The 2025 fantasy baseball season has already seen its share of disappointments, with several high-profile players failing to meet expectations. As the All-Star break approaches, it’s time to examine the biggest busts of the season. Despite being drafted early, players such as Yordan Alvarez, William Contreras, and Dylan Cease have struggled significantly, leaving fantasy managers frustrated.

Alvarez's injury woes have limited his contributions, while Contreras has not replicated his solid 2024 stats. Cease, meanwhile, has posted an unsightly ERA, raising doubts about his performance. Other notable mentions include Michael Harris II and Ozzie Albies, both of whom have underperformed relative to their draft positions. The second half of the season presents an opportunity for these players to turn things around, but the first half has left many wondering if they can regain their form.

The Colorado Rockies are facing a tumultuous season, with their recent performances putting them in line for a record-breaking year of futility. Their recent series in Boston saw them outscored 29-7, prompting questions about their future. However, hope comes in the form of Charlie Condon, their top prospect, who has already shown miraculous potential in his journey from walk-on at Georgia to a standout player. Condon, now 6'6" and 215 lbs, aspires to become a formidable presence in the batter's box, aiming to be a key player for the Rockies as they seek to rebuild after years of disappointing results.

After being drafted third overall and signing a $9.25 million bonus, Condon has been thrust into the spotlight. His transition to Double-A Hartford includes participation in the All-Star Futures Game, where he aims to prove his readiness for the major leagues. With initial struggles in Class-A Spokane behind him, Condon's recent performance—hitting .312 in 35 games—has demonstrated his growth and resilience. Known for his dedication and hard work, Condon is focused on becoming a leader for the Rockies and hopes his journey can inspire others within the organization to rise to the occasion.

The 2025 MLB Draft is brimming with anticipation, especially with a host of elite shortstops dominating the early picks. Ethan Holliday from Stillwater, Oklahoma, is projected to be selected first overall by the Washington Nationals, a choice that comes amid organizational upheaval. Following him, the Los Angeles Angels are expected to secure left-handed pitcher Kade Anderson from LSU, renowned for his outstanding strikeout rate. The Seattle Mariners could snag Aiva Arquette, adding a powerful infielder to their roster, while the Colorado Rockies might select Eli Willits, a high school shortstop with immense potential.

Following the top four, the St. Louis Cardinals are likely to go with Liam Doyle, a left-handed pitcher from Tennessee, while the Pittsburgh Pirates and Miami Marlins look set to draft Seth Hernandez and Billy Carlson, respectively, both of whom are viewed as pivotal to their rebuilding efforts. Notably, ten shortstops are expected to fill at least half of the top twenty spots, highlighting the depth of talent available in this year's draft, making it an exciting time for teams and fans alike.

The 2025 MLB Draft kicks off at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN, with the Washington Nationals holding the coveted No. 1 pick. The decision looms large: will they choose from the talented college pitching crop, including LSU's Kade Anderson, Florida State's Jamie Arnold, or Tennessee's Liam Doyle? Alternatively, high school infielder Ethan Holliday remains a tantalizing option. Following the Nationals, teams like the Los Angeles Angels and Seattle Mariners are also strategizing their picks, shaping the initial direction of the draft.

Anticipation surrounds which players will emerge as significant steals on Day 1. Analysts predict that the top five will include exciting prospects that could make immediate impacts in the league. As teams finalize their strategies, fans can expect in-depth coverage from ESPN's experts, providing insights on each selection as they unfold.

Heading into Week 16 of the 2025 fantasy baseball season, cutting players from your roster becomes more critical as underperformers emerge. Notably, Drew Rasmussen of the Tampa Bay Rays is under scrutiny after a decent stat line, but concerns surrounding his limited innings cap make him a candidate for drop in most leagues. Brenton Doyle of the Colorado Rockies has struggled significantly on the road, suggesting he might only be a viable option in deeper leagues. Meanwhile, Jack Flaherty from the Detroit Tigers appears to show signs of rebound despite an inflated ERA, making him worth holding onto.

Adolis Garcia of the Texas Rangers is intriguing as a potential trade candidate, with recent performance indicating he might be turning a corner. Jackson Merrill of the San Diego Padres, after a rocky start, is also on the hot seat after a two-homer game, leaving fantasy managers pondering his future. Lastly, Salvador Perez and Ian Happ, both experiencing slumps, show volatility typical of catchers while also still holding some value due to their respective roles. This week’s Cut List urges careful consideration and strategic thinking as you manage your roster.