The latest installment of Locked on Fantasy Baseball provides fantasy enthusiasts with a wealth of knowledge on emerging prospects and injury updates as the season progresses. Host Matthew highlights key players to watch, such as Nick Curts, who has just been called up, and discusses his potential impact on fantasy rosters. Additionally, he delves into other prospects like Kobe Mayo of the Baltimore Orioles, who, despite a rocky start, shows promise for future contributions. Andrew Painter from the Philadelphia Phillies, another intriguing talent, is also on the radar, particularly with a potential comeback after Tommy John surgery. The episode emphasizes the importance of staying ahead in the fantasy landscape by stashing these players.

Identifying key players for your fantasy baseball draft is crucial for building a competitive team. This episode highlights ten must-have hitters, focusing on their potential impact and current form. Corbin Carroll of the Arizona Diamondbacks is seen as a first-round value, showcasing impressive spring stats after recovering from shoulder issues. Austin Riley, a staple in the Atlanta Braves lineup, continues to demonstrate his power potential with a solid batting average.

O'Neil Cruz from the Pittsburgh Pirates is discussed as another player to watch, offering upside despite concerns about his batting average and lineup position. Vinnie Pasquantino is emerging as a strong first base option, and Lawrence Butler is noted for his impressive spring performance, which could translate to significant production this season. Ezekiel Tovar's blend of speed and power makes him a valuable shortstop target, while Pete Crow-Armstrong is recognized for his potential in the Cubs' lineup.

Rob Manfred's recent media appearance stirred discussion around the effectiveness of Major League Baseball's (MLB) salary structure and the inequities faced by smaller market teams compared to giants like the Los Angeles Dodgers. While Dodgers fans celebrate their team's acquisitions, frustration swells in fan bases of teams like the Pittsburgh Pirates, who reportedly haven’t signed a multi-year free agent contract since 2017. This disparity raises questions about the integrity of competition within MLB.

Manfred acknowledges the ongoing debate among owners about introducing a salary cap and stresses that the league's financial framework needs to evolve, indicating that the current dynamics aren't sustainable without restructuring. The Dodgers, while often criticized for their spending spree, are not seen as the root of baseball's competitive imbalance. This ongoing tension is likely to play a significant role in future collective bargaining agreements.