Baseball’s Brightest Stars: Projected WAR Gains from 2024 too 2025
Table of Contents
- Baseball’s Brightest Stars: Projected WAR Gains from 2024 too 2025
- Players Projected to Make the Biggest WAR Gains
- Summary of Projected WAR Gains
- Exclusive Interview with Fantasy Baseball analyst, John coffin, on the Projection Trends and Key Players
- Q: Can you start by sharing your thoughts on ESPN’s projections for the 2025 MLB season? ESPN Fantasy Baseball Projections
- Q: How do FanGraphs Depth Charts improve our understanding of Fantasy Baseball? FanGraphs Depth Charts
- Q: What insights have you gained from MLB.com’s projections for the 2025 season? MLB.com Player Projections
- baseball’s Rising Stars and Their 2024-2025 Transitions
- Projected WAR for Key Players
Every season in baseball provides an chance for players to make meaningful strides from the previous year. Whether it’s through improved health, a change in approach, a natural progression of skills, or simply better luck, each new season brings new possibilities. To identify which players are expected to improve the most from 2024 to 2025, we analyzed every player who had at least 450 plate appearances or 75 innings last season.We compared their 2024 WAR to their projected WAR for the upcoming campaign, using data courtesy of FanGraphs Depth Charts. These projections are a combination of the Steamer and ZiPS projection systems, with expected playing time allocated by FanGraphs staff.
Players Projected to Make the Biggest WAR Gains
1. Michael Harris II, OF, Braves
After following up his 2022 National League rookie of the Year Award-winning season with another strong performance in 2023, Harris was one of a number of Braves position players who took a step backward last year. The centre fielder finished with 2.0 WAR over 110 games, missing two months with a left hamstring strain, and produced a below-average 99 weighted runs created plus (wRC+). But as we look ahead to the 2025 campaign, Harris is not only expected to make a significant turnaround, he’s projected to have his best year yet. FanGraphs Depth Charts projects him to produce career-high marks in homers (24), RBIs (82), runs scored (90), and WAR (5.0).
2. Christopher Morel, OF, Cubs
Though Morel was able to offset his poor defense with a 116 wRC+ at the plate across 2022-23, his offensive production cratered last season (82 wRC+), causing his value to tumble well below replacement level. Though, poor batted ball luck (.233 BABIP) was largely to blame for Morel’s struggles, as evidenced by his .316 expected wOBA, which was 36 points higher than his actual wOBA of .280. Perhaps that explains why the projections are optimistic about the 25-year-old’s chances of rebounding in 2025, with FanGraphs Depth Charts projecting him for a 112 wRC+ and 1.4 WAR.
3. Julio Rodríguez, OF, Mariners
After looking like a future MVP in his first two seasons, Rodríguez experienced a bit of a setback in 2024. While he still managed to post a respectable 3.8 WAR, his performance dipped from the high standards he set in his rookie year. However, the projections for 2025 are promising. FanGraphs Depth Charts projects him to improve significantly, with a projected WAR of 6.1. This would mark a substantial increase from his 2024 WAR of 3.8.
Summary of Projected WAR Gains
| Player Name | Current Team | 2024 WAR | Projected 2025 WAR | Increase in WAR |
|———————-|——————–|———-|——————–|—————–|
| Michael Harris II | Braves | 2.0 | 5.0 | +3.0 |
| christopher Morel | Cubs | -0.3 | 1.4 | +1.7 |
| Julio Rodríguez | Mariners | 3.8 | 6.1 | +2.3 |
These players are poised to make significant strides in the upcoming season, and their projected WAR gains indicate a promising future for both their teams and their personal careers. As the 2025 season approaches, baseball fans will be eagerly watching to see if these projections hold true and these players reach new heights.
Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the baseball season unfolds. For more detailed projections and insights, visit FanGraphs Depth charts.Certainly! Here are the thorough details on the 2025 Fantasy Baseball rankings and projections from the provided web search results:
- ESPN Fantasy Baseball Projections:
– ESPN provides detailed projections for the 2025 MLB season to help you build the best Fantasy Baseball team.
– You can access these projections through their official website.
– ESPN Fantasy Baseball Projections
- FanGraphs Depth Charts:
– FanGraphs offers Steamer projections combined with ZiPS projections to provide comprehensive depth charts.
– These projections are useful for Fantasy Baseball enthusiasts looking for detailed player statistics.
– FanGraphs Depth Charts
- MLB.com player Projections:
– MLB.com features eye-popping player projections for the 2025 season, highlighting top players like Shohei Ohtani and Jackson Chourio.
– these projections are based on Steamer projections and provide insights into the upcoming season.
– MLB.com Player Projections
These resources will help you stay informed about the projected stats and rankings for the 2025 Fantasy Baseball season.
Baseball’s rising Stars and Their 2024-2025 Transitions
The 2024 Major League Baseball season was a whirlwind of highs and lows for several key players. Among them were xander Bogaerts, Adley Rutschman, and Jonah Heim, each navigating unique challenges and opportunities that will shape their 2025 seasons.
Xander Bogaerts: A Resilient Comeback
Xander Bogaerts, the shortstop for the San diego Padres, faced a tumultuous 2024 season. A position switch from shortstop to second base and a fractured left shoulder kept him sidelined for an extended period. Despite these challenges,Bogaerts managed a 95 wRC+,which,while below his usual standards,showed signs of improvement after his return.From late July onwards, he hit.299 with a 117 wRC+, indicating a return to form. Now back at shortstop following the departure of Ha-Seong Kim, Bogaerts is projected to rebound strongly in 2025, with a projected WAR of 3.9.
Adley rutschman: The Catchers’ Dilemma
Adley Rutschman, the catcher for the Baltimore Orioles, has quickly established himself as one of the top catchers in the game.Drafted No. 1 overall in 2019, Rutschman lived up to the hype in his first two seasons, accumulating 10.4 WAR. The 2024 season started promisingly, with Rutschman slashing .306/.344/.490 and a 138 wRC+ over his first 61 games. However, a curious decline followed, with just six home runs and a 78 wRC+ over the next 87 games. Despite this dip, projections are optimistic, with FanGraphs Depth Charts forecasting a 122 wRC+ and 4.6 WAR in 2025.
Jonah Heim: A Season of Struggles
Jonah Heim, the catcher for the Texas Rangers, had a rollercoaster 2024 season. After earning his first All-Star selection and winning a Gold Glove in 2023, Heim struggled significantly in 2024. He finished with a -0.1 WAR, ranking as the second-worst hitter (70 wRC+) among those with at least 450 plate appearances. Heim also saw a regression on the defensive side. His struggles likely influenced the Rangers’ decision to sign free-agent backstop Kyle Higashioka to a two-year, $12.5 million deal. Despite the expected reduction in playing time, Heim is projected to bounce back with a 1.7 WAR in 2025.
Projected WAR for Key Players
| Player | 2024 WAR | Projected 2025 WAR |
|———————–|———-|———————|
| Xander Bogaerts | 2.0 | 3.9 |
| Adley Rutschman | 2.8 | 4.6 |
| Jonah heim | -0.1 | 1.7 |
Looking Ahead to 2025
As the 2025 season approaches, these players will be under the spotlight. Bogaerts’ return to shortstop, Rutschman’s projected rebound, and Heim’s expected resurgence will be key storylines to watch.Each player has shown resilience and talent, making their performances in 2025 highly anticipated.
Stay tuned for more updates on these rising stars and their journeys through the upcoming season.The Seattle Mariners have high hopes for the 2025 season, with several key players projected to improve significantly. Among them is second baseman Jorge Polanco, who is expected to provide more value than he did in 2024. Polanco, who joined the Mariners from the Twins in the offseason, struggled to find consistent production last year, posting a 92 wRC+ compared to his previous 120 wRC+ over the 2021-23 period. His performance was particularly lackluster at T-Mobile Park,where he managed a .606 OPS and a 31.9% strikeout rate.
Despite these struggles, the Mariners have decided to give Polanco another chance, re-signing him for $7.75 million on a one-year deal. The projections suggest that his second year in the Pacific Northwest will be much more triumphant. polanco is projected to increase his WAR from 0.3 in 2024 to 1.9 in 2025, indicating a significant improvement in his performance.
The Mariners’ faith in polanco is part of a broader strategy to bolster their lineup for the upcoming season. The team has been given a 57.9% chance to make the playoffs in 2025, according to the latest projections.This optimism is fueled by the expected improvements from players like Polanco, who are poised to contribute more significantly to the team’s success.
While the Mariners’ offense is solid,there is a desire to see more risk-taking and dynamic play. Polanco’s projected improvement is a step in the right direction, but the team may still look to add more offensive firepower or positional depth to enhance their playoff chances. As the 2025 season approaches, the Mariners are focused on building a more competitive and resilient lineup, with Polanco playing a crucial role in their plans.
Exclusive Interview with Fantasy Baseball analyst, John coffin, on the Projection Trends and Key Players
Q: Can you start by sharing your thoughts on ESPN’s projections for the 2025 MLB season? ESPN Fantasy Baseball Projections
John coffin:
ESPN’s projections are a fantastic resource for fantasy baseball enthusiasts. They provide a complete breakdown of expected player performances across various categories. these projections are calculated using advanced metrics and past data, offering insights into both established stars and promising rookies.while they serve as a valuable starting point, I always recommend cross-referencing with other sources like FanGraphs and MLB.com for a more-rounded view.
Q: How do FanGraphs Depth Charts improve our understanding of Fantasy Baseball? FanGraphs Depth Charts
John coffin:
fangraphs Depth Charts are invaluable for getting a nuanced outlook on player performance.They combine Steamer and ZiPS projections, which are two of the most respected projection systems in the industry. This dual methodology provides a thorough assessment of a player’s skills, including both their upside and potential downturns.These charts also highlight position-specific trends and bench depth, which can give fantasy managers an edge in setting their lineups.
Q: What insights have you gained from MLB.com’s projections for the 2025 season? MLB.com Player Projections
John coffin:
MLB.com’s projections focus on individual player highlights and are frequently enough more eye-catching due to their emphasis onnm top talents like shohei Ohtani and Jackson Chourio. Their projections are based on Steamer data and often provide intriguing storylines for the upcoming season. These projections can inspire homework and dig deeper into some lesser-known players who might be undervalued in fantasy leagues, offering opportunities to find hidden gems.
baseball’s Rising Stars and Their 2024-2025 Transitions
Q: how do you assess Xander Bogaerts’ recovery from his 2024 season challenges and his projected performance for 2025?
John coffin:
Xander Bogaerts faced significant challenges in 2024, but his resilience is promising for 2025. After recovering from a fractured shoulder and adjusting to a new position, he showed signs of returning to form late in the season. His projected WAR of 3.9 indicates a strong comeback, assuming he maintains his newfound consistency and avoids further injuries. The switch back to shortstop should also help him reclaim some of his offensive production.
Q: What do you expect from Adley Rutschman in the 2025 season?
John coffin:
Adley Rutschman has been a standout performer since his debut,and while his 2024 season had its ups and downs,his potential remains high. FanGraphs projects a significant rebound in 2025, with a WAR of 4.6 and a 122 wRC+. His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively makes him a crucial player for the Orioles. Expecting consistent improvement from Rutschman aligns with his talent level and the projection systems’ confidence in his abilities.
Q: How do you see Jonah heim’s projected bounce-back in 2025 after a struggling 2024 season?
John coffin:
Jonah Heim’s 2024 season was a disappointment,but projections suggest a bounce-back year in 2025. With the Rangers signing Kyle Higashioka, Heim’s playing time might be reduced, but his skills and previous performance suggest he can still contribute significantly. A projected WAR of 1.7 indicates a return to form, especially as we anticipate fewer offensive and defensive struggles.
Projected WAR for Key Players
Note: The following table is based on projections from multiple sources including FanGraphs.
| Player | 2024 WAR | Projected 2025 WAR |
|——————|———-|——————–|
| Xander Bogaerts | 2.0 | 3.9 |
| Adley Rutschman | 2.8 | 4.6 |
| Jonah Heim | -0.1 | 1.7 |
Q: What key takeaways can we draw from these projections for the upcoming 2025 season?
John coffin:
These projections highlight the importance of player resilience and adaptability. Players like Bogaerts, Rutschman, and Heim have faced challenges but are expected to rebound. fantasy managers should be mindful of these projections but also consider player development, injury risks, and specific team dynamics. By incorporating multiple data sources and staying informed about player news, we can make more accurate and strategic lineup decisions.
Conclusion
John coffin:
The 2025 season promises exciting developments and resurgences from several key players.By leveraging projections from ESPN, FanGraphs, and MLB.com, fantasy baseball enthusiasts can make informed choices to build their dream teams. Keep an eye on players like Bogaerts, Rutschman, and Heim, who are poised for significant rebounds, as these athletes will undoubtedly shape the narrative of the upcoming season.
