As the MLB season approaches, fantasy managers sift through spring training performances, evaluating players' potential value for their drafts. While the Tokyo series kicks off the official games, it's crucial to balance excitement with caution. Injuries are reshaping drafts, with notable players like George Kirby and Grayson Rodriguez facing setbacks that have affected their average draft positions (ADP). Kirby's fall to 57 and Rodriguez's slide to 132 make them intriguing, albeit risky, targets.

On the flip side, breakout candidates are rising, with Wyatt Langford of the Texas Rangers hitting .500 and rapidly climbing to an ADP of 43. Similarly, Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays has shown promise, raising his ADP to 87. Meanwhile, established hitters like Juan Soto and Matt Wallner are showcasing power, with Wallner's ADP around 278 potentially offering a late-round steal.

However, some players are struggling, with veterans and young stars alike, such as Kyle Tucker and Salvador Perez, not finding their rhythm yet. For now, managers should keep a close eye on spring training stats while preparing for final roster decisions before opening day.

As the MLB season approaches, several veterans could be playing their final year in 2025. Notable names include Justin Verlander, Charlie Morton, and Max Scherzer. Verlander, with a decorated career, is now 42 and faced injury challenges last season. Meanwhile, Morton remains resilient at 41, having signed with the Baltimore Orioles for another year. Scherzer, nearing his 41st birthday, has also dealt with injuries and may be contemplating retirement.

Other veterans like Carlos Santana, returning to the Cleveland Guardians, and Andrew McCutchen, a mainstay with the Pittsburgh Pirates, are also in their twilight years. Santana, at 39, shows he can still hit over 20 home runs, while McCutchen, a former MVP, may be closing the chapter on a remarkable career. Both players are looking at 2025 as potentially their last hurrah.

The Cleveland Guardians have made headlines this offseason with the return of Carlos Santana and the signing of Tyler Naquin, who will now don a pitcher's cap instead of an outfielder's glove. Naquin, who had a solid career hitting .274 with a .766 OPS, is now embarking on a new journey as a pitcher under a Minor League contract. His transition comes after similar successful moves by players like Anthony Gose, who found success on the mound after an outfield career.

Despite never pitching in a professional game, Naquin's strong arm has been noted, ranking in the high 90th percentile during his last MLB seasons. This signing represents a low-risk project for the Guardians, offering potential upside as Naquin adapts to his new role. Fans might take time to adjust to seeing a former reliable hitter take the mound, but the Guardians are optimistic about this unique strategy.

Spring training serves as a pivotal moment for players to solidify their roles or refine their skills, but for Kyle Manzardo, the Cleveland Guardians' first baseman, this year's training marks a significant shift towards stability. After fluctuating between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Guardians, he now confidently enters the season as the starting designated hitter, feeling much more at ease than last year.

Manzardo's transition from a hopeful prospect to a stable MLB presence reflects his growth, underscored by impressive Triple-A stats and a determination to apply learned lessons. Despite struggles during his initial MLB tenure, he demonstrated resilience and adaptability, leading to a strong September performance. With an improved approach and mentorship from veteran Carlos Santana, expectations are high for his contributions this season.

Carlos Santana returns to the Cleveland Guardians for a third time, marking a nostalgic reunion as he signs a one-year deal in MLB free agency. Santana, who originally joined the Guardians in 2010, will experience a special Opening Day on April 8, coinciding with his 39th birthday. Known for his impressive tenure with Cleveland, Santana boasts career stats that include a .251 batting average, 216 home runs, and an All-Star selection in 2019. Having played for teams like the Philadelphia Phillies and Minnesota Twins, he is eager to showcase his skills once again at Progressive Field, where he spent a significant portion of his career.