As the 2025 MLB season approaches its midpoint, J.P. Crawford’s fantasy performance has drawn considerable attention. The Seattle Mariners’ shortstop, known for his consistent playing time and solid on-base skills, is posting career-best numbers this year, prompting fantasy managers to question the sustainability of his surge. This article offers a detailed J.P. Crawford fantasy performance analysis by comparing his current output with his historical trends and underlying metrics.
J.P. Crawford, a 30-year-old veteran entering his ninth major league season, has traditionally been valued as a steady, high-floor fantasy option without much power or speed upside. Prior to 2025, his career slash line stood at .245/.338/.368 with an 18.6% strikeout rate, 11.4% walk rate, and a 104 weighted runs created plus (wRC+). Through his first 314 plate appearances this season, Crawford’s line has improved significantly to .291/.407/.398, a 17.5% strikeout rate, 15.9% walk rate, and a striking 142 wRC+.
Underlying Metrics Reveal Stability with Limited Power
While Crawford’s on-base performance has surged, his power metrics suggest he remains largely the same player offensively. His 2023 season, in which he posted a 136 wRC+ and a .172 isolated power (ISO), marked his best power output to date. This year, his walk rate has climbed even higher to 16.2%, but his ISO has regressed to .107, consistent with his career norms. His bat speed has slightly decreased to 70.9 mph from the 71.9 mph recorded in each of the past two years.
Crawford’s barrel percentage at 4.7% and other batted-ball profiles like flyball rate and pull rate show little to no change. Notably, his pull air percentage has dropped from a career-high 22.0% in 2023 to 15.3% in 2025. These numbers affirm that Crawford’s improved slash line is not a product of increased power but rather other factors.
Role of Elevated Line Drive Rate and Projection Outlook
One crucial driver behind Crawford’s elevated batting average is his unusually high line drive percentage (LD%). While his career LD% had hovered around 22.4%, it has risen sharply to 28.5% this season. Such a spike is often volatile and expected to regress toward his career mean, likely causing a dip in his weighted on-base average (wOBA) moving forward.
Given these stability factors and his plate discipline, Crawford remains a reliable source for average, on-base percentage, and playing time. However, expecting him to replicate or surpass his 2023 achievements, let alone his current 2025 pace, is unlikely.
Summary Verdict on J.P. Crawford’s Fantasy Value
J.P. Crawford’s current fantasy surge appears to be an outlier rather than a sustainable shift. While his refined plate discipline continues to support his value, his lack of power growth and reliance on an inflated LD% suggest caution. Fantasy managers should view him as a dependable batting average contributor but temper expectations for power or a repeat of his peak performance.
Ernie Clement’s Emerging Role as a Reliable Batting Average Contributor
At 29 years old, Ernie Clement of the Toronto Blue Jays has quietly been carving out a steady fantasy niche. Despite limited major league exposure before 2024, Clement posted a modest 94 wRC+ last year with a batting line of .263/.284/.408 across 452 plate appearances. His tendency to swing freely is evident, with a high swing rate of 54.9%, placing him in the 91st percentile league-wide.
This season, Clement has raised his batting profile, slashing .307/.337/.422 with 115 wRC+ over 261 plate appearances. Although his power remains minimal—with a .117 ISO, low barrel rate, and moderate bat speed—he showcases strong contact ability, backed by an 85.0% contact rate ranked in the 93rd percentile, and impressive expected batting average (xBA) and expected BABIP metrics.
Strengths and Suitable Fantasy Roles for Clement
Clement’s game lacks power and walk rate strength but excels in contact and batting average. His 83rd percentile sprint speed has not translated into stolen bases this year, registering only two. For fantasy players seeking infield depth with solid AVG potential in multi-position leagues, Clement is a practical, low-cost option. He is widely available in about 80% of Yahoo! fantasy leagues and carries eligibility at second base, third base, and shortstop.
Verdict on Clement’s Sustainability as a Fantasy Player
Ernie Clement is a legitimate fantasy contributor for those prioritizing batting average and positional flexibility without expecting significant power or on-base contributions. His aggressive approach at the plate limits walk opportunities but facilitates consistent contact, making him a serviceable option for depth in middle infield positions and a viable source of batting average.
Hunter Goodman’s Power Potential Offset by Contact and Plate Discipline Concerns
Colorado Rockies prospect Hunter Goodman has drawn attention with power potential but remains a question mark for fantasy consistency. Before 2025, Goodman logged only 301 major league plate appearances with a disappointing .192/.233/.409 slash and 59 wRC+. He entered the season ranked as Colorado’s fourth-best prospect with promising power grades, including 45/60 game power and 70/70 raw power on scouting scales.
This season, Goodman has matched those expectations somewhat with a .284/.328/.514 slash, 26.8% strikeout rate, 5.3% walk rate, and 119 wRC+ in 302 plate appearances. His power metrics include a 116.2 mph max exit velocity, 11.9% barrel rate, 52.0% hard-hit rate, and a .230 ISO. His bat speed of 74.2 mph is notably above average.
Contact Ability and Plate Discipline Challenges Limit Outlook
Goodman’s offensive upside is tempered by declining contact ability and poor plate discipline metrics throughout the season. His decision-making at the plate has been rated very poorly, contributing to streaky performance patterns. While his power provides value, especially given his catcher and outfield eligibility, the inconsistency may temper his overall fantasy ceiling.
Final Judgment on Goodman’s Fantasy Viability in 2025
Despite his playing time and positional versatility, Hunter Goodman’s contact struggles and plate discipline issues make him a risky fantasy asset. His power alone may support value at the catcher position, but managers should anticipate variability and limited reliability in batting average and on-base skills.