Twins' deadline teardown sent shockwaves through fantasy rosters as Minnesota flushed a large slice of its roster to slash payroll by tens of millions. Ownership signaled retention but leaned into two limited partnerships, reviving questions about a Pohlad-led sale and long-term cost control. With a 2025 active payroll around 39.8 million (27th in MLB), the club has signaled a rebuild-forward path rather than a quick sprint.

The move cleared about 70 million in Correa-salary relief and targeted bullpen and veteran pieces, yet some moves defied obvious math, like trading Louis Varland. If Minnesota shops Joe Ryan and Pablo López this winter, the Twins could squeeze the lowest payroll in baseball, reshaping value across the rotation and bullpen and forcing fantasy managers to rethink Twins assets and risk tolerance for 2025.

Night at Sox Park featured a lively wave as Chicago's vibes fought through a 9-5 Guardians win, with Civale escaping a shaky start and the Sox bullpen briefly steadier than their offense. Across town, the Cubs weathered a recent downturn as offense cooled after a long first-half surge, leaving them near wildcard chatter. The Brewers’ division-rights chase looms large, echoing Mets-era pressure as the Cubs stumble toward a tougher finish. The column ties fan culture to a history of runs and resilience, leaning into the idea that even a losing season can spark strategic fantasy upside.

Key notes for fantasy owners: Suzuki remains under pressure post-break (.177/.290), Swanson carries a high strikeout rate (38.9%), and Castro’s daily position shuffle signals both added flexibility and risk in playing time. Counsell’s willingness to rotate Willi Castro could give Cubs’ offense a spark if others heat up, while the wave of fan energy at Wrigley and Sox Park underlines how lineups can outperform expectations when the context shifts. Rebound chatter remains real, anchored in an offense-first approach and urgent adjustments from leadership.

The Philadelphia Phillies are in a fierce competition for the top spot in the National League East, and as the trade deadline approaches, they have pressing needs to address. With José Alvarado sidelined due to a PED suspension, the Phillies are in dire need of bullpen reinforcement. Additionally, they require another offensive weapon to bolster their lineup, particularly considering the struggles of players like Bryson Stott and Max Kepler, who have underperformed significantly since May.

Analyst Paul Hernbekides has suggested that the Phillies should pursue Willi Castro and Griffin Jax from the Minnesota Twins. Castro, a recent All-Star, could fill in at second base or provide a much-needed upgrade in the outfield with an above-average batting line. Jax, while showing a higher ERA this season than last, possesses impressive underlying metrics suggesting he could regain his dominant form. The Phillies' management must act decisively to secure these players and enhance their chances for a postseason run.

As the trade deadline approaches, the New York Yankees are actively seeking reinforcements to address multiple weaknesses in their roster, particularly in their infield and bullpen. Reports suggest that the Minnesota Twins are open to offers for key rental players, including utility man Willi Castro and elite closer Jhoan Duran.

Duran, 26, has been a standout with a staggering average of over 13 strikeouts per nine innings and could provide a much-needed late-inning presence to stabilize the Yankees' bullpen. Meanwhile, Castro's versatility across the infield positions could plug gaps created by injuries and underperformance, particularly at third base. The Yankees may need to part with high-value prospects to secure this combo deal, but doing so could address significant roster issues and bolster their playoff aspirations.

As fantasy baseball enters the critical second half of the season, managers must capitalize on the waiver wire, identifying undervalued players who can bolster their rosters for playoff pushes. This week’s focus shifts to five key targets: Wilyer Abreu, Willi Castro, Alec Burleson, Ezequiel Tovar, and Noelvi Marte. Each player has demonstrated flashes of potential, making them worthy of consideration for deeper leagues.

Wilyer Abreu, outfielder for the Boston Red Sox, has hit a career-high 20 home runs. He recently turned heads with his power display, proving to be a pull hitter with impressive exit velocities. Willi Castro of the Minnesota Twins is showing versatility, contributing across multiple positions, and has improved significantly after a sluggish start. Alec Burleson remains a consistent performer for the St. Louis Cardinals, boasting a high on-base percentage and strong underlying metrics.

Meanwhile, Ezequiel Tovar, back from injury for the Colorado Rockies, is demonstrating promise, especially at Coors Field. Finally, Noelvi Marte, despite limited appearances due to injury, has shown he can hit with power and consistency when healthy. Each of these players could provide the edge needed for fantasy success as the season progresses.