Anthony Santander's departure from the Baltimore Orioles marks a significant shift for the team as he signs a lucrative five-year, $92.5 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays. The All-Star outfielder, who had an outstanding 2024 season with career highs in home runs and RBIs, opted for the Blue Jays over a lesser three-year offer from the Orioles. Although Santander expressed regret about leaving, he acknowledged that business decisions influenced his choice.

To fill Santander's void, the Orioles acquired Tyler O'Neill, who had a strong performance last season with 31 home runs and solid defensive skills. O'Neill’s capability to produce power, coupled with his Gold Glove-winning defense, may provide Baltimore with an effective replacement. However, facing Santander multiple times this season adds an intriguing dynamic to the American League East rivalry.

The Toolshed Podcast episode 376 brings a focus on promising pitchers to target for fantasy baseball in 2025, featuring insights from hosts Eric Cross and Chris Clegg along with guest Michael Simione. Key players discussed include Hunter Brown of the Houston Astros, who has showcased commendable skills in the minors and majors, Grayson Rodriguez from the Baltimore Orioles, celebrated for his high strikeout rates, and Ryan Pepiot of the Tampa Bay Rays, known for his effective pitching style and potential to excel further. This episode is essential for dynasty league participants looking to bolster their pitching lineups for the future.

Opting for an AL-only league format can transform your fantasy baseball experience, making drafts feel more intense and high-stakes due to a limited player pool. However, with this excitement comes the risk of missteps that could jeopardize your season. To navigate these waters, cautious selection of hitters is crucial. This article highlights five hitters to avoid in AL-only leagues, providing insights into their potential risks and performance metrics.

Boston Red Sox's Ceddanne Rafaela, with an ADP of 173, presents significant risk due to subpar advanced metrics despite decent counting stats. Cedric Mullins of the Baltimore Orioles is also a name to steer clear of, as an influx of talent has diminished his fantasy value significantly. Trevor Story and Anthony Santander, both of the Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays respectively, pose similar concerns with their fluctuating performances. Lastly, while Jose Altuve remains a reliable second baseman, signs of decline may make him less appealing in the upcoming season.

As fantasy baseball drafts heat up, the debate over when to target closers intensifies. Securing a top option in the early rounds is critical, as the quest for at least 60 saves begins. Closers not only contribute saves but also impact ratio and strikeout categories, making their selection pivotal for fantasy success. A clear understanding of your league format and competitors can shape your draft strategy significantly.

Five must-have closers for the upcoming season include Felix Bautista from the Baltimore Orioles, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery but boasts impressive 2023 numbers. Lucas Erceg of the Kansas City Royals has the skill set to become a top-10 closer despite a shaky start. Trevor Megill, stepping into a more pivotal role with the Milwaukee Brewers, is expected to secure 25+ saves. David Bednar from the Pittsburgh Pirates looks to bounce back from an injury-plagued 2024, and Seth Halvorsen from the Colorado Rockies could defy traditional thoughts about Rockies pitchers with breakout potential in 2025.

Prioritize J.T. Realmuto in your fantasy baseball drafts, especially if you're waiting on a catcher. Despite a limited 2024 season due to injury, his impressive second half suggests a bounce back at a value ADP of ~130. Cody Bellinger offers significant upside with his move to the Yankees, where left-handed hitters thrive, making his ~110 ADP a steal. Brandon Lowe, at ~234, is an undervalued player with potential for a power surge if he stays healthy. Corey Seager, one of the best hitters in the game, should be a target if you're looking to wait on shortstop, with consistent production and a solid lineup around him. Lastly, Jordan Westburg presents a versatile option with 20/20 upside and favorable conditions for growth this coming season.