The Los Angeles Angels are struggling to maintain momentum in their season, currently sitting at 11-12 following a loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Their bullpen woes are significant, with a 5.45 ERA, ranking them among the worst in the league. To address this glaring issue, the Angels have added former Chicago Cubs pitcher Carl Edwards Jr., who boasts championship experience after helping the Cubs secure the World Series title in 2016. Edwards brings a career 3.54 ERA and 280 innings pitched, aiming to infuse veteran leadership into a faltering bullpen.

Heading into Week 2 of the 2025 MLB season, fantasy baseball enthusiasts should keep an eye on breakout hitters and potential waiver wire targets. Jacob Wilson of the Oakland Athletics is riding a seven-game hit streak, showcasing newfound power with a barrel rate of 4.2%. Meanwhile, Ivan Herrera of the St. Louis Cardinals is hitting .467 with impressive extra-base hits, including a three-homer game, suggesting he could be a top catcher this season. Isiah Kiner-Falefa has also found his stride, collecting hits in six consecutive games with increased stolen base opportunities.

Those looking for power should consider Wilmer Flores, who currently boasts a high ISO percentage, while Victor Scott II stands out for his speed, already swiping four bases. Conversely, some players are underperforming by significant margins, like Mike Trout and Jonny DeLuca, who may see regression. Stay tuned for these hot and cold hitters as the season progresses.

The 2025 MLB season is officially underway, with predictions for all 30 teams aimed at stirring the pot. Corbin Carroll of the Arizona Diamondbacks is expected to join the elite 20-triple club, while the Athletics, despite a rough past season, are projected to be surprisingly competitive and sit in a postseason spot by July. In Atlanta, young catcher Drake Baldwin could take over the starting role from Sean Murphy due to an injury, potentially reshaping the Braves’ roster dynamics.

Heston Kjerstad may be traded by the Baltimore Orioles for a starting pitcher as he remains blocked in the current lineup. The Red Sox are boldly expected to hit a grand slam on Opening Day after failing to do so last season. Star prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong could earn an MVP vote, and the White Sox might avoid the worst record in the league despite a dismal outlook.

The Cincinnati Reds hope Elly De La Cruz will reduce his strikeouts, while the Guardians might finally see two outfielders hit 20 home runs in a season. The Rockies and Tigers are eyeing significant strides, while the Astros hope Jose Altuve can adapt to left field. In Kansas City, Bobby Witt Jr. is predicted not to lead the Royals in home runs, a bold assumption given his star potential.

The AL West faces a pivotal season as the Texas Rangers aim to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 season. Despite winning the World Series in 2023, they finished with a 78-84 record, raising concerns about their ability to contend. The Rangers hope to regain momentum with key players returning from injuries, including Jacob deGrom, while the Astros, having let go of significant talent, may not pose the same threat this year. The Seattle Mariners, with a stellar pitching lineup but a lack of offensive support, and the rebuilding A's and Angels, likely won’t challenge for the playoffs either.

As the Rangers look to reclaim the division, they have bolstered their roster with promising talents like Evan Carter and Wyatt Langford. The Astros, despite losing veterans, have Jose Altuve and Yordan Alvarez leading a younger group. Meanwhile, the Mariners' Julio Rodríguez hopes to rebound after a couple of underwhelming years. The A's have made strides but remain far from contender status, and the Angels continue to struggle, even with Mike Trout's presence.

The Angels face a daunting season ahead as they strive to break a decade-long streak of losing records. With Shohei Ohtani now a champion with the Dodgers, the Angels' prospects look grim. Despite General Manager Perry Minasian's claims of a promising core led by Zach Neto and Logan O'Hoppe, projections from Baseball Prospectus suggest another disappointing year is on the horizon.

Attendance has plummeted at Angel Stadium, and the team is under scrutiny for potential maintenance issues. Although the Angels avoid full rebuilds, they've also failed to secure impactful free agents, resulting in a lackluster lineup. The return of star Mike Trout could offer a glimmer of hope, but his health remains a concern. Ultimately, the Angels must capitalize on their young talent to transition from mediocrity to contention.