As the 2024 Fantasy Baseball season kicks off, it's crucial for players to avoid overreacting to Opening Day performances. One game is often not indicative of a player's true potential. For instance, despite Brent Rooker's and Jackson Chourio's four and five strikeouts respectively, seasoned fantasy players should maintain their faith in top draft picks, allowing them a multi-week leash before making roster changes.

That said, it’s essential to monitor emerging players. Tyler Soderstrom of the Athletics, Spencer Torkelson of the Tigers, and Kyle Manzardo of the Guardians showcased impressive talent on Opening Day. Soderstrom’s two home runs and Torkelson’s four walks highlight their potential value, while Lars Nootbaar of the Cardinals, hitting lead-off, remains a strong contender for fantasy leagues. Identifying these early-season standouts can help bolster your roster while avoiding rash decisions based solely on one game.

Late-round gems can make or break a fantasy baseball season. Players like Brent Rooker, who hit 39 home runs and stole 11 bases in 2024, exemplify the potential impact of these selections. As we approach the 2025 fantasy baseball season, identifying players available past pick 150 in NFBC ADP can provide a significant edge. This guide highlights ten hitters with league-winning upside in specific categories, focusing on power and speed rather than consistency.

Xavier Edwards, shortstop for the Miami Marlins, is a speedster with a .341 average this spring. His season last year saw 31 stolen bases in just 303 plate appearances, making him a must-target for a speed boost. Victor Robles, now with the Seattle Mariners, showcased power and speed potential by hitting four home runs and stealing 30 bases in 2024, projecting a possible 50 SB season. Eugenio Suarez’s resurgence with the Diamondbacks further solidifies him as a value pick, while Jorge Soler’s power potential in the Angels’ lineup is worth investing in.

The Oakland Athletics are solidifying their future in Las Vegas, announcing a three-year agreement with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. As part of this partnership, players will don patches featuring the Las Vegas logo on their uniforms starting in the regular season. Owner John Fisher emphasized that this branding will prominently showcase the team's commitment to their new home.

Though the A's will remain in Northern California until 2024, they are positioning themselves for a move to Las Vegas by unveiling plans for a new stadium projected to be ready by 2028. They aim to keep fans engaged with events promoting their forthcoming relocation. A notable presence at the announcement were key players like Lawrence Butler and Brent Rooker, who recently signed lucrative contracts aimed at building a competitive team for their transition.

Brent Rooker is poised for a breakout 2025 season as he transitions to the Athletics' new Sacramento location. His powerful hitting is expected to flourish in the more favorable Sutter Health Park environment, likely leading him to surpass 30 home runs for the third consecutive year. Rooker's five-category production makes him a coveted utility option in fantasy leagues, and his recent five-year, $60 million contract extension solidifies his role as a cornerstone of the Athletics' revamped roster. With the entire lineup improving in talent, Rooker is expected to be a top-75 pick in drafts this spring.

Lawrence Butler and the Oakland Athletics have reached a significant seven-year, $65.5 million contract extension, which includes a club option. This deal reflects the A's commitment to securing young talent as they prepare for their move to Las Vegas in 2028. Butler, only 24, showed impressive growth last season, particularly after his return from Triple-A, where he posted a .291 batting average with 20 home runs and 15 stolen bases. This contract mirrors contracts offered to other young stars, highlighting Butler's potential as a cornerstone of the franchise.

Additionally, the Athletics have made substantial investments this offseason, including a five-year, $60 million deal for designated hitter Brent Rooker and a three-year, $67 million contract for pitcher Luis Severino. These moves signal a shift in the franchise’s spending strategy as they aim to build a competitive roster capable of contending in the American League West. Butler’s performance, alongside key players like Severino and Rooker, will be crucial as the A's attempt to return to playoff status after a few years of decline.