It’s March, and the fantasy baseball preseason is, pardon the pun, in full swing. Spring training games are taking place with several lineup-spot competitions beginning to take shape. Even so, many sports fans are devoting the majority of their attention to the NBA and NHL, where the games (real and fantasy) take center stage — and understandably so.
Perhaps you’re hearing about the latest baseball buzz only in passing, if at all. That’s perfectly fine. We’re paying attention to what’s going on and are here to let you know about the top stories of the past week. Are they something you need to file away for draft day, or are they likely to have little impact when all is said and done?
Read on and find out whether these breaking developments are truly news or if they’re just noise.
Chicago White Sox OF Andrew Benintendi fractures right hand
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Benintendi, who hit a surprising 20 home runs last season but offered little else to fantasy managers, claims he may still be ready for Opening Day as he did not need surgery to treat his injury.
Not to be overly negative, but Benintendi has not been valuable in fantasy since 2021, so fantasy managers may not care if he starts the season on the IL. The White Sox may go to a left-field platoon of Joey Gallo and Austin Slater, which also isn’t so appealing in fantasy.
Fantasy impact: Noise
New York Yankees RHP Luis Gil out due to shoulder tightness
Gil, last season’s AL Rookie of the Year, was unable to complete a weekend bullpen session, so manager Aaron Boone now says the right-hander will miss some time. Gil underwent Tommy John surgery in 2022 and was one of baseball’s biggest surprises in 2024.
Shoulders can be trickier, with less timeline clarity than elbows. For now, assume that Gil will not be ready for Opening Day and downgrade him in drafts. However, unless we hear he needs surgery, he will still remain worthy of selection. Gil whiffed 171 hitters in only 29 starts in 2024.
RHP Marcus Stroman, who has struggled this spring, seems likely to replace Gil in the Yankees rotation until he is ready to return.
Fantasy impact: News
Yankees DH Giancarlo Stanton will miss the start of 2025
There’s no surprise here, as Stanton has not yet appeared in any spring games as he deals with tendinitis in both of his elbows – a recurring malady from last season. The Yankees do not have any timeline for when Stanton, who hit 27 home runs last season and has averaged 29 blasts over the past four seasons, will resume baseball duties.
Fantasy managers should downgrade Stanton in all drafts with the understanding that he will likely miss at least the month of April, and perhaps considerably more time.
Fantasy impact: News
Milwaukee Brewers RHP Trevor Megill makes spring debut
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Megill, who saved 21 games last season while Devin Williams was out, has been behind schedule this spring due to an undisclosed injury. Naturally, even though Megill has plenty of time left to prepare for Opening Day, this has affected his ADP.
Megill, who hasn’t reached 50 IP in any MLB season, is no lock to close for Milwaukee over six months. Plus, the team has other options. Still, his Friday debut, in which he permitted a LaMonte Wade Jr. home run (and nothing else) should be viewed positively.
Fantasy impact: Noise
Cincinnati Reds 1B/OF Spencer Steer has an injured shoulder
Steer, who boasts 43 home runs and 40 stolen bases over the last two seasons combined, while missing a total of only 10 games, was expected to be Cincinnati’s left fielder – and he may still be. The Reds are being cautious and, with the organization’s depth, they can afford to be. Fantasy managers shouldn’t overreact … yet.
Steer received a cortisone shot and will rest for the next several days. Newcomer Austin Hays may be the beneficiary of playing time in the short term.
Fantasy impact: News
Texas Rangers RHP Kumar Rocker is rocked again
Rocker, the Vanderbilt product who made three abbreviated starts late last season and continued his rise on prospect lists, has now made two official spring starts, allowing a total of eight earned runs over just two innings. His second outing was on Saturday versus the Brewers, where Brice Turang hit a three-run homer. Rocker also walked two hitters.
Spring training numbers don’t always mean something, but Rocker, who has made only two Triple-A starts, may be bound for more minor league work whether he continues to struggle or not. Fantasy managers clearly want to believe, as Rocker is being drafted in some standard redraft formats. Perhaps they should move on.
Fantasy impact: News
Sean Murphy out due to fractured rib
Murphy, who hit only .193 over 264 plate appearances while battling through injuries last season, is off to a rough start in 2025. A wayward pitch broke Murphy’s rib on Friday, and he will now miss at least a month. This should send his ADP plummeting. Murphy was a reliable, top-10 fantasy catcher in 2022-23, but rising Atlanta Braves prospect Drake Baldwin could take over the starting role and thrive. Move Baldwin up your draft lists if the Braves make it clear he will make the club.
Fantasy impact: News
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