Two talented players from Coastal Bend made their mark during Day 2 of the 2025 MLB Draft. Jack Martinez, a 6-foot-4 right-handed pitcher from Ray High School and Arizona State, was selected in the eighth round by the Arizona Diamondbacks, showcasing his impressive season where he recorded a 6-4 record with a 5.47 ERA and a standout 110 strikeouts over 77⅓ innings. Meanwhile, Sinton's Rylan Galvan, recognized as a former Caller-Times All-South Texas MVP and Buster Posey Award finalist, was picked by the Chicago White Sox in the 13th round after hitting .296 with 15 home runs and 47 RBIs in a breakout season at Texas.

These selections highlight the growing talent pool in the region, with Martinez and Galvan joining Calallen’s Justin Lamkin, who was drafted in the second round. Their achievements not only underscore their individual skills but also reflect the competitive nature of collegiate baseball in Texas.

Eugenio Suárez is making headlines again as he heads into the All-Star break this season with 31 home runs and 78 RBIs, both career highs before the Midsummer Classic. This marks his second All-Star game appearance, with his first coming in 2018 while with the Cincinnati Reds. Since joining the Arizona Diamondbacks, Suárez has been a standout player, drawing attention from multiple clubs, with the New York Yankees expressing interest as they seek to enhance their offense.

Currently sitting at 47-50, the Diamondbacks may consider selling at the trade deadline, and Suárez's performance could be pivotal. His career batting average stands at .249, with a reputation for striking out frequently, yet his power hitting has never been in question. Arizona's offense ranks fourth in the league with 141 home runs but struggles with a pitching staff that has a 4.65 ERA, ranking 26th overall.

The Arizona Diamondbacks exhibited a clear strategy on Day 2 of the 2025 MLB Draft by selecting 12 pitchers out of 17 total picks. This heavy focus on pitching reflects their commitment to strengthening their mound depth for future seasons. One standout was Dean Livingston, a right-handed pitcher from Hebron Christian Academy in Georgia, who posted impressive stats: a 1.27 ERA with 89 strikeouts over 44 innings. Brady Counsell, son of the Diamondbacks' former player and current Cubs manager Craig Counsell, was also selected, highlighting the family's continued legacy in baseball.

The Diamondbacks tapped into collegiate talent, grabbing players like Jack Martinez from Arizona State, who clocked in a fastball at 97 mph despite an average season. The selections included a mix of left-handed and right-handed pitchers, showcasing a balanced approach as they aim for a deeper bullpen. With young talent like Livingston, who also excelled with a .434 batting average, the team is laying the groundwork for a robust future.

The Chicago Cubs are looking to enhance their roster as the trade deadline approaches, focusing on making Kyle Tucker happy and improving their chances for a World Series run. One area of concern is the third base position. Discussions around Eugenio Suarez as a potential trade target have surfaced, with the Cubs and New York Yankees possibly entering a bidding war for his services. Adding Suarez, who has already hit 31 home runs this season, would significantly bolster the Cubs' lineup. With key players like Tucker, the Cubs are motivated to make decisive moves in the coming weeks.

Strengthening their pitching staff is also a priority, but acquiring Suarez could make the Cubs formidable contenders, especially considering they would then have three of the seven players with at least 25 home runs this season. As the team navigates this critical period, the front office is urged to go all-in, recognizing that they may only have one guaranteed year with Tucker. A full-fledged commitment to upgrading their roster could redefine their postseason potential.

The 2023 MLB draft kicked off with the Washington Nationals selecting Eli Willits as the first overall pick, while the spotlight often shines brightest on the first few rounds, the depths of the draft reveal intriguing talent. Among the notable non-first-round selections from the three-day event, several players stand out for their potential impact. The Arizona Diamondbacks grabbed right-handed pitcher Brian Curley, a standout from Georgia, who impressed with his strikeout rate and spin rate. The Athletics secured Devin Taylor from Indiana, whose impressive collegiate batting average and power numbers suggest he could be a valuable asset in the lineup.

The Braves selected lefty Briggs McKenzie, a prep pitcher known for his potential velocity increase, while the Orioles’ pick of switch-hitting catcher Caden Bodine reflects a promising addition with elite bat-to-ball skills. Meanwhile, the Red Sox took a chance on Marcus Phillips, a physically imposing right-hander with notable upside. Each of these players has the potential to develop into significant contributors at the major league level, showcasing the depth of talent available beyond the first round.