Ben Brown has emerged as a leading candidate for the Chicago Cubs' fifth rotation spot following an impressive outing against the Dodgers, where he struck out five in just 2⅔ innings. With 14 swinging strikes out of 65 pitches, Brown will take the mound against the Braves in the exhibition finale, potentially earning his first start of the regular season against the Athletics on March 31.

Brown's pre-injury performance showed promise, including a seven-inning no-hitter against the Brewers. Manager Craig Counsell has hinted at his potential, noting that if Brown regains his form, it would be a significant boost for the Cubs. Meanwhile, second baseman Nico Hoerner's progress post-surgery remains positive, as he aims to be ready for the season opener. The Cubs will also make history by opening opponents' home games in Arizona and Sacramento before returning to Wrigley Field for their home opener.

The Chicago Cubs are ramping up for the start of the 2025 season after an intense spring training, which included a trip to Japan for opening games. Left fielder Ian Happ noted the challenge of balancing meaningful games with spring training, emphasizing the importance of staying sharp. Key player Nico Hoerner, recovering from surgery, is expected to join the roster as decisions loom for the pitching staff.

Manager Craig Counsell confirmed Shota Imanaga will start Game 3 of the Diamondbacks series, while Ben Brown and Colin Rea vie for the fifth starter spot after both had mixed results in the Cactus League. Despite underwhelming offensive stats in the Tokyo series, the Cubs believe their lineup is significantly improved with new talents like Kyle Tucker. As they face a tough schedule in April, Cubs players are focused on getting off to a strong start as they prepare for their domestic opener.

The depth of a Major League Baseball team's starting rotation can often be gauged by the quality of its fifth starter. Teams with strong pitching depth frequently find a potential star hiding in this position, leading to significant advantages in fantasy leagues. Prospects and veterans alike compete for these slots, making them intriguing for fantasy managers.

In the American League, Bowden Francis of the Toronto Blue Jays, who impressed with a 1.80 ERA in the second half of last season, could be a late-round gem. The Texas Rangers' Kumar Rocker and Jack Leiter are also in the mix, especially with injuries to Jon Gray. Meanwhile, Kris Bubic from the Kansas City Royals offers a solid pitch mix for those looking for value. Will Warren from the Yankees also stands out, especially after a strong spring training.

In the National League, Jesús Luzardo sees a return to form with the Philadelphia Phillies, while Dustin May has secured a spot in the Dodgers' rotation. Mike Soroka is showing signs of his pre-injury self, and Kyle Harrison from the Giants could be a valuable asset if he solidifies his position. Each of these pitchers could be worth targeting late in drafts for fantasy teams looking for upside and potential breakout performances.

The realm of Major League Baseball is littered with the tales of highly-touted pitchers whose initial forays into the big leagues didn’t live up to expectations. Among these post-hype players, Brandon Pfaadt of the Arizona Diamondbacks stands out. After an underwhelming debut season, Pfaadt showed promise toward the end of his second season in 2024, boasting improved strikeout rates and a new arm slot that could elevate his game. Also on the radar is Gavin Williams from the Cleveland Guardians, who demonstrated flashes of brilliance in his debut but struggled with consistency in 2024, leaving many to wonder if he can unlock his ace potential. Lastly, Ben Brown of the Chicago Cubs is making noise with a strong strikeout rate, though he carries concerns about his two-pitch repertoire. Each of these players has the potential to break through in the upcoming 2025 season, making them intriguing targets for fantasy baseball enthusiasts.

In a candid postgame address, New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo expressed his frustration with the team's performance, labeling them as 'soft' after a disappointing loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Despite a promising start, the Patriots succumbed to a sixth consecutive defeat, raising questions about Mayo's leadership and the team's direction.

Mayo, in his first year as head coach, acknowledged the challenges of inheriting a depleted roster and the high expectations that come with the Patriots' legacy. His remarks resonated with players, who noted his direct approach had a significant impact on the locker room dynamic.

The season has been marked by inconsistent performances, with Mayo's decision-making under scrutiny, especially concerning quarterback changes. The rookie quarterback Drake Maye has shown promise, but the team struggles to maintain momentum, leading to calls for Mayo's job.