Detroit Tigers infielder Zach McKinstry is expected to make the Opening Day roster. With Matt Vierling (shoulder) expected to open the season on the injured list, McKinstry has a viable path to opening the season in the major leagues. Earlier in the offseason, McKinstry inked a one-year deal worth $1.65 million to avoid arbitration. The 29-year-old appeared in 118 contests for Detroit last season. Across this stint, McKinstry posted a .215/.277/.337 slash line with four home runs and 16 stolen bases. He showed a solid eye at the plate as he only struck out at a 21.2 percent of the time. However, he also generated a modest .238 xBA with a .364 xSLG. Fantasy managers should expect McKinstry to operate in a utility role during the 2025 campaign once again and will carry value in deeper AL-only formats.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, free-agent designated hitter J.D. Martinez could be a potential fit for the New York Yankees. With Giancarlo Stanton (elbow) sidelined and not participating in any baseball activities, they could sign Martinez as their temporary designated hitter. Martinez has been deployed exclusively as a DH for the past three seasons, which is not expected to change if he goes to the Bronx. Last season, the 37-year-old spent the entire campaign with the New York Mets, where he held a .235/.320/.406 slash line with 16 long balls. However, under the hood, he generated a strong .472 xSLG and a .351 xwOBA, which are both well above the average marks. During the 2023 season, he held a strong .271/.321/.572 line. If he were to sign with the Yankees, he would be the everyday designated hitter until Stanton returns. If the Yankees opt to cover that spot with players on their roster, Aaron Judge would likely be given several opportunities to serve as the DH to keep him off his feet. This would also open the door for Ben Rice to see consistent playing time as well.

Boston Red Sox catcher Connor Wong (shoulder) is set to make his Grapefruit League debut on Saturday afternoon against the Minnesota Twins. Wong has been dealing with a sore shoulder throughout the early part of camp. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status in case he faces a setback. Over the past two seasons, Wong logged 126 games in each campaign for the Red Sox. Last summer, he held a .280/.333/.425 slash line with 24 doubles, 13 home runs, and eight stolen bases. While he saw 106 of his starts behind the dish, he was occasionally deployed in the infield and also saw one start in left field. With prospect Kyle Teel now in Chicago, fantasy managers should expect Teel to see the vast majority of starts behind the plate during the 2025 campaign. Carlos Narvaez and Blake Sabol will compete for the No. 2 role.

Texas Rangers outfielder Evan Carter (illness) is back in the starting nine on Saturday afternoon. Carter was unable to play on Friday due to an illness. However, seeing him return to the lineup quickly suggests his absence on Friday was precautionary. Carter flashed high upside as a rookie during the 2023 campaign, posting a .309/.413/.645 slash line with five home runs and three stolen bases. During their World Series run, Carter held a .300/.417/.500 line. However, Carter was limited to just 45 games last season and was eventually shut down due to a back injury. During his limited playing time, he was ineffective as he posted a mere .188 AVG. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during camp as he should return to an everyday role in the Texas starting nine to begin the 2025 campaign.

Baltimore Orioles outfielder Tyler O'Neill (illness) is battling an illness and is expected to be sidelined for the next few days. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status but he should be expected to return to the starting lineup sometime next week. Earlier in the offseason, the Orioles signed the 29-year-old to a three-year $49.5 million contract. After battling injuries for several seasons, O'Neill was able to log over 100 games in 2024 for just the second time in his career. Across 113 contests in Boston last summer, O'Neill held a .241/.336/.511 slash line with 18 doubles and 31 home runs. He swiped four bags. He generated a strong .339 xwOBA with an elite 11.2 percent walk rate. However, he struck out at a hefty 33.6 percent rate. Fantasy managers should expect O'Neill to have an everyday role in the starting nine and is a viable target when looking for an outfielder with high-end power.