Fantasy baseball draft season is here and, as we’ve discussed before, when drafting first basemen, the preference is to attack the position early and grab one of those top-five guys. But what happens when you miss out on them? What direction do you take? 

Some might tell you to reach a little for someone like Vinnie Pasquantino so you don’t miss out but having just taken part in a 14-teamer for the FSGA where I did not draft a top-five guy, I can assure you that reaching for mediocrity is a mistake.

 

 

 

Fantasy Baseball Late-Round First Base Targets

The fantasy baseball first base position is shallower than a backyard kiddie pool these days, so finding value late can be the difference between hoisting that trophy or crying into your beer. 

Let’s talk about three fantasy baseball 1B you should be targeting in the double-digit rounds for 2025: Nathaniel Lowe, Ryan Mountcastle, and Michael Busch. These guys aren’t going to cost you an arm and a leg, but they could deliver some serious bang for your buck.

 

 

 

Nathaniel Lowe, Washington Nationals - ADP 242.43

Let’s start with Nathaniel Lowe, the newest member of the Washington Nationals. This guy won’t overwhelm you with big power numbers, but he’s been pretty consistent for years, and now he’s escaping pitcher-friendly Globe Life Park for a more neutral home stadium with an exciting, young lineup surrounding him. 

In 2024, Lowe was banged up early, but once he got rolling, he hit .274 with a .371 OBP in the second half, smacking 14 dingers. That’s a guy who can anchor your lineup without breaking the bank. 

He’s projected to hit cleanup behind studs like CJ Abrams and Dylan Crews—talk about RBI opportunities! Sure, Nationals Park isn’t Coors Field, but it’s a step up from Texas, and Lowe’s got a career 122 wRC+ that says he’s no slouch. At an ADP hovering around 240, he’s a high-floor steal who won’t kill your ratios.

 

 

 

Ryan Mountcastle, Baltimore Orioles - ADP 231.23

Next, Ryan Mountcastle, the Orioles’ slugger who’s been cursed by Camden Yards’ ridiculous left-field wall. For years, that park swallowed his power like a black hole—Statcast says he’d have 14 more homers over the last three seasons in a neutral venue. 

But here’s the kicker: Baltimore moved the fences in for 2025, and suddenly Mountcastle’s looking like a 25-30 homer guy again. He’s coming off a down year (13 HRs in 118 games), but his exit velocities still scream top-tier pop, and he’s smack in the middle of a lineup that’s a fantasy wet dream. 

Going around pick 230, Mountcastle’s a low-risk, high-reward player who could return to his 33-homer form from 2021. Don’t sleep on this bounce-back.

 

 

 

Michael Busch, Chicago Cubs - ADP 244.3

Finally, Michael Busch, the Cubs’ breakout rookie from 2024 who’s flying under the radar. This kid got his shot last season and ran with it—21 homers, 65 RBIs, and a .775 OPS in 152 games. 

He’s locked into an everyday gig at first, and while his .248 average won’t win any batting titles, the power’s legit (11.2%-barrel rate). Busch’s glove and production should keep him in the lineup and with Ian Happ, Kyle Tucker and Seiya Suzuki hitting in front of him, the RBI opportunities should be abundant.

At an ADP past 240, he’s a dirt-cheap lottery ticket with 25-homer upside. If he cuts down the whiffs (27.5% K-rate), you’re laughing all the way to the playoffs.

 

 

 

2025 Fantasy Baseball Late-Round 1B Picks

So, there you go, you fantasy friends—Lowe, Mountcastle, and Busch. Late-round first basemen who can stabilize your squad or blow the roof off.

Draft smart, and let’s win some hardware in 2025!