Ohio State University might be a football powerhouse, but it also has a few former players making waves in Major League Baseball this season. As the MLB season kicks off, only three Buckeyes have secured spots on active rosters across the league. Dillon Dingler is the backup catcher for the Detroit Tigers, and though he's seen limited action, his potential is promising. Zach Dezenzo, playing for the Houston Astros, has exceeded expectations since being called up, serving as a depth option at first base. Meanwhile, Ryan Feltner is a right-handed pitcher in the Colorado Rockies' starting rotation, having made his MLB debut in 2021. The Buckeyes' modest representation in the MLB reflects the program's historical emphasis on football, yet these players carry the Scarlet and Gray into the diamond.

The Detroit Tigers battled back but ultimately lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-5 in 10 innings. Dillon Dingler and Gleyber Torres hit home runs, and the Tigers rallied to tie the game in the ninth with a hit from Manuel Margot. However, a walk-off three-run homer from Mookie Betts sealed the victory for the Dodgers. The Tigers were unable to secure their first win of the season, with Beau Brieske giving up five runs in the 10th inning.

Despite a strong start, Jack Flaherty struggled in his return to Dodger Stadium, allowing two runs in six innings. Torres left the game due to back discomfort after hitting a home run. Dingler's two-run triple briefly gave the Tigers a lead, but it wasn't enough as the Dodgers capitalized on a series of late-game mistakes.

The Detroit Tigers are poised to kick off the 2025 MLB season with an evening matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers. With a roster featuring 26 players, manager A.J. Hinch aims to compete for the American League Central title, a feat the Tigers last accomplished from 2011 to 2014. The 2024 season saw the Tigers finish with an impressive 86-76 record, marking their first playoff appearance in a decade. Several players, including Dillon Dingler and Javier Báez, face critical questions heading into the season, with their performances potentially shaping the Tigers' chances in a competitive division.

Value in fantasy baseball often hinges on identifying players whose potential exceeds public perception. Here are my top draft targets for the upcoming season, representing a mix of leagues including points-based, rotisserie, and mixed formats. Players like Sandy Alcantara, with his recent impressive spring performance post-Tommy John surgery, and Tanner Bibee, who has shown potential as an innings eater, are key targets. Junior Caminero's power and position in the Rays' lineup suggest he could be a home run threat. Others like Pete Crow-Armstrong and Oneil Cruz are primed for breakout seasons with their combination of speed and power. Each of these players offers significant upside and could be pivotal for fantasy success this season.

The Toronto Blue Jays rebounded from consecutive losses with an electrifying 10-7 victory over the Detroit Tigers in a split-squad spring training game. A spectacular eight-run fourth inning proved pivotal, with notable contributions from Daulton Varsho and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., both homering to ignite the offense. Chris Bassitt, starting for the Blue Jays, fanned four batters in a strong 2 2/3 innings, while Tigers starter Reese Olson struggled early but showed promise with two strikeouts.

In the fourth, after the Tigers tied it with a two-run homer from Kerry Carpenter, the Jays unleashed a flood of runs. Alejandro Kirk's sacrifice fly and Ernie Clement's single propelled Toronto into a commanding lead, further extended by Nathan Lukes' double and George Springer's two-run double. Despite a late surge by the Tigers, the Blue Jays held on for the win, showcasing their offensive depth and resilience ahead of the season.