The Chicago Cubs are currently leading the National League Central by 5.5 games and are looking to strengthen their pitching rotation ahead of the July 31 trade deadline. With names like Sandy Alcantara and Zach Eflin being targeted, there are also suggestions for a more strategic trade involving the Atlanta Braves' slugger Marcell Ozuna. Ozuna, with a .253/.388/.422 line, is seen as a significant addition to the Cubs' lineup, which has struggled to break a four-year playoff drought.

In a potential trade scenario proposed by Andrew Wright, Ian Happ could be swapped for Ozuna, allowing Seiya Suzuki to return to left field. Happ's current performance has been lackluster at .249 with only seven home runs, while Suzuki boasts a stronger .261 average with 17 home runs. With the Braves underperforming, trading Ozuna while acquiring Happ could be mutually beneficial, appealing to both teams' timelines and needs as they aim for playoff contention.

Week 12 of the fantasy baseball season is a pivotal moment for managers looking to bolster their rosters through trades. With the first half of the season nearing its conclusion, savvy GMs should target underperforming players while selling high on those who have peaked.

The focus this week is on three buy-low candidates: Marcell Ozuna, Steven Kwan, and Brendan Donovan. Ozuna, despite a rough stretch, has strong underlying metrics that suggest a bounce back, making him a prime target for managers seeking power hitters. Kwan, dealing with a wrist injury, has seen a dip in performance but remains a high average contributor with speed on the bases. Donovan, although in a slump, boasts a solid batting average and the potential for significant contributions across multiple categories.

Conversely, it's time to consider moving on from overvalued players like Paul Goldschmidt and Andy Pages. Goldschmidt's recent struggles and potential reduced playing time with Giancarlo Stanton returning make him a sell-high candidate. Pages, while hot, may be due for regression based on his underlying stats, making this a perfect moment to capitalize on his current market value.

On this DFS Sunday, numerous strong options arise in MLB, particularly with high-performing pitchers on the mound. Atlanta Braves' pitcher Zack Wheeler, priced at $11K DK and $10.8K FD, boasts an impressive 0.35 ERA since May 11. Expect him to dominate against the Blue Jays. Similarly, Grant Holmes from the Braves could shine against the Colorado Rockies, while Yusei Kikuchi of the Angels may also excel against a struggling Orioles lineup.

For hitters, the Braves and Angels are set to deliver strong performances. Matt Olson and Marcell Ozuna of Atlanta are in formidable form, facing a debuting pitcher in Austin Gomber. Zach Neto, a breakout star for the Angels, is also expected to shine against the Orioles. Monitor injury news closely as lineups can change quickly.

The Atlanta Braves are finding their offensive rhythm just in time for a crucial stretch of the season, buoyed by the resurgence of Michael Harris II and the return of Ronald Acuña Jr., who is hitting .375 following a nearly full season off. Harris has recently showcased his power, hitting three home runs in six games, while Marcel Ozuna is also contributing despite dealing with a hip issue, evidenced by his three-run shot in a recent 12-4 victory over the Colorado Rockies.

Despite their recent success, the Braves remain 10 games under .500 and must climb back into the postseason picture. Manager Brian Snitker expressed cautious optimism, pointing out the importance of winning big games as they attempt to close the gap on the New York Mets, who lead the NL East. Acuña's return has reinvigorated the lineup, as he recorded his first stolen base since undergoing knee surgery, signaling confidence in his recovery.

The Atlanta Braves' season has turned disastrous, enduring a six-game losing streak after a walk-off loss to the San Francisco Giants. Their record now stands at 27-36, including a disheartening 0-7 start. Despite Bryce Elder's stellar pitching performance, which included 12 strikeouts in eight innings, the Braves' offense fell short, scoring just two runs. They squandered a lead in the ninth inning, echoing a recent collapse against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

As the team faces mounting pressure, their path to a wild-card spot appears slim, necessitating a remarkable 65-34 record for the remainder of the season. While some speculate the Braves may sell off assets at the trade deadline, their core remains affordably locked in for next year. Marcell Ozuna stands out as a potential trade candidate, but the Braves' focus could shift towards reinforcing their roster for a stronger 2026 campaign.