The Chicago Cubs have made significant strides this offseason, bolstering their roster with strategic signings and trades. A notable move includes the return of veteran starter José Quintana, who has signed a one-year deal with the Milwaukee Brewers after a successful 2024 season with a commendable 3.75 ERA over 31 starts. Quintana's experience, which spans various teams including the New York Mets and Chicago White Sox, positions him to potentially be the Brewers' fifth starter, especially given their reputation for effective pitching development. The Cubs' recent roster turnover, particularly in pitching, highlights their ongoing commitment to improving their performance.

Fantasy baseball enthusiasts should keep a close watch on potential sleepers from all 30 Major League Baseball teams. A.J. Puk from the Arizona Diamondbacks showcases elite metrics from the bullpen, while Zack Gelof of the Athletics stands out for his offensive potential, especially in light of the team's move to a more hitter-friendly park. The Braves' Grant Holmes and the Orioles' Ryan Mountcastle could provide significant returns in drafts, as both have promising outlooks for 2025.

Other players to consider include Trevor Story of the Red Sox, who can contribute in multiple categories despite injury concerns, and the Cubs' Matt Shaw, who can slot in at several positions and has the potential for a strong rookie campaign. Meanwhile, the Reds' Nick Lodolo and Guardians' Kyle Manzardo are also solid picks for those looking to balance their roster. Keep an eye on these players as you head into fantasy drafts this year.

In fantasy baseball, success hinges on a profound understanding of player dynamics, as demonstrated in a recent analysis that emphasizes the importance of a solid player pool knowledge. This year's playbook reveals that standout athletes like Bobby Witt Jr. have continued to break records and set impressive metrics, highlighting the significance of both speed and power in his performance. Meanwhile, Aaron Judge's remarkable past season raises concerns about regression and injury history, prompting caution in drafting strategies.

Other players, such as Corbin Carroll and Kyle Tucker, showcase potential despite recent setbacks, indicating the importance of timing and adaptability in fantasy picks. With a focus on emerging stars and proven veterans, the analysis underscores the ever-evolving landscape of fantasy baseball and the crucial decision-making required for optimal team construction.

As the Chicago Cubs approach the regular season, their offseason efforts to improve seem promising, with a series of trades enhancing their roster. However, a significant missed opportunity was the pursuit of free agent Alex Bregman, who has since joined the Boston Red Sox. This leaves the Cubs with rookie Matt Shaw expected to start at third base, raising concerns given Shaw's lack of Major League experience.

In response to this uncertainty, the Cubs might look to players like Brett Baty from the New York Mets. Baty, blocked from regular play by established teammates, has shown potential during spring training. With solid minor league performance and impressive spring stats, including a .538 batting average, he could serve as a viable backup for the Cubs at third if Shaw struggles.

The journey of Jameson Taillon, now a right-hander for the Chicago Cubs, is a testament to resilience in baseball. Having endured two Tommy John surgeries, he found inspiration watching his former teammate Daniel Hudson clinch the 2019 World Series for the Washington Nationals. This emotional moment underscored the reality faced by many pitchers undergoing reconstructive elbow surgery, where the road to recovery is fraught with uncertainty. The statistics reveal that while 90% of those undergoing their first Tommy John surgery successfully return to play, only 61% of pitchers returning for a second surgery find themselves back in competitive form.

Shohei Ohtani's recent experience serves as a reminder of the challenges inherent in returning to form after such procedures. Now gearing up for his return, Ohtani's success as a hitter raises questions about how well he can perform on the mound following his second surgery. Notably, pitchers like Taillon and Nathan Eovaldi have succeeded in maintaining their performance post-surgery, but the average success rate remains a concern as the mechanics of one's pitching can drastically change following such operations.