Statcast has revolutionized how players are evaluated in MLB, with Expected Stats helping fantasy baseball managers identify players' actual skills beyond traditional metrics. For the 2025 draft, several players stand out based on their Expected Stats from 2024. Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates leads with superior metrics over Tarik Skubal, while Blake Snell of the Los Angeles Dodgers boasts the lowest xERA. Mason Miller showcases elite skill levels that could elevate him to top closer status. Logan Webb's reliability is now in question after poor expected metrics last year. Lastly, Justin Verlander, though aging, remains relevant with a significant gap between xERA and actual ERA.

The Oakland Athletics are solidifying their future in Las Vegas, announcing a three-year agreement with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. As part of this partnership, players will don patches featuring the Las Vegas logo on their uniforms starting in the regular season. Owner John Fisher emphasized that this branding will prominently showcase the team's commitment to their new home.

Though the A's will remain in Northern California until 2024, they are positioning themselves for a move to Las Vegas by unveiling plans for a new stadium projected to be ready by 2028. They aim to keep fans engaged with events promoting their forthcoming relocation. A notable presence at the announcement were key players like Lawrence Butler and Brent Rooker, who recently signed lucrative contracts aimed at building a competitive team for their transition.

In the realm of relief pitching for fantasy baseball, the volatility of players often leads managers to tread carefully, especially in dynasty leagues. Mason Miller of the Athletics remains a standout, ranked 159th overall, and is projected as a top closer for the upcoming seasons due to his impressive metrics from the previous year, boasting a 2.49 ERA and a high strikeout rate. Meanwhile, the Yankees' Devin Williams, recently acquired from the Brewers, is expected to flourish in New York after overcoming injuries, capable of achieving 30+ saves with a solid strikeout ratio.

Emmanuel Clase of the Guardians enters the 2025 season coming off a stellar campaign with 47 saves and a remarkable 0.61 ERA. His ability to maintain elite ratios, combined with high workload consistency, solidifies his position as a top-drafted reliever. RotoBaller's rankings emphasize not just immediate impact but also long-term value, where these pitchers' skill sets can be pivotal for both current and future fantasy success.

The Philadelphia Phillies are considering trading Alec Bohm, though it's not urgent. They are open to moving him if they can secure a valuable return. The Athletics have shown interest but balked at the Phillies' request for All-Star reliever Mason Miller, leading to a quick end to negotiations.

With demand for third basemen exceeding supply, the Phillies may need to be patient in finding the right deal. Trading Bohm for less than a top-tier player would not be wise, especially given Miller's value and contract situation.

Luis Severino has signed a significant three-year, $67 million contract with the Oakland Athletics, marking the largest guaranteed deal in the franchise's history. This comes after a solid season with the New York Mets, where he demonstrated resilience following injuries.

As the A's prepare for their transition to Las Vegas, Severino's addition as a frontline starter signals a potential shift in their competitive strategy, despite their historically low payroll.