The 2025 MLB season kicked off with both the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres remaining undefeated while the Atlanta Braves struggled, starting the season winless. Individual performances have stood out, including Aaron Judge's three-homer game and MacKenzie Gore's impressive 13-strikeout debut. As teams adjust, the Dodgers maintain their lead, showcasing depth in their lineup despite injuries to key players. The Philadelphia Phillies are making waves with Cristopher Sanchez's enhanced velocity and effective starts. Meanwhile, the Padres are banking on their future star, Jackson Merrill, who has already made a significant impact. The New York Yankees are benefiting from Judge's explosive start, while the Arizona Diamondbacks see promise from Eugenio Suarez's hot streak. The season promises to be unpredictable as teams jockey for position.

The MLB season kicks off with an exciting Monday slate featuring a mix of day and night games, but the focus is squarely on the night matchups packed with potential for DFS success. Pitcher Bowden Francis from the Toronto Blue Jays is a standout pick at $8,300, boasting a solid 3.30 ERA and 0.93 WHIP last season, particularly impressing with a 1.53 ERA in the second half. Facing the Washington Nationals, who struggled offensively last year, Francis walks into a great matchup as a -170 favorite.

On the other hand, Ronel Blanco of the Houston Astros at $9,000 is another viable option, thanks to his consistency over 29 starts, allowing four runs or fewer almost every time out. The matchup against the San Francisco Giants, who ranked low offensively last season, adds to Blanco's appeal.

As for hitters, Kyle Tucker from the Chicago Cubs ($6,000) is sizzling hot with two homers and five RBIs in recent games. Meanwhile, Fernando Tatis Jr. at $5,400 continues to showcase his elite potential with impressive stats, including three steals in the early season. For budget-friendly options, Lane Thomas ($4,100) and Jonathan Aranda ($2,900) provide excellent value against weak pitching matchups.

For stacking, consider the Cubs against Joey Estes of the Oakland Athletics, given Estes' struggles. A stack featuring Tucker, Ian Happ, and Michael Busch could yield high returns. The Tampa Bay Rays against Carmen Mlodzinski also show promise, with key players like Junior Caminero and Brandon Lowe rounding out an attractive stack.

In a recent game, Jeimer Candelario's two-run single propelled the Cincinnati Reds to a 3-0 lead against the San Francisco Giants, showcasing his power at the plate with three RBIs overall. However, a significant baserunning blunder by Gavin Lux highlighted the Reds' struggles. Attempting to advance to third from first base, Lux was easily thrown out, a move criticized by Barry Larkin, who stated Lux should have recognized his teammate Elly De La Cruz was safe at home, making his advance unnecessary.

Larkin also praised Hunter Greene for his strong start, signaling potential for the young pitcher this season. Reds' manager Terry Francona is expected to address the baserunning error, an area he emphasizes to avoid unnecessary outs that can derail a team's momentum.

The Cincinnati Reds are elevating their postseason aspirations for the 2025 season by significantly bolstering their roster with players rich in playoff experience. Newly appointed manager Terry Francona is keenly aware of the impact veteran players can have on younger teammates, and he’s already witnessed leadership in action during team events. Newly acquired catcher José Trevino, fresh off a World Series run with the New York Yankees, exemplifies this spirit by mentoring younger players like Alfredo Duno. The Reds have intentionally focused on acquiring players with postseason credentials, doubling their roster's playoff experience this offseason, bringing in impactful figures such as Trevino and Gavin Lux.

This strategy aims not only to improve immediate performance but also to foster a culture that values the intensity and strategy of playoff baseball. With pitchers like Brady Singer and bullpen options such as Taylor Rogers joining the fold, the Reds are looking to leverage this experience to navigate the rigors of a full MLB season. The hope is that these seasoned veterans will not only lead by example on the field but will also instill a sense of urgency and competitiveness in the clubhouse that has been missing in recent years.