The MLB season is off to an exciting start, with standout performances emerging from several players. Aaron Judge is showcasing his hitting prowess, leading the league in OPS and tied for the most home runs with six, raising the possibility of another 60-homer season. Meanwhile, Wilyer Abreu has quickly become the Red Sox's best player, demonstrating both offensive and defensive skills. The NL West is proving competitive with the Padres, Giants, and Dodgers all showing strong early records, while the Braves have struggled significantly, currently sitting at 3-9 due to offensive woes. The biggest surprise is the breakout of Angels infielder Kyren Paris, who is leading the MLB in OPS and helping the Angels maintain an 8-4 record.

In the realm of Major League Baseball, the 2025 season is shaping up to feature some astounding contracts. Leading the pack is Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers, whose average annual salary hits an impressive $70 million. Following him are Juan Soto of the New York Mets at $51 million and Zach Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies at $42 million. The New York Yankees' Aaron Judge and the Boston Red Sox's Alex Bregman share the $40 million mark, showcasing the competitive salary landscape across the league.

As the salary figures descend, we find players like Jacob deGrom from the Texas Rangers earning $37 million, while Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels brings in $35.54 million. The Arizona Diamondbacks' Corbin Burnes earns $35 million, and other notable players include Carlos Correa of the Minnesota Twins at $33.3 million and Nolan Arenado from the St. Louis Cardinals at $32.5 million. The contracts continue to illustrate the financial muscle MLB teams wield, particularly as they strive to secure top talent in a highly competitive market.

Friday's MLB DFS slate features 13 games, providing numerous options for fantasy enthusiasts. Nick Pivetta is a strong pick against the Rockies, with a favorable matchup and the potential for strikeouts, especially given Colorado's poor performance against RHP this season. Taj Bradley also stands out, showing signs of a breakout with his strikeout ability against an underperforming Atlanta lineup.

In the infield, Kristian Campbell offers great value as a 2B/OF for the Red Sox, who face off against Davis Martin, a pitcher struggling to miss bats. Jake Cronenworth, positioned in the Padres lineup against German Márquez, looks to capitalize on his previous success against him. Lastly, Spencer Torkelson of the Tigers is another intriguing option as he faces David Festa, who has had his struggles against left-handed hitters.

The MLB season is heating up, with a packed Friday schedule featuring 13 games slated for DFS players. Among top pitching recommendations, Nick Pivetta (Padres) stands out with a favorable matchup against a struggling Rockies offense, while Bryce Miller (Mariners) aims to bounce back against the Rangers after a rough start. Sean Newcomb (Red Sox) offers a budget option facing the White Sox, the league's worst team.

Top hitters include Pete Alonso (Mets), hitting well since his return, and Yordan Alvarez (Astros), who is set for a power outing against Jack Kochanowicz. For budget-friendly bats, Mike Yastrzemski (Giants) and Nolan Schanuel (Angels) are intriguing picks. Stacking opportunities are ripe for the Red Sox against Davis Martin of the White Sox and for the Nationals against Cal Quantrill of the Marlins.

Gavin Sheets, once with the Chicago White Sox, now plays for the San Diego Padres, who are currently on a seven-game win streak. Reflecting on the struggles of the 2024 Sox, Sheets recalled a significant game marked by a dramatic rain delay that led to a legendary loss. Meanwhile, the Sox are mired in their own eight-game losing streak, with injuries compounding their issues. As Sheets transitions to a more favorable environment in San Diego, he is performing well with a .303 average and .769 OPS. In contrast, his former teammate, Garrett Crochet, has also found success after signing with the Boston Red Sox, boasting a 1.45 ERA in his initial starts. The White Sox's inability to retain young talent, especially pitchers, remains a puzzling aspect of their strategy, as they struggle to find stability in their roster and remain in a rebuilding phase.