Paul Skenes showcased his versatility on the mound, delivering a strong 7.0-inning performance that didn’t rely solely on strikeouts, helping the Pittsburgh Pirates secure a 4-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays, thus snapping their four-game losing streak. The Pirates managed to jump to an early lead, thanks to a clutch two-out RBI single from Adam Frazier, scoring Isiah Kiner-Falefa. Notably, Oneil Cruz contributed significantly with a towering home run in the fifth inning, marking his second of the season.

The main MLB slate kicks off at 1:10 PM ET, featuring 10 games and top-notch pitchers, including Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal. The quality of the pitching pool has improved with many teams returning their aces. Skenes leads with a price tag of $10,300, while Skubal is slightly cheaper at $10,000, making him the preferred choice due to his potential for longer outings and higher win probability.

Dylan Cease sits at $9,300, touted for his strong strikeout potential and favorable matchup against Ben Lively. Other pitchers to keep an eye on include Freddy Peralta and Sonny Gray, both expected to perform well based on recent stats. For value picks, Ryan Pepiot against the struggling Pirates and Sean Burke as a low-cost option are also viable.

Hitting-wise, Fernando Tatis Jr. is notable for his strong form, while stacks like the New York Mets versus Miami Marlins and Washington Nationals against Toronto Blue Jays could offer substantial returns. The games promise exciting matchups and an opportunity for fantasy players to capitalize on pitcher and hitter performances.

The 2025 MLB season is underway, showcasing extraordinary player performances and igniting debates about who will emerge as the top player this year. The ESPN panel, comprising over 60 experts, has ranked the top 100 players based on their potential impact this season. Leading the pack is Shohei Ohtani, who continues to redefine baseball with his remarkable ability to excel as both a pitcher and hitter. His historic 2024 season included a record-breaking 50 home runs and an unprecedented 50 stolen bases, along with significant playoff contributions, solidifying his status as a generational talent.

Following Ohtani are Bobby Witt Jr. and Mookie Betts, both of whom have demonstrated rapid improvement and adaptability. Witt's surge in batting average and fielding prowess makes him a franchise cornerstone, while Betts looks to transition seamlessly from outfield to shortstop, showcasing his versatility. Players like Aaron Judge and Paul Skenes also feature prominently, highlighting the mix of established stars and emerging talents that could dictate the narrative of the season.