The MLB is facing a significant drop in offensive production as the season progresses, with cold weather exacerbating the issue. The league has already witnessed 36 shutouts this season, a stark contrast to previous years, suggesting a troubling trend for hitters. The Tampa Bay Rays have been particularly impacted, losing key player Junior Caminero in critical late-game situations in favor of defense, while others like Jeimer Candelario and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. struggle offensively.

In response to the slow offensive start, teams are increasingly relying on the running game, with stolen base attempts up by 21% compared to last season. The Angels, for example, are leading in home runs while lagging in steals. For fantasy players, identifying speedsters like Oneil Cruz, who remains a perfect 8-for-8 in stolen base attempts, could be crucial during this offensive slump. As the season continues, it may be wise to capitalize on the current pace of stolen bases while they are trending upward.