2025 Tout Wars Draft Recap
Tuesday, February 25, 2025 was a day like no other. For the first time in my 25 years playing fantasy baseball, I’d be participating in two drafts in one day. At first, the idea seemed daunting. But then I reminded myself that there would be a six-hour break between the conclusion of the morning Tout Wars alternate category mixed league draft and the evening LABR mixed league festivities. This would be manageable.
At 11:05 AM ET, the Tout Wars draft kicked off and I was immediately disappointed when Kyle Tucker, my top realistic target picking out of the #8 spot, was taken sixth overall. But at least I was able to grab my backup option, Mookie Betts. Come to think of it, Betts is a pretty good backup option. Despite being limited to 116 games last season, he still launched 19 homers to go along with 75 RBI, 75 runs scored and 16 steals. Throw in a career .373 OBP (Tout Wars uses OBP instead of AVG) and it’s very possible that Betts will outproduce Tucker in 2025. OK, I feel better now.
After taking Betts, I followed my usual balanced approach to drafting, trying to address as many roto categories as possible while investing in high-floor players in the early rounds and riskier but high-upside players in the middle and later rounds.
Rather than discussing each of my picks individually by position, let’s place my most notable selections into categories.
The Elite: Mookie Betts, Matt Olson, Corbin Burnes
With Betts on board, I prioritized drafting an upper-tier first baseman as there are only a half-dozen or so players at the position who I’d feel good about as my starter. I doubt Olson will ever duplicate his career-best stat line from 2023 but if last season’s 29 homers and 98 RBI represent his rock bottom, the Atlanta slugger is a low-risk choice in the second round. As for Burnes, last season’s K/9 drop to 8.4 is a bit troubling but considering that his career K/9 is 10.5, I’m willing to give him a chance to bounce back in the whiff department. From an ERA and WHIP standpoint, he’s about as reliable as they come.
Sources of Stress: CJ Abrams, Kevin Gausman
Needing speed in the fifth round, I settled on Abrams, despite his expected low OBP. Barring injury, he’s a lock for 30 swipes and it was nice to see him hit for more power last year compared to 2023. Still, a rough second half that included off-field drama casts some uncertainty about his projected fantasy value this season. While I don’t think I overpaid for Abrams, he is without doubt a riskier choice than many of the players drafted near him. Gausman seemed to be a value pick in the 11th round but like Burnes, he will need to prove that last season’s steep strikeout decline was a fluke. Oh, and he pitches in the hard-hitting AL East. Plenty of unfavorable matchups are in store.
Sources of Comfort: Pablo Lopez, Will Smith, Raisel Iglesias
I targeted Lopez as either a low-end ace or an excellent SP2, and I got him as my SP2. Mission accomplished. Last season’s 4.08 ERA was largely a result of an elevated home run rate. I’m expecting his 2025 ERA to be closer to the 3.66 ERA he posted in 2023. I usually don’t draft a high-end catcher but when Smith remained available in the 7th round, I couldn’t resist. The Dodgers’ backstop has recorded at least 19 homers and 75 RBI in each of the last four seasons. Iglesias’ value takes a hit in this league since it uses Saves+Holds as a category instead of Saves. But his ratios are superb and his closer role is secure, giving me the luxury of not having to waste FAAB dollars on potential saves or holds.
Injury Concerns: Brandon Woodruff, Walker Buehler
If either of these two former All-Stars pitch well enough to earn every-week starter status by June, I’ll be in great shape. Both are big question marks as Woodruff hasn’t played in a regular season game since 2023 and Buehler struggled mightily following his mid-season return last year before dominating in his final two postseason starts. But as 15th round and 17th round picks, respectively, it’s not like I invested heavily in them.
Young and Exciting: Roman Anthony, Andrew Painter, Coby Mayo, Jordan Lawlar
Drafting four players who might not open the season in the majors isn’t ideal but all of these guys are top-flight prospects capable of lifting a fantasy team from contention status to championship status. The downside here is that devoting four roster spots to players with no chance to immediately contribute seriously hampers roster flexibility. I have a feeling I might be forced to drop at least one of them before they get the opportunity to make a meaningful impact at the big-league level. I hope I’m wrong.
Old and Boring: Michael Conforto, Carlos Santana, Max Kepler
Seriously, how boring can you get? I’ve rostered each of these three veterans so many times over the years that I’ve lost count. I’m most confident in Conforto as he’s coming off a decent rebound season with the Giants and now gets to hit in a loaded Dodgers lineup. Santana showed last season that he still has something left in the tank. Whether or not the tank runs empty in 2025 remains to be seen. Kepler is nothing special but perhaps he can provide some cheap power in a strong-side platoon role.
My post-draft self-grading usually begins immediately. Not this year. No time for that. I had the LABR draft to think about.
For the full Tout Wars alternate category mixed league draft results, click here.
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