As the 2025 season unfolds, fantasy baseball managers need to familiarize themselves with the nuances of player position eligibility rules introduced by ESPN at the start of the 2024 season. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how players can qualify for different positions:

Eligibility Criteria for Hitters

1. Minimum Games Played: A player must have played at least 20 games at a position in the previous season.
2. Percentage of Games: Alternatively, they can qualify if they played at least 25% of their games at the position, as long as they have a minimum of five games there.
3. Designated Hitter (DH): The DH role counts as a position, potentially allowing players to qualify solely based on this designation.

Eligibility Criteria for Pitchers

• Starting Pitchers: Must have made at least five starts in the previous season.
• Relief Pitchers: Need to have made at least eight relief appearances last season.

Player Spotlights

One of the most talked-about players will undoubtedly be Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers. He begins 2025 eligible at shortstop and right field but not at second base due to having played only 18 games there last season. Despite this, there’s still room for him to regain second base eligibility if he appears in 10 games at that position this season.

Another player to watch is Willson Contreras of the St. Louis Cardinals. Starting the season with catcher eligibility, he will move to first base full-time. However, his first base eligibility will not kick in until he plays 10 games at that position this season.

Rookies Making Their Mark

This season also introduces exciting rookies like Roman Anthony and Matt Shaw, although neither qualifies under the eligibility rules based on their previous season performances. Anthony earned his spot in fantasy leagues playing primarily in center field during his minor league games, while Shaw's mix of infield positions gives him eligibility at third base, second base, and shortstop.

For Injured Players and International Signings

For players who missed the entire previous season like Felix Bautista, or those who only played in foreign leagues like J.B. Wendelken, eligibility considerations revert to whichever position they played the most in their last season of participation.

This system is designed to accommodate players who may have been sidelined or who come from international leagues while ensuring that fantasy managers can make informed choices as they draft for the new season.

Conclusion

With the 2025 fantasy baseball season set to commence, understanding these eligibility rules not only helps in drafting but also in making strategic in-season adjustments. Stay informed, be flexible, and prepare your lineup as the fantasy baseball landscape continues to evolve!