Kipp Heisterman highlights key injured players to stash for fantasy baseball as the 2025 season progresses. Notable mentions include Max Scherzer, who, despite his injury, remains a valuable asset due to his strikeout potential when healthy. Also on the radar is Lucas Giolito, who posted 204 strikeouts in 2023 and is set for a rehab assignment with the Boston Red Sox. Andrew Abbott of the Cincinnati Reds is another intriguing option, expected to return soon after a solid 2024 season.

Other players worth considering are Ha-Seong Kim from the Tampa Bay Rays, providing speed and on-base skills, and Jeff McNeil of the New York Mets, set to rejoin a strong lineup. Lastly, Brooks Lee from the Minnesota Twins has shown promise as an infielder and could contribute upon his return. These players, with low roster percentages, could be key additions as the season unfolds.

Lucas Giolito is on the verge of his much-anticipated debut with the Boston Red Sox after overcoming injuries that sidelined him for much of last year. The right-hander, who underwent Tommy John surgery, has made significant strides in his rehab, pitching 3⅓ innings in a recent start with Triple-A Worcester. Giolito expressed his excitement about finally donning the Red Sox uniform at Fenway Park, emphasizing the special connection he feels to the stadium.

After a rocky start to his rehab, which included dealing with a hamstring injury, Giolito reflected on the challenges he faced, admitting that he feels incomplete after a frustrating year. Nevertheless, he is focused on regaining his form as a dependable starter, known for being an innings-eater. With another rehab start anticipated, fans and fantasy players alike are eager to see Giolito return to form and contribute to Boston's pitching staff.

The Boston Red Sox are facing a challenging start to their season, with three of their starting pitchers placed on the injured list. Lucas Giolito, who recently suffered a low-grade left hamstring strain during spring training, joins Brayan Bello (shoulder) and Kutter Crawford (knee) as they prepare for the season opener on March 27 against Texas.

Giolito, who signed a significant two-year, $38.5 million contract with the Red Sox prior to last season, missed all of 2023 due to a partial tear in his right ulnar collateral ligament. His previous season stats were less than impressive, with an 8-15 record and a 4.88 ERA across stints with the Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Angels, and Cleveland Guardians. With these injuries, the Red Sox will need to strategize effectively as they look to navigate the early part of the season without their key pitching assets.

Boston Red Sox right-hander Lucas Giolito will start the season on the injured list due to a hamstring injury. Manager Alex Cora confirmed that Giolito's participation in Opening Day was uncertain following his departure from a recent outing with the strain.

Further complicating the Red Sox's pitching lineup, Brayan Bello will also miss the beginning of the season due to shoulder soreness, prompting a cautious approach from the team. With both Giolito and Bello unavailable, the team's starting rotation depth is set to face immediate challenges as Kutter Crawford is also sidelined with a knee issue. Cora acknowledged the early tests the team will encounter during the season's start.

Major League Baseball history is filled with trades that haunt teams for years, and several deals from the past six years stand out as particularly regrettable. Notable trades between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2023, resulted in teams losing players who could still be under their control in 2025. Not included are trades that involved players who had already become free agents or were on the verge of free agency.

The Chicago Cubs’ decision to send Dylan Cease and Eloy Jiménez to the Chicago White Sox for Jose Quintana exemplifies a painful trade. While Quintana was expected to be a top pitcher, he failed to deliver, while Cease has developed into a Cy Young contender.

Another disastrous trade involved the St. Louis Cardinals dealing Sandy Alcántara and Zac Gallen to the Miami Marlins for Marcell Ozuna. Alcántara has become an elite pitcher, making this trade particularly stinging for the Cardinals, especially in light of their recent struggles.