As the MLB witnesses a surge in stolen bases, understanding the trends is crucial for fantasy players seeking an edge. Top base stealers this week include Luis Robert Jr. and Pete Crow-Armstrong, both showcasing their speed effectively. Teams like the Miami Marlins have become prime targets for base stealers, allowing the highest number of successful steals this season. Meanwhile, pitchers such as Sandy Alcantara and Edward Cabrera struggle to prevent runners, making them favorable targets for fantasy managers.

Emerging talents such as Augustín Ramírez are also affecting base-running dynamics, as his promotion has resulted in increased attempts against him. The Cubs are capitalizing on these trends, recently stealing significant bases against strong defenses. On the other hand, teams like the Mets and Brewers have been effective in catching would-be base stealers, signaling caution for those targeting steals against them.

In a thrilling Mission League matchup, Harvard-Westlake's junior center fielder James Tronstein showcased his skills reminiscent of Chicago Cubs' Pete Crow-Armstrong, who remains a major talking point in MLB for his exceptional defense. Tronstein, a Stanford commit, made a stunning catch against Crespi, ensuring victory for the Wolverines and pulling them into a tie for first place in the league. The game featured stellar performances, including a complete game from pitcher Justin Kirchner, who maintained his unbeaten record.

Crespi's Jackson Eisenhauer, previously dominant, faced his first loss as he conceded two unearned runs, highlighting Harvard-Westlake's tactical excellence. The ongoing rivalry between these teams sets the stage for more intense competition this week, as they prepare for back-to-back games. This showcase underlines the rising talents in high school baseball, with Tronstein drawing inspiration from Crow-Armstrong's journey and defensive prowess.

Center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong of the Chicago Cubs has become a sensation in Major League Baseball due to his exceptional defensive skills. His impact is even felt at the high school level, as James Tronstein, a junior center fielder at Harvard-Westlake and a Stanford commit, recalls how Crow-Armstrong offered him valuable advice back when he was a freshman. In an intense game against Crespi, Tronstein channeled Crow-Armstrong's defensive prowess, making a spectacular catch that secured a 2-1 victory, helping his team tie for first place in the Mission League. Tronstein's performance perfectly exemplified the influence Crow-Armstrong has had on young players. Meanwhile, the competition heats up as Crespi and Harvard-Westlake prepare for another encounter, adding to the excitement of the league's title race.

The fantasy baseball landscape is ever-changing, and this week's risers and fallers for Week 5 of the 2025 season reflect that dynamic. Leading the charge is Pete Crow-Armstrong of the Chicago Cubs, who has dazzled with a .284 batting average, five homers, and league-leading speed on the bases, with 12 stolen bases. Meanwhile, Brice Turang of the Milwaukee Brewers has emerged as a surprise contributor, showcasing a .321 batting average and significant power with three home runs to complement his usual speed.

On the pitching side, Andrew Heaney has been a revelation for the Pittsburgh Pirates with a 1.72 ERA and 0.77 WHIP over five starts, hinting at a potential sell-high opportunity for fantasy managers. Conversely, Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels is struggling with a .177 batting average, raising concerns about his long-term viability. Anthony Volpe of the New York Yankees is also underperforming, hitting just .202, putting managers in a tough spot. As the season progresses, monitoring these trends will be crucial for fantasy success.

The Chicago Cubs have successfully navigated a challenging start to the 2025 season, overcoming various obstacles including injuries and tough competition. Despite ending on a 3-1 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies, manager Craig Counsell noted the team's resilience, which has been crucial as they head into divisional play. The Cubs are leading the majors in runs scored, propelled by the impactful addition of Kyle Tucker.

Additionally, Pete Crow-Armstrong is making headlines with his base-stealing prowess, currently tied for the league lead. The Cubs' aggressive base-running strategy has rekindled excitement among fans, as they aim to surpass the franchise record for stolen bases. As they move forward, the Cubs will need to address their pitching inconsistencies, particularly in the bullpen, while managing roster changes as they strive for playoff contention.