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 the MLB season approaches, Cy Young Award betting odds are making headlines. In the American League, Garrett Crochet stands out with impressive strikeout rates, though health is a concern. Framber Valdez of the Astros offers durability and consistency, making him a strong contender at +1700. Joe Ryan and Bailey Ober of the Twins are intriguing longshots with potential, especially if they can stay healthy.

In the National League, Paul Skenes is the favorite at +300, but injury risks loom. Tyler Glasnow could deliver value at +1700 if he remains healthy, while Spencer Strider's return from surgery makes him a wildcard. Spencer Schwellenbach offers great odds at +4000 and could break out with the Braves' support. These bets highlight the unpredictability of the upcoming season.

Ryan Jeffers, the Minnesota Twins catcher, is looking to turn around his 2024 performance after experiencing a decline in his hitting statistics. Despite not recording a hit in his recent spring training game, his manager, Rocco Baldelli, praised his improving at-bats, highlighting a notable 10-pitch battle against Shane Baz of the Tampa Bay Rays. Jeffers's batting average fell 40 points last season, leading him to believe luck played a role in his performance. He aims to rebound by focusing on consistent contact and reducing strikeouts, hoping to emulate his success from 2023.

In other news, the Twins faced the Atlanta Braves in a scoreless tie, showcasing strong pitching but a lack of offensive output. Moreover, promising pitcher Matt Canterino will start the season on the injured list due to shoulder issues, marking another setback in his recovery following Tommy John surgery. The Twins are also set to feature in three exclusive Apple TV+ broadcasts this season, highlighting their growing visibility.

Drafting effective pitchers in the late rounds can be the secret to fantasy baseball success, especially this season where volatility in pitching is high. While traditionally reliable options such as Cristopher Sánchez and Zack Eflin have value, true sleepers can be found well past pick 200. Bowden Francis of the Toronto Blue Jays stands out with his impressive 1.53 ERA since becoming a full-time starter. Clarke Schmidt of the Yankees is poised for a breakout, aided by injuries in the rotation. Jason Adam could emerge as a top closer for the Padres, while Jesús Luzardo's potential makes him a high-risk, high-reward pick. Other noteworthy late-round options include Nestor Cortes and Cody Bradford, who both show promise despite limited prior opportunities. DJ Herz and David Festa are rookies with high strikeout potential, and Ben Brown's swing-and-miss capability rounds out a list of intriguing options.

The AL Central division presents a paradox with teams operating under lower payrolls, yet each vying for postseason glory. The Minnesota Twins are currently viewed as the favorites, driven by key acquisitions like Harrison Bader and Ty France, but face injury concerns with stars Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa. The Tigers, with Tarik Skubal leading a solid rotation, also added Gleyber Torres, yet question their overall offensive depth. Kansas City hopes new additions will improve last year’s struggles, while the Guardians rely heavily on Jose Ramirez’s performance and need pitching help. The Chicago White Sox continue to underperform and face significant challenges ahead of the season.