The Toronto Blue Jays kick off their 2025 season with a fresh outlook after a disappointing last-place finish in the American League East. Key players Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette are entering their final year under contract, making their performances critical not only for the team’s success but also for their impending free agency. Manager John Schneider expressed confidence in Bichette's readiness, highlighting a strong training camp. The team added slugger Anthony Santander, who had a standout previous season, and will rely on seasoned pitcher Jose Berrios for the opening day start.

The franchise faces significant pressure this year, especially with postseason aspirations and the potential of losing top talent in free agency. Schneider emphasized the importance of focusing on performance rather than succumbing to external expectations. With a seven-game homestand to start the season, the Jays will quickly need to prove their mettle against division rivals like the Orioles.

The 2025 MLB rookie class, while not as deep as previous years, boasts several intriguing prospects ready to make an impact. The Washington Nationals' Dylan Crews, the second overall pick in 2023, has displayed power potential, albeit with a modest initial MLB showing. Jasson Dominguez of the New York Yankees is back from injury and offers a dangerous blend of speed and hitting ability. Matt Shaw of the Chicago Cubs is positioned for significant playing time at third base, while Roki Sasaki from the Los Angeles Dodgers is generating buzz as a top international signing with an impressive pitch arsenal.

Other notable names include Bubba Chandler of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who is solidifying his role as a pitcher, and Boston's Kristian Campbell, who has transformed into a potential All-Star. Roman Anthony, also of the Red Sox, is drawing attention as a top position prospect with significant power. The Detroit Tigers' Jackson Jobe and Miami's Deyvison De Los Santos highlight the list of rising stars, suggesting a promising future for fantasy baseball enthusiasts.

The Toronto Blue Jays face a significant setback as pitching prospect Adam Macko is diagnosed with a probable meniscus tear in his knee, requiring surgery and expected to sideline him for an extended period. Macko was projected to start the season at Triple-A Buffalo and was seen as a vital option for the big league rotation following an uneven minor league season, where he recorded a 4.87 ERA at Double-A New Hampshire. His injury further strains an already depleted pitching depth chart for the Jays, who also have fellow prospects Ricky Tiedemann, Brandon Barriera, and Landen Maroudis likely sidelined for most of the season. The team anticipates that Yariel Rodriguez will take on a larger role as a swingman, with Jake Bloss emerging as a primary starter option in Buffalo. Meanwhile, the Jays have recently bolstered their bullpen by signing veteran arms Amir Garrett and Jacob Barnes, who will compete for spots in spring training.

The Boston Red Sox are actively reshaping their starting rotation ahead of the 2025 season, focusing on acquiring talent to address past deficiencies.

Key additions include left-hander Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox and veterans Walker Buehler and Patrick Sandoval, both of whom come with injury histories but significant potential.

With this revamped roster, the Red Sox aim to enhance their competitiveness and end their recent postseason struggles.

The Boston Red Sox have signed free agent pitcher Patrick Sandoval to a two-year contract worth $18.25 million, despite him recovering from elbow surgery.

Sandoval, 28, is expected to miss the first half of the 2025 season after undergoing an internal brace procedure for a torn UCL. He was previously non-tendered by the Los Angeles Angels, making him a free agent.

In 2024, Sandoval had a disappointing record of 2-8 with a 5.08 ERA before his injury, while his best season was in 2022 with a 6-9 record and a 2.91 ERA.