Sean Murphy's recent cracked rib injury opens the door for top Braves prospect Drake Baldwin, who had an impressive minor league season in 2024 with a .276 batting average and 88 RBIs. Baldwin, despite not being on the 40-man roster, is a strong contender for a call-up this season due to Murphy's absence. Meanwhile, veteran catchers Chadwick Tromp, Sandy León, and Curt Casali are in line to fill the gap, but their experience may not match the potential Baldwin brings to the lineup.

Murphy, who previously had a rough season marred by injury, was an All-Star in 2023. His performance saw him sign a hefty $73 million contract with Atlanta. However, the team is already dealing with other injuries impacting key players such as Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider, making Baldwin’s timely rise crucial for the Braves as they look to navigate early season challenges.

Sean Murphy of the Atlanta Braves faces a significant setback after fracturing his left rib, sidelining him for at least a month. This injury forces him out of the Braves' opening game against the San Diego Padres on March 27. Murphy, a former All-Star, had a disappointing 2024 season, where he recorded career lows in batting average (.193), on-base percentage (.284), and slugging percentage (.352).

With Murphy unavailable, the Braves will turn to Chadwick Tromp as the starting catcher, while top prospect Drake Baldwin is likely to compete for a more significant role in the near future. Baldwin impressed at the minor league level last season, hitting .276/.370/.423 with 16 home runs, ranking as CBS Sports' No. 32 prospect. Murphy's absence opens the door for Baldwin to potentially take over the starting duties if he performs well, while the team will also have to navigate the absence of key players like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider due to their recovery from injuries.

The landscape of outfielders in fantasy baseball for 2025 is filled with intriguing options. Players like Nick Castellanos and Brandon Nimmo are emerging as undervalued assets, with both showcasing consistent performance metrics that suggest they can exceed their average draft positions (ADPs). Castellanos, with an ADP of 153.2, boasts impressive home run and RBI totals despite a slow start last season. Similarly, Nimmo's strong numbers, backed by a solid position in the Mets lineup, make him a dependable choice in the mid-to-late rounds.

On the other hand, Adolis Garcia's ADP of 122.3 might not reflect his potential for a bounce-back season, as he still managed strong offensive statistics last year, suggesting he could return to form. However, Michael Harris II faces skepticism due to injuries that have plagued his career, making his high ADP of 46.0 questionable. Lastly, Ronald Acuña Jr. appears overvalued at 26.7, considering his recovery from ACL surgery, which raises doubts about his immediate impact. Managing the balance of value and risk will be crucial in navigating the outfield position.

The outfield position in dynasty fantasy baseball is incredibly deep and talented, with 14 of the top 25 players being outfielders. Leading the list is Juan Soto of the New York Mets, who recently signed a massive contract and had a stellar 2024 season, showcasing elite hitting metrics. Close behind is Ronald Acuña Jr. of the Atlanta Braves, known for his impressive power-speed combination, though injury concerns linger. Kyle Tucker, now with the Chicago Cubs, showcases potential for a 30/30 season. Aaron Judge remains a power threat for the New York Yankees, while Fernando Tatis Jr. is ranked high, but injury history raises questions. Young stars like Corbin Carroll and Wyatt Langford are emerging, promising exciting futures.

The Chicago Cubs are set to begin their season without Gold Glove infielder Nico Hoerner, who won't travel to Japan for the Opening Day games against the Los Angeles Dodgers due to a recovery from offseason arm surgery. Manager Craig Counsell has confirmed Hoerner's absence, emphasizing the need for him to gain at-bats that the Japan trip won't provide. Hoerner had a productive 2022 season, posting a .273 average with seven home runs over 151 games. Despite the setback, there's optimism surrounding his potential return for domestic Opening Day.

The Dodgers are in a similar situation as three right-handed relievers — Michael Kopech, Evan Phillips, and Michael Grove — are also unlikely to play in Japan due to injuries. Meanwhile, the Dodgers expect All-Star Freddie Freeman to be ready for the games, as he recovers from ankle surgery.