Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he expects two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (shoulder) to be ready to hit in the season-opening series in Tokyo, Japan, against the Chicago Cubs, but he's unlikely to pitch in the series. Ohtani had Tommy John surgery in 2023 and did not pitch at all during the 2024 campaign, but it didn't stop him from winning his third MVP award in the last four seasons by making history with 54 home runs, 130 RBI and 59 RBI while also leading the league in runs (134), on-base percentage (.390), slugging percentage (.646), OPS (1.036) and total bases (411). The Japanese superstar will be more attractive as a hitter in fantasy in 2025, but he still has ace potential on the mound in his first year back from TJ surgery. Ohtani is a unicorn on the baseball field and became the only player in MLB history with 50-plus homers and 50-plus steals in a single season.

Los Angeles Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said on Monday that outfielder Mookie Betts is preparing to play shortstop in 2025. It means that Tommy Edman would be the club's regular center fielder, while Gavin Lux would be in line for regular duties at the keystone. Betts began last year on the infield but was moved back to right field after returning from a fractured left wrist. The 32-year-old has been an All-Star in each of the last eight full seasons, although injuries are starting to become an issue, and it led to a big drop in OPS (.863) and home runs (19), which can be attributed to his wrist injury. Betts also isn't as much of a threat to run, having not reached the 20-steal mark since 2018. It's something to think about, but Betts is still a well-above average player in the best lineup in baseball and could be eligible at short, second and outfield in fantasy leagues in 2025.

The New York Yankees and New York Mets are now both vying for Chicago White Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet via trade after just competing in a bidding war for superstar outfielder Juan Soto, according to sources. The Philadelphia Phillies and Boston Red Sox are also interested in acquiring Crochet, but the Yankees and Mets have been the most aggressive suitors. The 25-year-old southpaw had a breakout campaign in 2024 and is under team control for another two seasons, which makes him even more attractive to contenders looking to bolster their starting rotation. The Mets could have the edge for Crochet based on the young talent they could offer in a trade. If the White Sox want more young infield help, they could look at Jett Williams, Luisangel Acuna or Brett Baty. The Yankees and White Sox talked about Crochet last summer, but Chicago didn't value the Yankees' position prospects highly enough.

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora said he can "guarantee" he hasn't had any talks with third baseman Rafael Devers this offseason about moving him off the hot corner. There have been talks around the league that the Red Sox could look to acquire St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado or sign free-agent 3B Alex Bregman and then move Devers from third base. Boston could also do so if they elect to trade first baseman Triston Casas this winter, but as of right now, it appears Cora doesn't have any plans for Devers to move from third. The 28-year-old isn't the best defensive third baseman to begin with and he injured his shoulder diving for a ball this past season. If Devers doesn't eventually move to first base, he could become a regular at designated hitter. On the offensive side, Devers struck out more in 2024 but remained productive due to a high barrel rate and plenty of walks.

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said that it "makes sense" to move outfielder Aaron Judge back to right field in 2025 after the team failed to re-sign superstar outfielder Juan Soto. Manager Aaron Boone mentioned outfield prospect Jasson Dominguez as a leading candidate to start in center field next year, even though Trent Grisham remains under contract. Dominguez, a switch-hitting 21-year-old Dominican, dealt with multiple injuries in 2024 and only played in 18 games at the major-league level with the Yankees after debuting in eight games in 2023 in his rookie campaign. He hit just .179 with two homers and five stolen bases in 56 at-bats last year but has an incredibly high ceiling in both fantasy and real life for the Yankees if he finally is given a shot at regular playing time in the Bronx next year. If he plays a full season in the majors and is healthy, Dominguez should be a lock for a 20-20 showing.