Trevor Larnach showcased an impressive performance with a homer, double, and four RBIs, leading the Minnesota Twins to an 11-4 victory over the Los Angeles Angels. Byron Buxton also contributed significantly, hitting a home run and a triple, while adding three RBIs. Mickey Gasper went 2 for 2 with two RBIs. Twins' pitcher Pablo López returned strong after injury, allowing just two runs over five innings. The Angels' Kyle Hendricks struggled, giving up seven runs in less than four innings.

The Twins scored a run in the first without a hit, capitalizing on a series of walks and hit batsmen. After the Angels tied it, Buxton's solo shot in the third put the Twins ahead, and a barrage of runs in the fourth sealed the game. Larnach's recent form has seen him tally three home runs and eight RBIs over the last four games, making him a key player to watch.

As we look forward to the 2025 fantasy baseball season, it's crucial to identify pitchers to avoid during drafts. Five names stand out: Jesus Luzardo, Frankie Montas, Brady Singer, Triston McKenzie, and Kyle Hendricks. Each has shown inconsistent performance and concerning trends that suggest they may not meet the expectations of fantasy owners.

Jesus Luzardo, now with the Philadelphia Phillies, had a tough 2024, managing just a 5.00 ERA. His drop in strikeout rate raises red flags, making him a risky pick. Frankie Montas, currently with the New York Mets, is facing injury setbacks and has struggled with inconsistency, casting doubt on his reliability. Brady Singer's move to Cincinnati's hitter-friendly park could exacerbate his issues. In Cleveland, Triston McKenzie has not returned to form after injuries, and veteran Kyle Hendricks from the Los Angeles Angels has shown significant decline, making them all potential pitfalls in your drafts.

Spring training commenced for the Chicago Cubs with Kyle Tucker making headlines as the team's new star right fielder. His presence generated excitement among fans and analysts alike, with discussions about his potential single-season tenure with the Cubs raising eyebrows.

Meanwhile, Kyle Hendricks is embracing a fresh start with the Los Angeles Angels at 35 years old, after a challenging season with the Cubs. Despite an ERA exceeding 5.00 last season, Angels' GM Perry Minasian expressed confidence in Hendricks' ability to revitalize his career and contribute significantly to the rotation. Hendricks, who cherished his long stint with the Cubs, seems poised to prove his worth once again.

The Los Angeles Angels are making a push to elevate their roster and potentially acquire star player Pete Alonso during his free agency. Alonso's free agency has been slower than expected, especially after he rejected a significant seven-year, $158 million offer from the New York Mets last year. With the Mets opting to sign new players instead of retaining Alonso, the Angels see a golden opportunity.

In their offseason strategy, the Angels have already fortified their lineup by acquiring All-Star slugger Jorge Soler and infielder Scott Kingery, along with several key signings including pitcher Yusei Kikuchi. Despite a disappointing record of 99 losses last season, the Angels are targeting Alonso as a critical piece to enhance their offensive production, especially alongside Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon.

Alonso’s impressive track record includes hitting 226 home runs and 586 RBIs in just six seasons, making him a coveted asset for any team looking to boost their power at the plate. Discussions of a potential four-year, $100 million deal have surfaced, positioning the Angels as a frontrunner for his services.

The Los Angeles Angels had an eventful start to the offseason, making significant acquisitions to enhance their roster. Following the conclusion of the World Series, General Manager Perry Minasian swiftly signed notable players including Jorge Soler, Kyle Hendricks, Travis d'Arnaud, and Kevin Newman. The highlight of these moves was the acquisition of left-handed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi just before Thanksgiving, marking a focus on strengthening the pitching lineup.

Despite these efforts, the Angels have since experienced a quieter period, with only minor league signings taking place. MLB.com analyst Thomas Harrigan has suggested that Nick Pivetta, a right-handed pitcher who recently declined a qualifying offer from the Boston Red Sox, could be a valuable addition to the Angels. His potential signing, however, comes with the cost of forfeiting a draft pick and a portion of their international bonus pool.

Pivetta's 2023 performance included a 4.14 ERA with a career-high strikeout-to-walk ratio, making him an intriguing prospect for the Angels' rotation that currently features Kikuchi, Tyler Anderson, and Reid Detmers among others. With the offseason still ongoing, the Angels aim to fortify their pitching lineup further, as they position themselves for the upcoming season.