As the 2025 fantasy baseball season draws near, players and experts alike are starting to assess which athletes are primed for breakout seasons and which ones could be headed for a decline. For the Philadelphia Phillies, a pair of players have been receiving mixed signals from fantasy experts, with some suggesting they may be best avoided this season. Here’s a breakdown of which Phillies are on the fantasy baseball “faded” list, and why experts are cautious.
1. Rhys Hoskins – The Slugger’s Decline?
Rhys Hoskins has long been a reliable source of power in the Phillies’ lineup, offering consistent home runs and RBI production. However, in the build-up to the 2025 season, fantasy experts are beginning to express concerns about his future production.
Hoskins has seen a steady decline in his batting average and on-base percentage over the past few seasons, and there are growing questions about his ability to maintain his slugging numbers. In 2024, his on-base percentage dipped to .320, while his batting average hovered around the .220 mark. While his 30+ home runs still made him an attractive option in most formats, experts are wary of whether he can maintain that power output with his increasing strikeout rate.
Additionally, the emergence of younger players on the Phillies’ roster, like Bryce Harper’s increased involvement and the potential for other up-and-comers to get more playing time, has made Hoskins’ role less secure. Fantasy experts have raised concerns about the potential for platoon situations, especially if Hoskins’ struggles against left-handed pitchers continue.
2. Aaron Nola – A Pitcher on the Decline?
Another Phillie under scrutiny this year is starting pitcher Aaron Nola. Once regarded as one of the premier fantasy aces, Nola’s stock has taken a significant hit in recent seasons. His 2024 campaign was filled with inconsistency, and many of his underlying numbers point to a possible continued decline in 2025.
Nola’s ERA ballooned to a career-high 4.55 last season, and his strikeout rate dropped to 9.2 strikeouts per nine innings—well below his prime years when he consistently posted double-digit strikeout rates. While Nola’s control remains solid, his inability to consistently generate swings and misses has led experts to question whether he can return to his former Cy Young-caliber form. Additionally, his WHIP (1.15 in 2024) has been steadily creeping upwards, and that could be a sign of underlying regression.
Nola’s struggles against some of the league’s top offenses, combined with the rise of younger, more dynamic pitchers in the Phillies’ rotation, has left many fantasy experts to fade him as a reliable option in the early rounds. For those looking to build a balanced pitching staff, Nola may be a risk that’s simply too big to take.
Why Are Fantasy Experts Fading These Players?
1. Inconsistency and Regression**: Both Hoskins and Nola have shown signs of decline in their recent seasons. Hoskins’ dip in batting average and OBP, combined with Nola’s inability to find his strikeout form from previous years, has led fantasy experts to believe they could be on the wrong side of their respective career arcs.
2. Emerging Talent on the Roster**: The Phillies’ roster is full of young, dynamic players. With names like Trea Turner, Bryce Harper, and Alec Bohm continuing to develop, the attention could shift away from Hoskins and Nola, especially if their struggles persist. Experts are concerned about these players losing value to emerging talent, which is especially important in fantasy baseball, where lineup and rotation spots are fluid.
3. Injury Concerns: Both players have dealt with injuries over the last few seasons. Hoskins underwent knee surgery after a torn ACL in 2024, which could affect his power numbers and overall durability. Nola, while generally durable, has had some nagging arm issues that have raised concerns about his ability to stay effective for a full season.
4. Depth of the Position: With deep talent pools at both first base (for Hoskins) and starting pitcher (for Nola), fantasy managers have other safer options to choose from. If both players are unable to recapture their peak performances, they may become liabilities in fantasy leagues.
What Does This Mean for Fantasy Baseball Owners?
For fantasy managers drafting in 2025, the warning signs surrounding Rhys Hoskins and Aaron Nola shouldn’t be ignored. While both players have historically been valuable assets in fantasy formats, their recent trends suggest they may not live up to expectations in 2025. Fantasy experts are advising caution, especially if you’re targeting them in the earlier rounds.
Instead, consider waiting until later in drafts to target these players as potential bounce-back candidates, or avoid them entirely in favor of players with higher consistency and upside. For example, there are several emerging first basemen with solid production and even more exciting pitching options, especially in deeper formats.
In conclusion, the 2025 fantasy baseball season may require managers to take a step back when considering Phillies stars like Rhys Hoskins and Aaron Nola. While they are both capable of producing elite numbers, the risk factors are too significant to ignore. It’s wise to evaluate other options before committing to these fading Phillies.
Leave a Reply