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.

The Arizona Diamondbacks have made a significant investment by selecting Georgia Bulldogs pitcher Brian Curley with the No. 92 pick in the 2025 MLB draft, valued at $839,000. Curley, a 5-foot-10, 210-pound right-handed pitcher, ranked No. 102 among MLB prospects, showcased his talent during the 2025 season by posting a 4-4 record with two saves and a 3.55 ERA over 66 innings, striking out a remarkable 85 batters. His performance was crucial in leading Georgia to a No. 7 national seed in the NCAA tournament.

Before joining the Bulldogs, Curley spent two seasons at VCU, where he earned All-Atlantic-10 Conference honors. He transitioned from a late-inning reliever to a starter for Georgia during the season, which culminated in him earning a spot on the 2025 All-SEC second team. Curley's trajectory in collegiate baseball, coupled with his strong strikeout rate and low opposing batting average, suggests he could be a valuable asset for the Diamondbacks in the coming years.

The MLB All-Star Break isn't just about the festivities; it signifies the onset of intense trade speculation as executives scramble to bolster their rosters before the deadline. The New York Yankees are eyeing Eugenio Suárez, whose powerful stats could add much-needed energy to their lineup. The Yankees' recent struggles have made this trade particularly appealing.

The Chicago Cubs are shifting focus from Sandy Alcantara to Mitch Keller, whose consistent performance positions him as a safer option to strengthen their playoff rotation. Meanwhile, the Seattle Mariners are gearing up to acquire Josh Naylor, enhancing their first base productivity as they chase postseason aspirations.

The Detroit Tigers are looking at David Bednar to bolster a struggling bullpen, while the San Diego Padres may target Jarren Duran to improve their outfield. The New York Mets want to shed Luis Robert’s contract, viewing him as a gamble worth taking. Additionally, the Houston Astros are interested in Cedric Mullins for added depth. Each of these trades could reshape playoff scenarios significantly.