This season's fantasy drafts see shortstop being a notably top-heavy position, with Bobby Witt Jr., Elly De La Cruz, Gunnar Henderson, and Mookie Betts going in the first round of most leagues. Not far behind, Francisco Lindor is also a popular pick, often within the top ten. As the first round unfolds, managers can expect to see Trea Turner, Corey Seager, Oneil Cruz, and CJ Abrams taken in the third to fifth rounds.

However, even if these elite shortstops aren’t available, there are solid options later in the draft. Players such as Ezequiel Tovar and Zach Neto offer intriguing upside, with Tovar boasting impressive stats from last year, while Neto has shown potential despite facing injury concerns. Dansby Swanson presents a reliable option with consistent offensive numbers and the ability to swipe bases. Tyler Fitzgerald and Carlos Correa also stand as late-round steals, with Correa demonstrating strong numbers when healthy, and Fitzgerald showcasing speed and power potential. Finally, Bo Bichette is expected to bounce back after a disappointing season, making him a high-reward pick this year.

As the Toronto Blue Jays gear up for yet another season, memories of Alex Anthopoulos' departure linger in the air. His exit after the 2015 season has left a bittersweet taste, especially with the looming uncertainty surrounding Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s tenure with the team. Anthopoulos, once celebrated for elevating the Jays to playoff contenders, has gone on to solidify his reputation in Atlanta, signing key players to long-term deals, ensuring stability and success. The contrast starkly highlights the challenges faced by the current Jays management.

Imagine if Anthopoulos had remained; Guerrero might have been secured long ago, steering the team into a different trajectory. The current front office's hesitance to lock up young stars like Guerrero and Bo Bichette post-2019 could haunt them as they navigate this pivotal season. With each passing year, the specter of missed opportunities looms larger. While the Braves, under Anthopoulos, continue to shine, the Jays are left contemplating what could have been.

As the 2025 MLB season approaches, fantasy baseball enthusiasts should keep a close eye on some standout players poised for breakout seasons. Francisco Alvarez of the New York Mets is a top target, showcasing impressive power and potential behind the plate. Meanwhile, Matt McLain from the Cincinnati Reds is gaining traction as a versatile infielder likely to contribute across multiple categories.

Over in Toronto, Bo Bichette remains a core asset, bringing a blend of power and speed that makes him a must-have in any fantasy lineup. Seiya Suzuki is another name to watch; the Chicago Cubs outfielder has shown flashes of brilliance and could be set for a career year, making him a worthwhile investment in both redraft and dynasty formats. These players could significantly impact fantasy rosters in 2025.

The 2025 MLB season is on the horizon, with predictions highlighting potential playoff contenders and star player movements. The Oakland Athletics are expected to reach the postseason, marking a significant milestone as they begin their new era outside Oakland. This optimism stems from their strong second half last season and roster improvements, including the addition of Luis Severino and Jeffry Springs to bolster their pitching staff. Meanwhile, the Toronto Blue Jays face uncertainty as they contemplate trading Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and/or Bo Bichette, given their disappointing recent seasons and the imminent expiration of their contracts.

The Baltimore Orioles are at risk of missing out on key pitching acquisitions, a point of concern as they aim to capitalize on their talented young core. The New York Yankees and New York Mets will be looking to outshine each other; the Yankees have aggressively strengthened their roster with key signings, although the Mets secured a significant addition inJuan Soto. Lastly, the NL Central is poised for a competitive showdown, with multiple teams, including the Brewers, Cubs, and Reds possibly finishing with similar win totals.

Toronto Blue Jays fans have long harbored concerns that star players may be reluctant to join the team, citing factors such as high taxes, geographical borders, and an unfamiliar cultural landscape. However, President Mark Shapiro and General Manager Ross Atkins have worked to dispel these myths by successfully attracting top talent through lucrative offers and the promise of a competitive environment. The team's ownership, Rogers Communications, alongside homegrown stars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, has facilitated a series of significant signings.

The turning point came in 2020 with the acquisition of ace Hyun-Jin Ryu, followed by the signings of all-stars George Springer and Marcus Semien. Despite the allure of competitive offers from other teams, veterans like Kevin Gausman and Chris Bassitt also chose to don the Blue Jays uniform. This period sparked optimism reminiscent of the early 1990s when the team was a perennial contender.

However, the current landscape paints a starkly different picture. After finishing last in the American League East, the Blue Jays find themselves at a crossroads. Guerrero and Bichette are on the verge of free agency, and the team’s minor-league system is among the weakest in baseball, lacking immediate impact prospects. Consequently, the team's ability to attract elite free agents has dwindled significantly.

Recent signings by other teams, such as Shohei Ohtani with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Juan Soto with the New York Mets, highlight the challenges the Blue Jays face. Even when they made competitive offers, the lack of a robust prospect pool and a clear path to success deterred potential signings. The allure of a state-of-the-art training complex and the comforts of Rogers Centre are insufficient to sway players in the current climate.

As the offseason progresses, the Blue Jays still have opportunities to enhance their roster, especially with Guerrero and Bichette under control for another year. Potential acquisitions like Anthony Santander, Alex Bregman, and Pete Alonso could provide much-needed reinforcements. However, without significant changes, including extending Guerrero and fostering breakout performances from minor leaguers, the team risks stagnation.

Despite the potential for short-term fixes, the long-term outlook remains grim. The aging rotation and uncertainty surrounding key players suggest that a rebuild is imminent. The recent decisions made by the front office, including retaining certain players rather than pursuing deeper cuts at last year’s trade deadline, have raised questions about the direction of the team. Moving forward, it appears that a rebuild and potential regime change may be necessary to revitalize the franchise.