In the 2025 fantasy baseball landscape, fresh breakout stars like Tony Gonsolin, Griffin Canning, and JP Sears are making waves. Gonsolin, returning from Tommy John surgery, has shown impressive stats with a 2.81 ERA and a remarkable strikeout rate of 33.3%. Canning, who had a rocky start to his career, has found his stride with the Mets, sporting a 2.36 ERA and utilizing his slider more effectively. Meanwhile, Sears of the Athletics has made significant strides, boasting a 2.80 ERA and improving his sweeper pitch.

The question for fantasy managers is whether these pitchers are worth adding. Gonsolin looks like a solid option to roster, especially given his early success. While Sears is promising, his home performance is more concerning. Canning, although showing potential, might be best used in favorable matchups.

J.P. Sears is set to take the mound for the Oakland Athletics against his former team, the New York Yankees, but his memories of Aaron Judge remain fond. In a heartfelt recount, Sears shared how Judge welcomed him to the big leagues during his rookie season in 2022. Just two days after learning he made the Yankees' Opening Day roster, Judge reached out with a congratulatory message and generously arranged a family dinner reservation at Don Angie’s, a top NYC restaurant. Judge even showed up to introduce himself and covered the meal, showcasing the camaraderie he fosters among teammates.

The experience left a lasting impression on Sears, who was traded to the Athletics later that season. As Judge continues to shine with his impressive home runs and MVP-caliber performances, stories like these highlight why he is beloved among peers. Now, as they prepare to face off, Sears hopes to make Judge's day a bit tougher on the mound, despite their shared history.

Jasson Domínguez has made headlines with his historic performance, becoming the youngest player since Joe DiMaggio to hit three home runs in a single game for the New York Yankees. Domínguez's electrifying night included a grand slam and seven RBIs, elevating his season batting average to .250 and helping the Yankees secure a 10-2 victory over the Oakland Athletics. As the Yankees aim for their fourth consecutive win, they will rely on lefty Carlos Rodón, who has a 4-3 record and a 2.96 ERA, to face off against JP Sears of the Athletics, who holds a 4-2 record and a 2.93 ERA.

The match promises to be a strategic battle of left-handed pitchers, enhancing the excitement for fans. Moreover, Aaron Judge, returning to his home turf, is expected to showcase his prowess after a solid double in his first at-bat in Sacramento. The Yankees and their rookie sensation are looking to build on this momentum and continue their winning streak.

Despite the early stages of the 2025 MLB season, several pitchers have emerged as breakout candidates, catching the attention of fantasy managers. JP Sears of the Athletics boasts an impressive 2.93 ERA over 40 innings, but his batted ball profile suggests a potential for regression. By refining his pitch mix—especially increasing his sweeper usage—Sears has improved his barrel rate significantly. Meanwhile, Colin Rea of the Cubs has stepped in after an injury to Justin Steele, achieving a striking 1.46 ERA and 21.2% strikeout rate. Rea's increased reliance on his four-seam fastball has helped him maintain an impressive profile, although he too faces potential regression with his xFIP at 3.77. Lastly, Tommy Kahnle from the Tigers has also made waves as a reliable reliever with a minuscule 0.71 ERA and a substantial 26.1% strikeout rate, primarily thanks to his dominant changeup. However, competition for saves in Detroit may complicate his value.

As the fantasy baseball season progresses into Week 6 of 2025, several starting pitchers have emerged as intriguing waiver wire pickups. J.P. Sears of the Athletics boasts a 2.94 ERA and 1.07 WHIP, primarily due to his improved control and increased slider usage. Meanwhile, Matthew Liberatore from the Cardinals shows promise with a 3.44 ERA and a striking improvement in his command. Shane Smith of the White Sox is generating excitement with a 2.23 ERA in his rookie season, supported by a diverse pitch arsenal. Tyler Anderson of the Angels, while consistently solid, remains a streaming option, and Ben Lively of the Guardians shows potential as a matchup-based starter despite a higher SIERA.