Cody Bradford, celebrating his 27th birthday, is vying for a starting pitcher role with the Texas Rangers as spring training unfolds. After a promising season with a 3.54 ERA, he aims to solidify his position in the rotation. In his Cactus League debut against the Chicago Cubs, Bradford pitched two scoreless innings, striking out notable hitters like Ian Happ and Dansby Swanson. Manager Bruce Bochy praised his performance, signaling the intensity surrounding position battles as the season approaches.

Walter Pennington and other pitchers also seek to establish themselves in a competitive Rangers bullpen. Pennington's previous season showed promise with a 3.12 ERA in limited appearances. Meanwhile, minor league talents Alejandro Osuna and Trevor Hauver have made impressions, enhancing the team's depth. The Rangers look to finalize their roster, with emerging prospects showcasing their skills as they strive for a successful campaign.

The Chicago Cubs are strengthening their outfield depth with recent signings, including Travis Jankowski, who joined the team after a successful stint with the Texas Rangers, where he was a part of their 2023 World Series-winning roster. Jankowski, known for his defensive capabilities, played in 107 games last season, although his offensive stats fell below expectations. Meanwhile, the Cubs' outfield already features Ian Happ, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Kyle Tucker, suggesting a competitive environment for roster spots.

Cubs fans are intrigued by how Jankowski will fit into a crowded outfield that also includes Seiya Suzuki, who is expected to alternate between designated hitter and outfield as needed. With the Cubs' pipeline of talented prospects and recent moves like designating young player Alexander Canario for assignment, the mix of veterans and young talent will be crucial for a successful campaign.

For fantasy baseball enthusiasts participating in leagues that prioritize on-base percentage (OBP) over batting average (AVG), adjusting draft strategies is essential. Certain players who may struggle with AVG due to contact issues can excel in OBP, making them valuable assets. This guide highlights five outfielders to prioritize in OBP formats, along with their average draft positions (ADP).

Christian Yelich of the Milwaukee Brewers, recovering from a back injury, demonstrated an impressive .315 OBP and significant power prior to his injury. Ian Happ of the Chicago Cubs had a solid season with 25 home runs and a respectable OBP of .341, making him a reliable choice. Brandon Nimmo from the New York Mets, despite a poor AVG, remains a strong OBP candidate thanks to his consistent walk rate. Jurickson Profar of the Atlanta Braves experienced a breakout season, posting excellent stats including a .380 OBP. Lastly, Lars Nootbaar of the St. Louis Cardinals, with consistent OBP above .340, poses as a potential diamond in the rough.

The Chicago Cubs are setting their sights high with significant trades and acquisitions that promise to elevate their competitiveness in the upcoming seasons. Central to their strategy is the acquisition of star right fielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros, expected to strengthen their offensive lineup. Additionally, veteran reliever Ryan Pressly joins the team, addressing their need for a reliable closer, while Eli Morgan adds further depth to the bullpen after being traded from the Cleveland Guardians.

This aggressive offseason has come at a cost, as the Cubs parted with top minor league talent, including their first-round pick Cam Smith. Despite this, the organization remains confident in its robust farm system, which features multiple top-100 prospects, including third baseman Matt Shaw and catcher Moises Ballesteros.

Looking ahead, the team is aware that several key veterans, including Tucker and Pressly, will enter free agency after the 2025 season, creating opportunities for younger players to step in and contribute. The Cubs feel assured they can mix veteran experience with fresh talent, ensuring flexibility and effectiveness as they aim for postseason success.

The Chicago Cubs made significant strides during the offseason, bouncing back from a disappointing 83-79 season by securing key trades. The addition of Kyle Tucker, a formidable outfielder, is expected to enhance the Cubs' offensive capabilities. Despite only being with the team for a year, Tucker's impressive batting stats, including a career OPS+ of 139, will be pivotal. He is set to bat second, forming a lethal combination with Ian Happ at the top of the lineup. Furthermore, the Cubs bolstered their bullpen with veteran Ryan Pressly, aiming for a formidable closing role. Pressly, known for his consistency with a career ERA of 3.27, complements a rotation featuring Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon, and Colin Rea, all of whom qualified for the ERA title in 2024. Additional moves, such as signing Matthew Boyd and parting ways with Cody Bellinger, signify the Cubs' commitment to compete in the National League Central next season.