The 2025 fantasy baseball season has already seen its share of disappointments, with several high-profile players failing to meet expectations. As the All-Star break approaches, it’s time to examine the biggest busts of the season. Despite being drafted early, players such as Yordan Alvarez, William Contreras, and Dylan Cease have struggled significantly, leaving fantasy managers frustrated.

Alvarez's injury woes have limited his contributions, while Contreras has not replicated his solid 2024 stats. Cease, meanwhile, has posted an unsightly ERA, raising doubts about his performance. Other notable mentions include Michael Harris II and Ozzie Albies, both of whom have underperformed relative to their draft positions. The second half of the season presents an opportunity for these players to turn things around, but the first half has left many wondering if they can regain their form.

Luis Gil is making significant strides toward his return to the Yankees' rotation after recovering from a high-grade lat strain. Gil began a rehab assignment with Double-A Somerset, where he is expected to gradually increase his pitch count, with manager Aaron Boone indicating a cautious approach to his outings. The Yankees are eager for Gil's return to bolster a rotation that has faced injuries to key pitchers, including Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt. Last season, Gil showcased his potential with a 3.50 ERA and 171 strikeouts, earning him the American League Rookie of the Year award.

Max Fried's recent blister issue adds further complications for the Yankees, especially as they head out of the All-Star break. The left-hander's recurring blister problems have previously derailed his season, and Boone is monitoring his recovery closely.

Meanwhile, Trent Grisham is being managed carefully as he deals with hamstring tightness, and Yankees' top prospect George Lombard Jr. is gaining attention after a strong performance in the All-Star Futures Game.

In a surprising twist before the All-Star Game, Tarik Skubal learned of his starting role not from manager Aaron Boone but from fellow pitcher Max Fried. Initially hesitant, Skubal eventually accepted the honor after Fried insisted he deserved the opportunity. Fried's gracious act came before a blister sidelined him from participating, showcasing a moment of respect between two top players. Skubal's impressive season, leading all AL pitchers in WAR, highlights the significance of this accolade for the Tigers, marking the first time since Max Scherzer in 2013 that a Tigers pitcher has started the All-Star Game.

The upcoming MLB draft sees Arkansas pitcher Gage Wood gaining momentum after an impressive College World Series performance, including a record-setting no-hitter. Analysts now project him as a late first-round pick, with rankings placing him around No. 20 to 25 overall. His stock has notably risen despite prior injury setbacks, making him a prime candidate for teams seeking strong pitching talent.

MLB Pipeline highlights Atlanta Braves as a potential destination for Wood, emphasizing his exceptional fastball and impactful postseason showing. As teams refine their draft strategies, Wood's trajectory suggests he could exceed expectations, particularly in a league needing impactful pitching.

On July 13, 2025, savvy bettors should focus on home run props featuring notable MLB players such as Tyler Stephenson, Cal Raleigh, and Paul Goldschmidt. Each player offers promising odds based on favorable matchups and trending performance. Betting on Stephenson appears especially attractive against Austin Gomber's high HR/9 rate, while Raleigh is just one home run shy of tying Barry Bonds' record before the All-Star break. Goldschmidt's impressive stats against left-handed pitchers make him another compelling choice.

Overall, with the weather in favor of favorable hitting conditions and multiple promising matchups, bettors have a solid slate for home run betting. With a little strategy, hitting on these player props could yield significant returns.