The 2025 MLB fantasy baseball season is gearing up after a winter filled with significant player movement and offseason developments. The Los Angeles Dodgers emerged victorious in the World Series against the New York Yankees, with Freddie Freeman and Walker Buehler showcasing their talent. Freeman's stellar performance, including homering in four consecutive games, was crucial as the Dodgers strengthened their roster with high-profile free agents like Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki. Meanwhile, the Yankees lost star Juan Soto to the New York Mets, who signed him to a historic deal.

Notable trades saw Kyle Tucker move to the Chicago Cubs, promising a fresh start after an injury-riddled 2024 season. The offseason also witnessed key players like Cody Bellinger and Devin Williams switching teams, while some stars remained stagnant amid trade rumors.

Fantasy managers will need to navigate the intricacies of their rosters, particularly with the Dodgers’ depth in pitching and the implications of new stadiums affecting player performance. With prospects on the verge of promotion and some impactful comebacks on the horizon, the upcoming season teems with potential.

The Washington Nationals opted against making significant acquisitions this offseason despite speculation they might spend to bolster their roster. The front office is focused on player development, prioritizing their young talent over high-priced free agents. Owner Mark Lerner indicated that the strategy is to avoid overspending on superstars that wouldn’t drastically improve the team's performance. Lerner expressed optimism about the future, suggesting that patience is needed as the franchise continues its rebuild.

While the Nationals remain committed to developing their young stars, Lerner noted that they were once a top payroll team from 2013 to 2021, leaving open the possibility of returning to that status once the organizational clarity improves. Lerner compared the current situation to that of the Baltimore Orioles, who have successfully leveraged their youth to build a competitive team after a similar rebuild.

Drafting strategies for fantasy baseball rely heavily on projections, particularly when managing deeper rosters. It's crucial to recognize the upward pressure on pitcher ADP in various league formats, which often contradicts projection metrics. Notably, positive surprises among pitchers mainly involve relievers or undervalued starters. Players like Max Fried of the New York Yankees, with a strong ERA and WHIP, suggest potential value, especially given the favorable conditions for right-handed hitters in Yankee Stadium. Similarly, Logan Webb from the San Francisco Giants, despite a corrected WHIP, remains a dependable option for volume and ground balls. Zach Eflin of the Baltimore Orioles also emerges as a reliable pick despite some fluctuation in strikeout rates. Conversely, pitchers like Hunter Greene of the Cincinnati Reds raise concerns due to injury history and underwhelming metrics compared to expectations.

The New York Yankees are facing a dilemma as Spring Training begins, with the notable absence of pitcher Marcus Stroman. Following the signing of Max Fried, the Yankees now have six starting pitchers, forcing Stroman, who struggled significantly in 2023, out of the rotation. His disappointing performance led to a demotion, and with a hefty $18 million contract looming for 2025, the Yankees are looking to trade him to clear salary space.

Stroman's desire to be a starter elsewhere complicates matters further. Despite his lackluster season in New York, he has previously enjoyed success across multiple teams. As injuries around the league could create openings, the Yankees may need to absorb some of his salary in any potential deal. With the situation evolving, a trade seems increasingly likely, but finding a suitable destination for Stroman remains a challenge.