San Diego Padres Fantasy Baseball Preview: Top Hitters to Target in 2025**
As we wrap up our fantasy baseball team previews, let’s dive into the **San Diego Padres’** lineup, which is loaded with talent and offers plenty of value for fantasy managers. After covering the team’s pitchers, here’s a breakdown of the Padres’ top hitters and their **Average Draft Position (ADP)** for the 2025 season.
### Top Fantasy Hitters
1. **Fernando Tatis Jr. (ADP: 18.74)**
Tatis remains one of the most electrifying players in baseball when healthy. Despite durability concerns—he’s played over 129 games just twice since 2019—Tatis is a fantasy powerhouse. In 102 games last season, he posted a **.276 average**, **.340 OBP**, **21 homers**, **49 RBIs**, **11 stolen bases**, and **64 runs scored**. If he stays healthy, Tatis has the potential to finish as the **top overall fantasy hitter**. Draft him around his ADP, but have a backup plan in case of injuries.
2. **Manny Machado (ADP: 31.81)**
Machado continues to be a reliable fantasy option, even as he enters his age-33 season. In 2024, he played 152 games, hitting **.275** with a **.325 OBP**, **29 homers**, **105 RBIs**, **11 steals**, and **77 runs scored**. He was a top-25 fantasy hitter in points leagues last year and the **second-best third baseman**. While his ADP might be slightly high, grabbing him around **pick 40** is a solid move.
3. **Jackson Merrill (ADP: 37.78)**
Merrill had a standout rookie season in 2024, hitting **.292** with a **.326 OBP**, **24 homers**, **90 RBIs**, **16 steals**, and **77 runs scored** in 156 games. Slotted in the heart of the Padres’ lineup, Merrill is poised for a breakout sophomore campaign. He’s a **top-10 outfielder** with the potential to finish as a **top-25 hitter**. Drafting him at his current ADP feels like a steal.
4. **Luis Arraez (ADP: 70.3)**
Arraez, acquired by the Padres last season, is a **batting average machine**. In 117 games with San Diego, he hit **.318** with a **.346 OBP**, **4 homers**, **41 RBIs**, **9 steals**, and **61 runs scored**. While his power numbers are limited, his ability to hit for average and get on base makes him a valuable asset, especially in **points leagues**. He’s a great pick around his ADP, particularly in leagues that reward high averages and OBP.
5. **Xander Bogaerts (ADP: 132.96)**
Bogaerts is a prime **bounce-back candidate** for 2025. Limited to 111 games last season, he hit **.264** with a **.307 OBP**, **11 homers**, **44 RBIs**, **13 steals**, and **50 runs scored**. With **shortstop and second base eligibility**, Bogaerts offers versatility and upside. Draft him as a **secondary option** at either position, and don’t be surprised if he outperforms his ADP.
6. **Jake Cronenworth (ADP: 151.33)**
Cronenworth provides steady production, hitting **.241** with a **.324 OBP**, **17 homers**, **83 RBIs**, **5 steals**, and **72 runs scored** in 141 games last season. With eligibility at **first and second base**, he’s a reliable depth piece for fantasy rosters. He’s a great late-round target who could exceed expectations.
### Other Starting Options
– **Jose Iglesias (2B)**: Iglesias hit **.337** with a **.381 OBP**, **4 homers**, **26 RBIs**, **6 steals**, and **39 runs scored** in 85 games with the Mets last season. He’s a **deep-league option** with potential to climb into standard leagues if he maintains his production.
– **Elias Diaz (C)**: Diaz combined for a **.265 average**, **.313 OBP**, **6 homers**, **39 RBIs**, and **27 runs scored** in 96 games between the Rockies and Padres. He’s a **deep-league option** but could gain value if he secures consistent playing time.
– **Jason Heyward (OF)**: Heyward is likely in a platoon role, making him a **deep-league option** at best.
### Top Prospects to Watch
– **Leodalis De Vries (SS)**: The No. 18 prospect hit **.237** with a **.361 OBP**, **11 homers**, **38 RBIs**, and **13 steals** in 75 minor league games last season. ETA: 2027.
– **Ethan Salas (C)**: The No. 33 prospect has a **.222 average**, **.304 OBP**, **13 homers**, and **94 RBIs** in 177 minor league games. ETA: 2027.
– **Tirso Ornelas (OF)**: Ornelas, with a 2025 ETA, has a career **.267 average**, **.352 OBP**, and **64 homers** in 726 minor league games.
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