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.

As the 2025 fantasy baseball draft approaches, second base emerges as a critical position featuring a mix of youthful talent and seasoned veterans. While the star power might be lacking, mid-round selections like Matt McLain, Jordan Westburg, and Luis Garcia Jr. offer significant upside. McLain, a former top prospect, aims for a comeback after injury, showing the potential for a 20/20 season. Westburg impressed in his stint with the Orioles, and Garcia Jr. could be a consistent performer despite lineup changes. Targeting these players can provide excellent value and bolster your roster.

Additionally, players like Luis Rengifo and Marcus Semien present opportunities for savvy managers looking for bounce-back candidates or undervalued assets in drafts. Rengifo's versatility and Semien's history of production make them enticing options. Understanding their potential contributions and current average draft positions (ADP) will be key in navigating your draft strategy effectively.

Batting average, once the quintessential measure of hitting prowess, is now relegated to a historical statistic in Major League Baseball (MLB). Despite its decline in relevance, batting average remains a crucial category in fantasy baseball, especially in traditional 5x5 leagues. Finding players who can meet or exceed a .300 average is increasingly challenging, with recent seasons showing a marked decrease in qualified hitters achieving this milestone. As fantasy players prepare for the 2025 MLB season, identifying lesser-known players with potential batting average upside is essential.

Xavier Edwards of the Miami Marlins, Jung Hoo Lee of the San Francisco Giants, Dylan Crews of the Washington Nationals, Luis Rengifo of the Los Angeles Angels, and Jacob Wilson of the Oakland Athletics are highlighted as possible contributors. Each of these players brings unique skills that could enhance batting average, making them valuable assets in fantasy drafts.

Fantasy baseball enthusiasts face a challenging second base landscape for the 2025 season with only a handful of elite options available. Currently, just five second basemen, including Mookie Betts and Jose Altuve, are being drafted within the top 85 picks. Luis Rengifo of the Los Angeles Angels is a late-round gamble worth considering, boasting a low ADP of 224.3 after a solid previous season. Nico Hoerner of the Chicago Cubs, on the other hand, is viewed as overvalued given his 127.3 ADP despite his solid batting average and lack of power stats.

Jordan Westburg of the Baltimore Orioles remains a potential breakout candidate at his 112.2 ADP following a strong 2024, while Ozzie Albies and Jose Altuve face scrutiny for their high draft positions due to past injuries and declining numbers. Overall, this year's draft could offer both undervalued gems and overhyped disappointments as fantasy managers navigate the second base selections with caution.

Infielder Luis Rengifo has won his second salary arbitration case against the Los Angeles Angels, securing a salary of $5.95 million for the upcoming season, which is higher than the team's offer of $5.8 million. Rengifo's performance last season included career highs with a .300 batting average and 24 stolen bases over 78 games, despite being sidelined during parts of the season due to health issues.

This decision follows previous arbitration success, including a $2.3 million award two years ago. The Angels have experienced mixed results in arbitration cases recently, with Rengifo being one of the few players to win his case along with teammate Mickey Moniak.