Discover the Next Generation of Power Hitters Set to Dominate Your Fantasy Lineup

Bryce Eldridge: The Breakout Star

In the world of fantasy baseball, few names have shone as brightly as San Francisco's Bryce Eldridge. At just 20 years old, Eldridge has already demonstrated exceptional skill, slashing .292/.374/.516 with 27 doubles and 23 home runs across 116 games. His journey from Lo-A to Triple-A in a single season underscores his potential. Eldridge's performance in the Arizona Fall League further solidified his status, where he showcased his power with two home runs and three doubles in just 10 games.

Eldridge's raw power is undeniable, projecting him to deliver over 30 home runs annually. Moreover, his ability to draw walks makes him a valuable asset in OBP formats. Expect Eldridge to start the 2025 season in Triple-A before making his way to the Giants' roster mid-season. His combination of power and plate discipline positions him as a must-watch prospect.

Nick Kurtz: Consistency Meets Potential

Nick Kurtz, the former Wake Forest standout, represents a unique blend of high ceiling and solid floor. Despite an underwhelming start to the 2024 collegiate season, Kurtz rebounded impressively, showcasing his exceptional approach at the plate and solid contact skills. In the minors, Kurtz continued to excel, mashing with ease and displaying easy plus raw power.

While Kurtz may not have the same upside as Eldridge, his higher floor due to consistent contact skills makes him an attractive option for those seeking elite first-base prospects at a slightly lower price point. Kurtz is expected to play for the Sacramento Athletics in Las Vegas later in 2025. With the potential to become an all-star first baseman, Kurtz offers a balanced risk-reward profile.

Jac Caglianone: Boom or Bust?

Jac Caglianone embodies the quintessential boom-or-bust prospect. His massive raw power has been on full display, including a game in the Arizona Fall League where he hit two home runs that traveled nearly 900 feet combined. However, Caglianone's aggressive hitting style often leads him to chase pitches outside the strike zone.

In 2024, Caglianone made strides in improving his contact rates, which could be pivotal in determining his future success. If he can maintain these gains and refine his approach, Caglianone could pair his immense power with a respectable batting average. For now, he remains a high-risk, high-reward investment with the potential to hit 40 home runs annually.

Xavier Isaac: Overcoming Strikeout Struggles

Xavier Isaac's trajectory has seen its ups and downs. After rising in the rankings earlier in 2024, Isaac's second-half performance was marred by escalating strikeout rates. While his first-half slash line of .296/.385/.553 was impressive, it gave way to a more modest .224/.347/.391 in the latter part of the season. Isaac's strikeout rate skyrocketed from 28% to 41.2%, raising concerns about his long-term viability.

Despite these challenges, Isaac possesses plus power, a higher walk rate, and sneaky speed, making him an intriguing prospect for fantasy purposes. The key will be whether he can address his swing-and-miss issues and improve his contact rate. Isaac's frame and outfield versatility add to his appeal, making him a player to monitor closely in 2025.

Josue Briceño: A Sleeper Ready to Emerge

Josue Briceño had a relatively quiet 2024 season, hitting .278 with a .381 OBP in 40 games at Lakeland. However, his advanced metrics tell a different story. Briceño boasted a 42.3% hard-hit rate and an 89.8 mph average exit velocity, along with an 82.2% contact rate. His standout performance in the Arizona Fall League, where he won MVP honors, further highlights his potential.

Briceño is an above-average contact hitter with plus raw power and a solid approach at the plate. Currently undervalued, he presents a compelling opportunity for dynasty league investors. As Briceño continues to develop, expect him to rise rapidly in the rankings and become a formidable presence in the first base landscape.

Tyler Locklear: Value in Depth

Among the top prospects, Tyler Locklear stands out as one of the best value targets in dynasty leagues. Though not flashy, Locklear has consistently delivered a career .280 batting average with an impressive .389 OBP in the minors. His contact rates dipped in 2024, but there's hope for a return to pre-2024 levels.

Locklear has enough power to reach the 20-25 home run range annually, making him a viable option for corner infield slots. While he may never be a starting-caliber first baseman for fantasy, Locklear's reliability and solid statistics offer a dependable addition to any roster.

Deyvison De Los Santos: A Cautionary Tale

Deyvison De Los Santos had a breakout 2024 season, posting a .294/.343/.571 slash line with 40 home runs. However, a closer look reveals some red flags. De Los Santos played in highly favorable ballparks, contributing to inflated statistics. His Quality of Contact metrics were less impressive, with an 88.9 mph average exit velocity and a 64% contact rate.

De Los Santos's power is undeniable, but his overall profile suggests a more modest long-term outlook. He's likely to be a .230/30 hitter with liabilities in the OBP column. While De Los Santos can still provide fantasy value, it's essential to temper expectations based on his underlying metrics and park factors.

Tre’ Morgan: A Unique Profile

Tre’ Morgan defies traditional first baseman profiles, excelling as a contact-first hitter with an above 80% contact rate in 2024. His power, however, remains below average, and he exhibited a groundball rate above 48%. Despite this, Morgan's ability to contribute double-digit steals and maintain a higher AVG/OBP makes him a valuable asset.

Morgan has also seen time in the outfield, which might be his long-term defensive home. While not a traditional power hitter, Morgan's well-rounded contributions ensure he remains a relevant fantasy option. His unique skill set offers flexibility and utility for fantasy managers.

Tyler Black: Versatility Amid Uncertainty

Tyler Black's initial 57 plate appearances in 2024 didn't yield much offensively, but his underlying skills warrant attention. Black boasts above-average contact rates (80% in Triple-A), a higher walk rate, and the potential to provide 15-20 steals annually. His versatility extends to multiple areas, ensuring he doesn't hurt you in any one category.

The challenge lies in securing playing time. With Rhys Hoskins occupying first base, Black's path to regular action is unclear. Nonetheless, his all-around abilities make him a worthwhile investment in dynasty leagues, especially if he can capitalize on opportunities when they arise.

Ralphy Velazquez: Low Risk, High Reward

Ralphy Velazquez entered 2024 as a top-five first base prospect but struggled throughout the year. Despite a strong plate approach, Velazquez's contact rate hovered around 73%, and his game power was underwhelming. However, his raw power is above average, and he makes enough contact to tap into it effectively.

Expect Velazquez to bounce back in 2025, positioning him as a decent buy-low option in dynasty leagues. His potential for growth and development makes him a promising investment for those willing to wait and see how he progresses in the coming season.