MLB Fantasy Baseball Week 1 Preview: Key Pitchers, Hitters, and Schedule Insights

The 2025 MLB season kicks off on Thursday, March 27, with a packed schedule that includes four days of games, concluding on Sunday, March 30. This opening week is crucial for fantasy baseball managers, especially those in leagues with daily transactions, as lineups will lock at the scheduled start time of each player's game.

Key Points for Week 1

• Pitcher Rankings: Top pitchers like Tyler Glasnow (LAD) and Blake Snell (LAD) are set to dominate the mound. Keep an eye on Zack Wheeler (PHI) and Logan Gilbert (SEA) for strong performances.
• Hitter Ratings: Teams like the Arizona Diamondbacks and Miami Marlins have favorable matchups, making their hitters prime targets for your lineup.
• Schedule Observations: Six host cities, including Chicago and New York, have off days scheduled for Friday as a safety net for potential Opening Day postponements.

Weather Considerations

Weather can be a significant factor in the early weeks of the season, particularly in northern and northeastern cities. Teams playing in weather-controlled environments, such as the Milwaukee Brewers, may have an advantage.

Notable Absences

Several key pitchers, including Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer, are not projected to start during the opening weekend due to scheduling or health reasons.

Starting Pitchers for Week 1

Hitter Matchup Ratings

Conclusion

Set your lineups wisely, considering both pitcher and hitter matchups, and keep an eye on weather updates to maximize your fantasy points in Week 1.