Identifying top value picks in fantasy baseball drafts is crucial for success, especially in 10-team leagues. Kyle Tucker, an outfielder for the Chicago Cubs, represents a solid choice after the top three picks due to his five-category skills. Yordan Álvarez from the Houston Astros boasts an impressive .973 OPS, making him a fantastic option in the second round. Trea Turner of the Philadelphia Phillies is another must-have, offering a high floor while leading off a productive lineup.

Garrett Crochet of the Boston Red Sox has shown significant potential, while Cole Ragans of the Kansas City Royals has solidified himself with remarkable stats. Wyatt Langford of the Texas Rangers is poised to break out, while Ryan Helsley from the St. Louis Cardinals remains a reliable closer. Not to forget, Bo Bichette of the Toronto Blue Jays and Justin Steele from the Chicago Cubs are promising picks to watch. Each round presents unique value opportunities that can set a team apart in the long run.

In the realm of fantasy baseball, the spotlight is firmly on starting pitchers, particularly as we prepare for the 2025 season. Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates has emerged as the top pitcher, boasting an impressive resume with an 11-3 record, a 1.96 ERA, and 170 strikeouts in just 133 innings during his rookie season. Following Skenes in the rankings are Tarik Skubal, Logan Gilbert, Cole Ragans, and Garrett Crochet, all of whom have demonstrated exceptional performance and potential.

This season's rankings cater specifically to dynasty leagues, ensuring that both short-term and long-term strategies are accounted for. As fantasy managers gear up for drafts, insights into player health and projected performance are crucial. With news of pitchers like Dylan Cease and Roki Sasaki making their debuts, the landscape for starting pitchers is evolving, offering opportunities for savvy drafters to capitalize on emerging talent.

As the Kansas City Royals look ahead, Cole Ragans stands out as a prominent candidate for a contract extension this spring training. The 27-year-old left-hander has already made a name for himself, earning an All-Star selection in 2024 and finishing fourth in the AL Cy Young Award voting. After a solid debut with a 5-2 record and a 2.64 ERA, the Royals are now faced with the decision of whether to secure him long-term, especially considering he has four years of team control remaining.

However, extending Ragans could be a double-edged sword. He has had two Tommy John surgeries in the past, raising concerns about his durability as he approaches his age-31 season. The Royals already rewarded their star, Bobby Witt Jr., with an extension last year, prompting speculation on whether they’ll follow suit with Ragans. While he is currently underpaid at $800,000, the front office might be cautious, choosing to wait until he demonstrates sustained health before committing to a long-term deal.

Michael Lorenzen has signed a one-year contract worth $7 million with the Kansas City Royals, including a mutual option for 2026, pending a successful physical. The contract features a $5.5 million salary for the upcoming season and a $12 million option for 2026 with a $1.5 million buyout.

Since being traded from Texas to Kansas City before the deadline, Lorenzen has solidified his role on the pitching staff. Last season, he recorded two wins and a 1.57 ERA in seven games, which included six starts. He contributed to the Royals' wild card success and had two playoff appearances, although he experienced a tough loss in Game 1 against the New York Yankees.