As Major League Baseball heads into 2025, the impact of recent rule changes, including the pitch clock and larger bases, has established a new status quo. Average game times have decreased significantly, with a 28-minute decline observed since 2022, and the emergence of elite speedsters has redefined fantasy strategies. For instance, Ronald Acuña Jr. became the first player to achieve a 40/70 season, while Shohei Ohtani followed suit with a 50/50 performance in 2024. Players like Corey Seager thrived under the new shift rules, showcasing how adjustments in gameplay can greatly affect fantasy outcomes.

Despite a slight decline in league-wide run production, the steady BABIP and the resurgence of stolen bases—highlighted by 24 players swiping at least 30 bags—remain crucial for fantasy managers. The specialization of pitching continues, with an all-time low in complete games and a rise in strikeout rates correlating with increased pitcher velocity. With these trends solidifying, fantasy players must adapt their strategies to excel in an evolving baseball landscape.

The current state of Major League Baseball's starting pitchers is uncharacteristically weak, with no pitcher exceeding 230 strikeouts last season, a notable decline from previous years. Paul Skenes from the Pittsburgh Pirates stands out with an average fastball speed of 98.8 mph, ranking first in ERA but facing injury risks. Tarik Skubal, excelling in multiple pitching metrics, may lack offensive support. Zack Wheeler remains a consistent choice, though his strikeout rate is moderate. Chris Sale, a former Cy Young winner, poses injury concerns as he ages. Dark horse candidates include Blake Snell and Garrett Crochet, both capable of leading in strikeouts but plagued by inconsistencies. Lastly, Jacob deGrom's historical excellence contrasts with recent injury struggles.

Major League Baseball is set to test an Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS) during spring training, following four years of minor league trials. This system, which aims to assist home plate umpires rather than replace them, will allow teams to challenge up to two calls per game starting in 2024. The technology uses a network of cameras to accurately track pitches and determine whether they are strikes or balls, with umpires relaying the calls to players and fans.

The ABS is being implemented in 13 spring training ballparks, affecting 19 teams, with 60% of games set to trial the system. Teams will be able to retain challenges if successful, similar to existing video review rules. The strike zone defined by the ABS differs slightly from traditional calls, as it is rectangular rather than oval and is based on pre-measured player heights.

Major League Baseball is set to test an Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS) during spring training, following four years of minor league trials. This system, which aims to assist home plate umpires rather than replace them, will allow teams to challenge up to two calls per game starting in 2024. The technology uses a network of cameras to accurately track pitches and determine whether they are strikes or balls, with umpires relaying the calls to players and fans.

The ABS is being implemented in 13 spring training ballparks, affecting 19 teams, with 60% of games set to trial the system. Teams will be able to retain challenges if successful, similar to existing video review rules. The strike zone defined by the ABS differs slightly from traditional calls, as it is rectangular rather than oval and is based on pre-measured player heights.