The St. Louis Cardinals have found their shortstop for the future in Masyn Winn, who has impressed during the early stages of his MLB career. With club control extending through the 2029 season, speculation about a potential contract extension is already brewing. ESPN's Jeff Passan highlighted Winn as a strong candidate for a lucrative megadeal, potentially exceeding $100 million, thanks to his defensive prowess and a promising offensive upside.

Winn, a defense-first shortstop, recorded 14 defensive runs saved in 2024, earning him Gold Glove consideration. His batting performance has also shown promise, slashing .267/.314/.416 with 15 home runs during his rookie year. After a slow start to the 2025 season, Winn has rebounded well post-injury, hitting .311/.373/.578 with two home runs since returning. The Cardinals may face tough decisions ahead, especially as other young stars, like Lars Nootbaar and Brendan Donovan, are also approaching free agency, while the organization has been historically cautious with big contracts.

As we gear up for an exciting slate of MLB action, identifying the top DFS picks is crucial for success. Cole Ragans, projected as the highest-owned pitcher, is poised for a strong performance against the Chicago White Sox, who struggle against left-handed pitchers. His impressive metrics, including high strikeout percentages, make him a must-have in any lineup.

Along with Ragans, consider Miles Mikolas against the Pittsburgh Pirates, who are also struggling. Despite his rocky start, Mikolas has shown potential to exceed expectations in this matchup. For infield options, Josh Naylor and Jorge Polanco present great value, while outfielders like Jose Altuve and Lars Nootbaar have favorable matchups that could result in high returns.

The recommended stacking options include the Houston Astros against Tobias Myers, who has been ineffective on the mound. The Seattle Mariners and St. Louis Cardinals also feature prominently as stackable teams tonight, capitalizing on opposing pitchers' weaknesses to maximize scoring opportunities.

Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy announced that right-handed pitcher Kumar Rocker is 10 days away from throwing off a mound, following a shoulder impingement that has sidelined him since April 24. Rocker, who previously underwent Tommy John surgery, will need several rehab starts before rejoining the major league team, potentially in June. Despite this setback, the Rangers' rotation boasts a strong 3.13 ERA, ranking third in baseball, aided by Patrick Corbin's unexpected success with a 3.28 ERA.

Bochy also mentioned that Cody Bradford, another left-handed pitcher who began the season on the injured list with elbow soreness, is on a similar recovery trajectory and expected to throw off a mound soon. The Rangers' deep pitching staff remains a vital asset as they navigate the season.

Week 2 of the 2025 fantasy baseball season is an opportunity for proactive managers to strengthen their rosters with high-upside hitters. Players like Ivan Herrera and Lars Nootbaar have already made significant impacts, and this trend continues with several other streamers recommended for the upcoming week. The Red Sox, Royals, Twins, and Blue Jays have favorable schedules with seven games each, making players from these teams prime targets for waiver wire adds.

Among the recommended hitters, Spencer Torkelson is highlighted for his breakout potential as he currently boasts a 30-HR upside. Other notable streamers include Christian Encarnacion-Strand, who may struggle with average but possesses elite power, and Trevor Story, who has shown flashes of his dual-threat capability. Meanwhile, young talents like Jung Hoo Lee and Nolan Schanuel, along with emerging names like Jacob Wilson, add depth to the fantasy landscape. This week is crucial for optimizing lineups and capitalizing on favorable matchups.

April 2025 showcases a bustling start in dynasty fantasy baseball with Eric Cross' updated top 200 rankings. Key players like Bobby Witt Jr. and Shohei Ohtani continue to dominate, while intriguing talents such as Jazz Chisholm Jr. are making headlines with early standout performances. As teams start shaping their lineups for the season, insights on player durability and potential breakout candidates, like Lars Nootbaar, fuel strategies for savvy fantasy enthusiasts. The depth of talent and evolving metrics promise to keep managers on their toes throughout the season.

In addition to the mainstays, players like Ceddanne Rafaela and Kristian Campbell are pivotal to monitor as their trajectories could drastically influence upcoming rankings. Meanwhile, issues of health and performance consistency for veterans like Corey Seager remind players to consider all facets when building their rosters. The evolving landscape of fantasy baseball beckons insight and strategic planning for the upcoming weeks.