As the 2025 MLB season kicks off, several prominent players are experiencing sluggish starts, sparking debates among fantasy owners about whether to drop, hold, or sell. Slow starts happen, but patience often pays off. Rafael Devers of the Boston Red Sox is 0-for-16 with 12 strikeouts, raising concerns over his shoulder issues from last year. Still, his past performance suggests a turnaround is expected.

Bailey Ober of the Minnesota Twins struggled in his opener against the Cardinals, giving up eight runs. However, past evidence shows he bounces back well from poor starts. Masyn Winn of the St. Louis Cardinals is also concerning, starting the season hitless. Fantasy owners might want to sell him cheap based on his current form. David Bednar of the Pirates has been shaky, and it may be wise to consider dropping him if his performance doesn't improve soon. Lastly, Luis Arraez of the Padres is hitless in his first 13 at-bats, but his track record suggests that patience is key.

As the MLB season kicks off, Bailey Ober of the Minnesota Twins is poised to make a significant impact, especially in his upcoming matchup against the St. Louis Cardinals. While he may not currently be the headliner in Minnesota’s rotation, Ober's performance last season showcased his potential. With a 3.76 ERA and a remarkable 1.07 WHIP, his abilities are becoming more recognized.

In 2023, he set personal bests, including 12 wins and 191 strikeouts, while maintaining a .208 BAA. His xERA of 3.22 further supports his All-Star caliber pitching. As the season progresses, his strikeout prop bet of over 4.5 against St. Louis seems promising given that he has consistently struck out more than one batter per inning throughout his career. With a solid spring training under his belt, Ober is expected to begin the season with momentum.

In 2025, the Minnesota Twins stand at a crossroads, fully embracing analytics in a sport shaped by data. Players like Michael Tonkin credit the modern regime, led by Rocco Baldelli, for fostering a culture where understanding analytics is essential for success. Tonkin's own evolution in pitching strategy—realizing he could throw sinkers higher in the strike zone—illustrates how the Twins' approach has evolved, moving away from traditional beliefs. This shift reflects a broader trend in baseball, where adaptability and education are paramount.

Brock Stewart and Bailey Ober echo similar sentiments, highlighting how the organization provides resources to analyze hitters' strengths and weaknesses. The Twins have learned from past successes, demonstrating that analytics can enhance player performance, as seen with former players like Ryan Pressly thriving in more analytics-friendly environments. As Baldelli noted, while analytics shape the game, it remains fundamentally about putting players in the best position to succeed.

As the MLB season approaches, Cy Young Award betting odds are making headlines. In the American League, Garrett Crochet stands out with impressive strikeout rates, though health is a concern. Framber Valdez of the Astros offers durability and consistency, making him a strong contender at +1700. Joe Ryan and Bailey Ober of the Twins are intriguing longshots with potential, especially if they can stay healthy.

In the National League, Paul Skenes is the favorite at +300, but injury risks loom. Tyler Glasnow could deliver value at +1700 if he remains healthy, while Spencer Strider's return from surgery makes him a wildcard. Spencer Schwellenbach offers great odds at +4000 and could break out with the Braves' support. These bets highlight the unpredictability of the upcoming season.

Bailey Ober, the Minnesota Twins pitcher, is focused on overcoming setbacks following a challenging start to his 2024 season. Despite a disastrous outing in Kansas City, where he allowed eight runs, Ober is determined to not let these moments define his career. He had an impressive season previously, tallying 18 quality starts, the most by a Twins pitcher in the past decade after Pablo López’s 20 in 2023.

Ober's approach is one of resilience; he rebounded from his poor performances by allowing only one run in his next two starts combined. His pitching coach encourages this mentality by referencing historical successes, including Pedro Martinez's impressive 1999 season, which also had its hiccups. Ober’s ability to adapt and improve has drawn praise from teammates, highlighting his mix of pitches and deceptive throwing style that keeps batters off balance.