2025 MLB Fantasy Baseball Week 2: Top Players to Watch

NEW YORK, NY — The 2025 Major League Baseball season is in full swing, with Week 2 activities kicking off as teams navigate their fourth and fifth games. As managers set their lineups amidst changing climates and tight schedules, analyzing players’ potential leads to crucial adjustments for fantasy baseball leagues.

During this week’s analysis, it’s important to note that most teams are aligning back-of-the-rotation starters for key matchups. This week, many fantasy managers should consider pitchers projected for two starts, although they generally yield fewer points compared to aces. For example, a pitcher gaining traction in spring training might aim for 24-25 fantasy points this week, significantly less than what an ace would forecast if starting in two games.

Weather conditions also hold weight in player performance, particularly in northern cities. Temperatures remain low, with cities such as New York facing potential postponements due to rain and snow. The teams playing in these locations could face difficulties, making home run projections tricky to evaluate.

The first games of the new week will take place at Sacramento’s Sutter Health Park, where the A's are set to compete against the White Sox for three games. This park has a slightly pitcher-friendly reputation but could see increased home run production as temperatures rise, particularly in the summer months. Focusing on this series will be valuable for assessing players and their effectiveness in the upcoming weeks.

Meanwhile, fantasy leagues are buzzing with changes as managers look to optimize their lineups. Post-draft conditions often lead to unexpected early-season performance outbursts, so paying attention to early risers is essential. Last year’s breakout performances illustrate how early acquisitions can secure a strong competitive edge.

Among potential waiver wire candidates, Luis Rengifo‘s integration into the Angels’ everyday lineup stands out. Despite a slow start, a healthy Rengifo, who previously posted a .300 batting average and a solid stolen base record, could deliver significant contributions if given a chance higher in the batting order.

Tyler Soderstrom also appears poised for a breakout, hitting two home runs on Opening Day and building on last season’s promising stats. Given his dual eligibility at catcher and potential offensive production, he is an appealing prospect going forward.

Spencer Torkelson is another name to watch. Coming off a formidable junior season, Torkelson’s early performance indicates he might capitalize on the offensive opportunities presented to him this season, maintaining an impressive offensive output thus far.

Jeimer Candelario’s inclusion in the Reds’ active lineup also looks promising as the team gears up for a full seven-game schedule in Week 2, presenting a valuable opportunity for managers to consider him for their rosters.

As the season progresses, the strategies around lineup decisions, injury management, and player performance analysis will become increasingly critical. Monitoring player developments and embracing change will empower fantasy managers to make proactive decisions that potentially lead to championship success by season’s end.