Victor Scott II: From Struggling Rookie to Cardinals’ Fantasy Sleeper?

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Victor Scott II was a fantasy letdown in 2024, batting just .085 in 65 plate appearances before being demoted. However, early in 2025, he’s proving his worth with a .348 average, 1 HR, and 4 SB (as of Thursday).

• Could this be the year he breaks out as a 20-HR, 35-SB threat?
• His spring training power surge (4 HRs) suggests improved hitting ability.
• If he continues at this pace, Scott could be a steal in fantasy leagues, especially in roto formats.

Key Stat: Only Shohei Ohtani and Jose Ramirez combined 20+ HR and 30+ SB last season—could Scott join them?

Rafael Devers: A Troubling Start for Boston’s Slugger

Rafael Devers has been shifted to full-time DH duties, and the early returns have been rough:

• Strikeout rate over 50% in his first few games.
• Shoulder issues in Spring Training and defensive position change may be affecting his rhythm.
• Despite two hits on Wednesday, his bat speed looks slower, raising durability concerns.

Fantasy Takeaway: If Devers doesn’t regain his power stroke soon, managers may have to lower expectations from 30-HR upside to a .240, 24-HR floor.

Bo Bichette: Can He Bounce Back for the Blue Jays?

After a disastrous 2024 (.225 BA, .322 SLG), Bo Bichette is looking to return to form:

• Career .290+ hitter with 20-HR upside when healthy.
• New double-play partner Andres Gimenez adds intrigue (3 HR in 6 games).
• If he stays injury-free, Bichette could be a draft-day bargain in 2025.

Prospect Watch: Nick Kurtz’s Fast Track to the Majors

Nick Kurtz, Oakland’s No. 4 overall pick in 2024, is crushing Triple-A pitching (10-for-21, 3 HR).

• With Brent Rooker likely shifting to RF, Kurtz could be called up as early as May.
• His elite power and plate discipline (more walks than strikeouts) make him an instant fantasy add once promoted.

Hunter Goodman: The Underrated Power Catcher in Colorado

Hunter Goodman is getting consistent starts at C/DH for the Rockies, and his power is translating:

• 2 HR in 4 games so far, with cleanup lineup placement.
• Playing half his games at Coors Field boosts his 30-HR upside.
• If he keeps this up, he could vault into top-10 fantasy catcher territory.

Final Fantasy Takeaways:

• Victor Scott II is a must-add if still available.
• Rafael Devers is a sell-high candidate if he doesn’t rebound soon.
• Nick Kurtz and Hunter Goodman are sneaky waiver wire pickups.
• Bo Bichette remains a prime bounce-back candidate.