Spring training for MLB is underway, and several teams are facing critical position battles with lasting fantasy implications. The Baltimore Orioles' outfield spots are highly contested, particularly for Ryan Mountcastle, who has seen a decline in power over recent seasons. Meanwhile, the Red Sox juggle their infield and DH roles with Rafael Devers and Alex Bregman potentially swapping positions, adding layers of complexity to their lineup.

The New York Yankees are navigating injuries, with Giancarlo Stanton's elbow issues potentially affecting the DH slot. Moreover, the Tampa Bay Rays have announced they will not use a six-man rotation, leaving some pitchers vying for a limited number of spots. The Toronto Blue Jays' left field and DH race appears to favor Anthony Santander, but other candidates like Joey Loperfido are pushing for opportunity.

As spring training approaches, fantasy baseball enthusiasts are turning their attention to potential sleeper picks that could yield high returns without spending early draft capital. Sleepers, typically identified as players available after pick 200, can range from aging stars to emerging talents. This year's list highlights players at various positions, focusing on their potential value due to favorable circumstances, changes in team dynamics, or recent performance trends.

Among the notable sleepers, St. Louis Cardinals' Ivan Herrera shows promise with a strong .301 batting average last season, albeit in limited play. Baltimore Orioles' Ryan Mountcastle, despite a recent downturn, is expected to bounce back due to favorable park changes. Tampa Bay Rays' Brandon Lowe aims for a resurgence following injury setbacks. New York Mets' Luisangel Acuña could become a key player as he transitions through the lineup, while Philadelphia's Alec Bohm remains a consistent performer. Finally, Texas Rangers' Joc Pederson targets impactful contributions in a promising lineup.

The focus on fantasy baseball sleepers for the 2025 season is heating up, especially with the Super Bowl just around the corner. Analysts highlight players likely to outperform their average draft positions. Josh Lowe's potential for a 20-20 season is emphasized, with expectations of improved performance moving from Tropicana Field to a more favorable environment for left-handed hitters. Kyle Manzardo is recognized for his power potential after a successful end to the last season in Cleveland. Meanwhile, Matt Chapman, now with the Giants, is projected to continue his solid production while also being perceived as undervalued in drafts. Other promising names include Parker Meadows and Trevor Larnach, both of whom are positioned for potential breakout seasons due to improved lineups and opportunities. José Tena of the Nationals is another sleeper, combining power and speed in a bolstered lineup.

Shohei Ohtani's return to the diamond raises both excitement and skepticism following his shoulder surgery and a second Tommy John surgery. Freddie Freeman, Dodgers first baseman, expresses confidence in Ohtani's ability to keep delivering high performance, noting his past resilience, including playing just days after a shoulder injury in the World Series. While Ohtani's recovery from shoulder surgery is critical, he is reportedly hitting well during practice, with batted balls exceeding 100 mph. However, Freeman reminds fans of the demands of returning from a second elbow reconstruction, a rare feat in baseball, with only a handful of pitchers managing to regain their previous levels of success.

The Dodgers' manager Dave Roberts is optimistic, indicating that Ohtani's swinging mechanics exhibit no signs of recent surgery. There is humor, too, with Freeman joking about Ohtani's impending fatherhood and its potential impact on his performance. As Ohtani prepares for spring training, the balance between cautious optimism and the reality of recovery is palpable, particularly concerning his pitching prospects, which remain uncertain as he works through bullpen sessions before returning to the mound.

The New York Mets are exploring options at first base, with Tampa Bay Rays' Yandy Díaz emerging as a potential target. Díaz, who has a proven track record with a career slash line of .288/.373/.433, is set to earn $10 million in the final year of his contract in 2025, with a $12 million club option for 2026. While Díaz is effective at getting on base, his defensive metrics have raised concerns, leaving the Mets to weigh their options carefully.

Meanwhile, first baseman Pete Alonso appears to be making progress in his negotiations with the Mets after a tumultuous weekend of public disagreements. Alonso's preference reportedly leans toward staying in New York, especially since he hasn't committed to the Toronto Blue Jays, who are also interested in him. The Mets are also considering trades for other first-base options, including Ryan Mountcastle and Spencer Torkelson, while continuing to bolster their bullpen.