Entering 2025, the third base position is brimming with talent, highlighting a compelling landscape for fantasy baseball enthusiasts. José Ramírez maintains his top spot at 32, showcasing impressive stats throughout the years. Rafael Devers, age 28, remains a strong candidate alongside an improved Red Sox lineup. Austin Riley, despite a dip in performance, shows potential for a bounce-back season. Junior Caminero's raw power at just 21 is tantalizing, while Jordan Westburg, returning from injury, offers a well-rounded skill set. Manny Machado continues to deliver consistent power, adding value to dynasty leagues.

Royce Lewis' injury history raises concerns, but his upside could yield notable returns. Mark Vientos, fresh off a breakout season, and Matt Shaw are both set to make substantial impacts. Alex Bregman, now with the Red Sox, adds depth to the position as well. The future of third base is bright, making players like Ramírez and Devers pivotal in shaping fantasy leagues.

Luis Gil of the New York Yankees edged out Colton Cowser of the Baltimore Orioles for the 2024 American League Rookie of the Year title, securing 15 first-place votes and 106 total points compared to Cowser's 13 votes and 101 points. Both players finished the season with a 3.1 bWAR. Gil, who was signed as an international free agent in 2015, made a surprising impact after overcoming Tommy John surgery in 2022. In the early months of 2024, Gil was in Cy Young contention, boasting a 15-7 record with a 3.50 ERA and 171 strikeouts. Despite this success, concerns about his walk rates and consistency linger for the coming seasons.

The 2024 MLB season saw impressive rookie performances, especially in September, highlighting future fantasy baseball prospects. Among the notable players, Otto Lopez of the Miami Marlins demonstrated significant improvement, closing the season with a .344 batting average, three home runs, and 14 RBIs during the final month. His defensive capabilities were also well-regarded, ranking third in Outs Above Average. Similarly, Spencer Schwellenbach from the Atlanta Braves finished with a strong 3.35 ERA and 127 strikeouts, showcasing dominance with a 2.25 ERA across six September starts.

Rhett Lowder of the Cincinnati Reds made a case for a spot on the Opening Day roster after an impressive September with a 1.01 ERA and multiple scoreless outings. Wyatt Langford of the Texas Rangers, initially struggling, rebounded impressively by hitting .300 with eight home runs in September, indicating a promising upward trajectory. As the 2025 season approaches, these rookies present intriguing options for fantasy drafts, with potential sleeper candidates arising from their strong finishes.

The Baltimore Orioles face skepticism as they enter the new MLB season without two All-Stars from last year, raising concerns about their competitiveness. General manager Mike Elias has been criticized for failing to secure top pitching talent and for taking risks with offensive replacements. However, the Orioles' rich pool of young talent gives them a reason for optimism. With several top prospects, including Jackson Holliday and Coby Mayo, making their way to the major leagues, expectations are high for a revitalized season. Key players like Adley Rutschman, who experienced a dramatic drop in performance in the latter half of last season, are also expected to bounce back, which could significantly enhance the team's prospects.

The Baltimore Orioles have finalized a one-year, $975,000 deal with Dylan Carlson, a former first-round pick by the St. Louis Cardinals. After being non-tendered by the Tampa Bay Rays, Carlson hopes to reinvigorate his career at just 26 years old. Despite hitting only 16 home runs since his standout rookie season in 2021, he brings versatility to the Orioles’ outfield, capable of playing all three positions. With Anthony Santander's departure and the addition of Tyler O'Neill, the Orioles are looking for Carlson to bolster their lineup in a competitive AL East.