Major League Baseball is gearing up for an exciting 2025 season, with Opening Day set for March 27. The Los Angeles Dodgers, fresh off their World Series win, are favored to repeat, with contenders like the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, and San Diego Padres ready to challenge their dominance. The Braves will need to navigate early season without key players like Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuña Jr., focusing on depth and strategic roster decisions. Meanwhile, the Miami Marlins are pinning hopes on the return of Sandy Alcantara, while the Mets landed Juan Soto in a blockbuster deal, forming a powerful duo with Francisco Lindor. The Philadelphia Phillies aim to recover from a disappointing end to the last season, with a need for increased production from key hitters. The Nationals are on a rebuilding path, and the Chicago Cubs are looking to capitalize on their acquisition of Kyle Tucker. As teams finalize their lineups and strategies, the upcoming season promises to deliver intense competition and thrilling gameplay.

Ryan Weathers, the Miami Marlins pitcher, will start the season on the injured list due to a left forearm strain. This injury comes after experiencing discomfort during spring training, with an expected recovery time of four to six weeks. New manager Clayton McCullough has confirmed that Weathers has a mild flexor strain without damage to the ulnar collateral ligament. Last season, Weathers had a 3.63 ERA and was slated to be the No. 2 starter behind Sandy Alcantara, also hindered by recovery from Tommy John surgery. Additionally, fellow starter Edward Cabrera will also miss the beginning of the season due to a blister on his finger, compounding the Marlins' pitching woes.

Late-round gems can make or break a fantasy baseball season. Players like Brent Rooker, who hit 39 home runs and stole 11 bases in 2024, exemplify the potential impact of these selections. As we approach the 2025 fantasy baseball season, identifying players available past pick 150 in NFBC ADP can provide a significant edge. This guide highlights ten hitters with league-winning upside in specific categories, focusing on power and speed rather than consistency.

Xavier Edwards, shortstop for the Miami Marlins, is a speedster with a .341 average this spring. His season last year saw 31 stolen bases in just 303 plate appearances, making him a must-target for a speed boost. Victor Robles, now with the Seattle Mariners, showcased power and speed potential by hitting four home runs and stealing 30 bases in 2024, projecting a possible 50 SB season. Eugenio Suarez’s resurgence with the Diamondbacks further solidifies him as a value pick, while Jorge Soler’s power potential in the Angels’ lineup is worth investing in.

The MLB season approaches, and bold predictions for 2025 are on the table. J.T. Realmuto, once a top-tier catcher, is poised for a significant bounce-back after a productive stint post-surgery, and could reclaim his elite status. Josh Naylor, with a powerful lineup behind him in Arizona, is a strong candidate to lead the Majors in RBIs, thanks to his favorable hitting conditions. Jordan Westburg is set for a breakout 30/30 season, supported by Camden Yards' new dimensions, while Xavier Edwards aims for 80+ stolen bases with his elite speed. Isaac Paredes could eclipse 40 home runs in Houston's lineup, and Jasson Dominguez is a dark horse for AL Rookie of the Year, capitalizing on a full-time role. Jung Hoo Lee's strong minor league performance positions him as a batting title contender, while Tyler Glasnow’s strikeout potential is enhanced if he stays healthy, and Justin Steele is in the hunt for the NL Cy Young Award.

As the fantasy baseball draft season approaches, one area to target is pitchers who have faced injuries but have the potential for a rebound in 2025. Shane McClanahan, who underwent Tommy John surgery, boasts impressive velocity and strikeout potential, making him a solid pick at an ADP of 127. Robbie Ray, despite a rocky past two seasons, still flashes elite strikeout capabilities and can be a value at an ADP of 156. Jesús Luzardo, once a top prospect, presents a buy-low opportunity at an ADP of 240, while Jacob deGrom remains a high-risk, high-reward option at 54, given his elite past performance. Lastly, Felix Bautista, recovering from UCL surgery, offers closer potential in the 90s ADP range. These pitchers balance risk and reward well, providing options for various draft strategies.