With the baseball season heating up, fantasy managers need to be strategic with their FAAB budgets. This week, key targets emerge as players like Brandon Walter and Dietrich Enns show promising performances on the mound. Walter, pitching for the Houston Astros, has an impressive K:BB ratio and is set for a matchup against the Rockies. Enns returns to the Detroit Tigers after an absence, making an immediate impact with a stellar performance.

In the reliever category, Ronny Henriquez of the Miami Marlins is emerging as a potential closer due to recent struggles of Calvin Faucher. Grant Taylor of the Chicago White Sox also looks to be a valuable asset with his high-leverage role in the bullpen. Meanwhile, Gary Sanchez is making a comeback with the Baltimore Orioles, showcasing offensive prowess following an injury.

The Orioles and Pirates showcased dominance in the Dapper Dan Major Division semifinals, both sweeping their series to secure a championship berth. The Orioles crushed the Tigers with an 11-0 victory, followed by a close 13-11 win. Meanwhile, the Pirates triumphed over the Athletics, winning 2-1 and then 4-2. This strong performance sets the stage for an exciting championship matchup between these two clubs, each eager to claim supremacy.

As the MLB season approaches the All-Star break, savvy fantasy baseball players are looking to bolster their rosters with under-the-radar hitters. This week, several players have emerged as strong candidates for waivers, offering potential boosts in critical categories like runs, home runs, RBIs, stolen bases, and batting average.

Josh Smith of the Texas Rangers, rostered in just 36% of leagues, continues to shine at the plate, boasting a .311 average with three home runs and 18 runs scored recently. Caleb Durbin of the Brewers is another name to watch, hitting .296 with three homers and 18 runs in June. Meanwhile, Ramon Laureano has returned to form with the Orioles, hitting .312 with four home runs and leading in runs scored.

For power hitters, Kyle Stowers of the Marlins is on the rise, hitting three home runs in the last week of June, while Gary Sanchez is making a significant impact for the Orioles as well, providing solid numbers despite limited playing time. Lastly, Otto Lopez is leading the NL in RBIs this month, making him a must-roster player. As the season progresses, these players could be the difference-makers for fantasy teams.

As the 2025 MLB season progresses into Week 15, several promising prospects are poised to make a significant impact in fantasy baseball. With injuries affecting teams like the Baltimore Orioles, Samuel Basallo has emerged as a critical fantasy stash. Batting .258 with impressive power numbers in Triple-A, he could soon join a lineup that needs his offensive spark. Similarly, Chase DeLauter from the Cleveland Guardians is pushing for a call-up after a remarkable hit streak and an alarming lack of production from the team’s outfield. The Pirates' Hunter Barco and Tampa Bay's Joe Boyle are also capturing attention on the mound, showcasing dominant performances that could translate well at the major league level. Identifying these emerging talents ahead of time can make a difference in fantasy leagues.

Stashing these players not only positions your team to capitalize on their potential but also helps in making strategic FAAB bids, thus outmaneuvering league competition. With the All-Star break approaching, the influx of young talent is imminent, and keeping an eye on player performance in Triple-A will be crucial. Whether it's Basallo’s power, DeLauter’s consistent hitting, or Barco’s strikeout capabilities, each player offers upside that can elevate your fantasy roster as the season heats up.

With Clayton Kershaw now a member of the 3,000-strikeout club, the focus shifts to the next pitchers who might achieve this milestone. Currently, only four active pitchers have surpassed 2,000 strikeouts, but injuries complicate their journeys. Chris Sale leads with 2,528 strikeouts but is sidelined with a fractured rib. Gerrit Cole, with 2,251 strikeouts, is out for the season due to elbow surgery. Charlie Morton and Yu Darvish are also in pursuit but face challenges due to age and injury.

Aaron Nola and Robbie Ray, both possessing impressive strikeout rates, might be contenders if they can avoid injuries. Newly emerging talents like Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes show promise but face the daunting task of maintaining performance and health over many seasons. The road to 3,000 strikeouts is fraught with uncertainty, making each pitch critical.