Fantasy Baseball Sleepers Who Can Win You the Championship

31 July 2025

Fantasy baseball is all about value. Sure, you can draft the big names early, but championships are won in the later rounds with deep sleepers. Identifying undervalued players who can exceed expectations is the secret sauce to winning your league.

So, let’s break down some fantasy baseball sleepers poised to break out this season and help you take home that championship trophy.

What Makes a Fantasy Baseball Sleeper?

Before we dive in, let’s define what we mean by a “sleeper.” In fantasy baseball, a sleeper is a player who is either overlooked, undervalued, or underappreciated in drafts but has the potential to significantly outperform expectations.

These players often fly under the radar due to injuries, limited sample sizes, or playing on small-market teams, but smart fantasy managers recognize their potential before the rest of the league catches on.

Now, let's get to the good stuff: players you should target in your drafts.

Sleeper Hitters to Target

1. Spencer Torkelson (1B, Detroit Tigers)

Torkelson is a former No.1 overall pick who has been on the brink of a breakout. Last season, he flashed serious power, and all signs point to even bigger things in the coming year. His hard-hit rate and exit velocity numbers suggest he could be a 30-homer hitter if he makes just a slight improvement.

Why is he a sleeper? Many managers still doubt Detroit’s lineup, which pushes Torkelson down draft boards. Take advantage of that and grab him late.

2. Ke’Bryan Hayes (3B, Pittsburgh Pirates)

Hayes came into the league with a ton of hype but has yet to fully put it all together. However, he quietly made adjustments last season, leading to increased power production and better plate discipline.

Why is he a sleeper? The Pirates are not exactly an offensive powerhouse, which makes fantasy managers hesitant. But if Hayes continues to improve, he could be a steal at third base.

3. Brandon Marsh (OF, Philadelphia Phillies)

Marsh has always been known for his speed and defense, but he quietly improved his approach at the plate last season. With regular playing time in Philadelphia's potent lineup, there’s a real chance he delivers a valuable mix of power and speed.

Why is he a sleeper? He’s overlooked because he doesn’t have a flashy name, but he could be an excellent late-round outfielder.

4. Triston Casas (1B, Boston Red Sox)

Casas had a slow start but finished last season with an absolute bang. He’s got great plate discipline, power to hit 25+ home runs, and plays in a lineup that should offer plenty of RBI opportunities.

Why is he a sleeper? His early struggles last year may turn off some managers, but the second-half version of Casas is worth betting on.

Sleeper Pitchers to Target

5. Reid Detmers (SP, Los Angeles Angels)

Detmers is an intriguing breakout candidate. He’s shown flashes of dominance, and his underlying metrics indicate there’s much more upside to unlock. If he can refine his command, he could make a massive leap this year.

Why is he a sleeper? The Angels struggled last season, making Detmers an afterthought in most drafts. But his raw ability makes him worth a late-round gamble.

6. Brayan Bello (SP, Boston Red Sox)

Bello showed promise last season with a mid-90s sinker and strong ground-ball tendencies. If he sharpens his strikeout numbers, he could be a fantasy goldmine at a bargain price.

Why is he a sleeper? His ERA may have scared off casual drafters, but his talent suggests a breakout is coming.

7. Kodai Senga (SP, New York Mets)

Senga had a solid debut season in MLB, but since he's not a household name yet, he might not get the respect he deserves. His splitter is filthy, and he showed he can pitch deep into games.

Why is he a sleeper? He’s still adjusting to MLB, but his second season could be the one where he truly shines.

Deep Sleeper Picks

If you're looking for lottery tickets late in your draft, here are a few names to keep an eye on:

- Sal Frelick (OF, Milwaukee Brewers) – A potential five-tool player who could make an impact if given playing time.
- Ezequiel Tovar (SS, Colorado Rockies) – Playing in Coors Field always boosts offensive potential.
- Gavin Stone (SP, Los Angeles Dodgers) – A high-upside arm in one of the best-run franchises in baseball.

How to Spot Sleepers Yourself

Want to find sleepers on your own? Look for these key factors:

- Underlying Metrics – Hard-hit rates, exit velocity, and expected stats often predict a breakout.
- Post-Hype Players – Players who were once highly touted but struggled early on.
- Increased Playing Time – A player stepping into a full-time role can see a significant fantasy boost.

By focusing on these details, you can consistently find hidden gems that others overlook.

Final Thoughts

Winning your fantasy baseball league isn’t just about picking superstars in the early rounds—it's about finding those hidden gems that outperform expectations. Targeting these sleepers could be the key to hoisting that championship trophy at the end of the season.

So do your homework, trust the process, and get ready to dominate your league with some of these under-the-radar picks.