Drafting for fantasy baseball success is an intricate dance between category specialists and overall balanced players. Marcell Ozuna, hitting 40 home runs in 2023, and Josh Naylor, a powerful RBI contributor now with Arizona, are prime examples of players whose abilities can skew your fantasy stats in one direction. However, selecting them necessitates careful additional picks to maintain balance.

For those aiming for stolen bases, Xavier Edwards of the Marlins is a breakout candidate, while Yainer Díaz from the Astros offers batting average prowess. On the pitching front, Logan Webb of the Giants has shown durability and effectiveness, leading in innings pitched over recent seasons. Meanwhile, Hunter Greene is an under-the-radar strikeout machine. These players present rich opportunities for savvy managers to exploit value in their drafts.

Roansy Contreras, once a top prospect for the Pittsburgh Pirates, has signed with the Cincinnati Reds after being designated for assignment by the Texas Rangers. The 25-year-old pitcher debuted in the majors in 2021, recording a 9-12 record and a 4.83 ERA over four seasons with Pittsburgh.

Contreras joins a Reds rotation that includes Brady Singer and Nick Martinez, providing depth as they aim to improve in 2025. Meanwhile, the Pirates are also looking forward to a promising season with their young talents.

Elly De La Cruz, the Cincinnati Reds infielder, gained attention on social media after donning his National League All-Star jersey during a game in the Dominican Republic. This unique display highlights his rising star status in Major League Baseball.

Coming off a strong 2024 season, De La Cruz led the league with 67 stolen bases and hit 25 home runs, contributing to the Reds' competitive position in the National League Central. With the addition of manager Terry Francona and a solid young core, the Reds are looking to build on their success.

Statcast has introduced new baserunning data, highlighting Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz as the most aggressive base stealer of 2024. Despite being caught stealing, his overall contributions on the bases resulted in a net gain of +40 bases, leading the league.

De La Cruz excelled with 67 stolen bases and 25 home runs, showcasing his potential as a key player for the Reds. With a young and talented roster, including Matt McLain and Hunter Greene, the Reds aim for a strong season under new manager Terry Francona.

Terry Francona, a three-time Manager of the Year, reflects on his return to baseball after a year of health challenges. He was hired by the Cincinnati Reds, taking over a team that has struggled in recent years. Francona, who previously managed the Cleveland Guardians, emphasizes his passion for the game and desire to improve the Reds.

With a record of 1,950-1,672 over 23 seasons, he aims to leverage his experience and leadership skills to develop the young talent on the team, including Elly De La Cruz and Hunter Greene.