Mastering the Perfect MLB Fantasy Draft: Expert Picks for the First Two Rounds in 2025
Discover the expert strategies and ideal picks for the first two rounds of a 10-team MLB fantasy draft in 2025, guided by Tristan H. Cockcroft and Eric Karabell.
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.
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