The second month of fantasy baseball is an ideal time for savvy managers to dive into the trade market, taking advantage of fluctuating player valuations. With many owners still closely monitoring their rosters, there's a ripe opportunity to find partners willing to trade. It's crucial to analyze players' early-season stats critically, as hot starts can often be deceptive.

Alec Bohm's April surge in 2024, for instance, inflated perceptions despite his history of underperformance. Similarly, Cedric Mullins' strong showings come with a warning; his inconsistency in past seasons suggests that his current form may not be sustainable. Ryan Pressly's early struggles with the Cubs raise doubts about his job security as closer. Conversely, players like Gavin Lux and Tyler Mahle present intriguing trade options, but their current performances may not reflect long-term value.

Brandon Crawford, a lifelong San Francisco Giants fan, celebrated his legacy at Oracle Park, marking the end of his 13-year career with the franchise. Known for his exceptional skills at shortstop, Crawford played more games at the position than anyone in Giants history, earning four Gold Gloves and being a three-time All-Star. During the tribute, he shared heartfelt memories with fans and threw the ceremonial first pitch to Buster Posey, the former Giants catcher. Crawford finished his career with the St. Louis Cardinals before transitioning into family life in Arizona, expressing his hopes to return to baseball someday.

In the evolving landscape of MLB bullpens, Justin Martinez has emerged as a strong candidate for saves with the Arizona Diamondbacks, especially in the wake of A.J. Puk's injury. However, Martinez's recent fatigue raises questions about his durability. Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox's Aroldis Chapman remains in the driver's seat for saves even as high-leverage scenarios challenge his availability.

In Chicago, Ryan Pressly’s grip on the closer role appears secure despite recent struggles from his teammate Porter Hodge. Meanwhile, the White Sox remain a team to avoid for saves, having yet to record one this season. The Cincinnati Reds’ closer situation is murky with Emilio Pagán competing against Alexis Díaz, who has had setbacks since returning from the IL, giving Pagán an edge.

For the Cleveland Guardians, Emmanuel Clase’s struggles signal potential buy-low opportunities, while Tommy Kahnle continues to dominate the ninth inning for the Detroit Tigers despite recent heavy usage. Lastly, Devin Williams’ recent performance with the New York Yankees raises concerns, making him a player worth monitoring closely in fantasy leagues.

As the 2025 MLB season kicks off, several teams are facing unique closing situations that fantasy managers need to monitor. The Baltimore Orioles have yet to secure a save opportunity, primarily due to Félix Bautista's performance, which shows decreased velocity and poor metrics. The Chicago Cubs' Ryan Pressly has the role but his alarming strikeout rate may lead to a change.

Meanwhile, the Chicago White Sox are in a save committee with no standout options. The Cincinnati Reds' Emilio Pagán is up for saves, but with Hunter Greene's potential return, changes could be imminent. The Los Angeles Dodgers have a fluid closing situation with Tanner Scott favored, but the matchup-dependent nature of this role complicates matters. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on the Miami Marlins' Anthony Bender, who is emerging as a reliable option, while the Philadelphia Phillies' Jordan Romano and José Alvarado could shape a competitive endgame.

Opening day at Wrigley Field is a renowned event, marked by the joyous reunion of Cubs fans ready to support their team after a long winter. This year, as the Cubs prepare to tackle a challenging schedule, the spotlight shines on new closer Ryan Pressly. With a shaky start, fans are left debating his potential and comparing his performance to past closers like Mitch Williams. Concerns also linger over the overall health of the bullpen, which carries a concerning 5.61 ERA. Amid these worries, the arrival of Kyle Tucker adds pressure on the team to secure a postseason return after four years of disappointment.

The Cubs are faced with a grueling early schedule, facing powerhouse teams like the Dodgers and Padres, raising the stakes for manager Craig Counsell and his crew. Despite early-season jitters, the organization remains hopeful, emphasizing the importance of these early games in understanding their capabilities and potential for success. A promising start could help ease fan anxieties, but the pressure to perform remains high.