The Tampa Bay Times' Marc Topkin writes that the Tampa Bay Rays are considering dropping first baseman Yandy Diaz down in the lineup from the leadoff spot as a way to boost their offense in 2025. Diaz has served as the team's leadoff hitter the last two seasons, but the 33-year-old veteran could be moved down in order to increase his RBI opportunities. In the leadoff spot, Diaz won the American League batting title with a .330 batting average in 2023, so he's done well in the lineup spot, but a move down would also give him more chances to drive in runs. Despite the talk about moving Diaz down, he has mostly served as the leadoff man this spring. Regardless of lineup position, fantasy managers can't expect Diaz to ever be as good as he was in 2023, especially if he continues to hit more ground balls. He ranks as RotoBaller's No. 19 fantasy first baseman. A trade might be the best thing for his fantasy value going forward.

Detroit Tigers third baseman prospect Jace Jung belted his first home run of the spring in a 1-for-3 day at the plate in a 3-1 Grapefruit League win over the Braves on Tuesday. The former first-round draft pick is 4-for-28 (.160) this spring, but despite the lack of production, he appears to have the inside track to be Detroit's Opening Day third baseman. The left-handed hitter debuted in 2024, and although he hit just .241 with no home runs over 34 games, he demonstrated a keen eye by walking in 16.0 percent of his plate appearances, leading to a strong .362 OBP. Even though he did not hit any long balls in the majors last season, the power is there. He belted 28 home runs across two levels of the minors in 2023 over 128 games and another 14 at Triple-A in 2024 over 91 games. With an NFBC ADP of 461, however, he's realistically only a fantasy option in deeper and AL-only leagues.

Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Keegan Thompson will not be among the 31 players included in the team's travel roster for the Tokyo Series coming up in Japan. The righty had allowed three earned runs in only four-and-two-thirds innings pitched so far this spring, with all three runs coming via solo home runs. Unfortunately for Thompson, this likely means the Cubs will DFA the former third-round draft pick before Opening Day. Whether he's with the Cubs or another team in 2025, he pitched fairly well between the minors and majors last season, recording a 2.67 ERA, 1.22 ERA, and a 10.68 K/9 over 30 1/3 innings pitched with the Cubs. His problem over the years has been command, with a 14.2 percent walk rate resulting in a 14.2 percent K-BB%, which would look very good if he could get closer to the 8.2 percent league average walk rate. Regardless, until we see him in the majors again and pitching meaningful innings, the 29-year-old will be off the fantasy radar.

Colorado Rockies outfield prospect Zac Veen had a productive day at the plate on Tuesday, going 2-for-2 with a double, a home run, three RBI, and one run scored in Tuesday's 8-5 Cactus League loss to the Reds. The former ninth-overall draft pick is now 9-for-31 (.290) this spring with two home runs and four stolen bases in 15 games. While he isn't likely to make the Opening Day roster, he's probably just one injury away from getting the call to the big leagues. The Rockies' eighth ranked prospect hasn't hit for average or shown much pop in the minors, but has a career 12.1 percent walk rate (.355 OBP) and stole 21 bases last season between Double and Triple-A (with as many as 55 steals in 2022), so he has some intrigue for fantasy were he to get the call.

Kansas City Royals second baseman Jonathan India is expected to be the leadoff hitter to open the season. India has been productive in that spot during camp and will likely continue in this role. In addition, Anne Rogers of MLB.com noted that while India is expected to play every day, he will likely do so at multiple positions. Throughout camp, the Royals have provided India with opportunities in the outfield and he has seen previous work at third base in the minor leagues. If he were to shift to several positions, this could open the door for more opportunities for No. 2 second baseman Michael Massey. Last season, India posted a .248/.357/.392 slash line with 15 home runs and 13 stolen bases. He drew walks at an elite 12.6 percent rate. India carries great value in drafts as he should provide a high total of runs batting in front of Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez, and Vinnie Pasquantino.