As spring training progresses and Opening Day approaches, teams are grappling with significant injury issues impacting their rosters and fantasy drafts. Injured players such as Gunnar Henderson (BAL) are uncertain for Opening Day due to a muscle strain, while Bobby Witt Jr. (KC) might avoid missing out entirely after suffering a bone bruise. Others like Giancarlo Stanton (NYY) face severe elbow issues that could hinder his performance for an extended period. Meanwhile, players like Jurickson Profar (ATL) and Francisco Alvarez (NYM) are recovering from wrist injuries but could still affect fantasy lineups. With various injuries opening up opportunities for replacements, savvy fantasy managers must keep a keen eye on these developments.

The New York Mets are facing a slew of injuries as they prepare for the upcoming season, with Jeff McNeil being the latest casualty. McNeil will miss Opening Day due to a right oblique strain, sidelining him for 3-4 weeks after a solid spring performance. Manager Carlos Mendoza emphasized the depth of the team, stating they must adapt despite the injuries to key players like Frankie Montas and Nick Madrigal.

With McNeil out, Brett Baty is expected to see increased action at second base, a position he has been learning. The competition for infield roles has intensified, as players like Donnie Walton and Luisangel Acuña vie for spots. The Mets' ticket sales have surged, indicating strong fan support despite the challenges on the field.

Jeff McNeil, the New York Mets' All-Star infielder, is set to begin the season on the injured list due to a strained right oblique muscle. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed that the 2022 batting champion is expected to miss three to four weeks after the injury was diagnosed as a low-grade strain. McNeil had a challenging 2022 season, hitting .238 with 12 home runs and 44 RBIs, and he experienced a broken wrist last September. The Mets are currently dealing with a string of injuries, including catcher Francisco Alvarez, who broke his hand in batting practice and is expected to be out for 6-8 weeks, along with other pitchers like Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas, and infielder Nick Madrigal, who may miss the entire season.

Injured players often present value in fantasy baseball drafts, and savvy managers can exploit this by stashing them. Players such as Zach Neto of the Los Angeles Angels, Sean Manaea of the New York Mets, and Brandon Woodruff of the Milwaukee Brewers are excellent stash candidates. Neto, recovering from shoulder surgery, is a high-upside pick following a breakout 2024. Manaea, while sidelined by an oblique strain, showed impressive stats last season and may return early. Woodruff's potential is notable despite missing the previous season, he has a history of strong performance.

Other players to consider include Luis Gil of the New York Yankees, who will miss part of the season with a lat strain but has demonstrated significant strikeout potential. Lastly, Francisco Alvarez, the Mets' catcher, is out for several weeks with a hand injury but possesses power worth waiting for. Knowing when to draft these players can provide a competitive edge as they return to form.

The New York Mets are gearing up for a bright future as they prepare for the 2025 season, fueled by significant investment from owner Steven Cohen. With a strong emphasis on player development, the team's top prospects are not just talent-rich but also close to making an impact at the Major League level. For fantasy sports enthusiasts, knowing the top prospects can be crucial, and the Mets offer a plethora of exciting names that could shape future rosters.

Among the highlighted prospects is Brandon Sproat, a right-handed pitcher who has demonstrated promising velocity and control, making him a top candidate for future rotation spots. Jett Williams, a multi-position player, boasts elite speed and a solid on-base percentage, making him a valuable asset in any fantasy league. Meanwhile, prospects like Ronny Mauricio and Luisangel Acuña are showing potential for power and versatility, adding further excitement for fantasy players tracking emerging MLB talent.