The Mets kicked off their much-anticipated season with a disappointing 3-1 loss to the Houston Astros. Starting pitcher Clay Holmes, in his first start since 2018, struggled through 4 2/3 innings, yielding three runs on five hits and walking four batters. Despite early scoring opportunities, the Mets faltered in crucial moments, such as a botched double play by Luisangel Acuña and a baserunning error by Luis Torrens that led to an easy out. Framber Valdez dominated the Mets' lineup, completing seven scoreless innings.

Although it’s just the season opener, concerns loom over the Mets' ability to convert pitchers into starters effectively, as Holmes seemed to labor under the pressure. The team has ample time to regroup, but the early signs raise questions about their readiness to capitalize on the hype surrounding the 2024 season.

The MLB season is set to kick off on March 18 with an exciting two-game series between the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers in Tokyo. This early start means fantasy baseball drafts will need to be scheduled earlier than usual. To prepare, we've identified key sleepers who are poised to outperform their average draft positions (ADP) in the upcoming season.

Ozzie Albies of the Atlanta Braves, currently carrying an ADP of 49.3, presents a risky yet enticing option. Despite injury concerns and a below-par performance last season, his impressive numbers from his last healthy season suggest considerable upside. James Wood of the Washington Nationals (ADP 55.7) is another player to watch; his rookie campaign showed potential for a breakout based on his strong metrics. San Diego Padres pitcher Michael King (ADP 59.1) is an underrated starter with a stellar season, while Framber Valdez (ADP 60.7) continues to be a reliable pick for fantasy managers. Lastly, Minnesota Twins' Pablo López (ADP 65) rounds out this list as a consistent starter with solid strikeout capabilities. This season is ripe with potential, offering savvy fantasy players the chance to secure valuable talent earlier than expected.

In the world of fantasy baseball, caution is key, especially when it comes to selecting starting pitchers. Injuries are a reality that can derail even the most promising seasons. This article highlights five pitchers you should avoid in your 2025 draft, primarily due to their injury history and high Average Draft Position (ADP).

First on the list is Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves. Despite an impressive 2024 season with a 2.38 ERA and 225 strikeouts, concerns over his injury history make his current ADP of 40.30 too steep. Next is Framber Valdez from the Houston Astros, who, while consistent, lacks the strikeout potential that justifies his ADP of 68.67. Max Fried, newly signed by the New York Yankees with an ADP of 97.98, faces pressure adjusting to a new league and has a history of forearm issues. Jack Flaherty of the Detroit Tigers, returning from injury with an ADP of 146.22, carries significant risk, especially after a subpar postseason. Lastly, Kodai Senga of the New York Mets, with injury concerns limiting his innings, is not a worthy investment at his ADP of 159.35. Overall, these pitchers represent high-risk investments compared to more reliable options available in later rounds.

The Houston Astros navigated a challenging season in 2024, marked by significant injuries to their pitching staff. This situation thrust players like Ronel Blanco into larger roles, particularly after stepping in for the legendary Justin Verlander. Blanco's season began with a remarkable no-hitter against the Toronto Blue Jays, followed by a dominant performance against the Texas Rangers, showcasing his potential. Over 30 appearances, he posted a 2.80 ERA and 167.1 innings pitched. Entering 2025, he is set to be the No. 3 starter behind Framber Valdez and Hunter Brown.

However, concerns loom regarding his ability to sustain this success. Analysts, including Ryan Phillips of Sports Illustrated, point out a disparity between Blanco's ERA and advanced metrics like xFIP, suggesting he may face regression. His reliance on inducing soft contact and benefiting from elite defensive plays could mean a return to the mean is likely. Despite these concerns, Blanco is expected to remain a valuable asset for the Astros as they look to bounce back from a season filled with pitching woes.

The Houston Astros are putting a renewed focus on infield defense as they prepare for the upcoming season. After ranking 19th in defensive metrics last year, the addition of Gold Glove winner Christian Walker to first base aims to address the team’s struggles, particularly with a -14 runs saved at the position. Manager Joe Espada acknowledged the need for improvement, stating that defense remains a key strength of the organization.

This spring, the Astros are experimenting with Jose Altuve in left field, allowing Mauricio Dubón to potentially take over at second base. Dubón, a utility player who won a Gold Glove, had a solid defensive season last year, and Espada hopes that Walker’s addition will elevate the entire right side of the infield. The Astros believe improved metrics are essential, especially with pitchers like Framber Valdez and Hunter Brown leading the rotation, both of whom favor groundball pitching.