With spring training in full swing, the battle for starting positions across MLB is heating up, particularly in the AL West. The Houston Astros are reconsidering Jose Altuve's role, with potential shifts to left field following Alex Bregman's departure, raising fantasy stakes for second base options like Mauricio Dubon and Brendan Rodgers.

In Los Angeles, the Angels face uncertainty at shortstop with Zach Neto sidelined, placing Luis Rengifo in a favorable position for daily at-bats. Meanwhile, the Athletics are looking to Seth Brown for left field duties amidst a crowded roster, and the Mariners' Mitch Garver and Mitch Haniger aim to rebound from poor seasons as they vie for designated hitter spots. The Rangers, on the other hand, are eager to see how Evan Carter performs in center field, especially with Adolis Garcia's injury.

Identifying sleeper players who can outperform their average draft position (ADP) is essential for success in fantasy baseball. Oneil Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates, with a Yahoo ADP of 59.4, possesses elite stats but has room for improvement, potentially becoming a 30-30-.270 player. Lawrence Butler of the Athletics, a late-round pick, showed impressive stats post-All-Star break, hinting at a 30-30 potential. Meanwhile, Bo Bichette's 109.3 ADP could be a steal as he rebounds from injury, while Thairo Estrada, projected at 233.4, thrives at Coors Field. Other notable mentions include Matt Wallner, Jake McCarthy, and Christopher Morel, who each have the tools to exceed expectations in the upcoming season.

As fantasy baseball drafts approach, identifying sleeper picks at second base can tip the scales in your favor. Jackson Holliday remains an enticing option despite a rough rookie season, showcasing potential for 20 homers and steals with strong hard-hit metrics and elite sprint speed. Thairo Estrada's move to Coors Field could revive his value, projecting 12 homers and 11 stolen bases, making him a compelling late-round target. Connor Norby, the Miami Marlins' new addition, has displayed a mix of power and speed, but his high strikeout rate is a concern. Brandon Lowe continues to deliver power, with a consistent 20-home run output and a favorable playing environment after relocating to George M. Steinbrenner Field. Finally, keep an eye on Kristian Campbell, the Boston Red Sox prospect poised for an eventual debut, who offers tremendous upside as a potential Rookie of the Year candidate.

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.

The cost of drafting closers this spring has surged, with significant positioning in the early rounds. Five closers are currently going in the top 60, while 10 are in the top 100, and 20 in the top 200. Last season saw a similar trend, but only 4 of the 11 closers in the top 100 returned value, leading to concerns about this year's investments. Despite the high demand, the actual number of closers achieving 30 saves was just eight, with several underperforming in other categories such as ERA and WHIP.

Some lesser-known relievers may provide value later in drafts, and the article highlights 15 such pitchers outside the top 300 who could prove valuable, including Chris Martin and Calvin Faucher. Martin, for instance, possesses a solid track record but faces competition from newcomers. Meanwhile, other options like Edwin Uceta and Seth Halvorsen offer potential upside despite their teams’ challenges. It's crucial for fantasy players to consider both current performance and potential for saves when drafting closers this year.