-
Eric Karabell, ESPN Senior Author
It is November and the fantasy baseball offseason is, pardon the pun, in full swing. Proper now, most sports activities followers are devoting nearly all of their consideration to the NFL, NBA and NHL, the place the video games (each actual and fantasy) take heart stage — and understandably so.
So, maybe you are solely listening to concerning the newest baseball buzz in passing, if in any respect. That is completely high quality. We’re taking note of what is going on on and are right here to let you understand concerning the high tales of the previous week. Are they one thing it’s essential file away for Draft Day or are they prone to have little impression when all is claimed and carried out?
Learn on and discover out whether or not these breaking developments are really information or in the event that they’re simply noise.
Mookie Betts is shifting again to the infield
The Los Angeles Dodgers didn’t make it clear precisely which place Betts, who performed proper area over the ultimate two months of 2024 (plus the postseason), will play in 2025. Nevertheless, he’ll enter the season eligible at each shortstop and outfield on account of his complete 2024 video games performed. (Word: Betts completed simply shy of the 20-game minimal to qualify at second base with 18, but when that finally ends up being his 2025 spot, he ought to add that in the course of the season’s second full week of play.)
Until Betts immediately learns third base, the fantasy ramifications listed below are moderately minor, besides to maybe a Gavin Lux or Miguel Rojas investor, the probably choices to be pushed apart. Moreover, any proof that Betts is a greater hitter based mostly on which place he performs is only anecdotal. Betts performed in 116 complete video games final season, however he remained a dynamic offensive — and defensive — drive, averaging 3.4 ESPN fantasy factors per recreation.
He’s a first-round decide in any format, no matter defensive eligibility, and one can argue that even in keeper/dynasty codecs his possessing center infield eligibility isn’t any extra beneficial than outfield eligibility. Being eligible at a number of positions, nevertheless, is essential.
Fantasy impression: Largely noise
Shohei Ohtani undergoes shoulder surgical procedure
The good Ohtani, fantasy’s high scorer this previous season and the probably NL MVP winner, famously injured his left shoulder on a slide throughout Recreation 2 of the World Sequence, resulting in the necessity for a November process to restore his torn labrum. Despite the fact that that is Ohtani’s non-throwing shoulder, this may increasingly matter in fantasy, because the Dodgers could also be extra cautious in his restoration from Tommy John surgical procedure on his proper elbow. Yeah, it may be complicated.
The timetable for Ohtani to pitch in 2025 could also be pushed again, however the Dodgers haven’t stated it’ll delay his potential to hit. Fantasy managers — no matter whether or not your league guidelines allow Ohtani to earn hitting and pitching factors concurrently — is a powerful alternative for No. 1 decide in all leagues. No person thought Ohtani can be making 30-plus pitching begins in 2025 anyway, so strive to not overthink the ramifications if he does not take the mound once more till this coming Could.
Fantasy impression: Some information
Willson Contreras is shifting to first base
The St. Louis Cardinals introduced that Contreras, one among fantasy’s high 10 catchers for many of his 9 MLB seasons, will not play the place. He might be changing free agent Paul Goldschmidt at first base. Since Contreras performed in 51 video games at catcher in 2024, he retains this eligibility for all of 2025, and fantasy managers will not should account for this transfer in dynasty/keeper codecs till 2026.
Contreras, 32, is a profession .258 hitter who has but to succeed in both 25 homers or 75 RBI in any season (numbers hardly befitting a beginning first baseman), however we should always count on much more quantity and larger offensive manufacturing with this positional change. Whether or not he improves sufficient to grow to be a top-10 first baseman is one other matter.
In the meantime, Pedro Pages and Ivan Herrera will compete for the beginning catcher job. Herrera hit .301 over 258 PA for the Cardinals, with 5 dwelling runs and 5 steals. He’s the extra intriguing alternative for fantasy.
Fantasy impression: Massive information
High Atlanta Braves is not going to be prepared for Opening Day
Each OF Ronald Acuna Jr. (knee) and SP Spencer Strider (elbow) have been amongst fantasy’s high disappointments in 2024. Acuna hit solely .250 with 4 dwelling runs over 49 video games earlier than tearing his ACL. Strider made two begins earlier than the revelation that he had torn his pitching UCL, and he underwent inner brace surgical procedure. The Braves, in updating reporters, introduced neither star might be prepared for the beginning of the 2025 season.
This isn’t stunning. Acuna’s ACL surgical procedure occurred in June. Strider underwent surgical procedure in mid-April. The restoration from every process typically takes greater than a calendar yr, and the Braves have each the expertise and the depth to be affected person. Acuna is not going to be a first-round decide in 2025 drafts. Strider is probably not a top-10 hurler in drafts.
Be cautious, fantasy managers however — once more — this data isn’t a surprise.
Fantasy impression: Largely noise