Carson Kelly has emerged as a key contributor to the Chicago Cubs' recent success, evidenced by a remarkable performance where he hit two home runs and drove in five runs, contributing to an exhilarating 13-11 comeback victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Cubs' bottom of the batting order, including Kelly, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Miguel Amaya, has garnered significant attention as they consistently produce runs, leading the MLB in scoring with an average of 6.3 runs per game.

This surge in performance is a stark contrast to their struggles last season, and Cubs management has noted this turnaround. Kelly's impressive OPS stands at 1.413 in 14 games, showcasing his potential after transitioning from his previous team. Crow-Armstrong and Amaya have also demonstrated notable improvements, which have collectively strengthened the Cubs' lineup and positioned them at the forefront of the league's offensive statistics.

Notably, the Cubs have achieved a unique milestone by becoming the first team in MLB history to have 35 home runs and 35 stolen bases within the first 25 games of the season. The depth of their offensive lineup has allowed them to remain competitive, even as other key players, like Dansby Swanson, have struggled. Furthermore, the positive dynamic among the younger players, highlighted by their ability to generate runs consistently, has instilled a sense of optimism for the Cubs moving forward.

Week 4 of the 2025 MLB season brings a spotlight on players who are heating up and those who might be fantasy frauds. A notable buy is Trevor Story of the Boston Red Sox, who is hitting .318 with five homers and six steals. Despite his injury history, his early-season metrics indicate a potential breakout, making him a valuable addition for fantasy managers.

On the pitching side, Tyler Mahle of the Texas Rangers has turned heads with 25 scoreless innings, showing promise post-Tommy John surgery. Meanwhile, Seattle's Dylan Moore, despite a hot streak, is labeled a sell due to his historically low batting average. Other players worth noting include Carson Kelly and Andrew Abbott, both of whom are also trending upwards this week.

This FAAB overview highlights key targets for fantasy managers as the MLB season progresses. Notably, the league-wide OPS has dipped below .700, signaling a concerning trend for hitters. Despite only three weeks into the season, the average batting average stands at a historic low of .235. Amidst this backdrop, standout pitchers like Tyler Mahle of the Texas Rangers, who boasts a 0.50 ERA, and luckier options like Emilio Pagan from the Cincinnati Reds, currently holding the closer role, emerge. Meanwhile, Carson Kelly from the Chicago Cubs shows remarkable offensive prowess with a .407 batting average, making him a prime target for FAAB considerations.

Several pitchers, including Jose Quintana and David Festa, are highlighted as potential acquisitions due to injuries impacting their respective rotations. The FAAB budget, set at $100, indicates strategic moves for managers looking to bolster their rosters ahead of the weekend. With offensive trends impacting player performances, savvy fantasy managers will need to adapt quickly to secure valuable assets as the season unfolds.

The Chicago Cubs put on an offensive clinic against the Los Angeles Dodgers, demolishing them 16-0, marking the Dodgers' worst home loss ever. This explosive victory came after a shutout loss the previous night. Carson Kelly led the charge with two home runs and three RBIs, while Michael Busch contributed four hits, including a homer and two doubles.

With their lineup clicking, the Cubs showcased their depth with Ian Happ and Miguel Amaya also driving in multiple runs. The team's aggressive base running and disciplined approach to at-bats were on full display as they tallied 21 hits, maintaining a league-leading run total of 112. Cubs pitcher Ben Brown delivered a stellar performance, silencing the Dodgers' bats in six innings.