Francisco Lindor delivered a thrilling walk-off homer against Ryan Fernandez, securing a 5-4 victory for the New York Mets over the St. Louis Cardinals. This marked Lindor's first walk-off home run in his five seasons with the Mets, showcasing his clutch performance in a high-stakes moment. The win maintains the Mets' narrow one-game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East, intensifying their race for the division crown.

Jonah Heim's dramatic walk-off single secured a 4-3 victory for the Texas Rangers against the Tampa Bay Rays, exemplifying an intriguing truth about winning: it can come in many forms. Despite their league-worst batting average of .192 and struggles at the plate, the Rangers find themselves with the best record in the American League thanks to timely hitting and an impressive pitching staff.

Manager Bruce Bochy noted the team's struggle to click offensively but highlighted their ability to come through in clutch moments. The Rangers' running game has also improved, with Heim himself contributing to the team's aggressiveness on the bases. Rookie Kumar Rocker rebounded with a solid performance on the mound, allowing just one run over five innings, reflecting the depth of the Rangers' pitching staff.

As the fantasy baseball draft approaches, particularly in the late rounds, it's vital to identify valuable sleeper candidates who may be overlooked. Here are seven players to consider for your final picks of the 2025 draft. Second baseman Connor Norby of the Miami Marlins, previously part of the Orioles' farm system, showcased potential last season with seven home runs over 36 games.

Outfielder Joc Pederson, now with the Texas Rangers, boasts a solid .275 batting average and 23 home runs as a platoon player, making him a worthwhile late-round option. Pitcher Clay Holmes, joining the New York Mets, is part of a trend of converted relievers becoming effective starters. Meanwhile, Brandon Woodruff of the Milwaukee Brewers is worth a gamble if his shoulder issues are behind him. Cincinnati Reds' Nick Lodolo has shown flashes of brilliance despite inconsistent outings.

For power potential, Christopher Morel of the Tampa Bay Rays struggled last season but could regain form with a batting average closer to .250. Lastly, the Detroit Tigers' Jackson Jobe is a highly-rated prospect who has further developed his pitching repertoire and may secure a spot in the rotation.

The Cleveland Guardians faced significant changes this offseason with fan-favorites Andres Gimenez and Josh Naylor departing, raising questions about the team's future. As they navigate the roster, one analyst, Kerry Miller from Bleacher Report, warns that the Guardians' signing of Paul Sewald could backfire as soon as 2025, potentially upsetting the delicate balance within their bullpen. Miller points out that Sewald's projected salary might disrupt the chemistry among established relievers, particularly closer Emmanuel Clase. The Guardians risk undermining the success of Cade Smith, Hunter Gaddis, and Tim Herrin, who flourished last season with sub-2.00 ERAs.

Miller's concerns revolve around how Sewald's presence might force a reallocation of innings, either displacing deserving relievers or assigning Sewald to a less impactful role after a costly investment. However, he acknowledges that the Guardians might be adding Sewald to alleviate the burden on an already taxed bullpen, which ranked fourth in the American League for innings pitched. This acquisition is seen not as a replacement for existing talent but rather as a strategic move to bolster a fatigued pitching staff.

The St. Louis Cardinals are gearing up for a significant roster evaluation this winter, aiming to cut payroll for the 2025 season. With a focus on rebuilding, the front office is not prioritizing the big-league roster, leading to lowered expectations for fans.

Among the trade candidates is JoJo Romero, a standout setup man who has shown impressive stats this season. His potential departure could be part of a broader strategy to enhance the team's farm system and infrastructure.