The introduction of 'torpedo bats' has generated significant interest in Major League Baseball, particularly following the New York Yankees' explosive start this season, where they smashed 15 home runs in just three games. The bats, which have been quietly used for a year, feature a unique design that shifts the elongated barrel closer to the handle, resembling a bowling pin. Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers is currently experimenting with one of these bats, expressing openness to new technology that might enhance his performance.

While some players are eager to try these innovative bats, others remain skeptical. Twins assistant hitting coach Trevor Amicone, who has experience from his time with the Yankees, believes that the bats are more than just a fleeting trend. However, Jeffers has pointed out that while the bats work for some, they may not be suitable for everyone, highlighting the ongoing evolution of batting technique in response to advances in pitching.

The Minnesota Twins opened their season with a disappointing series against the St. Louis Cardinals, culminating in a 5-3 loss on Opening Day and a subsequent sweep. With injuries to key players Royce Lewis and Brooks Lee, the team fielded a makeshift infield featuring Willi Castro at second, Jose Miranda at third, and Carlos Correa at shortstop. Manager Rocco Baldelli expressed confidence in Castro's defensive chemistry with Correa, though this arrangement limits at-bats for other players like Edouard Julien and Mickey Gasper.

Harrison Bader, acquired as a depth outfielder, played left field and is expected to have a significant role even when Byron Buxton returns. Despite the team's struggles, including a lackluster offensive showing with only six runs across three games, players like catcher Ryan Jeffers remain optimistic about bouncing back against the Chicago White Sox. Baldelli emphasized the importance of maintaining solid at-bats and suggested that their hard contact could soon translate to better results.

Draft strategy often pivots around positional needs, with power hitters typically going off the board early. However, waiting and targeting speed and pitching can leave a team low on home runs. Fortunately, several late-round power hitters can help salvage home run projections without compromising other categories too severely. Players with high power upside also carry intriguing RBI potential, making them valuable late-round targets.

Tyler Soderstrom, a former first-round pick, had an up-and-down 2023 but showed flashes of promise with a .480 xSLG and good barrel rates. Joc Pederson rebounded nicely with the Texas Rangers, hitting 23 home runs and creating RBI opportunities behind strong hitters. Nolan Gorman remains a risk due to his high strikeout rate but possesses elite power potential with 25+ home runs on the horizon. Ryan Jeffers and Heston Kjerstad are other late-round options who have shown promise in their respective minor league stints and could translate that power to the majors.

Rhys Hoskins returned from injury to hit 26 homers, displaying solid barrel rates. Each of these players could provide significant boosts to power numbers in a fantasy lineup, especially when carefully integrated into team strategies aimed at balancing categories.

In the realm of fantasy baseball, two-catcher leagues demand a strategic pivot as the catcher position, typically regarded as a weaker link, transforms into a critical zone of opportunity. Punting the position in single-catcher leagues often leads to streaming players from the waiver wire, but in two-catcher formats, this can leave managers at a significant disadvantage.

Assessing players ranked between 10-20, who are usually overlooked, can unveil valuable prospects. For the 2025 season, players like Ryan Jeffers of the Minnesota Twins, with a current average draft position (ADP) of 229, stands out after an impressive 2024 season where he hit 21 home runs. Similarly, Ivan Herrera of the St. Louis Cardinals, drafted at 233, showcases potential as he steps into a more prominent role after the departure of Willson Contreras. Alejandro Kirk of the Toronto Blue Jays, though disappointing in 2024, could rebound significantly with the opportunity for consistent at-bats after the trade of Danny Jansen.

Ryan Jeffers, the Minnesota Twins catcher, is looking to turn around his 2024 performance after experiencing a decline in his hitting statistics. Despite not recording a hit in his recent spring training game, his manager, Rocco Baldelli, praised his improving at-bats, highlighting a notable 10-pitch battle against Shane Baz of the Tampa Bay Rays. Jeffers's batting average fell 40 points last season, leading him to believe luck played a role in his performance. He aims to rebound by focusing on consistent contact and reducing strikeouts, hoping to emulate his success from 2023.

In other news, the Twins faced the Atlanta Braves in a scoreless tie, showcasing strong pitching but a lack of offensive output. Moreover, promising pitcher Matt Canterino will start the season on the injured list due to shoulder issues, marking another setback in his recovery following Tommy John surgery. The Twins are also set to feature in three exclusive Apple TV+ broadcasts this season, highlighting their growing visibility.