The 2025 MLB All-Star Game is set to air next Tuesday, July 15th, and excitement is building as fans eagerly anticipate the festivities. The MLB has announced the starting players, but our Rotoworld Baseball Staff has shared their personal selections for who they believe should take the field. In the American League, Seattle Mariners' Cal Raleigh stands out as the unanimous choice for catcher, while Tampa Bay Rays' Jonathan Aranda and Detroit Tigers' Gleyber Torres highlight a competitive infield. Notably, Bobby Witt Jr.'s impressive season with the Kansas City Royals solidifies him as a strong choice at shortstop.

On the National League side, the Los Angeles Dodgers' Will Smith is also a unanimous pick behind the plate, with Pete Alonso of the New York Mets showing tremendous power at first base. The Arizona Diamondbacks duo of Ketel Marte and Eugenio Suárez is recognized for their contributions, while Francisco Lindor from the Mets adds strength to the shortstop position.

The Chicago Cubs face a critical decision regarding their third base position as Matt Shaw struggles to find his footing in Major League Baseball. Currently hitting just .207 with only two home runs, Shaw's performance has raised concerns about his readiness to compete at this level. After a brief stint in Triple-A, he returned to the Cubs but has since faltered again, compiling just 41 hits in 198 at-bats.

With the Cubs aspiring for a World Series title, the need for a consistent third baseman is paramount. Andrew Wright from Newsweek highlights the Cubs’ significant issues at third base, noting that the team has cycled through six players at the position this season, none of whom have met expectations. Their third base performance currently ranks 22nd among all MLB teams, with a combined -0.5 Wins Above Average. To revamp their chances, Wright suggests looking at Eugenio Suárez from the Arizona Diamondbacks, though the Diamondbacks' postseason aspirations could complicate potential trade talks.

As the All-Star break approaches, savvy fantasy baseball players are scouring the waiver wire for starting pitchers who are delivering solid performances. Kris Bubic and Matthew Boyd have emerged as must-start options, but there are still hidden gems available. Jose Soriano of the Los Angeles Angels has shown flashes of brilliance, striking out 28 batters over three games despite some inconsistency. Ryne Nelson of the Arizona Diamondbacks has been spectacular since becoming a full-time starter, recording a 1.53 ERA in his last five starts.

Meanwhile, Joe Boyle of the Tampa Bay Rays is an intriguing option, boasting impressive minor league stats. While Boyle's role is currently as a bulk pitcher, he could soon transition to a starter if he continues his upward trajectory. Lastly, Kumar Rocker of the Texas Rangers has recently returned from injury and has performed well in limited innings. As the season progresses, these pitchers could become vital assets for fantasy managers looking to solidify their rotations.

The 2025 fantasy baseball season is seeing several sleeper pitchers making waves recently, presenting intriguing waiver wire options for astute managers as they navigate through Week 15. Eury Perez of the Miami Marlins, Ryne Nelson from the Arizona Diamondbacks, and Trevor Rogers of the Baltimore Orioles have all displayed potential as breakout candidates. Perez, a former top prospect, showcased his strikeout ability and command against the Minnesota Twins, highlighting the strength of his fastball and slider. With good matchups ahead, Perez is worth considering for roster spots.

Meanwhile, Nelson has been on a hot streak with consistent performances, featuring a potent fastball. He has shown improved results but remains on the fringes of reliability due to his fastball's dependence. Rogers, despite a shaky past, has displayed signs of resurgence as well, thriving with a strong changeup and new pitch mix. However, his lack of strikeout potential and low velocity may limit his upside in the long term.

As the week opens, the Arizona Diamondbacks face the San Diego Padres in a crucial four-game series. Notably absent from the lineup is All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte, who was scratched shortly before the game. Speculation suggests this decision may be linked to a recent tweak he experienced while fielding. In his absence, 26-year-old Blaze Alexander steps into the role, despite a rocky start this season with a .111 batting average.

The matchup showcases former Cy Young winners Zac Gallen for Arizona and Yu Darvish for San Diego, the latter making his first appearance of the season. Currently, the Diamondbacks find themselves 11.5 games behind the NL West-leading Dodgers, while the Padres are trailing by seven. Both teams are eager to narrow the gap in the standings as they vie for playoff spots.