Devin Williams, the New York Yankees' new closer, entered the 2025 season as a highly valued fantasy asset thanks to his 1.83 career ERA and elite strikeout rate. After a stellar performance late last season with the Milwaukee Brewers, expectations were high for his role in New York. However, just weeks into the season, Williams has found himself among the most dropped closers on ESPN leagues following a series of inconsistent outings. A particularly troubling game against the Tampa Bay Rays saw him blow a four-run lead, raising concerns despite an underlying .423 BABIP indicating he’s been unlucky. Fantasy managers are urged to stay the course, as his performance should normalize.

Meanwhile, other closers like Jeff Hoffman of the Toronto Blue Jays and Kyle Finnegan of the Washington Nationals have seen their stock rise, with Hoffman perfect in save opportunities and Finnegan accumulating saves despite mediocre strikeout rates. Justin Martinez of the Arizona Diamondbacks is set to benefit from an increased role following the injury of A.J. Puk, while Jose Alvarado of the Phillies has stepped up as a reliable closer. Conversely, Baltimore's Felix Bautista is struggling and may need time to regain his pre-surgery form, prompting patience from fantasy owners.

Frustration mounts among Baltimore Orioles fans as the team struggles through a lackluster season. The Orioles have suffered heavy losses, including a shocking 24-2 defeat, raising concerns about their competitiveness in a critical season. The chemistry on the field seems absent, with fundamental errors becoming increasingly common. As the season progresses, the outlook appears bleak, leaving fans wondering how much longer they can endure watching a team that seems to lack direction and energy.

With players not meeting expectations, the season is shaping up to be a long and painful ride. The organization needs to focus on building a resilient team capable of better performance if they want to salvage any hope for the remainder of the season.

The New York Yankees continue to dominate the MLB with a total of 38 home runs, leading the league. With favorable weather conditions in Cleveland for left-handed hitters, the Yankees are poised for another explosive game against the Guardians. Trent Grisham recently hit his sixth home run, with FanDuel listing him at +450 to hit another on Monday. The Yankees' projection model is showing strong performances, with several players, including Pete Alonso, Kerry Carpenter, and Anthony Santander, highlighted as prime candidates for home run props.

Alonso, a two-time Home Run Derby champion, boasts impressive stats against Aaron Nola, while Carpenter is in excellent form with multiple hits in recent games. Even with Carpenter out of the lineup, other players like Mike Yastrzemski and Grisham are seen as valuable picks. As the season progresses, the Yankees' slugging capabilities will be crucial for fantasy managers and sports bettors looking to capitalize on home run bets.

The Baltimore Orioles are in a precarious position, with their General Manager Mike Elias facing heavy criticism for a season that has seen the team struggle significantly. Despite possessing a roster filled with promising young talent, the Orioles' management is under fire for their lack of foresight during the offseason, particularly regarding their pitching staff. Many analysts and fans agree that Elias failed to secure enough quality pitching to support the team's aspirations of contending, a misstep that has resulted in a disappointing start to the season.

Furthermore, opinions on the new ownership under David Rubenstein indicate a shift in strategy, as the team appears to prioritize budget buys over significant investments in free agency. This approach has led to comparisons with the prior ownership of Peter Angelos, suggesting a regression in the team's operations. The Orioles' management is urged to reassess their strategies and take accountability for the current dire situation, as many feel that the team is squandering its potential.

As the 2025 MLB season approaches, several rookie prospects are positioning themselves as potential fantasy stars. Roman Anthony of the Boston Red Sox is leading the pack, boasting a strong Triple-A performance with an OPS of .945. His recent multi-hit games demonstrate his readiness for the major leagues. In second place is Jordan Lawlar from the Arizona Diamondbacks, who continues to impress with outstanding batting stats and speed on the bases.

Nick Kurtz of the Athletics and Coby Mayo of the Orioles are also generating buzz, though Kurtz faces some challenges with consistency at the plate. If Mayo can find playing time amid a crowded infield, his power potential could make him a valuable asset. On the pitching side, Bubba Chandler for the Pirates has shown he can dominate hitters, with a stellar ERA and strikeout rate. These players, among others mentioned, signal a promising future for fantasy managers looking to build a strong roster.