As the 2025 fantasy baseball season approaches, identifying value in late rounds is essential for success. Players like Christian Encarnacion-Strand of the Cincinnati Reds are primed for breakout seasons. With elite contact rates and potential for 30 home runs, he could be a significant asset. Similarly, Isaac Paredes of the Houston Astros is gaining traction after a power surge in 2023, while Masyn Winn from the St. Louis Cardinals aims for 30 stolen bases. Bryson Stott of the Philadelphia Phillies is a buy-low candidate looking to up his game, and Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays may soon become a top-tier player. Targeting these undervalued players can give fantasy managers an edge on draft day.

Understanding ballpark factors is crucial for fantasy baseball managers looking to optimize player performance. Each MLB park has unique characteristics that influence various statistics, not just home runs. While many managers associate ballpark factors primarily with home runs, these metrics also significantly affect batting average on balls in play (BABIP), doubles, and triples, depending on a park's attributes. For instance, Coors Field elevates performance across all hitting categories due to its altitude and expansive layout.

Ballpark factors are calculated using a base of 100, where numbers above 100 indicate a hitter-friendly environment and below 100 signifies a pitcher-friendly one. However, randomness can skew these factors year-to-year, making it essential to consider current player matchups and conditions. Ultimately, utilizing ballpark factors can guide informed decisions on streaming pitchers and setting lineups.

As anticipation builds for the 2025 MLB season, baseball fans are buzzing about a promising crop of rookies ready to make their mark. From the American League to the National League, several standout players are emerging as favorites for Rookie of the Year honors. Roman Anthony, the top prospect for the Boston Red Sox, boasts a high ceiling with his intelligent hitting and great fielding capabilities. Meanwhile, Jackson Jobe of the Detroit Tigers has already seen some success in the majors and is expected to make a significant impact. Other names to watch include Coby Mayo from the Baltimore Orioles and Jasson Dominguez of the New York Yankees, both of whom have shown flashes of brilliance in their limited appearances. In the NL, Dylan Crews of the Washington Nationals and Roki Sasaki of the Los Angeles Dodgers are leading the charge, each touted for their exceptional talent and strong potential. With such an exciting rookie class, fantasy managers and sports bettors alike have plenty to ponder as the season approaches.

Roki Sasaki, the newest addition to the Los Angeles Dodgers, made a stunning debut during spring training, showcasing his formidable pitching skills. In three scoreless innings against the Cincinnati Reds, he struck out five batters and displayed impressive velocity, reaching up to 99.3 mph with his fastball. Sasaki's signature pitch, a split-finger fastball, proved effective, earning him seven swinging strikes during his outing.

Signing with the Dodgers over other teams like the San Diego Padres and Toronto Blue Jays, Sasaki brings significant promise to the Dodgers' rotation. With an average of 98 mph throughout his appearance, expectations are high as he prepares for the upcoming season, including games against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo. His ability to navigate challenging situations, such as facing All-Star Elly De La Cruz, further underscores his readiness for the major leagues.