The Long National Nightmare is Over
The long wait is finally over as MLB players are rolling into spring training, and we are just over a week away from the highly anticipated Cactus League contest between the Cubs and Dodgers. As the season approaches, the excitement is palpable, and for diehard baseball fans like me, the months of speculation and anticipation are about to pay off. Whether you’re a dedicated fantasy manager or just a casual fan, the upcoming weeks will be filled with compelling storylines and exciting prospects.
The Dodgers’ Star-Studded Roster
The Los Angeles Dodgers have once again created a frenzy with their star-studded roster. Following their World Series title, they continued to dominate the free agency market, leading to an endless supply of storylines as they prepare for the season at Camelback Ranch. One of the biggest draws this spring is Roki Sasaki, the 23-year-old ranked as the No. 1 prospect in baseball by MLB Pipeline. Fantasy managers will be closely watching to see if he can live up to the hype and dominate major leaguers during spring training. Specific information from Dodgers management regarding his expected workload will be crucial for those considering a major draft investment.
The Dodgers’ storylines extend beyond Sasaki. The bullpen, featuring Tanner Scott, Kirby Yates, Blake Treinen, and Evan Phillips, will be a hot topic as managers try to sort out late-inning roles. The rotation also has its share of questions, with the health statuses of Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin, and Dustin May being closely monitored. While the lineup is relatively settled, keep an eye on Hyeseong Kim as he enters his rookie season.
Rookies are All the Rage
Spring training is always a time of excitement for rookie prospects, and this year is no exception. Roki Sasaki isn’t the only one worth watching. Jackson Jobe, the No. 1 pitching prospect before Sasaki, is vying for an Opening Day rotation spot with the Tigers. Bubba Chandler of the Pirates is another rookie starter to keep an eye on, and he could become Paul Skenes’ sidekick as early as Opening Day. In Cincinnati, Rhett Lowder and Chase Burns may need an injury to open a rotation spot, but they could force the Reds’ hand. The same goes for Quinn Mathews in St. Louis.
Boston will be a focal point for hitting prospects, with Roman Anthony and Kristian Campbell trying to force their way onto the Opening Day roster. Anthony has greater prospect status, but Campbell has a clearer path to playing time. In Washington, Dylan Crews is expected to make the team after a modest 31-game audition last year. Jordan Lawlar is knocking on the door for the D-backs, as are Jasson Dominguez for the Yankees and Matt Shaw for the Cubs. These players will be closely monitored in late March drafts, with some showing their readiness and others needing more seasoning.
Closer Conundrums
Every spring, fantasy managers spend a significant amount of time monitoring ninth-inning situations, and this year will be no different. The Royals could share save chances between Carlos Estévez and Lucas Erceg, while the Giants might go with Ryan Walker or give former closer Camilo Doval a chance to reclaim the role. After missing all of 2024, Félix Bautista could jump to the top tier of draft options if he looks dominant during spring training.
The Brewers are expected to use Trevor Megill to replace Devin Williams as their closer, though they have yet to formally announce it. Other closers, including Alexis Díaz, Jordan Romano, and David Bednar, are coming off down years and could use a few scoreless innings this spring to regain their form. The ninth-inning roles in Arizona, Detroit, and Washington are fully in flux, adding to the intrigue.
Position Battles to Monitor
In an era of large contracts, most starting jobs are claimed before spring training begins, but there are still a few key battles to watch with potential fantasy implications. The Yankees have an embarrassment of riches in their rotation and will need to decide between sending Marcus Stroman or Clarke Schmidt to the bullpen. Schmidt is the better pitcher but also has more relief experience and less financial commitment.
The Rays, even after trading Jeffrey Springs, have so many starters that Drew Rasmussen may need to begin the season in the bullpen. The veteran has an impressive lifetime 2.67 ERA as a starter and could use a strong spring to displace Zack Littell or Shane Baz. The Cubs added two veteran starters, Matthew Boyd and Colin Rea, during the offseason, which has blocked exciting youngster Ben Brown from a rotation spot. Brown, who posted a 20.3% K-BB rate, could force the team’s hand with a stellar spring performance.
The Brewers must decide whether to move Joey Ortiz or Brice Turang to shortstop, which would free up a starting spot for either Oliver Dunn, Tyler Black, or Caleb Durbin. The diminutive Durbin, acquired in the Devin Williams trade, has the speed and contact skills to be an immediate fantasy factor. Rays fans have long been waiting for Jonathan Aranda to contribute in the Majors, and he will need to outperform veteran Eloy Jiménez, who struggles with injuries but still possesses plus power skills, for the DH job.
The Cardinals’ Multiple Jobs Up for Grabs
The St. Louis Cardinals have multiple positions up for grabs, providing plenty of drama for fantasy managers. Speedster Victor Scott II is vying for the centerfield job, but he will face stiff competition from elite defender Michael Siani. Nolan Gorman is looking to bounce back from a down year, and his performance in spring training will dictate whether Brendan Donovan gets most of his playing time at second base or the outfield.
The Reds also have plenty of moving pieces for their lineup. Christian Encarnacion-Strand could bounce back from an injury-impacted year by claiming the 1B or DH job in spring training. Spencer Steer can start at 1B or LF, creating uncertainty for corner outfielders Jake Fraley and Austin Hays. Meanwhile, Gavin Lux, acquired from L.A., is hoping to carve out a regular role somewhere in the Reds’ lineup.
As spring training kicks off, these position battles will be crucial to monitor, as the outcomes could significantly impact fantasy rosters come Opening Day.
