10. Jordan Lawlar – #343 – Arizona Diamondbacks
Playing Time Outlook: General manager Mike Hazen has suggested that Lawlar will need to get some Triple-A reps before being called up as a result of not playing much at all in 2024. Even when he is ready, shortstop and third base are blocked by Geraldo Perdomo and Eugenio Suárez. Lawlar could potentially play in the outfield, but I’m skeptical about the number of at-bats he gets at the start of the year. Yet, I could see an August call-up, which could really help fantasy rosters at the critical point in the season when playoff pushes are being made.
Background: Lawlar is facing some prospect fatigue, but he’s had a bit of injury unluckiness so far. He was stalled in 2024 due to being out most of the season, though when he came back and played in the PCL, the results were outstanding: a .367/.439/.592 line in 12 games. Small sample or not, I love the cheap 343 ADP.
9. Andrew Painter – #342 – Philadelphia Phillies
Playing Time Outlook: Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski has already stated Painter will be held out
until some point in the summer . Even when he does come back, his innings will be limited. And when the fantasy playoffs come around, you don’t need any workload restrictions on your pitching staff. He could be a quality draft and stash late, but don’t expect a huge quantity of innings.
Background: The most talented pitcher out of all rookies, in my eyes, Painter’s ceiling is sky-high. He will be Philadelphia’s ace once Zack Wheeler starts to regress, which could be a nice little passing of the torch between decades. The minor league numbers are all there, and with Tommy John surgery behind him, his future looks bright.
8. Bubba Chandler – #301 – Pittsburgh Pirates
Playing Time Outlook: Remember when fans were upset with Pittsburgh for not calling up Skenes at the beginning of last season? The team eventually gave in, and it resulted in a Rookie of the Year performance. I believe the same will happen with Chandler in 2025, with him beginning the year at Triple-A Indianapolis before reporting to Pittsburgh in June.
