X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Hitters Under $5 - Fantasy Baseball Auction Draft Values (2025)

Christian Encarnacion-Strand - Fantasy Baseball Rankings, Draft Sleepers, MLB Prospects

Pranav's auction draft fantasy baseball sleepers, hitters under $5 to target in 2025 auction leagues. These are upside fantasy baseball auction draft values.

Welcome RotoBallers to the next article in our fantasy baseball auction draft series targeting hitters with an average auction value (AAV) of under $5. In the auction draft format, fantasy baseball managers are no longer bound to the inane order of the snake draft.

But with freedom comes choice. You may have blown too much cash trying to haul in the big players, and realized you have to fill out your roster with cheap players. It may feel scary, but if you plan ahead for draft picks under $5, you'll likely be in a great spot going into the season.

In this article, we will target the hitters with average auction values of less than $5 that should offer the most value. RotoBaller's content for fantasy baseball auction leagues will keep on coming, so be sure to check it all out!

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

 

Trevor Story, SS, Boston Red Sox

$3 AAV (Average Auction Value)

After suffering through three injury-riddled seasons, Trevor Story has become untrustworthy in fantasy baseball. Last year, he only appeared in 26 games, slashing .255/.340/.394 with two home runs, 10 RBI, eight runs, six stolen bases, and a 31.1 percent strikeout rate.

With such a small sample size, there's very little you can glean from his 2024 performance. There's as much data to support him as there is to oppose him. However, his important measurables held relatively stable.

His 28.1 ft/sec sprint speed is lower than the 29.6 ft/sec sprint speed of his peak, but the 31-year-old is still reliable for double-digit steal totals at that rate.

You can't look at his 2024 season, but Story has a track record of success that you can't find for cheap any longer. Even in seasons where he was limited to under 100 games, Story has managed double-digit steal and home run totals. He should still give fantasy players those numbers in 2025, as ATC projects .230/.301/.383 with 13 home runs, 51 RBI, 53 runs, and 19 stolen bases through 112 games.

You can't love what you have seen recently from Story, but you shouldn't throw the baby out with the bathwater. The starting shortstop is an everyday player who should pick up enough home runs and steals to justify drafting him in 2025.

While you shouldn't rely on Story as a starting piece, he's less of a risk in auction leagues, considering how low he is priced. RotoBaller recommends an auction value of $6 for Trevor Story, making him a steal at his $3 AAV.

 

Christian Encarnacion-Strand, 1B, Cincinnati Reds

$3 AAV (Average Auction Value)

Christian Encarnacion-Strand came into the 2024 season off the heels of an incredible performance in his debut year. In 2023, he slashed .270/.328/.477 with 13 home runs, 37 RBI, 29 runs, and two stolen bases through 63 games.

However, a wrist injury torpedoed his second season, as he was limited to just 29 games, slashing .190/.220/.293 with two home runs, 16 RBI, and 13 runs.

Nevertheless, the 25-year-old is still one of the league's most interesting young hitting talents. In 2023, he held a 48.4 percent hard-hit rate, .457 xwOBAcon, 38.6 percent sweet-spot rate, and 10.5 percent barrel rate, all putting him among the better players in the league. His power numbers will play well in the incredibly hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park.

The only worry should be the lack of clear playing time in Cincinnati. However, the young hitter has a good shot at displacing any of designated hitter Jake Fraley, or the infielders Gavin Lux and Jeimer Candelario with a decent showing in spring training (he's already up to two home runs through 13 plate appearances).

ATC projects a line of .257/.309/.451 with 17 home runs, 57 RBI, 47 runs, and two stolen bases in just 95 games. RotoBaller recommends an auction value of $3 for Christian Encarnacion-Strand, making him a worthy pick for cheap power.

 

Lars Nootbaar, OF, St. Louis Cardinals

$3 AAV (Average Auction Value)

A statistical darling since his debut in 2021, Lars Nootbaar has yet to put together a full season. His performance in 2024 looks to be among the worst numbers of his career, but he still managed a solid season, slashing .244/.322/.417 with 12 home runs, 45 RBI, 39 runs, and seven stolen bases through 109 games.

However, the advanced numbers still held up for Nootbaar in 2024, with a .264 xBA, .455 xSLG, .355 xwOBA (.331 wOBA), .395 xwOBAcon, 49.5 percent hard-hit rate, and 9.9 percent barrel rate. All of these suggest that he performed well enough to consider his 2024 season a continuation of his strong statistical profile.

The only concern with 2025 is his health, but there is no way to foresee the 27-year-old missing time. ATC projects a line of .247/.344/.428 with 17 home runs, 55 RBI, 60 runs, and nine stolen bases in 121 games.

RotoBaller recommends an auction value of $3 for Lars Nootbaar, making him a good value pick at his current AAV.

 

Jacob Young, OF, Washington Nationals

$3 AAV (Average Auction Value)

In his second year in the majors, Jacob Young settled into a nice everyday role with the Washington Nationals, slashing .256/.316/.331 with three home runs, 36 RBI, 75 runs, and 33 stolen bases in 150 games.

His statistical profile is rather gruesome, but Young still offers fantastic value in fantasy baseball this season.

His 33 steals are largely a byproduct of his elite 29.7 ft/sec sprint speed. The 25-year-old is likely to reach 30 steals again, if not more, in 2025. Additionally, he'll likely be ninth in the batting order, setting him up to once again deliver a high quantity of runs.

He should also offer solid production in the AVG category, with a .253 xBA, 19.3 percent whiff rate, 19.6 percent strikeout rate, and 83.1 percent contact rate likely to keep his batting average afloat.

The big worry for Young is his power. With a .317 xSLG, 1.6 percent barrel rate, and 28.9 percent barrel rate, his lack of power places him below more well-rounded candidates in the outfield.

While his elite defense (19 OAA in 2024, leading all outfielders) will keep him in the lineup daily, he won't be a starting-caliber option in fantasy baseball until he can add power. He arrived at spring training noticeably bigger and has already hit one over the fence through 16 spring training plate appearances, so he has a shot at improving his fantasy profile.

When you are this deep into the player pool, you will not find as many reliable, everyday players who offer massive production in at least one category. Young gives you that with his speed. He'll keep you afloat in the AVG category regardless, but he'll be one of the steals of the 2025 draft if his power improves.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!



More Fantasy Baseball Advice




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Joe Ryan

Posts Stellar Outing
Noelvi Marte

Has Big Game On Sunday
Jaylen Brown

Available For Game 4
Nick Lodolo

Throws Seven Scoreless Innings
Brandon Marsh

Removed Early During Rehab Game
Ranger Suárez

Ranger Suarez Looks Sharp In Rehab Start
Josh Jung

Makes Early Exit On Sunday
Tyler Glasnow

Removed Early On Sunday
Darius Garland

Questionable For Game 4
Jaden Ivey

Making Progress
Frederik Andersen

Exits Game 4 With Injury
Jake Neighbours

Shines On Sunday With Three Points
Jordan Binnington

Makes 30 Saves In Game 4 Victory
Patrik Laine

Not Expected To Play In Game 4
Sam Montembeault

Labeled Day-To-Day
Jarren Duran

Collects Four Hits On Sunday
Tarik Skubal

Racks Up 11 Strikeouts
Aliaksei Protas

Considered A Game-Time Decision Sunday
Logan Thompson

A Game-Time Call Sunday
Clayton Kershaw

To Make Two Rehab Starts This Week
Jackson Merrill

Takes Batting Practice On Sunday
Sean Murphy

Taking A Seat On Sunday
Will Smith

Resting On Sunday
Max Brosmer

Minnesota Adds Insurance With Max Brosmer

Donovan Edwards Inks Deal With Jets
Tyler Fitzgerald

To Miss Second Straight Game
Jazz Chisholm Jr.

No Longer Facing One-Game Suspension

Nick Nash Signs With The Falcons
Kevin Gausman

Allows Six Earned Runs In Short Outing On Sunday
Cam Ward

Xavier Restrepo Reunites With Cam Ward In Tennessee
Wyatt Langford

Resting On Sunday
Ian Anderson

Claimed Off Waivers By The Braves
Connor Gillispie

Optioned To Triple-A On Sunday
Cedric Mullins

Sitting With Illness
Adley Rutschman

Out With Hand Injury
Chase Elliott

Is One OF The Top Overall DFS Picks Of The Week
Joey Logano

Could Joey Logano Finish A Race With A Top Finish At Talladega?
NASCAR

DFS Players Should Like Bubba Wallace For Talladega This Week
Christopher Bell

Should DFS Players Roster Christopher Bell At Talladega?
Austin Cindric

Is Austin Cindric Worth Rostering For Talladega DFS Lineups?
Shane Van Gisbergen

Is A Solid, Safe, DFS Choice For Talladega Lineups
Austin Dillon

Is Austin Dillon A Viable DFS Play At Talladega This Week?
Josh Berry

Qualifies Too High At Talladega To Be Worth Rostering In DFS
Michael McDowell

Should DFS Players Take A Shot On Michael McDowell At Talladega?
Noah Gragson

Could Be A Sneaky DFS Play For Talladega
William Nylander

Posts Two Assists In Losing Effort
Denny Hamlin

Probably Qualified Too Well for DFS Consideration
Kyle Larson

Increasingly Undervalued Due to His Crashing, but Still a Great DFS Option
Kyle Busch

Nearly Always Leads at Talladega, but Rarely Leads Much
Tyler Reddick

Drafting Track Record Worse Than It Looks
Daniel Suarez

Likely Motivated at Talladega Since Trackhouse Cars Likely Too Slow for Him to Win On Regular Tracks
Ryan Preece

Qualifies Fourth Due to Ford Dominance, but Don't Expect Him to Finish There
Justin Haley

Qualifies 37th in First Race After Rodney Childers's Departure
Chase Briscoe

Post-Daytona 500 Penalty Results in Much Worse Talladega Qualifying for Chase Briscoe
Alex Bowman

Starting Too Well for Place Differential Points, but Not Well Enough for Leader Points
Chris Buescher

Qualifies Sixth Thanks to Ford Dominance, but Probably Won't Lead Enough to Be Valuable in DFS
Ty Gibbs

Despite Current Momentum, Ty Gibbs Qualified Too Well for DFS Consideration
Jake Sanderson

Keeps Senators Alive With Overtime Winner
Mackenzie Blackwood

Records First Postseason Shutout
Gabriel Landeskog

Scores First Goal In Nearly Three Years
Ivan Barbashev

Gives Vegas Vital Win
Nikita Kucherov

Records Three Assists In Game 3 Win
Troy Stecher

Cleared For Sunday
Jimmy Butler III

Ruled Out On Saturday
Isaiah Stewart

Questionable For Sunday's Game
Jaylen Brown

Questionable For Game 4
Jrue Holiday

Won't Play On Sunday
Quinn Ewers

Dolphins Select Quinn Ewers In Seventh Round
Brenden Dillon

Out On Sunday
Mitchell Robinson

Questionable For Game 4 Versus Detroit
Luke Hughes

To Remain Out On Sunday
Michael Porter Jr.

Available On Saturday Night
Aliaksei Protas

Practices Fully On Saturday
Russell Westbrook

Won't Suit Up For Game 4
Gabriel Vilardi

A Game-Time Decision For Sunday
Oskar Bäck

Oskar Back A Game-Time Call On Saturday
Ross Colton

Unavailable Saturday
Miro Heiskanen

Remains Out Saturday
Riley Leonard

Drafted By Colts Saturday
Will Howard

Steelers Select Will Howard In Sixth Round Of NFL Draft
Kyle McCord

Eagles Add Kyle McCord To Quarterback Room
Ollie Gordon II

Miami Adds Ollie Gordon II To Backfield
Oronde Gadsden II

Chargers Add KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Oronde Gadsden II To Offense
DJ Giddens

Colts Add DJ Giddens To Backfield
Jaydon Blue

Dallas Cowboys Draft Jaydon Blue In Fifth Round
Jordan Watkins

49ers Add Jordan Watkins To Offense
Shedeur Sanders

Browns Trade Up To Select Shedeur Sanders In The Fifth Round
Sam Howell

Seahawks Trade Sam Howell To Vikings
Elic Ayomanor

Titans Continue To Address Offense, Select Elic Ayomanor
Jalen Royals

Chiefs Bolster Receiver Room With Jalen Royals
Jaylin Lane

Commanders Add Jaylin Lane To Wide Receiver Room
Dylan Sampson

Browns Select Dylan Sampson With 126th Pick
Gunnar Helm

Titans Use Fourth-Round Pick On Gunnar Helm
Jarquez Hunter

Rams Select Jarquez Hunter In Fourth Round
Darius Garland

Won't Suit Up For Game 3
Darius Garland

Unavailable For Pregame Warmup
Jrue Holiday

Classified As "Day-To-Day"
Brandin Podziemski

Not On Injury Report For Game 3
Jimmy Butler III

Warriors Optimistic About Jimmy Butler III Playing Saturday
Jae'Sean Tate

To Remain Out Saturday
Jock Landale

Unavailable For Game 3
Terry Rozier

Out On Saturday
Jrue Holiday

Ruled Out For Friday Night's Game 3 Against Orlando
Kevin Love

To Miss Saturday's Game
Jaylen Brown

Available For Friday Night's Game 3 Against Magic
Carlos Prates

Looks To Remain Undefeated In The UFC
Ian Machado Garry

Set For UFC Kansas City Main Event
Zhang Mingyang

Scheduled For Co-Main Event
Anthony Smith

Set For His Final UFC Bout
David Onama

Set For Featherweight Bout
Giga Chikadze

Looks To Bounce Back
Abus Magomedov

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Michel Pereira

Returns To Action At UFC Kansas City
Nicolas Dalby

An Underdog At UFC Kansas City
Randy Brown

A Favorite At UFC Kansas City
Andre Muniz

Set To Open Up UFC Kansas City Main Card
Ikram Aliskerov

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Cam Davis

Looking For Better Fortunes At TPC Louisiana
Adam Svensson

Making Third Apperence At Zurich Classic
Max Greyserman

Aiming For Similar Success At TPC Louisiana
Lee Hodges

A High-Upside Player In New Orleans
PGA

Nico Echavarria Looks To Ride Off Of Elite Putting In New Orleans
Gary Woodland

A Player Worth Watching In New Orleans
Max McGreevy

Returns To The Zurich Classic Of New Orleans
Rasmus Hojgaard

In Search Of Consistency Ahead Of Zurich Classic
Sam Stevens

A Boom-Or-Bust Candidate In New Orleans
Nicolai Hojgaard

Looking To Turn Season Around At Zurich Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

Looks To Sway A Hot Putter In Teams Favor At Zurich Classic
Akshay Bhatia

Looking To Bounce Back At TPC Louisiana
Carson Young

Looks To Turn Things Around At TPC Louisiana
Erik Van Rooyen

Looking For Momentum In Louisiana
Andrew Novak

Making Start At TPC Louisiana After Near Miss At Harbour Town
Ben Griffin

Making Third Career Start At Zurich Classic
Taylor Moore

Competing With A New Teammate In New Orleans
Wyndham Clark

Making Return To New Orleans
Kurt Kitayama

Teeing It Up Again In New Orleans
Collin Morikawa

Back At Zurich Classic For Fifth Time
Thomas Detry

Making Third Appearance At New Orleans Team Event
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF