The Pittsburgh Pirates faced another tough loss, going down 7-1 against the Cincinnati Reds, which puts their record at a dismal 15-33 for the season. This performance places them at the bottom of the NL Central and second-to-last in the National League overall, trailing only the Colorado Rockies. Despite their struggles, they have a bright spot in rookie pitcher Paul Skenes, who is a Cy Young candidate with a season ERA of 2.44 and a WHIP of 0.94, ranking among the best in the league.

Rumors are swirling about Skenes' potential trade value, with experts suggesting that although the Pirates might be sellers at the trade deadline, moving him might not be the right move just yet. Other players like Dennis Santana, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and Joey Bart could attract interest from contenders looking to bolster their rosters.

The Philadelphia Phillies seek a right-handed reliever to bolster their pitching staff just a month into the 2025 MLB season. Current options have struggled, prompting the team to explore trade opportunities. Three potential targets from the National League Central are Dennis Santana and Justin Lawrence from the Pittsburgh Pirates, along with Phil Maton from the St. Louis Cardinals.

Both Santana and Lawrence have shown impressive early-season performances, with Santana posting a 1.59 ERA and Lawrence an outstanding 0.79 ERA. Maton, though not as dominant, provides a solid alternative with a 3.09 ERA. Addressing the bullpen's shortcomings is crucial for the Phillies as they look to enhance their chances this season.

As the 2025 MLB season progresses, the fantasy baseball landscape is starting to reveal trends that could reshape team strategies. Dennis Santana, Jonathan India, and Clay Holmes are critical subjects for fantasy managers navigating their rosters. Santana, currently serving as a relief pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, has emerged as a potential closing option. However, his shaky statistics raise concerns about his reliability. India, now with the Kansas City Royals, has a solid foundation in plate discipline, making him an intriguing asset, especially in OBP formats. His ability to contribute across multiple positions adds to his value. Meanwhile, Clay Holmes's recent transition to a starting role with the New York Mets has not been as promising as hoped, suggesting he may not be a viable fantasy option.

The 2025 MLB season is underway, offering fantasy baseball enthusiasts a chance to evaluate players based on early performance. Caution is warranted, as the sample sizes are still small. Luis Rengifo of the Los Angeles Angels has shown promise but faces injury concerns and competition from teammate Kyren Paris, who has been impressive in his starts. Matt Wallner of the Minnesota Twins leads off against righties but struggles against left-handers and has high strikeout rates, making him a risky add. Emilio Pagán appears to be the Reds' closer but carries home run risks, while Dennis Santana, recently handed a save opportunity for the Pirates, may not hold the position long-term with David Bednar's eventual return in play. This week’s waiver wire advice will help owners navigate these uncertain waters.

Mark Leiter Jr. of the New York Yankees and Dennis Santana of the Pittsburgh Pirates faced setbacks in salary arbitration, with Leiter being awarded $2.05 million instead of his requested $2.5 million, while Santana will earn $1.4 million compared to his $2.1 million request. The arbitration decisions reflect a broader trend, with teams winning three out of the last four cases. Notably, Mickey Moniak of the Los Angeles Angels successfully negotiated a $2 million salary against a higher request, while Alex Vesia of the Los Angeles Dodgers avoided arbitration altogether by agreeing to a $2.3 million contract.

The arbitration results for Leiter come off a mixed season where he posted a 4.50 ERA in 60 appearances, including a strong postseason showing. Santana's performance was also solid, with a 3.89 ERA over 62 appearances for the Yankees and Pirates last season. As the arbitration period continues, several players, including Brendan Donovan and Nathaniel Lowe, are slated for hearings, adding more intrigue to the offseason.