Entering the new season, the Pittsburgh Pirates find themselves at the bottom of the National League Central, grappling with injuries to key players like Jared Jones, Spencer Horwitz, and Nick Gonzales. However, the spotlight is on Paul Skenes, a 22-year-old pitcher establishing himself as a potential ace with an impressive 197 ERA+ since his debut. As he heads toward arbitration eligibility in 2026, questions arise about the Pirates' financial capacity to retain him amid a historically low payroll.

The organization’s lack of urgency during offseason dealings reflects a concerning trend. While other teams swiftly address roster deficiencies, the Pirates have hesitated to make impactful changes, exemplified by their delayed decision to remove David Bednar as closer after a rocky start. Additionally, the team's experiment with Oneil Cruz in center field, despite his defensive struggles, raises eyebrows. The Pirates must act decisively to build around Skenes before time runs out.

Week 3 of the 2025 MLB season presents a critical juncture for fantasy baseball managers as they navigate injury-riddled lineups and seek valuable streamer options. A full slate of teams will have favorable matchups, with ten teams playing seven games, enhancing the prospect of racking up counting stats. Key streamers for this week include Geraldo Perdomo, poised to take advantage of a higher batting order due to Ketel Marte's injury, and Kyle Manzardo, whose power potential remains intact despite a drop in batting average.

Detroit's Zach McKinstry emerges as a versatile pickup, boasting eligibility at multiple positions while hitting .326. Sean Murphy's return to the Braves lineup has re-energized their offense, and he is expected to continue contributing power. Meanwhile, Wilmer Flores is on a hot streak and may deliver vital production amidst San Francisco's road games. For deeper leagues, keep an eye on prospects like Sal Frelick and Nolan Schanuel, who have shown signs of improvement and could become impactful in the coming weeks.

As Week 3 of the 2025 fantasy baseball season approaches, several catchers are poised to make an impact with their current performances. Streaming catchers week-to-week can be a smart strategy, especially with players like Ivan Herrera sidelined due to injury. Hunter Goodman of the Colorado Rockies, now 33% rostered, offers significant promise, particularly with favorable matchups against the Nationals and a struggling Dodgers rotation.

Similarly, Sean Murphy of the Atlanta Braves, now at 30% ownership, is showing signs of a comeback after a rough 2024 season. His home run in his first at-bat back from injury suggests he could regain his previous form as one of the league's top catchers. In deeper leagues, Jonah Heim from the Texas Rangers is catching attention with a hot start, currently batting .303 with three homers. Other names to watch include Joey Bart and Endy Rodriguez from the Pirates, both of whom have favorable matchups ahead.

In the quest for fantasy baseball success, the concept of FAAB (Free Agent Acquisition Budget) plays a crucial role. This week's focus centers on emerging players making significant impacts early in the season. The latest buzz revolves around the innovative 'torpedo' bat, popularized by the Yankees, enhancing batter performance. While some call for stricter bat regulations, its effectiveness is evident as players like Brady Singer and Jose Soriano shine on the mound, showcasing skills that can elevate fantasy rosters.

Brady Singer's impressive debut for the Cincinnati Reds with seven shutout innings against Texas illustrates his potential, while Jose Soriano's efficient performance for the Angels marks him as a player worth considering. The article also highlights emerging talents like Hunter Goodman and Spencer Torkelson, urging managers to pay attention to these FAAB targets as the season evolves.

Ohio State University might be a football powerhouse, but it also has a few former players making waves in Major League Baseball this season. As the MLB season kicks off, only three Buckeyes have secured spots on active rosters across the league. Dillon Dingler is the backup catcher for the Detroit Tigers, and though he's seen limited action, his potential is promising. Zach Dezenzo, playing for the Houston Astros, has exceeded expectations since being called up, serving as a depth option at first base. Meanwhile, Ryan Feltner is a right-handed pitcher in the Colorado Rockies' starting rotation, having made his MLB debut in 2021. The Buckeyes' modest representation in the MLB reflects the program's historical emphasis on football, yet these players carry the Scarlet and Gray into the diamond.