As we progress through Week 5 of the MLB season, attention turns to the top starting pitchers for fantasy baseball in 2025. Starting pitching remains a cornerstone for any successful fantasy roster, providing stability and performance week-to-week. Among the current top performers, Garrett Crochet stands out with a 2.05 ERA and strong strikeout numbers, despite some control issues highlighted by a high walk rate.

MacKenzie Gore continues to impress, showing potential for positive regression based on his metrics. Meanwhile, Michael King is emerging as a valuable asset for the Padres. Nathan Eovaldi maintains substantial fantasy value with impressive control, while Hunter Brown’s breakout performance has him seen as a long-term ace for the Astros. The landscape is filled with names capable of impacting your fantasy season, making the upcoming projections even more critical.

The 2025 MLB season has seen some surprising underperformers, including notable players like Salvador Perez and Andrew Vaughn, both of whom are grappling with low averages yet exhibit promising advanced metrics. Perez, despite a rough start, maintains a strong barrel rate and hard-hit percentage, hinting at a potential turnaround. Vaughn's stats suggest he's been unlucky, as his underlying performance metrics indicate he's trending positively despite a dismal batting average.

Brandon Lowe and Marcus Semien also highlight the unpredictability of baseball; Lowe's early-season power fizzled out but remains a key contributor in terms of potential homers and RBIs. Semien, known for his consistency, is also primed for a resurgence as he shows signs of improvement. The article emphasizes that advanced analytics are essential for discerning hidden value in players who may be on the verge of breaking out, providing a lifeline for fantasy managers.

As the 2025 MLB season progresses into Week 5, several closers are standing out as solid fantasy options, especially those who have recently become reliable in their roles. Luke Jackson of the Texas Rangers continues to dominate the closer's position, successfully converting seven of eight save opportunities, although his strikeout rate has dipped this season. Meanwhile, Detroit's Tommy Kahnle and Will Vest are both proving valuable, with Kahnle earning four saves and holding an impressive ERA under 1.00.

Emilio Pagan of the Cincinnati Reds has also emerged, boasting a remarkable 0.44 WHIP and a 9:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio, marking him as a must-add in save-only leagues. Camilo Doval has overtaken Ryan Walker for the closer role with the San Francisco Giants, highlighted by his five saves and a solid 2.25 ERA. For deeper leagues, Porter Hodge of the Cubs could be a potential upside play, especially with Ryan Pressly's health issues. The landscape of MLB bullpens is shifting constantly; keeping an eye on these emerging closers can lead to significant fantasy advantages.

Cole Hamels, the 2008 World Series MVP, is set to make his broadcasting debut with NBC Sports Philadelphia during the Phillies' game against the Miami Marlins. After retiring in 2024, Hamels sought to stay connected to baseball, following in the footsteps of other former Phillies like John Kruk and Jimmy Rollins. He'll call games monthly, stepping in for Mike Schmidt when needed. His familiarity with the team, especially as a special advisor, will provide valuable insights as he transitions into this new role.

Despite initial trepidation, Hamels has expressed excitement about being in the booth with veteran announcers like Tom McCarthy. Having already faced challenges during spring training broadcasts, he's eager to improve and adapt to the demands of live commentary. As he navigates this new chapter, Hamels aims to balance his experience and personal flair while avoiding pitfalls experienced by others in the industry.