A week ago, I wrote about five early standouts that I think could be fakeouts. They provided me with some skepticism, and I felt it was necessary to warn few about them.
In doing this, I implicitly endorsed the rest of the early standouts. Of course, they could also be fakeouts – any player doing something out of character should raise flags – but I lacked substantial evidence against them and was at least open to observing their progress.
However, there were requests for me to make my implicit claims explicit by highlighting certain early-season standouts that may indeed have staying power. Figuring out who to spotlight proved challenging, and while I wrestled with the criteria to yield a perfect list size, I’ve ultimately chosen to showcase the eight players that most deserve this attention.
The reason for this selection is partially because I find it easier to justify their breakthroughs, which bolsters my confidence in their future performance. Furthermore, I believe the average Fantasy Baseball player might not yet be fully committed to these names and may contemplate dropping them after a rough week or two. They require my support more than, say, Tyler Soderstrom or Spencer Torkelson do.
I also want to clarify that my focus is principally on the surprises rather than universally drafted players.

Kris Bubic, SP, Royals

2025 Stats

• W-L: 4-2
• ERA: 1.69
• WHIP: 1.10
• INN: 48
• BB: 14
• K: 47
  If you utilize a reliever with a starting pitcher’s arsenal posting a 2.67 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and 11.6 K/9 figures, this results in logic supporting that direction. Bubic already provided evidence of this with prior performances before his Tommy John surgery in 2023, having improved his arsenal with newer pitches like a slider and a harder changeup.

Ben Rice, 1B, Yankees

2025 Stats

• AVG: .256
• HR: 9
• OBP: .360
• OPS: .918
• AB: 129
  Rice was previously underrated, having put up strong minor league stats but receiving little recognition from evaluators. He may have not appeared promising last year, but improvements have brewed into a powerful 2025 performance.

Lars Nootbaar, OF, Cardinals

2025 Stats

• AVG: .250
• HR: 6
• SB: 4
• AB: 160
  Nootbaar has proven hot trending potential, maximizing the aspects of his game after earlier setbacks. He’s taken to elevate his launch angle and maintain a high contact percentage which speaks volumes of his capabilities.

Maikel Garcia, 2B/3B, Royals

2025 Stats

• AVG: .295
• HR: 4
• SB: 10
• OPS: .818
  Garcia flatly wasn’t on my radar at the start of 2025 due to previous struggles, however, significant progression in his hits and on-base production has been seen and should definitely intrigue fantasy players.

Jorge Polanco, 2B/3B, Mariners

2025 Stats

• AVG: .327
• HR: 10
• OPS: 1.045
• AB: 104
  Polanco aims a comeback, thanks to medical intervention on long-standing knee issues. The results are promising, giving hope he can reclaim his past self.

Reese Olson, SP, Tigers

2025 Stats

• W-L: 4-3
• ERA: 3.38
• WHIP: 1.29
• INN: 42.2
• BB: 18
• K: 45
  Olson encounters skepticism on his fastball, yet the ability of his secondary pitches stands out and goes unnoticed by many. His multiplication in whiff rates is certainly a boon for his future.

Jonathan Aranda, 1B, Rays

2025 Stats

• AVG: .342
• HR: 5
• OBP: .429
• OPS: .981
  Aranda majestically showcases his minor league prowess, which seems to mesh perfectly with his current major league display. Its sustainability will remain dependent on matchups, particularly facing left-handed pitchers.

TJ Friedl, OF, Reds

2025 Stats

• AVG: .276
• HR: 3
• SB: 8
• OBP: .358
• OPS: .742
  Friedl’s performance may seem to have taken a hit recently, but he still plays a crucial role within the lineup, and the chances of him returning to his previous form are high.