The 2025 MLB season is officially underway, with predictions for all 30 teams aimed at stirring the pot. Corbin Carroll of the Arizona Diamondbacks is expected to join the elite 20-triple club, while the Athletics, despite a rough past season, are projected to be surprisingly competitive and sit in a postseason spot by July. In Atlanta, young catcher Drake Baldwin could take over the starting role from Sean Murphy due to an injury, potentially reshaping the Braves’ roster dynamics.

Heston Kjerstad may be traded by the Baltimore Orioles for a starting pitcher as he remains blocked in the current lineup. The Red Sox are boldly expected to hit a grand slam on Opening Day after failing to do so last season. Star prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong could earn an MVP vote, and the White Sox might avoid the worst record in the league despite a dismal outlook.

The Cincinnati Reds hope Elly De La Cruz will reduce his strikeouts, while the Guardians might finally see two outfielders hit 20 home runs in a season. The Rockies and Tigers are eyeing significant strides, while the Astros hope Jose Altuve can adapt to left field. In Kansas City, Bobby Witt Jr. is predicted not to lead the Royals in home runs, a bold assumption given his star potential.

The Chicago Cubs are witnessing the promising development of rookie center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, whose defensive prowess is matched by a significant offensive turnaround. After struggling early on with a .196 average, he finished the season strong, improving to .286 with an .801 OPS in his last 49 games. Manager Craig Counsell's patience proved crucial for Crow-Armstrong's growth. Meanwhile, rookie third baseman Matt Shaw faces similar challenges as he adjusts to major-league pitching, following a rocky start in the Tokyo Series. The Cubs are hopeful he will adapt quickly with the support of veteran teammates.

As the Cubs gear up for the new season, Crow-Armstrong’s stellar spring performance, highlighted by a .500 average, showcases his readiness. He remains focused on playing exceptional defense while deferring to Ian Happ in the leadoff role. The Cubs have added depth to their roster, and as they finalize their decisions, the spotlight will be on both Crow-Armstrong and Shaw to contribute to a potentially division-leading team.

In the ever-evolving landscape of fantasy baseball, understanding player valuations just before the season starts is crucial for drafting success. Notable rises include Pete Crow-Armstrong, whose impressive spring training performance has catapulted his average draft position (ADP) significantly, making him a hot target for fantasy managers looking for power and speed. Rhys Hoskins also sees a major uptick, returning from injury with a powerful spring, while Garrett Crochet's dominance on the mound has fantasy players buzzing about his potential as the Red Sox ace this season.

On the flip side, players like Nolan Jones are experiencing a steep decline, attributed to injuries and a lackluster spring. Similarly, Willy Adames' value is diminished due to a change in hitting environment after moving to San Francisco, a park notoriously unfriendly to power hitters. As the draft approaches, analyzing these shifts in player value can make a decisive difference for fantasy teams.

As Best Ball contests grow in popularity, understanding the value of outfield players is crucial for fantasy baseball enthusiasts. With hitters often categorized into infield and outfield positions, the outfield can be a thin area, especially in drafts. While top-tier outfielders can shine, there are hidden gems later in drafts that can provide significant value. This analysis focuses on five outfielders showing promise based on their average draft positions (ADP).

When drafting, consider your overall roster composition; balancing injury risks and dependable players is key. Some of the highlighted players, like Bryan Reynolds and Kerry Carpenter, provide solid consistency, while others like Jake McCarthy and Heston Kjerstad have breakout potential. In Best Ball formats where the highest weekly scores are automatically counted, targeting players with high upside and 'spike' weeks can elevate your team’s performance.