October 2025 fantasy baseball recap: Judge anchors the batting averages at .331, with Turner claiming the NL title at .304. Cal Raleigh’s 60 homers set a catcher mark, while a wave of 50+ homer hitters pushed total dingers to 5,650. Batting averages rose slightly to .245 even as steals cooled and 200+ inning starters dwindled. Paul Skeens posted a 1.97 ERA, Garrett Crochet struck 255, and Tarik Skubal’s midseason command improved dramatically. Offseason shifts and stars-vs-scrubs strategy loom for 2026.

Mets face a pitching shortfall and uneven defense, prompting GM Stearns to rethink the roster with a bold, defense-first rebuild. The talk points to adding an ace-type arm, exploring aggressive moves, and being open-minded about core pieces like Lindor, Diaz, Alonso, and McNeil. Brewers-style defense is used as a benchmark, while potential targets such as Skenes or Alcantara loom large, signaling a shift from status quo toward a more athletic, versatile lineup.

Mets unravel in a 10-3 loss to Chicago as a fragile rotation and sloppy defense pile up. Tong shows glimpses of upside but remains unready for a major league turn, while Mark Vientos’s miscue and a late wild pitch expose the defensive cracks that doomed the night. Offense stalls against Matthew Boyd, top four hitters go 1-for-16, and bullpen usage on throw days sparks mixed results. The episode threads through the rotation’s instability, the risk of rushing prospects, and playoff odds slipping as Mets chase momentum that won’t arrive.

Pitching previews are essential as injuries plague MLB starting pitchers. A report released highlights that the increase in Max effort pitching correlates with rising injury rates, with over 32,000 days lost to injuries last season alone. High-profile pitchers like Shane Bieber and Spencer Strider faced early season injuries, raising concerns for fantasy managers. Drafting strategy is crucial; it’s advised to schedule drafts close to opening day to avoid injury pitfalls. The rise of six-man rotations in teams like the Dodgers alters the landscape for two-start pitchers, complicating fantasy strategies. Despite concerns, pitchers like Paul Skenes have significant upside, but caution is warranted due to injury histories. Evaluating pitchers based on workload and past performance can mitigate risks. The discussion emphasizes understanding individual pitcher profiles and historical performance trends to inform fantasy drafts effectively.