Roman Anthony, the highly touted Boston Red Sox outfield prospect, has ignited excitement among fantasy managers with a stellar start at Triple-A Worcester. At just 21 years old, Anthony demonstrated his potential by hitting two home runs in his second game, contributing to an impressive .344 batting average and .982 OPS over 35 games last season. Despite being rostered in less than 2.5% of ESPN leagues, many believe he is a player worth investing in, as his performance could soon lead to a call-up, especially if he continues to dominate in the International League.

Other notable minor league players include Kansas City Royals' Jac Caglianone, who has power potential but may struggle with consistency, and Arizona's Jordan Lawlar, known for his speed rather than power. Baltimore's Coby Mayo is looking to improve after a disappointing stint in the majors, while Red Sox's Marcelo Mayer offers solid defensive skills and moderate power. Recent draft pick Travis Bazzana with the Guardians is expected to make his mark, while the Orioles' Sam Basallo and Brewers' Caleb Durbin also hold promise for fantasy relevance in the coming seasons.

The New York Yankees made a bold offseason trade, sending Nestor Cortes and prospect Caleb Durbin to the Milwaukee Brewers for Devin Williams, one of MLB's top relief pitchers. Cortes had been a key rotation piece for the Yankees, but concerns over his durability led New York to prioritize a stronger bullpen. Williams is seen as a perfect fit to strengthen the Yankees' late-game performance.

Cortes, a fan favorite, posted a 3.77 ERA over 174.1 innings last season, while Durbin showed promise in spring training. The Yankees, facing injuries to their rotation, opted for immediate impact over long-term potential. As the 2024 season progresses, fans eagerly anticipate how this trade will unfold, especially with Cortes set to face his former team shortly.

The Milwaukee Brewers have made strategic roster decisions as they prepare for the upcoming season. In a recent move, infielders Tyler Black and Caleb Durbin were optioned to AAA, leaving Jake Bauers in a prime position to secure a spot on the Opening Day roster. Bauers has been impressive this spring, boasting a .278 batting average and a .989 OPS with notable improvements in strikeout rates.

Manager Pat Murphy expressed confidence in Bauers' abilities, especially as he competes for the backup first-base role alongside Rhys Hoskins. The Brewers are also keeping an eye on potential external acquisitions as they finalize their roster. Additionally, José Quintana's pitching schedule is under review as he aims to return to action soon, adding another layer of excitement as the season approaches.

Rookies can be game-changers for fantasy baseball teams, particularly those selected in the later rounds. This year, players such as Caleb Durbin, Tirso Ornelas, Jacob Wilson, Andrew Painter, and Jackson Jobe present intriguing options for savvy drafters looking to maximize talent without high investment. While some are being picked early, others remain under the radar, making them valuable late-round picks.

Caleb Durbin, recently acquired by the Brewers, showcases both power and speed potential, making him a candidate for a significant role in the lineup. Tirso Ornelas is another player to watch, having performed well in the minors and showing promise in spring training with the Padres. Jacob Wilson, the Athletics’ top pick, displayed strong hitting numbers in the minors and is slated for a starting role at shortstop.

The ongoing Spring Training job battles in the National League Central are heating up, with rookies and veterans vying for key positions. The Chicago Cubs have intriguing options at third base, with Matt Shaw emerging as a favorite due to his impressive minor league stats, despite a slow start in spring training. Justin Turner, though a seasoned hitter, may only serve as a temporary solution due to his age and limited past appearances at third base. For the fifth starter role, Ben Brown presents significant strikeout potential, although he has limited MLB experience.

Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Reds are sorting through a crowded infield, with Gavin Lux likely to secure a starting role while Spencer Steer deals with shoulder issues. The closer position may be up for grabs as Alexis Diaz recovers from injury, potentially opening the door for veteran Taylor Rogers. The Milwaukee Brewers have Caleb Durbin in the mix at third base, but he must perform well this spring to secure the job. Finally, the Pittsburgh Pirates are addressing their catching situation with Joey Bart expected to start, amid competition from Henry Davis and Endy Rodriguez.