Nathan Eovaldi is back with the Texas Rangers, and he's refining his craft with a new pitch this spring. In his recent Cactus League opener, he unveiled a running two-seam fastball, which is expected to enhance his pitching arsenal that already includes a four-seam fastball, splitter, cutter, slider, and curveball. Despite a shaky debut where he allowed two runs on two hits, Eovaldi remains optimistic about the new pitch's potential.

His focus on fine-tuning the two-seamer during the offseason is indicative of his commitment to improvement. Eovaldi aims to use the pitch strategically to expand his effectiveness on the mound and build on last year's performance. Manager Bruce Bochy praised Eovaldi for utilizing all his pitches and throwing strikes, highlighting his value in the Rangers' rotation.

The young MLB talent landscape is undergoing a reshuffle, as teams assess the potential and performances of their under-26 players. The Minnesota Twins, who ranked 20th, are leaning on the likes of Royce Lewis and Edouard Julien to recover from a disappointing 2024 season. Lewis struggled with a .625 OPS despite lofty expectations. The Kansas City Royals, ranked 19th, hinge their hopes on Bobby Witt Jr., who shone with a 9.4 bWAR last season, but lack depth behind him. Meanwhile, the Oakland Athletics are starting to see dividends from their young talents, including pitcher Mason Miller, an All-Star with a blazing fastball. The Chicago Cubs, ranked 17th, are rich in young prospects but still lack a clear ace, while the St. Louis Cardinals focus on their youthful core amidst a transitional phase, led by Masyn Winn and Nolan Gorman.

The Kansas City Royals have made a significant adjustment to their lineup by moving Jonathan India from second base to left field as they kick off the Cactus League play against the Texas Rangers. Initially acquired from the Cincinnati Reds to partner with star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., India will now take on a new role. Although he has predominantly played second base since his MLB debut, this shift aims to leverage his bat while potentially compensating for his defensive struggles.

In his past two seasons, India has posted disappointing defensive metrics at second base, contributing to the shift in position. The Royals hope that placing him in left field will mitigate those defensive liabilities while allowing him to bring his offensive consistency to the forefront. With India leading off, the Royals look to make an impact early in the game.

As fantasy baseball drafts heat up, the debate over when to target closers intensifies. Securing a top option in the early rounds is critical, as the quest for at least 60 saves begins. Closers not only contribute saves but also impact ratio and strikeout categories, making their selection pivotal for fantasy success. A clear understanding of your league format and competitors can shape your draft strategy significantly.

Five must-have closers for the upcoming season include Felix Bautista from the Baltimore Orioles, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery but boasts impressive 2023 numbers. Lucas Erceg of the Kansas City Royals has the skill set to become a top-10 closer despite a shaky start. Trevor Megill, stepping into a more pivotal role with the Milwaukee Brewers, is expected to secure 25+ saves. David Bednar from the Pittsburgh Pirates looks to bounce back from an injury-plagued 2024, and Seth Halvorsen from the Colorado Rockies could defy traditional thoughts about Rockies pitchers with breakout potential in 2025.

The Kansas City Royals have made a significant move in preparation for the 2025 season by signing veteran pitcher Ross Stripling to a minor league deal. The 35-year-old, who previously played for the Los Angeles Dodgers and spent last season with the Oakland Athletics, had a rough 2023 season with a 6.01 ERA. Despite a challenging recent history, Stripling's past performance includes a solid 3.68 ERA with the Dodgers and an impressive 3.01 ERA with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2022. The Royals are looking to enhance their pitching depth as they evaluate Stripling's potential during spring training.