In the pursuit of top-tier pitching talent for fantasy baseball, analyzing walk and ground-ball rates can unveil hidden gems. Bryan Woo of the Seattle Mariners made significant strides in his control, reducing his walk rate to an impressive 2.8%, while Jack Flaherty revitalized his career with the Detroit Tigers, showcasing a 5.9% walk rate in a bounce-back season. Jake Irvin, pitching for the Washington Nationals, improved his zone command, though he still battles hard contact issues. Nick Pivetta's transition to the San Diego Padres includes a notable drop in walk rate, though concerns about home runs linger.

Ground-ball specialists also emerged, with Brandon Pfaadt of the Arizona Diamondbacks enhancing his ground-ball rate significantly, thanks in part to a revamped pitch mix. Detroit's Reese Olson and Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves have also shown improvements, with Sale looking to reclaim his Cy Young form despite injury concerns. Ryan Weathers, another noteworthy mention, has made strides in both walk and ground-ball rates, making him a potential sleeper for fantasy drafts.

As auction drafts approach for the 2025 fantasy baseball season, savvy managers can find under-the-radar hitters with average auction values under $10 that enhance their rosters without breaking the bank. Targeting players like Michael Toglia, who demonstrated impressive power metrics with the Colorado Rockies, and Jurickson Profar, who thrived after joining the Atlanta Braves, can deliver solid returns. Brandon Nimmo remains a reliable option despite a dip in performance, while Kerry Carpenter is positioned to bounce back strongly after a breakthrough season. Eugenio Suarez also offers consistent power at a low cost, making these players must-haves for budget-conscious drafters.

As the MLB season approaches, Cy Young Award betting odds are making headlines. In the American League, Garrett Crochet stands out with impressive strikeout rates, though health is a concern. Framber Valdez of the Astros offers durability and consistency, making him a strong contender at +1700. Joe Ryan and Bailey Ober of the Twins are intriguing longshots with potential, especially if they can stay healthy.

In the National League, Paul Skenes is the favorite at +300, but injury risks loom. Tyler Glasnow could deliver value at +1700 if he remains healthy, while Spencer Strider's return from surgery makes him a wildcard. Spencer Schwellenbach offers great odds at +4000 and could break out with the Braves' support. These bets highlight the unpredictability of the upcoming season.

The Atlanta Braves have streamlined their spring training roster, now down to 48 players after the reassignment of infielder José Devers. Last season, Devers had limited action with the Miami Marlins, recording just one hit in four at-bats across three games. He previously showed promise in the minors but struggled to break through at the major league level, as reflected in his .244 batting average over 21 games during the 2021 season.

Devers, who signed a minor league contract with the Braves in the offseason, was part of the trade that sent Giancarlo Stanton to the Marlins in 2017, and expectations were high for him. However, his career has not progressed as anticipated, with a mediocre .261 batting average in seven seasons across various minor league levels. The Braves continue to trim their roster in preparation for the upcoming season, following other recent reassessments of pitchers and catchers.

Fantasy baseball auction drafts provide a unique opportunity to build a balanced roster without the restrictions of a snake draft. In this environment, savvy managers can capitalize on undervalued pitchers, particularly those with average auction values (AAV) under $10. Targeting these players can significantly enhance your chances of success in the 2025 season.

Players like Jared Jones from the Pittsburgh Pirates offer plenty of upside with a $9 AAV, showcasing a potent strikeout rate despite needing improvement in run prevention. Similarly, veterans like Kenley Jansen of the Los Angeles Angels, now valued at $7, bring closing experience and potential saves, making him a wise investment. Reynaldo Lopez, with his impressive 2024 season still fresh in memory, commands a mere $7 AAV. Meanwhile, Nick Pivetta is likely to thrive in a new environment with the Padres for just $6. Finally, Taj Bradley's potential at a $5 AAV makes him an intriguing option for those looking to bolster their pitching depth.