If you're brave enough, you can jump into a 2025 fantasy baseball draft in November.

For some, it’s never too early to start preparing for the upcoming fantasy baseball season. If you’re eager to join a 2025 draft as early as November, platforms like the National Fantasy Baseball Championship (NFBC) and other private league hosting sites are ready to accommodate.

Of course, drafting this early presents several unique challenges. We don’t yet know where free agents will sign, what trades will occur, or which relatively unknown players will emerge during Spring Training. Moreover, we have limited access to draft strategy publications such as Fantasy Index Baseball, and rankings and projections for 2025 are still scarce. However, while drafting this early has its drawbacks, it also offers an edge for those who take the time to prepare and hit on a few key picks.

Here’s a list of 10 important factors to consider when entering early drafts:

1. Average Draft Position (ADP)

The NFBC is already running drafts, and as a result, they provide valuable ADP information from completed drafts. ADP data is crucial for winning public fantasy leagues, helping you understand where players are typically going and whether your rankings align with or differ from the market. While early November ADP data is still based on a limited number of drafts, expect it to fluctuate significantly as more drafts take place through the offseason. In the meantime, ADP can serve as a useful guide for identifying potential bargains where players might be underpriced.

2. Projections

While it’s still very early, Steamer projections are already available at Fangraphs, and more systems will be released as the offseason progresses. With so few projections available, it’s common for multiple teams in your draft to value players similarly. To gain an edge, adjust playing time and stats based on ADP, past performance, and other factors that could impact player value.

3. Player Raters

Historical performance is often a good predictor of future success, making player rating systems like ESPN and Razzball valuable resources for early draft prep. While these systems use different methodologies, comparing them with ADP and projections will help you refine your rankings. Look for discrepancies between your preferred rating system and the market, as these gaps can offer profitable opportunities.

4. Free Agent Trackers

Predicting where free agents will sign can be tricky, but it undoubtedly impacts player values. While it’s impossible to predict with certainty, respected writers and sites like MLB Trade Rumors have already made educated guesses. Even though you can’t know exactly where a player will land, you can assess how changes in environment (e.g., moving from hitter-friendly to pitcher-friendly parks) may affect a player’s value. Monitor these developments closely and adjust your rankings as necessary.

5. Player News

The offseason brings a steady stream of player news, from beat writers and major outlets like The Athletic, to fantasy news sites like Rotowire and Rotoworld. Social media is also a valuable tool for tracking breaking news and staying updated on player developments. At this stage, even small pieces of information—such as injury updates, position changes, or improvements in a player's skill set—can provide a significant edge in your draft strategy. Be proactive in following news sources to stay ahead of the market.

6. Injuries

Injuries require special attention when preparing for early drafts. Consider players who missed significant time last season but are expected to return in 2025. What’s the expected timetable for players who underwent offseason surgery or were sidelined late last year? While navigating injuries can be challenging without medical expertise, fantasy news aggregators and social media accounts can provide valuable insights. However, it's generally wise to err on the side of caution when projecting playing time for players returning from injury.

7. Player Metrics

Advanced statistics and player metrics, available at sites like Baseball Savant, Fangraphs, and Baseball-Reference, are invaluable for early draft preparation. With no Spring Training data or offseason performance news available yet, historical metrics become even more crucial. These sites offer an array of stats that help you assess player performance and project future value, making them essential tools throughout the draft season.

8. Adjusting for Certainty

Although there’s still much uncertainty heading into the offseason, we do know a lot about some players. Proven veterans who are signed and slated to return in 2025 are likely to maintain their roles and playing time, and this consistency is reflected in early ADP data. Established closers and players with guaranteed starting spots may be priced higher early on, while free agents with uncertain destinations tend to be cheaper. Keep this in mind as you adjust your strategy for the uncertainty that will eventually clear up by March.

9. Prospect Guidance

There are many great resources for MLB prospect information, from established publications like Baseball America and MLB.com to blogs to prospect writers. As mentioned, there’s also more uncertainty about rookies and their potential to contribute in the upcoming season until we get into Spring Training, so sorting through the available information is even more important.

10. Analyzing the Player Pool, Positions, and Tiers

One long-standing debate in fantasy baseball is whether to target scarce positions early in the draft. Regardless of your strategy, it's essential to have a clear understanding of player eligibility and position depth. Be sure to assess which positions are shallow and which are deep before diving into your draft. Tools like Draft Buddy and other fantasy baseball resources offer detailed data on last season's position eligibility and games played, which can guide you in making more informed decisions.

Conclusion

While drafting for the 2025 fantasy baseball season this early presents challenges, it also offers opportunities to get ahead of the competition. By staying on top of ADP trends, projections, player news, and other key resources, you can make informed decisions and identify potential values that others may overlook. With careful preparation and a bit of luck, drafting early can give you a significant edge when the 2025 season finally begins.

—Seth Trachtman