Early 2025 FYPD Rankings: 1-30

Jul 19, 2024

∙ Paid

1) Charlie Condon - 3B/OF (COL):

Charlie Condon would’ve been my top overall ranked player for FYPDs regardless of landing spot. He ended up being taken 3rd overall to the Colorado Rockies and the landing spot further cements his place as the top overall player in this class for FYPD purposes. Don’t overthink it.

2) Travis Bazzana - 2B (CLE):

Bazzana’s swing reminds me so much of Chase Utley’s that it’s scary. It’s an uncanny lightning-quick jab right through the zone with an excellent bat path. It doesn’t look like he’s swinging for lift but he gets enough launch on balls he does barrel. He’s an excellent future value at 2B.

3) JJ Wetherholt - 2B/SS (STL):

Going into the season as the potential first-overall pick and eventually falling to 7th to the St. Louis Cardinals was a great value for that organization. Wetherholt has already dealt with his fair share of injuries but he’s still young enough for me not to label him injury-prone. The upside is actually very tantalizing. If Wetherholt is a 2B at the next level, we’re looking at a potential fantasy beast. Elite hit tool and above average everywhere else. Can run and will steal a lot of bases and net you double-digit homers while posting great ratios.

4) Konnor Griffin - SS (PIT):

Pittsburgh nailed this pick. They went pure prep upside with the 9th pick. This is a year after taking an almost sure thing in Paul Skenes with the 1st overall pick in 2023. Griffin offers the tantalizing upside you want in a prep Shortstop and has 30/30 potential. He’s already big, listed at 6’4 215, and still has plenty of room for growth. The runway may be long but the potential is without question.

5) Nick Kurtz - 1B (OAK):

Now, I know many of you would probably go with the more famous college bat in Jac Caglianone over Nick Kurtz but this is fantasy and I’m setting realistic expectations for both here as I think the former still has concerns over his chase rate. Is it something I’m concerned about? Well, to put it shortly, yes. I think the pitching will only get tougher as he ascends the minor league ladder and Major League pitching will offer no solace. The power is undeniable and if you decided to take the plunge and go that route, I wouldn’t blame you, as there is a sort of Bryce Eldridge profile with Caglianone.

As for Kurtz, he has excellent exit velocities and bat speed to go with the power to hit 30+ homers. I think he’s a safer profile than Caglianone and to be honest with you, I think Oakland is a solid landing spot for him. He can move rather quickly up the system and this is a year after they selected Jacob Wilson who nobody thought would rake yet has absolutely crushed it. I think Oakland crushed it with this pick again.

You can argue Nick Kurtz for being 1st on these rankings because the power is prodigious. Looking at modest averages with modest to above average OBPs with the potential for 30-35 HR power and a staple at 1B. The track record for collegiate 1B isn’t that great but let’s just say I have a thing for Kurtz and feel he can be a productive fantasy asset for years to come.