I am doing a series where I offer up three fantasy baseball thoughts for every MLB team. I’ll take a look at under-the-radar stats, playing time projections, projected roles, and off-season news to try and highlight the nuggets that might help you in your 2025 fantasy baseball drafts. We’ll do this thing in alphabetical order, and next up are three thoughts for the 2025 Kansas City Royals.
3 Fantasy Baseball Thoughts for the 2025 Kansas City Royals
Jonathan India Takes Advantage of His Change of Scenery
It feels like Jonathan India was rumored to be traded for at least the last two years. Now, it finally happened and India shifts to Kansas City. India was able to stay on the field last year as he hit .248 in 151 games. Batting at the top of the order, India and his 12.8% walk rate are OBP assets at .357.
India is a solid power/speed threat with 15 home runs and 13 stolen bases while scoring 84 times. He now joins the top of an improving Kansas City lineup and scoring runs shouldn’t be a problem. There is some optimism in his .269 xBA, and India projects to be a solid option.
Lucas Erceg Took to Closing
Well, that was unexpected. Lucas Erceg just stepped into the closer’s role for the Royals last season and simply didn’t look back. The hard-throwing right-hander averaged 98.8 miles per hour on his fastball while picking up 14 saves on the season. Erceg found consistency in the second half of the season, and neither the role nor the situation seemed too big for him. Regardless of the leverage situation, Erceg performed well as he took to the role with ease.
Originally a position player, Erceg has been able to harness his velocity and become a true pitcher. He had a 3.36 ERA over 61.2 innings with a 3.17 xERA and 2.53 FIP. The good news is that Erceg limits both walks (2.34 BB/9) and home runs (0.44 HR/9). Erceg allowed just a 6.3% barrel rate from opposing hitters and we are looking at a 30-35 save option for 2025.
Let Maikel Garcia Run
At each point in the draft, there are different player targets to hit specific categories. Once you get past pick 200, things do get a little hairier and there are often sacrifices to be made. Essentially, you are making the best of a less-than-ideal situation while completing your roster build around the edges.
If you find yourself light on both speed and infield flexibility, then Makiel Garcia becomes an interesting option. Garcia is eligible at third and second base which also means you can use him in both your corner and middle infield slots. With a .231 batting average, there is a sacrifice in that department, but Garcia isn’t a complete liability that can’t be accounted for as part of your roster build.
With seven home runs and 58 RBI last year, Garcia is going to be lacking from a power perspective. However, his 84 runs scored were strong, but it’s the 37 stolen bases that we are after. Garcia doesn’t strike out much, 16.1%, but he also doesn’t hit the ball hard.
Garcia’s .264 xBA last season should help to make you feel better and his 85.6% contact rate is elite. That allows Garcia to put his speed to good use.
For more of the great fantasy baseball rankings and analysis you’ve come to expect from FantraxHQ, check out our full 2025 Fantasy Baseball Draft Kit! We’re here for you all the way up until Opening Day and then on into your championship run.
2025 Fantrax Fantasy Sports
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