Fantasy Managers Prepare for Week 3 Amid Weather and Lineup Changes

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – With Week 3 of the 2025 MLB season underway, fantasy baseball managers face critical decisions as weather challenges and strategic lineup choices come into play. The week features all 30 teams, each playing at least six games, providing ample opportunities for point accumulation and roster optimization.

The first Monday of the baseball season without daytime games allows team managers to finalize their rosters until 6:40 p.m. ET, the scheduled pitch of the day. Notably, the New York Yankees are adjusting game times to curb lower temperatures, shifting their series against the Baltimore Orioles to earlier in the day with games starting at 3:10 p.m. ET on Monday and 1:10 p.m. ET on Tuesday.

As teams embark on their week-long contests, the Tampa Bay Rays return to their home ground after three games in Texas. Steinbrenner Field, their temporary venue, has seen a combined total of 38 runs and 95 hits from the Rays and their opponents, suggesting a slight pitchers’ park profile. The offensive output could significantly shift as the Rays face a broader mix of competition in front of home crowds.

The Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves, and Pittsburgh Pirates will also remain busy in northeastern cities this week, where cold weather could result in game postponements. However, these teams are mostly playing intra-divisional matchups, allowing easier rescheduling for games that may be canceled due to weather.

Among the most crucial updates for fantasy leagues this week include recommended pickups that capitalize on favorable ballpark conditions. For instance, Kansas City Royals pitcher Daniel Bubic has made waves since his recovery from Tommy John surgery, maintaining a 92.2 mph average fastball and 33% whiff rate during his first two starts this season.

Colorado Rockies’ utility player Hunter Goodman, now a catcher/DH combination, offers significant value due to his ability to maximize opportunities at Coors Field, the league’s most hitter-friendly venue. Similarly, Oakland Athletics first baseman Daniel Soderstrom presents a sneaky source of power, having displayed impressive barrel and hard-hit rates in a ballpark that favors offensive outputs.

The Philadelphia Phillies’ setup man, Jose Alvarado, is also a trending pickup. His recent performances indicate a bolstering closing potential, amplified by an average fastball speed of 99.7 mph. As closers are ever critical in fantasy leagues, Alvarado’s ability to convert save opportunities amidst a shifting bullpen landscape makes him a worthy addition to team rosters.

Baseball analysts recommend monitoring the weather closely this week as unforeseen changes can significantly impact game outcomes and player performances. As the front-office strategies of major league teams evolve, so too must the management strategies of fantasy baseball teams aiming to capitalize on the season’s early dynamics.