As the MLB season progresses, the Baltimore Orioles face lineup shifts due to Gunnar Henderson's intercostal injury, giving Jackson Holliday and Jorge Mateo opportunities at shortstop. Colton Cowser's thumb fracture opens a door for Heston Kjerstad, who will likely see regular playing time against right-handed pitchers. Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox’s Triston Casas is expected to secure a full-time role despite a rocky start, while Wilyer Abreu impresses in his limited appearances.

The New York Yankees are experimenting with leadoff hitters, with both Austin Wells and Paul Goldschmidt having success. The Tampa Bay Rays' Curtis Mead showed promise on Opening Day but faced lineup uncertainty with injuries. The Toronto Blue Jays are giving Andres Gimenez an untraditional cleanup spot, and the Chicago White Sox are mixing up their leadoff approach with Miguel Vargas. The Cleveland Guardians’ Kyle Manzardo is thriving in the early season, further solidifying his role.

The Texas Rangers, navigating a challenging start to the season, are now on their third-string third baseman after injuries have plagued their roster. Interim third baseman Josh Smith exited early in the game against the Boston Red Sox, following a collision with a wall while attempting to catch a pop-up from Triston Casas. Although Smith managed to finish the inning, he was eventually replaced by Ezequiel Duran, marking the third player to occupy the third base position in just three games.

The situation worsens as the Rangers' regular starter, Josh Jung, is sidelined due to a neck spasm. Jung's absence significantly impacts Texas' batting lineup and infield defense. Meanwhile, Smith, known for his versatility, won a Silver Slugger last season and has been a key utility player. If he faces an extended recovery, the Rangers may look to minor league signee Sam Haggerty for further depth at the position, adding another layer of uncertainty to the team's early-season dynamics.

As the 2025 MLB season approaches, drafting your fantasy baseball team is just the beginning of the journey. This season promises to be filled with players who may well exceed their projections and impact their teams significantly. The New York Mets are showing particular promise, with a lineup that could combine for an impressive 115 home runs, bolstered by stars like Juan Soto and Pete Alonso. Both players are primed for breakout seasons, while Mark Vientos is emerging as a valuable source of power. Meanwhile, Julio Rodríguez is expected to recover from a disappointing 2024 season, potentially logging a 40/40 season.

Bubba Chandler, set to make his mark in Pittsburgh, is another player to watch, potentially becoming a second starting pitcher for the Pirates. Zack Wheeler is a prime candidate for the NL Cy Young Award, and Triston Casas is poised for a comeback with the Red Sox. After moving to the Tigers, Gleyber Torres aims to re-establish himself, while Victor Scott II is a name to remember for stolen bases. The season is set to be long and challenging, but these players could be critical to fantasy success.

Fantasy baseball in 2025 is heavily influenced by first base options, with multiple high ADPs making the position competitive. Among the top names, Spencer Steer of the Cincinnati Reds and Paul Goldschmidt of the New York Yankees raise concerns due to their declining stats. Steer's disappointing .225 average and Goldschmidt's drop to .245 suggest fantasy managers may be better off looking elsewhere. Triston Casas' injury struggles further complicate matters, while Josh Naylor's RBI output is appealing but comes with risks. There are solid alternatives available at lower ADPs, making it essential to reassess investments in these first basemen.

The 2025 Red Sox season is set against a backdrop of positional drama, particularly at third base, where Rafael Devers's staunch refusal to transition to designated hitter conflicts with the newly signed Alex Bregman. Devers, who has been a consistent offensive threat, aims to hold onto his spot despite leading MLB third basemen in errors. Meanwhile, Bregman, who has shown flexibility, may start the season at second base to optimize the lineup.

First baseman Triston Casas is also under scrutiny after an underwhelming 2024, with expectations for a rebound year. The Red Sox's corner infield strategy highlights the duality of maintaining offensive prowess while tightening defensive capabilities. The path forward remains uncertain, but with a potent lineup including Devers and Bregman, the Red Sox aim to shake off past disappointments.