Christian Yelich is making strides in his comeback from back surgery, participating in his first game since July. The Milwaukee Brewers' outfielder served as the designated hitter in a Cactus League matchup against the Texas Rangers, where he went 0-for-3 but hit an RBI and struck out twice. Despite the lack of hits, Yelich expressed satisfaction just to be back on the field, highlighting the long road he has traveled since his surgery.

The 33-year-old had a stellar 2024 season before his injury, boasting a .315 batting average with an impressive .406 on-base percentage. Yelich’s continued presence is crucial for the Brewers as they face the loss of shortstop Willy Adames, who signed a lucrative deal with the San Francisco Giants. Yelich aims to be fully ready for the upcoming season, reflecting on his performance and physical condition optimistically.

As spring training ignites, fantasy baseball managers are gearing up to refine their draft strategies. While early picks are crucial, savvy managers know that the real key to success often lies in mid-round steals. Leading fantasy minds have pinpointed several players outside the top 50 who could have breakout seasons.

Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays showcases immense power potential, boasting an 80-grade skill and impressive exit velocity from last season. Meanwhile, Christian Yelich aims for a strong comeback with the Milwaukee Brewers after surgery, bringing his past five-category contributions into focus. Christian Walker, recently with the Houston Astros, offers home run potential and consistent production while Taylor Ward of the Los Angeles Angels, although not flashy, could be a hidden value, contributing across all categories. Investing in these mid-tier players could enhance fantasy rosters considerably.

Christian Yelich is gearing up for the 2025 season with optimism after undergoing back surgery and being labeled a potential question mark for Opening Day. The 2018 NL MVP declared himself ready for the season, showcasing impressive stats from the previous year where he batted .315 with 11 homers in just 73 games. Yelich emphasized his commitment to returning to left field while also embracing designated hitting duties alongside teammates like William Contreras and Rhys Hoskins. With the Brewers losing Willy Adames to free agency, Yelich's return is critical for their offensive strategy.

Yelich acknowledged the team's reliance on internal players to step up this season, as the front office made no significant moves to replace lost talent. The outfielder expressed confidence in his ability to contribute while urging others to rise to the occasion, highlighting the team's resilience in facing challenges. The Brewers will need Yelich at his best to make an impact in their quest for success.

Baseball's spring training is here, and with it come various pivotal questions for the 2025 fantasy season. Will Shohei Ohtani's recent surgeries impact his incredible performance? While his elbow issue is less concerning, a torn labrum could affect his power and speed. Ronald Acuña and Spencer Strider are also under the microscope as both return from serious injuries. Their performance could define the Braves' season and your fantasy draft choices.

Newcomers like Lawrence Butler and Wyatt Langford have fans buzzing—can they sustain their impressive stats from last season? Meanwhile, veterans like Chris Sale and Jacob deGrom raise concerns about durability and workload. The uncertainty surrounding them adds a layer of complexity to draft strategies. Meanwhile, the ever-changing dynamics of ballparks and equipment could shift player values significantly. Welcome back to baseball; it's going to be a fascinating ride.