Injuries are a common challenge in the fantasy baseball landscape, and stashing players can yield significant dividends. This week, focus on Tanner Houck, a SP for the Boston Red Sox, who, despite a rough start to 2025, has potential to return to form following an injury stint. Shane Bieber, once a dominant force for the Cleveland Guardians, remains on the wire but is nearing a return, making him a prime candidate for those with IL slots. Meanwhile, Matt Wallner and David Fry are also worth considering. Wallner is expected back soon and offers good OBP metrics, while Fry, eligible at multiple positions, can add depth to your lineup. Lastly, Luke Raley, with his ability to hit against right-handed pitching, presents a unique upside if you can afford to wait.

As the fantasy baseball draft season heats up, targets in the later rounds can make or break a team. Players with multi-position eligibility are especially valuable, providing flexibility to navigate injuries or off days. Look for candidates with an ADP of 175 or lower, offering a mix of batting average, home runs, and stolen bases. Key players like Brendan Donovan of the St. Louis Cardinals and Ceddanne Rafaela from the Boston Red Sox have the potential to contribute across multiple categories while providing roster flexibility.

For those seeking late-round sleepers, Christopher Morel of the Tampa Bay Rays and Luke Raley of the Seattle Mariners are intriguing options. Morel’s power potential coupled with eligibility at multiple positions can help fill gaps, while Raley's career-high plate appearances last season hint at further production. As the season approaches, these players could be the difference between a good fantasy team and a championship contender.

The Detroit Tigers have made a significant move by signing infielder Gleyber Torres to a one-year contract, which has led to a reshuffling of their infield positions. Torres will take over at second base, prompting Colt Keith, who played there last season, to transition to first base. This adjustment leaves Spencer Torkelson, the former No. 1 overall draft pick, in a precarious position as he now lacks a defined role within the team.

Torkelson, who was selected first overall in the 2020 draft after a successful college career at Auburn, has shown flashes of power with 31 home runs in 2023. However, his overall performance has been inconsistent, with a career batting average of just .221. Last season, he managed a disappointing .219 average over 92 major league games, including a stint in Triple-A, and recorded 10 home runs and 37 RBIs.

The Seattle Mariners, who are in search of a right-handed first baseman to complement their left-handed option, Luke Raley, might find Torkelson an appealing target. Despite his struggles, Torkelson demonstrated potential against left-handed pitching last season, boasting a .235 average and a solid .798 OPS in 89 at-bats. While the Mariners have also been linked to veteran Justin Turner for this role, Torkelson could be a more cost-effective option, especially since he is under team control through 2028.

However, acquiring Torkelson would mean the Mariners would miss out on the veteran leadership that Turner could bring to the clubhouse, an aspect they are reportedly seeking. As the offseason progresses, the implications of the Tigers' decision to sign Torres could resonate throughout the league, particularly impacting the Mariners' roster decisions.

The Seattle Mariners experienced a challenging season, yet there were notable highlights, particularly with the emergence of Cal Raleigh as a premier catcher and a solid starting pitching staff, arguably among the best in Major League Baseball. Victor Robles also made a significant comeback, securing a starting position for the 2025 season. However, the organization faced a major shift when Scott Servais was dismissed as manager on August 22, marking the end of a nine-year tenure that included a playoff appearance in 2022. On the same day, Hall of Famer Dan Wilson was appointed to lead the team, alongside hitting coach Edgar Martinez.

Wilson's debut came against the San Francisco Giants the following day, but it started poorly with the Mariners trailing 5-1. Despite missing key players like JP Crawford and Robles, the Mariners rallied in the eighth inning, showcasing a new offensive mindset. This pivotal moment not only tied the game but also set the tone for the remainder of the season. The Mariners demonstrated resilience, finishing the last 34 games with a 21-13 record, just missing the playoffs after relinquishing a significant lead in the American League West.

The improvements under Wilson and Martinez highlighted a transformation in the team's approach, with a newfound aggressiveness and ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. The successful late-season surge has left fans hopeful for the 2025 season, as Wilson continues in his role, and Martinez oversees hitting strategies. The August 23 game against the Giants will be remembered as a turning point for the franchise, signaling potential growth and success in the upcoming year.