The Chicago Cubs showcased their offensive prowess in a commanding 9-2 victory over the San Francisco Giants, particularly in the sixth inning where they exploded for five runs. The star of the show was Pete Crow-Armstrong, whose blend of speed and power has made him a rising star this season. Hitting nine home runs and showing impressive baserunning skills, Crow-Armstrong forced two errors from the Giants. Carson Kelly ignited the scoring with a homer, while the Cubs capitalized on the subsequent defensive lapses with key contributions from Nicky Lopez, Ian Happ, and Seiya Suzuki.

Quality pitching from Matthew Boyd limited the Giants to just two runs over six innings, further solidifying the Cubs' offensive and defensive synergy. The Cubs' strategy of consistently applying pressure yielded six unearned runs off four errors, illustrating how their aggressive approach can disrupt opponents. As they continue to force pitchers into the strike zone with a 77.3% contact rate, their overall offensive efficiency remains one of the best in Major League Baseball.

Carson Kelly has emerged as a key contributor to the Chicago Cubs' recent success, evidenced by a remarkable performance where he hit two home runs and drove in five runs, contributing to an exhilarating 13-11 comeback victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Cubs' bottom of the batting order, including Kelly, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Miguel Amaya, has garnered significant attention as they consistently produce runs, leading the MLB in scoring with an average of 6.3 runs per game.

This surge in performance is a stark contrast to their struggles last season, and Cubs management has noted this turnaround. Kelly's impressive OPS stands at 1.413 in 14 games, showcasing his potential after transitioning from his previous team. Crow-Armstrong and Amaya have also demonstrated notable improvements, which have collectively strengthened the Cubs' lineup and positioned them at the forefront of the league's offensive statistics.

Notably, the Cubs have achieved a unique milestone by becoming the first team in MLB history to have 35 home runs and 35 stolen bases within the first 25 games of the season. The depth of their offensive lineup has allowed them to remain competitive, even as other key players, like Dansby Swanson, have struggled. Furthermore, the positive dynamic among the younger players, highlighted by their ability to generate runs consistently, has instilled a sense of optimism for the Cubs moving forward.

Week 4 of the 2025 MLB season brings a spotlight on players who are heating up and those who might be fantasy frauds. A notable buy is Trevor Story of the Boston Red Sox, who is hitting .318 with five homers and six steals. Despite his injury history, his early-season metrics indicate a potential breakout, making him a valuable addition for fantasy managers.

On the pitching side, Tyler Mahle of the Texas Rangers has turned heads with 25 scoreless innings, showing promise post-Tommy John surgery. Meanwhile, Seattle's Dylan Moore, despite a hot streak, is labeled a sell due to his historically low batting average. Other players worth noting include Carson Kelly and Andrew Abbott, both of whom are also trending upwards this week.

This FAAB overview highlights key targets for fantasy managers as the MLB season progresses. Notably, the league-wide OPS has dipped below .700, signaling a concerning trend for hitters. Despite only three weeks into the season, the average batting average stands at a historic low of .235. Amidst this backdrop, standout pitchers like Tyler Mahle of the Texas Rangers, who boasts a 0.50 ERA, and luckier options like Emilio Pagan from the Cincinnati Reds, currently holding the closer role, emerge. Meanwhile, Carson Kelly from the Chicago Cubs shows remarkable offensive prowess with a .407 batting average, making him a prime target for FAAB considerations.

Several pitchers, including Jose Quintana and David Festa, are highlighted as potential acquisitions due to injuries impacting their respective rotations. The FAAB budget, set at $100, indicates strategic moves for managers looking to bolster their rosters ahead of the weekend. With offensive trends impacting player performances, savvy fantasy managers will need to adapt quickly to secure valuable assets as the season unfolds.