March 2025

There were 1,679 posts published in March 2025 (this is page 54 of 168).

AL West division preview: Will the Astros’ postseason streak continue? Can the Rangers bounce back? What should we expect from the A’s and Mariners?

Six days and counting until league-wide Opening Day on March 27. With that, the race begins in what just might be the sport’s most competitive division in 2025.

We’ve already previewed the teams in the other five MLB divisions. Let’s conclude by breaking down the seasons ahead for the five squads in the American League West.

More previews by division: NL East | NL Central | NL West | AL East | AL Central

[Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Baseball league for the 2025 MLB season]

Projected record (per FanGraphs, as of March 21): 84-78, 54.0% odds to make the playoffs, 29.6% odds to win the division

What happened last year? It was an odd, up-and-down year in Houston. Despite a horrendous start to the season, the Astros were still able to chase down the Seattle Mariners to take the AL West crown for the seventh time in the past eight seasons. But for the first time since 2017, Houston failed to reach the ALCS, instead getting bounced in the wild-card round by the red-hot Detroit Tigers.

Best-case scenario: The major changes in Houston’s lineup are in the rearview, as an Astros offense led by José Altuve and Yordan Alvarez finds new life. Top prospect Cam Smith, acquired in the Kyle Tucker trade, makes an instant impact in the big leagues, and the lineup keeps churning with help from free-agent acquisition Christian Walker. Meanwhile, the rotation really takes a step up after going through a growth phase last season. Another year of experience for youngsters Spencer Arrighetti, Hunter Brown and Ronel Blanco, alongside ace Framber Valdez, proves to be the secret to once again making Houston a threat in October.

Worst-case scenario: The losses of Tucker and Alex Bregman loom large over the Astros, as their offense struggles to supplement those departures. Alvarez is once again unable to carry the offense by himself and finds himself back on the IL. The experiment with Altuve playing left field goes horribly wrong, as the career second baseman struggles to track down baseballs and takes adventurous routes that put himself and the team’s center fielder in danger. But the worst news is that the Astros’ long streak of reaching the postseason comes to an end, and Houston is left wondering if this team’s window of contention has officially closed.

Make-or-break player: Yordan Álvarez. It feels like we’ve been waiting for a while now for Alvarez to have the season in which he transforms himself into David Ortiz. While that’s a tall task, he has been one of baseball’s best hitters since he debuted in 2019, and he played in a career-high 147 games last season. And now more than ever, without the likes of Tucker and Bregman in the lineup, the Astros need Alvarez to carry them offensively. He’ll still have Altuve hitting in front of him and Walker hitting behind him, but this lineup needs his bat to be special and the dominant force we’ve come to expect.

Season prediction: There have been lots of changes in Houston over the past four years, with many monster names no longer present in the lineup. The departures of Bregman and Tucker are not insignificant, and when it’s all said and done, the void they left behind will be apparent. That said, it’s not like Houston has spiraled when pivoting before; there’s a reason they made it to the ALCS even after George Springer and Carlos Correa left in free agency. This team knows how to win, and even in a division that is tougher than it used to be, Houston will find a way to reach the postseason.

Projected record: 85-77, 57.4% odds to make the playoffs, 33.4% odds to win the division

What happened last year? It was a year to forget in Seattle, as the team’s offense sputtered, led by a disappointing season from star Julio Rodriguez. The Mariners were one of the worst offenses in baseball history in terms of strikeouts and strikeout rate. Despite having ultra-elite starting pitching in Logan Gilbert, Luis Castillo, George Kirby, Bryce Miller and Bryan Woo, Seattle failed to reach the postseason, which led to the firing of bench coach/offensive coordinator Brant Brown and longtime manager Scott Servais.

Best-case scenario: Rodriguez looks like the superstar talent that he showed in his first two seasons and puts himself in the conversation for AL MVP. He gets help from the rest of Seattle’s lineup, as power-hitting catcher Cal Raleigh and last year’s deadline addition Randy Arozarena provide additional punch to help make Seattle one of the more explosive offenses in the sport. But the thing that puts the Mariners over the top is their starting rotation, which continues to be baseball’s best, not only allowing Seattle to hoist the AL West crown for the first time since 2001 but also powering a run to the ALCS.

Worst-case scenario: After a season in which they struggled mightily, Seattle’s offense continues to sputter, and with nobody left to fire, the blame falls at the feet of the offense, which has remained unchanged for the better part of the past three seasons. Rodriguez continues his history of first-half struggles and is unable to turn it on late in the season. Raleigh, Arozarena and the rest of Seattle’s lineup fall into the same rut they were stuck in last year. And after a season of good health in the rotation, the Mariners’ arms are unable to replicate last season’s success, and Seattle’s strength and depth are challenged as they miss the postseason again.

Make-or-break player: Julio Rodriguez. There are few players more important to their team’s success than J-Rod. He has so many tools and has shown that he has the ability to be an MVP-caliber player. But the two-time All-Star still needs to find some consistency, specifically getting off to fast starts to the season. J-Rod has a career .740 OPS in the first half and a .903 OPS in the second half. Rodriguez is too good to not return to All-Star form soon. If he can get some of that second-half juice going in April, it’ll be huge for this team’s chances in 2025.

Season prediction: Seattle is a team with many possible outcomes for this season. Do they hit? Do they not? Do they pitch well? Do their pitchers get hurt? With the Mariners, it’s best to evaluate what we know for sure. Their pitching is the best in baseball, and their offense didn’t change from last season to this one, except for the addition of Donovan Solano. So the hope here is for a big bounce-back from the offense with the rotation continuing to be one of baseball’s best. That’s a lot to ask, but Seattle will likely make the wild-card race interesting again in 2025.

Can Julio Rodriguez lead the Mariners back to the playoffs in 2025? (Stefan Milic/Yahoo Sports)
Stefan Milic/Yahoo Sports

Projected record: 84-78, 52.6% odds to make the playoffs, 28.9% odds to win the division

What happened last year? After winning it all in 2023, the Rangers struggled to stay healthy in 2024 and missed the postseason after a brutal World Series hangover. The biggest cause of Texas’ challenges was their inability to stay healthy. Much of their lineup had at least one stint on the injured list, and their starting pitching was also depleted by injuries.

Best-case scenario: The Rangers turn the page on their disappointing 2024 season and look more like the team that hoisted the World Series trophy in ‘23. The offense carries Texas to the AL West title, and what’s more, theirs is the best offense in baseball, as Marcus Semien, Corey Seager, Josh Jung, Adolis García and new additions Jake Burger and Joc Pederson find their groove again. Youngsters Evan Carter and Wyatt Langford stay healthy and add another dynamic to an explosive lineup. The Rangers not only reach the playoffs, but also, with a rejuvenated Jacob deGrom at the front of the rotation, Texas gets back to the World Series, with a shot to be champion for the second time in three seasons.

Worst-case scenario: Injuries go through the Rangers’ roster like a hot bowl of Texas chili, as their lineup is unable to make it through the 162-game season. Carter’s balky back continues to plague him, Seager has another bout of hamstring issues, and the biggest question of all, deGrom is still unable to complete a season in the team’s rotation. The injuries cost Texas big-time, as they once again are a nonfactor in a weaker AL West, and they miss the postseason for the second consecutive season.

Make-or-break player: Jacob deGrom. The Rangers have offense and plenty of it, but the biggest question for Texas’ 2025 season lies within their rotation, specifically with the health of two-time Cy Young Jacob deGrom. Since signing a five-year, $185 million deal with Texas, deGrom has made just nine starts after undergoing his second Tommy John surgery during his first year with the club and returning last September to make three starts. Health has been a question throughout deGrom’s career, but when healthy, he has been historically good. It’s unfair to expect sub-2.00 ERA deGrom to return this year, but if he can stay in the mid-3s and make 25 starts, the Rangers would take that any day of the week — especially if it means he’s pitching in October.

Season prediction: In a weaker season for the division as a whole, 2025 represents a good chance for the Rangers to get back to the top of the AL West. Not only that, but their lineup as currently assembled should be a top-five offense in the American League, with a good chance to be one of the best in MLB. Their season, maybe even more than other teams’, will rely on good health. Barring major injuries, the Rangers should be the favorites in the West this season, with a real chance to do damage in October.

Projected record: 76-86, 13.0% odds to make the playoffs, 4.4% odds to win the division

What happened last year? 2024 was a big season of growth and development for the A’s. In their final season in Oakland, this team showed signs that the years of on-field lows had started to come to an end. Slugger Brent Rooker turned himself into a star, and the lineup took a big step forward, as Lawrence Butler, JJ Bleday and Shea Langeliers each played a part in the A’s having one of baseball’s best offenses in the second half.

Best-case scenario: The A’s do exactly what they showed in the second half of 2024, proving they’re ready to take a step forward and start winning. In a lineup built on power, Rooker, Butler, Bleday and Langeliers lead the A’s to a top-five finish in MLB in home runs. Rookie shortstop and 2023 first-round pick Jacob Wilson puts on an AL Rookie of the Year performance. The team’s revamped starting rotation, led by free-agent addition Luis Severino, gives the offense plenty of support as the A’s shock the American League and win the division for the first time in a full season since 2013.

Worst-case scenario: The glimmer of hope from 2024 proves to be fool’s gold, as the A’s young stars sputter to find their footing under the weight of higher expectations. The team’s starting pitching is unable to find productive innings beyond Severino. The A’s not only fail to build on their strong finish from last year but also are left wondering if they have a core for the future.

Make-or-break player: Lawrence Butler. It wasn’t all roses and rainbows for Butler last season. In fact, there were some serious struggles that led to him being sent to Triple-A. But after he returned, he had a new way about him, and with 20 homers in his final 79 games, he showed the type of player he can be. The A’s believed in Butler enough to give him a seven-year, $65.5 million extension this spring, and his ceiling in this organization is extremely high. If he hits, we could be talking about one of the most dynamic names in the American League at the top of the A’s lineup for the next seven years.

Season prediction: This feels like an A’s team on a mission — a mission to show people that they aren’t just a bunch of developing kids and that they can really make noise in the AL West. What’s more, they have the benefit of having one of the better managers in the AL in Mark Kotsay. In a division that looks very winnable for the first time in seven seasons, the A’s might not finish on top, but they’ll be in the midst of the wild-card chase all season.

Projected record: 76-86, 10.6% odds to make the playoffs, 3.7% odds to win the division

What happened last year? All you really need to know is that Mike Trout got hurt. Again. And the Angels wilted out of contention before the All-Star break. Again.

Best-case scenario: Trout finds the fountain of youth and turns back the clock to his days of being the world’s best player. He stays healthy for a full season for the first time since before the pandemic. His presence reenergizes the team, helping keep the Angels competitive for the duration of the season and playing games that matter in the second half — something that hasn’t happened in a while.

Worst-case scenario: Another season like the Angels have had the past four years, with Trout again failing to play in 120 games. That’s the worst case not only because of Trout’s importance to the Angels’ lineup but also from the psychological standpoint of the organization and player himself. At some point, you wonder how much a guy can take when it comes to his body failing him. For this year, another lengthy stint on the injured list for Trout would see the Angels’ season drift into the sunset.

Make-or-break player: Mike Trout. Trout is everything for the Angels. End of sentence. There is no way they can compete, win or even be in a relevant baseball conversation without the future Hall of Famer in the lineup every day. Yes, his body has failed him over the past five seasons, but if there’s any hope for him to stay healthy, it’s the idea that his move to right field will help save his body some additional wear and tear. Trout can still be an impact player, and when healthy, he’s still one of the best in the world.

Season prediction: The Angels were surprisingly active this winter, and though they didn’t make any earth-shattering moves, they did improve marginally. It’s tough to envision a world in which the Angels are in contention for the postseason, both because they don’t have enough from a talent perspective and because the rest of the American League is stronger. Their goal should be relevance and a healthy campaign from Trout.

AL West division preview: Will the Astros’ postseason streak continue? Can the Rangers bounce back? What should we expect from the A’s and Mariners?

Six days and counting until league-wide Opening Day on March 27. With that, the race begins in what just might be the sport’s most competitive division in 2025.

We’ve already previewed the teams in the other five MLB divisions. Let’s conclude by breaking down the seasons ahead for the five squads in the American League West.

More previews by division: NL East | NL Central | NL West | AL East | AL Central

[Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Baseball league for the 2025 MLB season]

Projected record (per FanGraphs, as of March 21): 84-78, 54.0% odds to make the playoffs, 29.6% odds to win the division

What happened last year? It was an odd, up-and-down year in Houston. Despite a horrendous start to the season, the Astros were still able to chase down the Seattle Mariners to take the AL West crown for the seventh time in the past eight seasons. But for the first time since 2017, Houston failed to reach the ALCS, instead getting bounced in the wild-card round by the red-hot Detroit Tigers.

Best-case scenario: The major changes in Houston’s lineup are in the rearview, as an Astros offense led by José Altuve and Yordan Alvarez finds new life. Top prospect Cam Smith, acquired in the Kyle Tucker trade, makes an instant impact in the big leagues, and the lineup keeps churning with help from free-agent acquisition Christian Walker. Meanwhile, the rotation really takes a step up after going through a growth phase last season. Another year of experience for youngsters Spencer Arrighetti, Hunter Brown and Ronel Blanco, alongside ace Framber Valdez, proves to be the secret to once again making Houston a threat in October.

Worst-case scenario: The losses of Tucker and Alex Bregman loom large over the Astros, as their offense struggles to supplement those departures. Alvarez is once again unable to carry the offense by himself and finds himself back on the IL. The experiment with Altuve playing left field goes horribly wrong, as the career second baseman struggles to track down baseballs and takes adventurous routes that put himself and the team’s center fielder in danger. But the worst news is that the Astros’ long streak of reaching the postseason comes to an end, and Houston is left wondering if this team’s window of contention has officially closed.

Make-or-break player: Yordan Álvarez. It feels like we’ve been waiting for a while now for Alvarez to have the season in which he transforms himself into David Ortiz. While that’s a tall task, he has been one of baseball’s best hitters since he debuted in 2019, and he played in a career-high 147 games last season. And now more than ever, without the likes of Tucker and Bregman in the lineup, the Astros need Alvarez to carry them offensively. He’ll still have Altuve hitting in front of him and Walker hitting behind him, but this lineup needs his bat to be special and the dominant force we’ve come to expect.

Season prediction: There have been lots of changes in Houston over the past four years, with many monster names no longer present in the lineup. The departures of Bregman and Tucker are not insignificant, and when it’s all said and done, the void they left behind will be apparent. That said, it’s not like Houston has spiraled when pivoting before; there’s a reason they made it to the ALCS even after George Springer and Carlos Correa left in free agency. This team knows how to win, and even in a division that is tougher than it used to be, Houston will find a way to reach the postseason.

Projected record: 85-77, 57.4% odds to make the playoffs, 33.4% odds to win the division

What happened last year? It was a year to forget in Seattle, as the team’s offense sputtered, led by a disappointing season from star Julio Rodriguez. The Mariners were one of the worst offenses in baseball history in terms of strikeouts and strikeout rate. Despite having ultra-elite starting pitching in Logan Gilbert, Luis Castillo, George Kirby, Bryce Miller and Bryan Woo, Seattle failed to reach the postseason, which led to the firing of bench coach/offensive coordinator Brant Brown and longtime manager Scott Servais.

Best-case scenario: Rodriguez looks like the superstar talent that he showed in his first two seasons and puts himself in the conversation for AL MVP. He gets help from the rest of Seattle’s lineup, as power-hitting catcher Cal Raleigh and last year’s deadline addition Randy Arozarena provide additional punch to help make Seattle one of the more explosive offenses in the sport. But the thing that puts the Mariners over the top is their starting rotation, which continues to be baseball’s best, not only allowing Seattle to hoist the AL West crown for the first time since 2001 but also powering a run to the ALCS.

Worst-case scenario: After a season in which they struggled mightily, Seattle’s offense continues to sputter, and with nobody left to fire, the blame falls at the feet of the offense, which has remained unchanged for the better part of the past three seasons. Rodriguez continues his history of first-half struggles and is unable to turn it on late in the season. Raleigh, Arozarena and the rest of Seattle’s lineup fall into the same rut they were stuck in last year. And after a season of good health in the rotation, the Mariners’ arms are unable to replicate last season’s success, and Seattle’s strength and depth are challenged as they miss the postseason again.

Make-or-break player: Julio Rodriguez. There are few players more important to their team’s success than J-Rod. He has so many tools and has shown that he has the ability to be an MVP-caliber player. But the two-time All-Star still needs to find some consistency, specifically getting off to fast starts to the season. J-Rod has a career .740 OPS in the first half and a .903 OPS in the second half. Rodriguez is too good to not return to All-Star form soon. If he can get some of that second-half juice going in April, it’ll be huge for this team’s chances in 2025.

Season prediction: Seattle is a team with many possible outcomes for this season. Do they hit? Do they not? Do they pitch well? Do their pitchers get hurt? With the Mariners, it’s best to evaluate what we know for sure. Their pitching is the best in baseball, and their offense didn’t change from last season to this one, except for the addition of Donovan Solano. So the hope here is for a big bounce-back from the offense with the rotation continuing to be one of baseball’s best. That’s a lot to ask, but Seattle will likely make the wild-card race interesting again in 2025.

Can Julio Rodriguez lead the Mariners back to the playoffs in 2025? (Stefan Milic/Yahoo Sports)
Stefan Milic/Yahoo Sports

Projected record: 84-78, 52.6% odds to make the playoffs, 28.9% odds to win the division

What happened last year? After winning it all in 2023, the Rangers struggled to stay healthy in 2024 and missed the postseason after a brutal World Series hangover. The biggest cause of Texas’ challenges was their inability to stay healthy. Much of their lineup had at least one stint on the injured list, and their starting pitching was also depleted by injuries.

Best-case scenario: The Rangers turn the page on their disappointing 2024 season and look more like the team that hoisted the World Series trophy in ‘23. The offense carries Texas to the AL West title, and what’s more, theirs is the best offense in baseball, as Marcus Semien, Corey Seager, Josh Jung, Adolis García and new additions Jake Burger and Joc Pederson find their groove again. Youngsters Evan Carter and Wyatt Langford stay healthy and add another dynamic to an explosive lineup. The Rangers not only reach the playoffs, but also, with a rejuvenated Jacob deGrom at the front of the rotation, Texas gets back to the World Series, with a shot to be champion for the second time in three seasons.

Worst-case scenario: Injuries go through the Rangers’ roster like a hot bowl of Texas chili, as their lineup is unable to make it through the 162-game season. Carter’s balky back continues to plague him, Seager has another bout of hamstring issues, and the biggest question of all, deGrom is still unable to complete a season in the team’s rotation. The injuries cost Texas big-time, as they once again are a nonfactor in a weaker AL West, and they miss the postseason for the second consecutive season.

Make-or-break player: Jacob deGrom. The Rangers have offense and plenty of it, but the biggest question for Texas’ 2025 season lies within their rotation, specifically with the health of two-time Cy Young Jacob deGrom. Since signing a five-year, $185 million deal with Texas, deGrom has made just nine starts after undergoing his second Tommy John surgery during his first year with the club and returning last September to make three starts. Health has been a question throughout deGrom’s career, but when healthy, he has been historically good. It’s unfair to expect sub-2.00 ERA deGrom to return this year, but if he can stay in the mid-3s and make 25 starts, the Rangers would take that any day of the week — especially if it means he’s pitching in October.

Season prediction: In a weaker season for the division as a whole, 2025 represents a good chance for the Rangers to get back to the top of the AL West. Not only that, but their lineup as currently assembled should be a top-five offense in the American League, with a good chance to be one of the best in MLB. Their season, maybe even more than other teams’, will rely on good health. Barring major injuries, the Rangers should be the favorites in the West this season, with a real chance to do damage in October.

Projected record: 76-86, 13.0% odds to make the playoffs, 4.4% odds to win the division

What happened last year? 2024 was a big season of growth and development for the A’s. In their final season in Oakland, this team showed signs that the years of on-field lows had started to come to an end. Slugger Brent Rooker turned himself into a star, and the lineup took a big step forward, as Lawrence Butler, JJ Bleday and Shea Langeliers each played a part in the A’s having one of baseball’s best offenses in the second half.

Best-case scenario: The A’s do exactly what they showed in the second half of 2024, proving they’re ready to take a step forward and start winning. In a lineup built on power, Rooker, Butler, Bleday and Langeliers lead the A’s to a top-five finish in MLB in home runs. Rookie shortstop and 2023 first-round pick Jacob Wilson puts on an AL Rookie of the Year performance. The team’s revamped starting rotation, led by free-agent addition Luis Severino, gives the offense plenty of support as the A’s shock the American League and win the division for the first time in a full season since 2013.

Worst-case scenario: The glimmer of hope from 2024 proves to be fool’s gold, as the A’s young stars sputter to find their footing under the weight of higher expectations. The team’s starting pitching is unable to find productive innings beyond Severino. The A’s not only fail to build on their strong finish from last year but also are left wondering if they have a core for the future.

Make-or-break player: Lawrence Butler. It wasn’t all roses and rainbows for Butler last season. In fact, there were some serious struggles that led to him being sent to Triple-A. But after he returned, he had a new way about him, and with 20 homers in his final 79 games, he showed the type of player he can be. The A’s believed in Butler enough to give him a seven-year, $65.5 million extension this spring, and his ceiling in this organization is extremely high. If he hits, we could be talking about one of the most dynamic names in the American League at the top of the A’s lineup for the next seven years.

Season prediction: This feels like an A’s team on a mission — a mission to show people that they aren’t just a bunch of developing kids and that they can really make noise in the AL West. What’s more, they have the benefit of having one of the better managers in the AL in Mark Kotsay. In a division that looks very winnable for the first time in seven seasons, the A’s might not finish on top, but they’ll be in the midst of the wild-card chase all season.

Projected record: 76-86, 10.6% odds to make the playoffs, 3.7% odds to win the division

What happened last year? All you really need to know is that Mike Trout got hurt. Again. And the Angels wilted out of contention before the All-Star break. Again.

Best-case scenario: Trout finds the fountain of youth and turns back the clock to his days of being the world’s best player. He stays healthy for a full season for the first time since before the pandemic. His presence reenergizes the team, helping keep the Angels competitive for the duration of the season and playing games that matter in the second half — something that hasn’t happened in a while.

Worst-case scenario: Another season like the Angels have had the past four years, with Trout again failing to play in 120 games. That’s the worst case not only because of Trout’s importance to the Angels’ lineup but also from the psychological standpoint of the organization and player himself. At some point, you wonder how much a guy can take when it comes to his body failing him. For this year, another lengthy stint on the injured list for Trout would see the Angels’ season drift into the sunset.

Make-or-break player: Mike Trout. Trout is everything for the Angels. End of sentence. There is no way they can compete, win or even be in a relevant baseball conversation without the future Hall of Famer in the lineup every day. Yes, his body has failed him over the past five seasons, but if there’s any hope for him to stay healthy, it’s the idea that his move to right field will help save his body some additional wear and tear. Trout can still be an impact player, and when healthy, he’s still one of the best in the world.

Season prediction: The Angels were surprisingly active this winter, and though they didn’t make any earth-shattering moves, they did improve marginally. It’s tough to envision a world in which the Angels are in contention for the postseason, both because they don’t have enough from a talent perspective and because the rest of the American League is stronger. Their goal should be relevance and a healthy campaign from Trout.

Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire: Quentin Grimes should be added in shallow leagues

Depending on the league’s settings, many fantasy managers will compete for a championship during Week 21. The “silly season” has been in full effect for a few weeks, meaning some players on lottery-bound teams have firmly established themselves as worthwhile additions to fantasy rosters. The lingering concern is a player performing so well that they lose out on playing time to protect- or improve- the team’s lottery odds. This week’s Waiver Wire begins with a player who could find himself in that situation, but fantasy managers must operate under the assumption that he’ll continue to play starters’ minutes.

Priority Adds

1. Quentin Grimes (shallow leagues)

2. Toumani Camara

3. Kyle Filipowski

4. Jeremy Sochan

5. Aaron Nesmith

6. Kyshawn George

7. Cason Wallace

8. Keon Ellis

9. Kevin Huerter

10. Ziaire Williams

SG/SF Quentin Grimes (63%), Philadelphia 76ers

Usually, this list is limited to players rostered in no more than 50 percent of Yahoo! leagues. But an exception must be made for Grimes, who has been elite recently. According to Basketball Monster, he’s ranked fifth in eight-cat formats over the past two weeks. The 76ers have been willing to let Grimes play heavy minutes, and he has made the most of his opportunities. Even if the team cut Grimes’ minutes, that should not be a significant concern for fantasy managers.

SG/SF/PF Toumani Camara (46%), Portland Trail Blazers

Camara is still rostered in less than 50 percent of Yahoo! leagues, meaning he can help some managers compete in 12-team leagues. While he has only been a 12th-round player in eight-cat formats over the past two weeks, the percentages (41.5 percent from the field, 40.0 percent from the foul line) have been the problem. Camara continues to provide excellent defensive production, making him worth the risk in category leagues.

SF/PF/C Jeremy Sochan (43%), San Antonio Spurs

Sochan’s production hasn’t been great, as he’s ranked outside the top 200 in eight-cat formats over the past two weeks. However, he has played 31 minutes or more in two of his last three outings, most recently logging 38 as the starting center in a March 19 win over the Knicks. Also, Sochan has hit double figures in five straight appearances, his longest streak since mid-December. And with the Spurs playing four games during Week 21, he’ll be worth the risk, even if Bismack Biyombo returns to the starting lineup.

PF/C Kyle Filipowski (32%), Utah Jazz

Even though the franchise was fined $100,000 in early March due to its handling of Lauri Markkanen, the team continues to take steps to limit the playing time of its more established players. That frees up additional minutes for players like Filipowski, who has been an 11th-round player in eight-cat formats over the past two weeks. Utah doesn’t have the best schedule for Week 21, as its three-game week concludes on Friday, but Filipowski is one of the youngsters who will not lack opportunities to perform.

SF/PF Aaron Nesmith (31%), Indiana Pacers

Over the past two weeks, Nesmith has provided seventh-round value in eight-cat formats, averaging 15.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.9 three-pointers per game. He reclaimed his place in the starting lineup just before the All-Star break, and Tyrese Haliburton’s recent absence has raised Nesmith’s offensive ceiling slightly. And even if the star point guard is available for the start of Week 21, the Pacers will play four games.

SG/SF Kyshawn George (26%), Washington Wizards

The Wizards have a four-game schedule for Week 21, and George was removed from the injury report after missing the team’s March 19 loss to the Jazz. Over the past two weeks, the rookie wing has provided top-60 value in eight-cat formats. Along with Alexandre Sarr (62 percent), Tristan Vukcevic (13 percent) and Jordan Poole, George is one of four Wizards who has provided top-100 value over the past two weeks. And the Wizards may look to trim Poole’s minutes in the final weeks in favor of the team’s younger players getting more minutes. Although he’s already a starter, George may benefit from an offensive usage standpoint if the team takes that approach.

PG/SG/SF Keon Ellis (23%), Sacramento Kings

While Zach LaVine’s return after missing one game for personal reasons pushed Ellis back to the bench, he has a higher fantasy ceiling due to the Domantas Sabonis ankle injury. With Jonas Valanciunas now in the starting lineup, there’s a greater need for Ellis to provide consistent production off the bench, even if they don’t play the same position. He’s worth a look for category league managers needing steals, as Keon has averaged 1.5 per game over the past two weeks.

SG/SF Kevin Huerter (21%), Chicago Bulls

Josh Giddey returned from a sprained ankle on Wednesday, playing 31 minutes off the bench in a loss to the Suns. He’ll likely return to the starting lineup before Week 21, but there will still be minutes available to Huerter. He logged 32 minutes against the Suns and has been a top-75 player in eight-cat formats over the past two weeks. While Huerter has been most valuable in the points, rebounds, and three-point categories, he has also averaged 1.7 steals per game over the past two weeks.

PG/SG Cason Wallace (20%), Oklahoma City Thunder

While he was one of the Thunder rotation players who did not play in the team’s March 19 rout of the 76ers, Wallace could be given more opportunities as the regular season approaches its conclusion. He’s played 27 minutes or more in each of his last four appearances, and the second-year guard would have added value if the team were to give Shai Gilgeous-Alexander the occasional night off in preparation for the postseason. And even if that would not be Oklahoma City’s approach, Wallace has been a sixth-round player in nine-cat formats over the past two weeks.

PG/SG Scotty Pippen Jr. (17%), Memphis Grizzlies

While Ja Morant’s absence due to a shoulder injury did not result in Pippen moving into the starting lineup (Luke Kennard did), his fantasy value has increased. Over the past two weeks, the Grizzlies’ backup has been a top-50 player in nine-cat formats. Pippen is still playing just under 26 minutes per game, and the steals production (2.4 per game) has been noteworthy. Averaging 1.3 per game on the season, he’s recorded two or more steals in eight straight outings. The Grizzlies only play three games during Week 21, but Pippen will be worth a look if Morant remains out.

SG/SF Ziaire Williams (16%), Brooklyn Nets

The Nets are effectively playing out the string, and Williams is one of the team’s younger players who hasn’t lacked opportunities. And over the past two weeks, he has provided sixth-round value in nine-cat formats. With Cam Thomas done for the season, there’s no reason why Williams won’t continue to surpass 30 minutes consistently. While Brooklyn’s Week 22 schedule isn’t good, the team will play four games during Week 21.

SF/PF Brice Sensabaugh (8%), Utah Jazz

As mentioned in the Filipowski portion, the Jazz are in a situation where their younger players will see plenty of time as the season winds down. Over the past two weeks, Sensabaugh has averaged 13.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.1 three-pointers per game. While he doesn’t provide much value in the rebound or defensive stat categories, the second-year forward is worth rostering due to his opportunities and scoring ability.

MLB suspends former Dodgers pitcher Julio Urías through 2025 All-Star break under domestic-violence policy

Julio Urías was suspended by MLB through the 2025 All-Star break. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)
ASSOCIATED PRESS

Former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Julio Urías was suspended through the 2025 All-Star break for violating the league’s domestic-violence policy, MLB announced Friday. Urías, who is currently a free agent, will be reinstated from the restricted list on July 17, 2025.

This is the second time that Urías, 28, has been suspended by the league under the domestic-violence policy. He received a 20-game suspension in 2019 after he was arrested and charged with domestic battery. After being reinstated, Urías pitched for the Dodgers down the stretch in 2019. He returned to the team in 2020 and was on the mound when the Dodgers won the World Series that year.

Urías remained with the Dodgers through most of the 2023 season. Following another domestic-violence arrest that September, he was placed on administrative leave by MLB. His contract expired at the end of the 2023 season, and he went unsigned through 2024 to the present.

Urías showed promise on the mound early in his career as one of baseball’s top prospects. He was in the midst of a breakout season in 2019, posting a 2.49 ERA through 79 2/3 innings, when he received his first domestic-violence suspension.

After winning the World Series in 2020, Urías put up his two best seasons in the majors. He won 20 games in 2021 and finished seventh in Cy Young voting after posting a 2.96 ERA. He was even better in 2022, logging a 2.16 ERA and finishing third in Cy Young voting.

Injuries limited Urías’ innings and performance in 2023. Before he was placed on administrative leave, he put up a 4.60 ERA over 117 1/3 innings.

With him having been unsigned since the end of 2023, Urías’ major-league career could be over following Friday’s suspension.

MLB suspends former Dodgers pitcher Julio Urías through 2025 All-Star break under domestic-violence policy

Julio Urías was suspended by MLB through the 2025 All-Star break. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)
ASSOCIATED PRESS

Former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Julio Urías was suspended through the 2025 All-Star break for violating the league’s domestic-violence policy, MLB announced Friday. Urías, who is currently a free agent, will be reinstated from the restricted list on July 17, 2025.

This is the second time that Urías, 28, has been suspended by the league under the domestic-violence policy. He received a 20-game suspension in 2019 after he was arrested and charged with domestic battery. After being reinstated, Urías pitched for the Dodgers down the stretch in 2019. He returned to the team in 2020 and was on the mound when the Dodgers won the World Series that year.

Urías remained with the Dodgers through most of the 2023 season. Following another domestic-violence arrest that September, he was placed on administrative leave by MLB. His contract expired at the end of the 2023 season, and he went unsigned through 2024 to the present.

Urías showed promise on the mound early in his career as one of baseball’s top prospects. He was in the midst of a breakout season in 2019, posting a 2.49 ERA through 79 2/3 innings, when he received his first domestic-violence suspension.

After winning the World Series in 2020, Urías put up his two best seasons in the majors. He won 20 games in 2021 and finished seventh in Cy Young voting after posting a 2.96 ERA. He was even better in 2022, logging a 2.16 ERA and finishing third in Cy Young voting.

Injuries limited Urías’ innings and performance in 2023. Before he was placed on administrative leave, he put up a 4.60 ERA over 117 1/3 innings.

With him having been unsigned since the end of 2023, Urías’ major-league career could be over following Friday’s suspension.

Starling Marte says knees ‘feel really good,’ hopes to get opportunity to play outfield this season

A major X-factor for the Mets this season will be Starling Marte and whether or not he can stay healthy for the duration of the year, something the 36-year-old hasn’t been able to do over the last two seasons in New York.

However, this season figures to be slightly different for Marte as the Mets plan on using him mostly as a designated hitter and in a platoon with Jesse Winker, rather than counting on him to be their starting right fielder like in the past.

The injuries to Marte have been aplenty since coming to Queens with last year’s problem stemming from a bone bruise in his right knee that cost him almost two months. In 2023, the outfielder missed almost half the season with a right groin strain as well as migraines.

So entering spring training this year, Marte worked hard to get his knee prepared for the season. It took him a bit to be ready to play in any Grapefruit League games, making his spring training debut on March 10, but on Friday afternoon he made his first start in the outfield.

“[My knees] feel really good,” he said through an interpreter. “Thank God we’ve been working really, really hard throughout this whole process to get back to where we want to be. They feel completely different from [how] they felt last year.”

That’s obviously a good sign for the Mets who would love to have the version of Marte they saw in 2022 who slashed .292/.347/.468 with 16 home runs and 63 RBI in 118 games. Since then, Marte has played just 180 games and has totaled 12 home runs and 68 RBI in two seasons.

But with Juan Soto now in the mix and playing right field, Marte just needs to focus on staying healthy and being productive at the plate, which he has been throughout his 13-year career as evidenced by his .286 batting average and .783 OPS.

Nevertheless, Marte hopes to still play the outfield whenever he can.

“I like playing in the outfield, I would like to get that opportunity to play the outfield,” he said. “Obviously, being the DH gives me more time for my knee to recover and it gives me more time to be off my feet.”

If Marte does play the outfield this season, it will likely be in left field where Brandon Nimmo — nursing his own injury — is the starter. It’s a position that Marte hasn’t played so far in New York (he played right field on Friday), but he has in the past and is willing to do whatever the team asks of him.

“Since being here I haven’t played left field. Obviously I used to play left field a long time ago and I did a good job, albeit a long time ago, but if that’s where they need me to play, I’m willing to play there. I do expect to get reps there at some point,” he said.

Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic like his successor Soto, Marte also briefly spoke about what he’s seen from his friend and the newest Met in camp.

“It’s been really good, he’s obviously a great kid,” Marte said. “He’s someone who is always open to any type of topic that you’re going over there to talk to him about.

“I’ve noticed that he’s really taking a lot of the young players under his wing and when these young players can have someone like that talk to them… I think it can do a lot of good things. We’ve always had a pretty good relationship before he got here and now so I expect it to continue going that way.”

Brett Baty homers, Clay Holmes strikes out eight as Mets beat Cardinals

The Mets beat the St. Louis Cardinals, 3-2, on Friday afternoon at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie as spring training nears the end.

Here are the takeaways…

– Clay Holmes made his final spring start before taking the mound on Opening Day against the Houston Astros, and continued to look good. The right-hander struck out two Cardinals in the first inning thanks to his nasty kick-changeup. He added his third and fourth strikeouts in the second and third innings while keeping it a scoreless game.

Holmes kept it going in the fourth inning thanks to a double play and another strikeout, and then struck out two more to get through the fifth inning. Holmes stayed in the game in the sixth inning, striking out Jordan Walker for his last batter of the day.

Holmes’ final line: two hits allowed, eight strikeouts, and three walks over 88 pitches in 5.1 innings pitched. Overall, Holmes ended his first spring training as a starter with a 0.93 ERA, 23 strikeouts, and just eight walks over 19.1 innings.

– Getting the start at shortstop and fighting for a roster spot amid Jeff McNeil‘s oblique injury, Luisangel Acuña made a nice sliding stop behind second base and throw to first to get Alec Burleson for the final out of the third inning. Acuña didn’t have the same success at the plate, going 0-for-4 with a strikeout.

– Brett Batymade a leaping catch at third base on José Fermín‘s liner and quick throw to 1B Mark Vientos to double up Pedro Pagés in the top of the fourth inning. Baty kept the momentum going by registering New York’s first hit of the day — a double to the wall in center field in the bottom half of the fourth, giving him three straight games with a double. The 25-year-old then crushed a two-run homer, his third of the spring, in the bottom of the sixth to give the Mets a 3-0 lead.

– Alexander Canario got the Mets a runner in scoring position in the bottom of the sixth inning by walking and then stealing second base. He came around to score on Pete Alonso‘s double to left field, making it 1-0 Mets.

– RHP Huascar Brazobán came in for relief in the top of the sixth inning and tossed 1.2 scoreless innings with three strikeouts and three walks. Dedniel Núñez replaced Brazobán on the mound in the top of the eighth and got into some trouble. The righty gave up a two-run home run to Leonardo Bernal, as the Cardinals trailed, 3-2. Núñezstayed in the game to get a ground out and strikeout, ending the frame.

Who was the game MVP?

As good as Holmes was on the mound, Friday’s game MVP goes to Baty, who continues to show why he deserves a spot on the Opening Day roster.

Highlights

What’s next

The Mets play their third-to-last spring training game on Saturday against the Washington Nationals at 1:10 p.m. on SNY.

Tylor Megill is scheduled to take the mound at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie.