The 2025 MLB Draft is shaping up to be pivotal, reflecting a trend where drafted players, particularly from college, are making their MLB debuts at a surprising rate. Notably, five first-round picks from the 2024 draft have already stepped onto the major league field. Players like Chase Burns and Nick Kurtz have begun to establish their presence, with mixed early results, while others like Cam Smith are beginning to showcase their potential.

As we approach the 2025 draft, the Nationals hold a crucial No. 1 pick, where Kade Anderson, a standout pitcher from LSU, is projected to be the selection. He led the nation in strikeouts and could make a rapid transition to the majors. Teams like the Angels, Mariners, and Rockies are poised to capitalize on this draft class, looking to bolster their rosters with elite talent.

Today's MLB slate offers exciting home run prop bets with five standout players in focus: Kyle Stowers, George Springer, Alec Burleson, Nick Kurtz, and Sean Murphy. The East Coast weather is favorable, particularly at Great American Ball Park, enhancing the potential for big hits. Each player is evaluated based on matchups, with metrics highlighting their strengths against opposing pitchers.

Kyle Stowers leads the Marlins, showcasing impressive stats against right-handers. George Springer is targeted against the White Sox's Aaron Civale, expected to exploit Civale's vulnerabilities. Alec Burleson has shown consistent performance and is poised to capitalize on the matchup against the struggling Jake Irvin. Nick Kurtz brings power against righties as well, while Sean Murphy can be a wild card in a high-scoring environment.

Dynasty fantasy baseball is dynamic, with new stars challenging for dominance at their positions each season. This year, several young talents are making a significant impact, notably Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners, who has set a record for catchers with 35 home runs, dwarfing the competition. Raleigh's all-around performance, with a wRC+ of 184, positions him as the top catcher in dynasty leagues.

Meanwhile, Nick Kurtz has emerged as a strong contender at first base, showcasing his power with 13 homers in just 200 at-bats. Despite an initial slow start, Kurtz's stats reflect a promising future, potentially overtaking older stars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Junior Caminero has also made waves, establishing himself among the elite third basemen with 21 home runs this season. Lastly, James Wood of the Washington Nationals is proving to be a formidable outfield prospect, hitting 23 home runs and stealing 12 bases, solidifying his status in dynasty leagues.

Today’s MLB DFS picks spotlight key players and matchups for DraftKings and FanDuel, particularly as fantasy enthusiasts gear up for the Fourth of July weekend. Spencer Strider emerges as the top pitching choice, boasting 33 strikeouts over the past four games and a stellar career strikeout rate of 35.8%. Even against a resilient Baltimore lineup, he remains a must-have in cash games. Meanwhile, Sandy Alcantara presents an enticing option at SP2, with signs of positive regression despite recent struggles.

Infield recommendations include rookies like Nick Kurtz and Addison Barger, who are thriving against right-handed pitching. Barger’s recent performance against the Yankees shows his potential as a value pick. The outfield sees Riley Greene highlighted for his impressive power numbers and favorable matchup against Slade Cecconi. The Giants and Athletics game is also a prime stacking opportunity, with hitters like Heliot Ramos leading the charge for expected high offensive output.

Nick Kurtz, a standout first baseman for the Athletics, is rapidly establishing himself as one of MLB's most promising hitters after being the fourth overall pick in the 2024 Draft. Thus far, he has crushed 12 home runs in just 48 games, showcasing significant power that has led to +470 odds for home runs on FanDuel. With a strong left-on-right matchup against the Rays, his current price may soon be a fleeting opportunity.

Riley Greene of the Tigers is another player to watch, armed with +400 odds. Although he leads the league with 104 strikeouts, he also boasts an impressive .993 OPS. His matchup against a struggling Trevor Williams poses a potential boon for his power-hitting capabilities.

Lastly, Junior Caminero from the Rays, currently at +360 odds, has demonstrated the potential to be a 50-homer candidate with an impressive increase in his launch angle and bat speed. His record against right-handed pitching at home makes him an appealing target for home run props.