Shohei Otani anchors the 2026 fantasy baseball landscape, offering elite multi-category value as both hitter and pitcher. Landing him in the top spot is a game-changer for any head-to-head or roto format, even with innings questions. Second- and third-round targets pivot around Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, who combine power with strong counting stats and top-tier plate discipline. Bobby Witt Jr., Ellie De La Cruz, and Jose Ramirez form the next crest of the ladder, each bringing unique mix of power, speed, and durability that fantasy rosters crave. The episode also glances at Paul Skenes as a ceiling-raising pitcher, Kyle Schwarber, Junior Caminero, and J-Rod as high-upside options, with captain-like value from Ronald Acuña Jr. and veterans like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman remaining relevant in early rounds.

MLB The Show has unveiled an exciting cover featuring three emerging stars: Gunnar Henderson, Paul Skenes, and Elly De La Cruz. This innovative approach to the cover design aims to highlight the development stories of these talented players and celebrates their achievements in the game. Even the cover design is packed with details, such as the inclusion of various team logos that trace their journey from college to the major leagues.

While the hosts admit they may not play the game as much as fans might expect, they recognize the passion and addiction it fosters among players, especially during events like the pandemic. The anticipation for future editions also looms large, with the expectation that players like Bobby Witt Jr. will eventually grace the cover as well.

The first Cooko Friday of the year kicked off with valuable insights into which breakout players from the previous MLB season might repeat their successes in 2025. A robust discussion was led by Frank SLE, Scott White, and Chris Towers, analyzing the breakout potential of players like Jarren Duran and Jackson Merrill. Duran had an impressive 2023, finishing as one of the top outfielders with 21 homers and 34 steals, prompting intense debate on his repeatability for 2025. Scott rates Duran an 8 on the redo meter, highlighting his experience and growth into a full-time player, though he notes his age could be a factor in future performance.

Jackson Merrill, also a hot topic, finished among the top 12 outfielders and impressed with his strong rookie season. Chris awards him a 7, citing his potential for improvement despite concerns regarding his hitting discipline and park factors. They also discussed other emerging talents, including Paul Skenes and Jackson Churio, who both showed significant promise. Interestingly, Skenes earned a 9 rating, indicating strong expectations based on his stellar rookie performance, while Churio, despite being highly regarded, received mixed reviews due to his lack of consistent hitting metrics.

The episode further explored the dynamics of the upcoming season, including how teams like the Red Sox and A's might shape the fates of these players. With a focus on detailed analytics, including OPS and expected batting averages, the hosts provided a deep dive into the strategic elements of drafting players who have shown breakout potential. This comprehensive analysis serves as a guide for fantasy baseball enthusiasts to navigate their drafts and expectations for 2025.