Atlanta Braves' first baseman Matt Olson has spotlighted right-hander Hurston Waldrep as a breakout candidate for the upcoming MLB season. Drafted in the first round of the 2023 MLB Draft, Waldrep experienced a rocky start in the majors with a 16.71 ERA after two tough outings. However, he showed resilience in Triple-A, finishing the season with a much-improved 3.38 ERA. His final six starts in Triple-A were particularly impressive, showcasing his potential to make an impact in the majors this year.

Now 22, Waldrep's journey reflects significant growth after facing early challenges. As he heads into Spring Training, he aims to secure a spot in the Braves' starting rotation. Given his promising performance in the minors, there's optimism about his readiness for the demands of the big leagues.

As fantasy baseball managers prepare for the 2025 season, the first base rankings highlight some top players, specifically in points leagues. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Freddie Freeman, Bryce Harper, and Matt Olson are poised to dominate, with Guerrero Jr. taking the top spot. The depth at first base has diminished compared to previous years, necessitating a strategic approach once the elite players are off the board.

Drafting mid-round options like Triston Casas and Michael Toglia could yield value, particularly since points leagues reward on-base performance. Overall, this year's rankings reflect a mix of established stars and emerging talents.

Pete Alonso faces a challenging landscape in MLB's free-agent market, with limited interest seemingly stemming from his status as a power hitter in a league saturated with similar talents. Initially hoping for a lucrative contract exceeding $200 million, Alonso's prospects have dwindled significantly, particularly after rejecting a recent three-year deal worth approximately $68 million from the New York Mets. The Mets appear ready to move on, especially after investing heavily in other players like Juan Soto.

Despite leading the National League with 226 home runs since 2019, the current market for home run hitters has changed drastically. Alonso's timing appears unfortunate as the market has become increasingly competitive and less focused on power alone. Over the years, the sheer number of players capable of hitting home runs has expanded, diminishing Alonso's unique value.

Fantasy baseball analysis for first base in 2025 highlights several standout players, including Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bryce Harper. However, the depth of talent appears to drop off after the top few tiers. Notable mentions include Pete Alonso, who remains a top five first baseman despite being a free agent, and Matt Olson, who has shown significant power with 29 home runs recently.

Injuries have impacted players like Triston Casas, who has potential but has struggled to remain healthy. The rankings favor traditional 5x5 Roto Mixed Leagues, and the full list includes emerging talents alongside established stars, providing a guide for fantasy managers preparing for drafts.

Former Oakland A’s pitcher Dany Jimenéz has signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves worth $785,000, including an invite to Spring Training. This move highlights the Braves' trend of acquiring former A's players, as their current roster features notable former A's such as Grant Holmes and Sean Murphy.

Jimenéz, who had a notable stint with Oakland, has faced challenges in previous seasons with injuries and performance inconsistencies. Despite these setbacks, he displayed promise, particularly during the 2022 season, where he served as the A’s closer, securing 11 saves with a 3.41 ERA.

His addition to Atlanta comes at a time when the Braves are looking to bolster their bullpen, which ranked third in MLB with a 3.32 ERA. Jimenéz’s experience in high-pressure situations could provide valuable depth, especially considering Atlanta’s injury struggles last year.