The Atlanta Braves head into the 2025 season with tempered expectations, largely due to past injuries, yet they remain a formidable contender. Analysts at MLB.com have ranked them as second in World Series favorites, just behind the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Braves are poised for a healthier season compared to 2023, where they finished 89-73 despite significant injuries to star players like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider. Their lineup, when fully fit, is considered one of the strongest in baseball.

Key injuries last season were due to freak incidents such as Austin Riley's broken hand and Ozzie Albies' wrist injury, which hampered their playoff performance. The Braves' pitching staff has also been bolstered and is expected to outperform the 2023 squad that achieved 104 wins. With the National League East being highly competitive, the Braves will need to capitalize on their health to maintain their status as serious championship contenders.

Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson faced an unexpected situation during an in-game interview while watching pitcher Jesús Luzardo struggle on the mound. As he discussed preparations for Opening Day, Luzardo allowed three consecutive home runs, culminating in a grand slam by Jahmai Jones, which left Thomson speechless. Luzardo's performance, giving up six runs in just two innings, raises concerns for the Phillies, especially after they traded significant prospects for him in the offseason.

Thomson, who has led the Phillies to a World Series appearance, is now under pressure as Luzardo's inconsistency, following an injury-plagued season, poses a challenge for the team's ambitions this year. With a strong rotation already in place, the hope is for Luzardo to find his form.

Rimas Sports, co-founded by Bad Bunny, has secured a management deal with San Diego Padres' superstar Fernando Tatis Jr. This partnership aims to enhance Tatis's brand presence and expand his ventures beyond baseball, including philanthropic efforts. Tatis, who inked a monumental 14-year, $340 million contract with the Padres in 2021, continues to be a focal point in MLB despite the agency's recent troubles with the players' union, leading to suspensions of key executives, including co-owners Noah Assad and Jonathan Miranda.

In light of the agency's challenges, including substantial fines and suspensions stemming from misconduct charges, Rimas Sports maintains a diverse client roster that includes notable talents like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Francisco Alvarez. Tatis's association with Rimas could signify a pivotal moment in his career as he looks to navigate the complex landscape of MLB endorsements and personal branding amidst ongoing scrutiny of his agency's practices.

The New York Mets are gearing up for the 2025 season, starting March 27th in Houston. The projected starting lineup is nearly finalized with key players like Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto, Mark Vientos, and Pete Alonso expected to take the field for the majority of the season. Health will be critical, particularly for Brandon Nimmo, who is managing plantar fasciitis. Jesse Winker is slated for DH duties against right-handed pitchers, while Starling Marte is expected to alternate in that role, returning from knee issues. Francisco Alvarez will be the primary catcher, looking to replicate his power from last season.

The bullpen and rotation details are emerging too. The Mets are confident in their top three starters: Kodai Senga, Clay Holmes, and David Peterson. Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas are anticipated to return midseason from injuries, with the rotation possibly adjusting to accommodate their returns. The bullpen is also a concern, with Edwin Diaz as the closer, supported by A.J. Minter and others, but health issues could shuffle the lineup as they search for depth and stability in their pitching staff.

Sean Murphy's recent cracked rib injury opens the door for top Braves prospect Drake Baldwin, who had an impressive minor league season in 2024 with a .276 batting average and 88 RBIs. Baldwin, despite not being on the 40-man roster, is a strong contender for a call-up this season due to Murphy's absence. Meanwhile, veteran catchers Chadwick Tromp, Sandy León, and Curt Casali are in line to fill the gap, but their experience may not match the potential Baldwin brings to the lineup.

Murphy, who previously had a rough season marred by injury, was an All-Star in 2023. His performance saw him sign a hefty $73 million contract with Atlanta. However, the team is already dealing with other injuries impacting key players such as Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider, making Baldwin’s timely rise crucial for the Braves as they look to navigate early season challenges.