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.

The Chicago Cubs are gearing up for the regular season, set to kick off with a two-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Japan. However, the team faces challenges with injuries that could significantly impact their lineup. Notably, Gold Glove second baseman Nico Hoerner will miss the trip due to recent surgery on a flexor tendon but is expected to be ready for domestic Opening Day against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Additionally, top prospect Matt Shaw, anticipated to start at third base, is also likely to skip the Japan trip due to an oblique injury, although it is not severe.

With both Hoerner and Shaw potentially sidelined, the Cubs will need to adjust their infield configuration against a formidable Dodgers roster. The team can tap into offseason acquisitions like Justin Turner, Vidal Bruján, and Jon Berti, all of whom can play at second or third base. Given Turner’s investment, he’s expected to secure one of the starting roles, while Bruján and Berti will vie for the other. This situation places the Cubs in a position where they must rely on their bench depth as they prepare for the season's opening games.

Success in fantasy baseball hinges more on the collective performance of your roster than on standout individuals, unlike fantasy football where one star can define your season. Identifying breakout players is essential, especially those who can exceed expectations. Numerous candidates for significant 2025 performance have been highlighted.

Wyatt Langford of the Texas Rangers demonstrated impressive late-season form, hitting .300 with 8 homers and 7 steals in 2024. Xavier Edwards, a Miami Marlins shortstop, showcases elite speed and an impressive batting average. Connor Norby, another Marlins player, is expected to feature prominently in their lineup. Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays possesses massive power potential at just 21. Pitchers like Nick Lodolo and José Soriano are set for notable improvements, with high strikeout rates and potential for health in 2025.

The fantasy baseball season is heating up, making best ball formats a perfect avenue for both seasoned drafters and newcomers. Best ball leagues require no management post-draft, allowing players to draft multiple teams and focus on guaranteed plate appearances and innings without worrying about waivers. With varied scoring formats across platforms like Fantrax, understanding player ADPs is crucial for spotting value picks.

This year, notable pitchers such as Brandon Pfaadt of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Jared Jones of the Pittsburgh Pirates stand out as potential breakout stars. Pfaadt, despite a rocky finish to his 2024 season, showed great control and strikeout potential, while Jones possesses elite velocity and a promising pitch mix. Other pitchers like Gavin Williams from the Cleveland Guardians and Justin Steele from the Chicago Cubs also warrant attention for their solid ERAs and ability to induce weak contact.

As the draft season approaches, these players are among the best targets for those looking to optimize their best ball strategies.

The Seattle Mariners continue to seek enhancements for their roster during the offseason, marking their first significant move with the acquisition of Donovan Solano on a one-year, $3.5 million deal. Discussions have unfolded with the Chicago Cubs regarding potential trades, notably involving second baseman Nico Hoerner. Although no agreement was finalized, the Mariners also expressed interest in outfielder Cody Bellinger, who was ultimately traded to the New York Yankees. The Mariners' financial constraints complicate any potential deal for Bellinger, whose contract could prove challenging given their limited payroll flexibility.

As the Mariners engage with the Cubs, the possible arrival of third baseman Alex Bregman in Chicago may reignite trade negotiations between the teams. The offseason has been filled with rumors and speculation as the Mariners aim to bolster their lineup, particularly as they navigate financial limitations and the complexities of potential trades within a crowded market.