohtani
• Round 2: Trea Turner

In roto formats, Ohtani's value is equally significant, though some may debate his No. 1 status. Turner, with his speed and consistency, is an excellent second-round pick, offering a strong mix of power and stolen bases.

Draft Slot No. 2

Tristan H. Cockcroft:

• Round 1: Juan Soto
• Round 2: Corbin Burnes

Soto's elite plate discipline and power make him a perennial top pick in points leagues. Pair him with a proven ace like Burnes, and you have a strong foundation for your fantasy team.

Eric Karabell:

• Round 1: Bobby Witt Jr.
• Round 2: Jackson Chourio

Witt's five-tool ability and Chourio's potential make them a dynamic duo in roto formats, offering a blend of power, speed, and youth.

Draft Slot No. 3

Tristan H. Cockcroft:

• Round 1: Aaron Judge
• Round 2: Francisco Lindor

Judge's power and patience are unmatched, making him a top pick. Lindor's consistency and dual-position eligibility add depth to your roster.

Eric Karabell:

• Round 1: Aaron Judge
• Round 2: Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Judge's dominance continues, and Guerrero's consistent power makes him a reliable second-round pick.

Draft Slot No. 4

Tristan H. Cockcroft:

• Round 1: Jose Ramirez
• Round 2: Fernando Tatis Jr.

Ramirez's all-around skills and Tatis's potential for first-round value make them a formidable pair.

Eric Karabell:

• Round 1: Jose Ramirez
• Round 2: Zack Wheeler

Ramirez's consistency and Wheeler's pitching prowess provide a balanced start to your draft.

Draft Slot No. 5

Tristan H. Cockcroft:

• Round 1: Bobby Witt Jr.
• Round 2: Dylan Cease

Witt's five-tool ability and Cease's pitching potential make them a strong combination.

Eric Karabell:

• Round 1: Gunnar Henderson
• Round 2: Tarik Skubal

Henderson's power and speed, paired with Skubal's Cy Young-caliber pitching, offer a high ceiling.

Draft Slot No. 6

Tristan H. Cockcroft:

• Round 1: Mookie Betts
• Round 2: Logan Gilbert

Betts's consistency and Gilbert's well-rounded skill set make them a reliable duo.

Eric Karabell:

• Round 1: Elly De La Cruz
• Round 2: Paul Skenes

De La Cruz's speed and Skenes's pitching potential provide a unique combination.

Draft Slot No. 7

Tristan H. Cockcroft:

• Round 1: Tarik Skubal
• Round 2: Gunnar Henderson

Skubal's pitching and Henderson's power make them a strong pair.

Eric Karabell:

• Round 1: Mookie Betts
• Round 2: Yordan Alvarez

Betts's consistency and Alvarez's power offer a balanced start.

Draft Slot No. 8

Tristan H. Cockcroft:

• Round 1: Kyle Tucker
• Round 2: Paul Skenes

Tucker's rebound potential and Skenes's pitching make them a dynamic duo.

Eric Karabell:

• Round 1: Kyle Tucker
• Round 2: Julio Rodriguez

Tucker's consistency and Rodriguez's potential provide a high ceiling.

Draft Slot No. 9

Tristan H. Cockcroft:

• Round 1: Yordan Alvarez
• Round 2: Corbin Carroll

Alvarez's power and Carroll's speed make them a strong combination.

Eric Karabell:

• Round 1: Francisco Lindor
• Round 2: Fernando Tatis

Lindor's consistency and Tatis's potential offer a balanced start.

Draft Slot No. 10

Tristan H. Cockcroft:

• Round 1: Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• Round 2: Zack Wheeler

Guerrero's power and Wheeler's pitching make them a reliable pair.

Eric Karabell:

• Round 1: Juan Soto
• Round 2: Corbin Carroll

Soto's plate discipline and Carroll's speed provide a dynamic duo.

Conclusion

Crafting the perfect MLB fantasy draft requires a blend of strategy, insight, and a bit of luck. By following the expert picks and strategies outlined by Tristan H. Cockcroft and Eric Karabell, you can set a strong foundation for your fantasy team and increase your chances of a championship run in the 2025 season.