Dylan Crews, the Washington Nationals' rookie outfielder, is under close scrutiny following his promotion to the majors. His plate discipline has evolved since his college days, but he faces challenges against advanced pitching. Despite a stellar college career at LSU, including a 2023 NCAA championship, questions linger about his ability to hit in the big leagues. His batted ball profile has fluctuated, raising concerns about his power and hitting consistency. While Crews has shown potential with above-average sprint speed, his offensive running metrics have just begun to improve, indicating he may need to rely on speed more than power in his professional career.

In dynasty leagues, Crews is currently graded as a 'plus' hitter but is projected to carry some bust potential. As he navigates his first full MLB season, fantasy owners should be cautious, evaluating him as a bottom-tier outfielder who might offer limited upside based on current trends. Strategies to adapt his swing and focus on line drives could prove beneficial. However, there’s a risk that he may struggle to maintain regular playing time amidst a crowded Nationals lineup, making his future fantasy value uncertain.

As we dive into Week 3 of the 2025 MLB season, several players are raising eyebrows among fantasy managers. Lane Thomas of the Cleveland Guardians has had a dismal start, hitting just .167 and battling a wrist injury, casting doubt on his stolen base potential. Meanwhile, Jordan Romano of the Philadelphia Phillies is struggling, with a 10.50 ERA and decreased fastball velocity, making him a risky hold in fantasy leagues.

On the other hand, Tanner Houck and Walker Buehler from the Boston Red Sox are worth keeping an eye on, despite not being dominant thus far. Houck's ground-ball rate remains promising, and Buehler's recent bounce back suggests he is finding his rhythm post-Tommy John surgery. Lastly, rookie Dylan Crews of the Washington Nationals is on the hot seat, showcasing speed but lacking consistency at the plate. Patience might be needed with him.

As the MLB season unfolds, the rankings of top players are being closely monitored for fantasy baseball enthusiasts. Bobby Witt Jr. continues to lead the pack, firming up his position as a top draft choice. Shohei Ohtani's dual-threat capabilities keep him in the upper echelons of rankings, while Aaron Judge's power hitting secures him a prominent spot. Young stars like Elly De La Cruz and Fernando Tatis Jr. are also making a significant impact on fantasy leagues.

However, not all players are thriving; Rafael Devers' performance raises alarms as he struggles at the plate. Similarly, Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s batting position has impacted his stats, but recent adjustments in the Yankees lineup could see him rebound. Conversely, Dylan Crews' recent drop in the batting order has led to a disappointing start, affecting his fantasy value considerably.

The baseball season is heating up, and this week’s Players to Watch includes key names like Rafael Devers and Dylan Crews, both of whom are struggling early in the season. Devers, despite being fully healthy, has not recorded a hit, setting a record with 12 strikeouts in his first 16 at-bats. Meanwhile, Crews shares a similar fate, with a risk of demotion if his performance does not improve. In contrast, Keibert Ruiz of the Nationals is thriving with impressive stats and offers significant fantasy potential. Josh Smith steps in for the injured Josh Jung and could be a valuable short-term option for managers. As pitchers, Jackson Jobe and Casey Mize are ready for their first starts of the season, showcasing promising skills after injuries. Keep an eye on these players for your fantasy lineup this week!

LSU continues its tradition of producing top-tier baseball talent, with eight former players making the MLB opening day rosters. Paul Skenes and Dylan Crews, fresh from a national championship win in 2023, made their debuts. Skenes, now with the Pittsburgh Pirates, delivered an impressive rookie season, boasting a 1.96 ERA with 170 strikeouts, earning him the NL Rookie of the Year award. Meanwhile, Crews, playing for the Washington Nationals, is set to make an impact in the outfield with his speed and power.

Among the notable alumni are Alex Bregman, now with the Boston Red Sox, who has made a name following his time with the Houston Astros. Kevin Gausman and Aaron Nola, both former standout pitchers at LSU, have also transitioned well into their MLB careers. The Yankees' DJ LeMahieu remains a reliable bat in the lineup, while Josh Smith and Jake Fraley are making their mark with the Rangers and Reds, respectively. As LSU’s baseball program thrives, these players will continue to represent their roots on the big stage.