The discussion focuses on various players who are challenging to rank for the upcoming fantasy baseball season. Christian Yelich is highlighted due to his past MVP performance, combined with current concerns about his recovery from back surgery. His stats indicate potential for a bounce-back season, but his average draft position (ADP) suggests hesitance from other drafters.

Matt Mlan is another player causing debate among the analysts, as he missed the entire previous season due to injuries and is being drafted relatively high despite concerns about his long-term potential. The hosts also delve into players like Garrett Cole, who has had a solid but inconsistent performance due to injuries and age, and Shane McClanahan, who faces skepticism after undergoing his second Tommy John surgery, leading to a cautious ranking.

Francisco Alvarez's struggles at the plate, stemming possibly from injuries, contribute to varied opinions about his fantasy value, while Luis Robert's injury history complicates his ranking as well. Other players mentioned include Jackson Holliday, Hunter Greene, and Adolis Garcia, each presenting unique challenges for rankings due to injury concerns or recent performance declines. The episode concludes with insights on other difficult-to-rank players, including Jackson Holliday, who has struggled with plate discipline, and Ronald Acuña Jr., whose recovery timeline from injury remains uncertain.

Mock drafts can be crucial in preparing for a fantasy baseball season, and the latest episode of Locked on Fantasy Baseball dives into the intricacies of one. Host Dominic Martino and co-host Matthew analyze a recent mock draft in which Matthew picked from the seventh position. The strategy focused on positional scarcities while ensuring a strong outfield with early selections like Kyle Tucker and Yordan Alvarez. Matthew explains his decisions surrounding player selections, including Austin Riley and Blake Snell, while emphasizing the importance of grabbing outfield talent before it thins out.

As the draft unfolds, Matthew shares insights on players like James Wood and Jordan Westberg, highlighting their potential in the upcoming season. He stresses the value of early picks for outfielders and discusses the importance of balancing power and speed within the team construction. The conversation also touches upon the risks associated with injury-prone pitchers such as Shane McClanahan and Brandon Woodruff, with a recognition that streaming options may be required later in the season. Overall, the draft reflects a mix of calculated risks and strategic depth, providing a valuable lesson for fantasy baseball enthusiasts.

The 2025 Fantasy Baseball season is upon us, and a detailed analysis of ten starting pitchers has been provided to enhance your draft strategy. Michael King of the San Diego Padres emerges as a standout, boasting a stellar season with impressive strikeout numbers and low hard contact rates, indicating positive regression for the upcoming season. The consensus is that he could become a top-tier pitcher if he maintains his health and velocity.

Another name to watch is Spencer Schwellenbach of the Atlanta Braves, who had a commendable debut season with high strikeout potential and solid ERA performance. Analysts see him as a potential high-end SP2 in fantasy leagues.

Brandon Woodruff from the Milwaukee Brewers and Shane McClanahan of the Tampa Bay Rays are also trending as must-have names, recovering from injuries with expectations of solid returns in 2025. Woodruff's past performance suggests he could be a frontline starter if he stays healthy, while McClanahan's prior form positions him as a top draft pick, potentially offering significant value.

Joe Ryan from the Minnesota Twins is anticipated to progress further, with many believing he could yield a low ERA and high strikeout totals. The discussion also turns to Bryce Miller of the Seattle Mariners, with some skepticism regarding his capabilities compared to other rising pitchers this year. Additionally, Hunter Greene, a former top prospect, is entering this season with expectations of an impressive performance.

Overall, these pitchers form a solid basis for fantasy teams aiming for success in the upcoming season.

Fantasy baseball analysis reveals a complex landscape for pitchers heading into the 2025 season. Concerns about player injuries are high, particularly for prominent pitchers like Jacob deGrom and Shane McClanahan, who are returning from surgeries. The podcast examines strategies for selecting pitchers based on their injury history and performance metrics, emphasizing the need for stable innings over risky talent. Notable insights include the discussion of Cole Reagan and Garrett Crochet, whose year-over-year innings increases raise questions about durability.

As the season approaches, the analysis shifts towards emerging talents like Roki Sasaki and the impact of veterans like Charlie Morton on team dynamics. This episode highlights the importance of data-driven decisions in drafting strategies, urging fantasy players to move beyond traditional metrics and delve into pitch-specific performances. The conversation also touches on how teams like the Mets are adapting their strategies to focus on pitcher characteristics rather than just results, hinting at a more sophisticated approach to player evaluations for fantasy leagues.