As the 2025 MLB Draft approaches, expert mock drafts are buzzing with predictions about top prospects. Among the expected first-round picks is Ethan Holliday, an infielder from Stillwater High School, highlighted for his impressive lineage as the son of former MLB star Matt Holliday. Other notable prospects include Kade Anderson, a left-handed pitcher from LSU, and Aiva Arquette, a shortstop from Oregon State.

The Washington Nationals are projected to select Holliday first overall, followed by the Los Angeles Angels opting for Liam Doyle, a lefty from Tennessee. The Seattle Mariners might snag shortstop Aiva Arquette third, while the Colorado Rockies could target lefty Kade Anderson at fourth. The draft consists of varied talent across positions, emphasizing the depth of talent available this year.

Jake Latz started strong for the Texas Rangers, showcasing six strikeouts and a double play in three innings against the Washington Nationals. However, in the fourth inning, he surrendered a home run to Alex Call and exited due to an apparent finger injury. The Rangers immediately assessed Latz's pitcher status, culminating in Jacob Webb replacing him. Latz's performance raised questions regarding his durability, especially as he reached a pitch count of 60, his highest since debuting in 2021.

This incident is particularly concerning for fantasy owners and bettors given Latz's potential impact on the Rangers' pitching rotation. With Latz's injury adding uncertainty, fantasy managers will need to monitor the situation closely to determine if they'll need to seek alternatives.

Brady House is emerging as a must-add player from the waiver wire for fantasy baseball enthusiasts heading into Week 9 of 2025. The Washington Nationals third base/shortstop prospect has significantly improved his performance at Triple-A, boasting a .281/.322/.485 line with 11 doubles and 9 home runs over his first 50 games. He has demonstrated a newfound power, hitting four homers in his last 17 games. As the Nationals look to bolster their infield with Paul DeJong on the injured list, House could be in line for a promotion before the All-Star Break.

The current options at third base for the Nationals have been underwhelming, with Jose Tena and Amed Rosario producing modest numbers. If House continues his upward trajectory, he could provide a much-needed spark to the lineup, making him an enticing pickup for those in need of infield help. His ETA for a potential call-up is June, which makes him a valuable stash for savvy fantasy players.

Chris Martin, the Texas Rangers' right-handed relief pitcher, faced another injury setback during Sunday’s game against the Houston Astros, exiting after just one pitch due to an elbow issue. This incident echoes a similar situation from earlier in the week when Martin left a game against the Colorado Rockies after feeling a 'popping' sensation in his elbow, a recurring problem from his previous stint with the Atlanta Braves.

The 38-year-old reliever had previously missed three games due to this injury but returned on Saturday to pitch successfully in a victory. His latest departure highlights the ongoing concerns about his durability as he entered the eighth inning following starting pitcher Jack Leiter’s struggles. Martin’s absence forced the Rangers to rely on left-hander Robert Garcia, who subsequently allowed a critical three-run homer to Isaac Paredes, shifting the momentum in favor of the Astros.

As the season progresses, the Rangers will need to monitor Martin’s condition closely. His role in the bullpen is vital for the team's postseason aspirations, and any prolonged absence could jeopardize their chances.

The Milwaukee Brewers are in desperate need of offensive upgrades for the 2025 season, especially following the departure of Willy Adames to San Francisco, who contributed significantly with 31 home runs and 112 RBIs. In an effort to replace that production, the Brewers have acquired Caleb Durbin, an infield prospect. However, Durbin is struggling, hitting just .187 since his promotion. The need for impactful additions has become urgent, particularly after being shut out multiple times this month.

Several potential trade targets have emerged for the Brewers. First, there's Yoan Moncada from the Los Angeles Angels, who signed a one-year deal after the Brewers opted for younger infielders. Moncada has shown promise with a .873 OPS, although his health has caused him to miss games. A trade for Moncada could bolster the Brewers' infield without hindering their young talent development.

Another appealing candidate is Amed Rosario of the Washington Nationals. He has been performing well, hitting .293, and his versatility could address the Brewers' needs at multiple positions. Lastly, a more ambitious target for the Brewers could be Bo Bichette from the Toronto Blue Jays, who is currently a critical player for a contending team. The Brewers would need to be in a strong position to make a deal if the Blue Jays falter.