This season, the Tennessee Smokies have curated an eclectic mix of walk-up songs that reflect their players’ unique personalities. From classic hits to contemporary anthems, each player's choice sets the stage for an electrifying atmosphere in the ballpark. Smokies pitcher Will Sanders kicks things off with Kenny Loggins' "Footloose," invoking nostalgia and the fight against the odds. Sam Armstrong brings a whimsical touch with "Pennies from Heaven," while Nolan Clenney opts for Kanye West's empowering track "Can't Tell Me Nothing." Casey Opitz’s walk-up, "Sun Sets in Colorado," highlights his roots, whereas Pedro Ramirez gets the crowd hyped with the reggaeton staple "Gasolina." A sneak peek at the full lineup reveals a vibrant blend of music that’s sure to keep fans engaged and excited throughout the games.

Will Sanders, a promising prospect for the Chicago Cubs, has been making waves in fantasy baseball circles as a sleeper to watch for Week 9 of 2025. Currently pitching at Double-A, Sanders boasts an impressive 2.29 ERA over his first eight starts, showcasing his ability to limit hard contact and maintain strong command on the mound. After a delayed start to his professional career due to injury, he has quickly established himself in the Cubs' rotation with a solid strikeout rate of 8.92 K/9 and a walk rate of just 1.83 BB/9.

In his recent outings, Sanders has demonstrated exceptional performance, including six shutout innings against opponents, indicating that he has the potential to climb the ranks and become a valuable asset in fantasy leagues. Despite concerns about his ability to handle top-tier hitters at the major league level, his current form is certainly turning heads and making him a name worth considering for dynasty leagues and as a potential future call-up for the Cubs.

As we enter Week 8 of the 2025 MLB season, several prospects have emerged as key players to watch for savvy fantasy managers. Nick Morabito of the New York Mets continues to impress in Double-A, showcasing impressive speed and an ability to hit for average. His recent performance includes six stolen bases in a week, making him a promising waiver wire target. Will Sanders, a pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, is also turning heads with a stellar 2.29 ERA and has not allowed a run in his last two starts, making him a valuable addition to any fantasy rotation.

Abimelec Ortiz of the Texas Rangers is delivering offensive power, hitting .450 with three home runs last week, while Tyson Hardin from the Milwaukee Brewers is establishing himself as a solid starting option with a low 1.16 ERA. A.J. Ewing of the Mets rounds out this week's report with remarkable hitting stats, boasting a .381 batting average and 27 stolen bases this season. Monitoring these prospects closely can provide a crucial advantage in fantasy leagues.

As we approach Week 8 of the 2025 MLB season, several prospects have emerged as potential game-changers for fantasy baseball enthusiasts. Nick Morabito of the New York Mets, a speedster who has stolen 14 bases this season, is showing promise with a recent surge, including six steals in a week. Meanwhile, Will Sanders from the Chicago Cubs has been dominant on the mound, boasting a 2.29 ERA and a solid strikeout rate. Abimelec Ortiz of the Texas Rangers stands out with his power, hitting three homers last week, including a walk-off grand slam. Tyson Hardin from the Milwaukee Brewers is making his mark as a pitching prospect with a stunning 1.16 ERA in High-A.

In addition to these players, A.J. Ewing of the Mets has been a hitting machine, with a .381 average and a ridiculous 27 RBIs in just 33 games. He's also made a name for himself on the base paths with 27 stolen bases. As fantasy managers scour the waiver wire for hidden gems, these prospects are certainly worth keeping an eye on, especially with their potential to produce at the MLB level sooner rather than later.

Right-handed pitcher Will Sanders has been named the projected starter for the Knoxville Smokies as they prepare for their season opener against the Birmingham Barons on April 4. Sanders, a 23-year-old fourth-round pick by the Chicago Cubs in the 2023 draft, is entering his second season in the minors after transitioning from the High-A South Bend Cubs. This season marks a significant moment for the Smokies as they return to Knoxville after a 25-year stint in Kodak, launching their campaign in the new Covenant Health Park.

The 2025 roster showcases familiar talents including infielders BJ Murray, Hayden Cantrelle, and Haydn McGeary, alongside outfielders such as Parker Chavers and Felix Stevens. Catchers Pablo Aliendo and Casey Opitz anchor the backstop position.

The Smokies are set to host 32 promotional nights and 27 fireworks displays during the season, with the highlight being a massive show on July 4. Various ticket packages are available for fans, including collaborations with local teams.