The MLB is facing a significant drop in offensive production as the season progresses, with cold weather exacerbating the issue. The league has already witnessed 36 shutouts this season, a stark contrast to previous years, suggesting a troubling trend for hitters. The Tampa Bay Rays have been particularly impacted, losing key player Junior Caminero in critical late-game situations in favor of defense, while others like Jeimer Candelario and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. struggle offensively.

In response to the slow offensive start, teams are increasingly relying on the running game, with stolen base attempts up by 21% compared to last season. The Angels, for example, are leading in home runs while lagging in steals. For fantasy players, identifying speedsters like Oneil Cruz, who remains a perfect 8-for-8 in stolen base attempts, could be crucial during this offensive slump. As the season continues, it may be wise to capitalize on the current pace of stolen bases while they are trending upward.

Brady Singer delivered a stellar pitching performance, leading the Cincinnati Reds to a 5-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. With 53 of his 88 pitches finding the strike zone, Singer improved to 3-0 for the season. He impressed early, not allowing a hit until the fifth inning, while striking out three and conceding just two hits overall. The Reds' bullpen maintained the lead, with Taylor Rogers, Graham Ashcraft, and Emilio Pagán effectively closing out the game.

The Reds secured their runs with a mix of discipline and power; a two-run homer from Jeimer Candelario marked his first of the year, while an error allowed two additional runs to cross in the third inning. Despite the Pirates attempting a late comeback with a double and a home run from Adam Frazier, the Reds' pitching staff, currently ranked fourth in MLB in ERA, showcased their depth and resilience throughout the game.

As the 2025 MLB season kicks off, fantasy managers should be proactive in the waiver wire to bolster their infield options. Luis Rengifo of the Los Angeles Angels is a promising second baseman, poised for a breakout after a strong previous season cut short by injury. With his projected 30 steals and potential for 14 home runs, he’s a must-add in shallow leagues. Meanwhile, Tyler Soderstrom of the Oakland Athletics has shown early power, hitting two homers on Opening Day, and could be beneficial for managers seeking first base or catcher depth.

For deeper leagues, Spencer Torkelson of the Detroit Tigers is bouncing back with an impressive start, displaying power and patience at the plate. Otto Lopez from the Miami Marlins is another intriguing option after a versatile season last year, providing speed and batting average potential. Finally, in extremely deep leagues, Jeimer Candelario from the Cincinnati Reds presents value with his starting role, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa offers positional flexibility and speed, both worth considering as the season develops.

The Cincinnati Reds are currently in a unique situation regarding their third base position for the upcoming 2025 season. Manager Terry Francona has confirmed that three players—Gavin Lux, Jeimer Candelario, and Santiago Espinal—are vying for playing time, leading to a potential rotation strategy. This dilemma follows a dismal performance from the position last season, making their collective improvement crucial.

Gavin Lux, a left-handed hitter, has shown promise in recent games, securing his spot in the mix for regular-season at-bats. Francona noted Lux's impressive adaptation, hinting at his versatility as he may also see action in left field. Meanwhile, Candelario's defensive skills and offensive potential keep him in the conversation, especially as he rotates through different positions, including first base and designated hitter. Espinal also stands out, expected to contribute in various roles, thus offering depth to the roster.