As the 2025 MLB season approaches, fantasy managers are on the lookout for sleeper picks. Several players present substantial upside, despite being overlooked on draft day. For instance, Zack Gelof from the Athletics is poised for a breakout, combining power and speed when given the chance. Ryan Mountcastle of the Orioles will benefit from changes at Camden Yards that could lead to a resurgence in his home run numbers. Trevor Story has been undervalued due to injury concerns but still holds potential in the Red Sox lineup.

Other interesting options include Luis Rengifo of the Angels, who flashed speed last year, and Andrew Vaughn of the White Sox, a cheaper option for consistent production. Meanwhile, Kyle Manzardo looks set to seize a full-time role in Cleveland, capitalizing on an improved home run environment. Jonathan India aims to bounce back in Kansas City, and Carlos Correa remains a high-reward pick despite injury risks. These players are just a few examples of potential value in the draft.

The Los Angeles Angels concluded the 2024 season with a disappointing 63-99 record, highlighted by a concerning strikeout rate from their pitching staff. With only a 20.4 percent strikeout rate, the Angels ranked among the worst in Major League Baseball, only surpassing the Colorado Rockies. The team's struggles on the mound raise questions about how they will improve their strikeout capabilities heading into the next season.

This offseason, the Angels have made some moves to bolster their rotation, acquiring starting pitchers Yusei Kikuchi and Kyle Hendricks. Kikuchi, who had a notable 28.0 percent strikeout rate in 2024, performed even better with the Houston Astros, achieving a 31.8 percent rate after adjusting his pitch mix. In contrast, Hendricks posted a lower 15.3 percent strikeout rate while with the Chicago Cubs, leaving doubts about his potential for improvement next season.

In addition to the new starters, the Angels are evaluating options from their bullpen to address the strikeout deficit. Ben Joyce, who had a 2.08 ERA over 34.2 innings, recorded a 23.2 percent strikeout rate, which, while decent, does not meet elite standards. There is speculation that Joyce could step into a closer role if he continues to develop, but the Angels need to enhance their pitching staff further.

General manager Perry Minasian has indicated that the team is not finished making offseason moves. He emphasized the need for improvements across multiple areas, including the rotation, lineup, bullpen, and bench depth. Minasian stated, “We’ve been pretty aggressive and we’re going to continue to be aggressive,” hinting at ongoing efforts to strengthen the roster. He stressed the importance of a solid rotation and expressed a desire to add another bat to the lineup, as well as enhance the overall depth of the team.

Additionally, the Angels are reportedly open to trading Luis Rengifo in a potential blockbuster deal, signaling that they are exploring various avenues to improve their squad ahead of the 2025 season.

The Los Angeles Angels are facing a potential setback as starting shortstop Zach Neto underwent shoulder surgery, which could affect his availability for the start of the 2025 season. General Manager Perry Minasian confirmed that while the specifics of the injury remain undisclosed, Neto's recovery timeline is uncertain.

Neto, who had a promising 2024 season, was injured during a stolen base attempt. Although he hoped to avoid surgery, the decision was made to proceed after rehabilitation efforts failed. If Neto is sidelined, the Angels may rely on Luis Rengifo or Scott Kingery to fill the shortstop position.