As Major League Baseball prepares for a future with technology influencing ball and strike calls, the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system is taking center stage during spring training. Starting in 2025, players will have the ability to challenge calls made by umpires, enhancing accountability and potentially improving game outcomes. Each team is allowed up to two challenges per game, and players can signal a challenge by tapping their helmets. With the system already proving effective in the minors, key Astros players like Jeremy Peña and Jake Meyers have expressed support, highlighting the need for more consistent calls.

Concerns remain among players regarding the impact of automation on the human element of the game, notably pitch framing. While some believe it could lessen the importance of catchers' skills, others argue that the challenge system could maintain the delicate balance between technology and traditional umpiring. As teams begin to strategize their approach to challenges, the upcoming season could herald a significant shift in how games are officiated in MLB.

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.

The 2025 MLB season is shaping up to showcase a new wave of talent, with several players poised to earn their first All-Star selections. Among those who made a significant impact in 2024, players like Alec Bohm, Gunnar Henderson, and Steven Kwan have already set the stage, but many others are ready to join them.

This article highlights 15 players with strong potential for All-Star recognition in 2025. Some notable names include Willy Adames, who has been a consistent performer for the San Francisco Giants, and Tanner Bibee, an emerging ace for the Cleveland Guardians. Both players have shown remarkable skill and resilience over the past seasons, making them prime candidates.

Other young talents like Jackson Chourio and Yainer Diaz are also mentioned, showcasing the depth of talent across the league. Each player has demonstrated the ability to perform at a high level, and if they maintain their momentum, they could very well find themselves among the All-Stars this summer.

After a disappointing playoff exit, the Houston Astros held a meeting to reassess their offensive strategy. Manager Joe Espada and General Manager Dana Brown emphasized the need for hitters to be more patient and selective, particularly early in counts. The Astros have struggled with chase rates and aggression, leading to a focus on improving plate discipline.

Brown indicated that retaining Alex Bregman is a top priority, as his hitting style aligns with the desired approach. The team may also seek to add selective hitters, particularly in the outfield and first base positions, to enhance their offensive balance.

Jose Altuve of the Houston Astros has earned the American League Silver Slugger award for second base for the seventh time in his career, tying Ryne Sandberg for the most by a second baseman.

At 34, Altuve achieved a notable 20-20 season, hitting 31 home runs and stealing 22 bases, despite also recording a career-high in strikeouts. His performance included a .295 batting average and a .790 OPS, marking a significant season for the veteran player.