The New York Mets are off to a surprising start, boasting a league-leading 2.60 ERA. This is particularly impressive given their pitching had been labeled a weakness prior to the season. Notably, Clay Holmes, who struggled last season as a closer for the New York Yankees, now has a 2.95 ERA, while ace Kodai Senga has rebounded from a poor postseason to post a stellar 1.38 ERA. Their rotation is further solidified by David Peterson (3.06 ERA), Tylor Megill (1.74 ERA), and Griffin Canning (2.61 ERA). Adding to this depth, Paul Blackburn, an All-Star in 2022, is on a rehab assignment and is expected to return soon, which should further bolster the Mets' pitching staff.

As we progress through Week 5 of the MLB season, attention turns to the top starting pitchers for fantasy baseball in 2025. Starting pitching remains a cornerstone for any successful fantasy roster, providing stability and performance week-to-week. Among the current top performers, Garrett Crochet stands out with a 2.05 ERA and strong strikeout numbers, despite some control issues highlighted by a high walk rate.

MacKenzie Gore continues to impress, showing potential for positive regression based on his metrics. Meanwhile, Michael King is emerging as a valuable asset for the Padres. Nathan Eovaldi maintains substantial fantasy value with impressive control, while Hunter Brown’s breakout performance has him seen as a long-term ace for the Astros. The landscape is filled with names capable of impacting your fantasy season, making the upcoming projections even more critical.

The 2025 MLB season has seen some surprising underperformers, including notable players like Salvador Perez and Andrew Vaughn, both of whom are grappling with low averages yet exhibit promising advanced metrics. Perez, despite a rough start, maintains a strong barrel rate and hard-hit percentage, hinting at a potential turnaround. Vaughn's stats suggest he's been unlucky, as his underlying performance metrics indicate he's trending positively despite a dismal batting average.

Brandon Lowe and Marcus Semien also highlight the unpredictability of baseball; Lowe's early-season power fizzled out but remains a key contributor in terms of potential homers and RBIs. Semien, known for his consistency, is also primed for a resurgence as he shows signs of improvement. The article emphasizes that advanced analytics are essential for discerning hidden value in players who may be on the verge of breaking out, providing a lifeline for fantasy managers.

As the 2025 MLB season progresses into Week 5, several closers are standing out as solid fantasy options, especially those who have recently become reliable in their roles. Luke Jackson of the Texas Rangers continues to dominate the closer's position, successfully converting seven of eight save opportunities, although his strikeout rate has dipped this season. Meanwhile, Detroit's Tommy Kahnle and Will Vest are both proving valuable, with Kahnle earning four saves and holding an impressive ERA under 1.00.

Emilio Pagan of the Cincinnati Reds has also emerged, boasting a remarkable 0.44 WHIP and a 9:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio, marking him as a must-add in save-only leagues. Camilo Doval has overtaken Ryan Walker for the closer role with the San Francisco Giants, highlighted by his five saves and a solid 2.25 ERA. For deeper leagues, Porter Hodge of the Cubs could be a potential upside play, especially with Ryan Pressly's health issues. The landscape of MLB bullpens is shifting constantly; keeping an eye on these emerging closers can lead to significant fantasy advantages.