The Washington Nationals have made a shocking decision just before the 2025 MLB Draft, firing both president of baseball operations Mike Rizzo and manager Dave Martinez. This move comes at a critical time as the team prepares to select the No. 1 overall pick and face the July 31 trade deadline. While Rizzo led the team to its only World Series title in 2019, the Nationals have struggled with a lengthy rebuild, leaving them at the bottom of the National League East once again.

Ownership's deadline to decide on Martinez's contract option for 2026 was a pivotal factor in the dismissal. Influential voices within the organization believed that if Martinez had to go, Rizzo would follow suit. With interim GM Mike DeBartolo now leading draft and trade decisions, the pressure is on to make the right choice with the first pick. Major candidates for the pick include prep shortstop Ethan Holliday and left-handed pitcher Kade Anderson, both represented by agent Scott Boras, who had a close working relationship with Rizzo. Despite the abrupt changes, experts expect that the Nationals will still lean towards selecting Holliday, as the analytics department and scouting assessments remain intact.

Bobby Witt Jr., after two consecutive seasons with over 30 home runs, finds himself struggling with just 11 homers in 2025. Despite this, he leads the league with 30 doubles and boasts a career-high average exit velocity of 92.9 mph, indicating potential for a power resurgence as the weather warms. His current hitting streak of nine games has driven his odds to +550 for home runs against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

This Sunday features key players in the MLB home run prop market: Pete Alonso of the Mets, already with 20 homers this season, has impressive stats against Max Fried and is pegged at +450 odds. Kyle Stowers from the Marlins is also a notable mention with +550 odds against a recovering Brandon Woodruff.

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Bubba Chandler is among the top prospects to watch in MLB. Following a promising start to the season, Chandler faced struggles but recently bounced back with a six-inning shutout against the Triple-A Louisville. Despite a previous stretch of poor performances leading to an inflated ERA, his latest outing has reignited speculation regarding a potential call-up to the major leagues. As the July deadline approaches, fantasy managers are left wondering whether to keep Chandler stashed or let go.

Chandler had been a highly regarded prospect, boasting a 2.03 ERA and 69 strikeouts in his initial innings at the Triple-A level. His performance trajectory suggests that he could soon earn a promotion, and those in fantasy leagues should consider maintaining their investment in him as he works to solidify his spot on the Pirates' roster.

As the MLB trade deadline nears, the Chicago Cubs face pressing needs in their starting rotation, exacerbated by Jameson Taillon's recent calf injury. Manager Craig Counsell has indicated Taillon is expected to miss over a month, a significant setback for the team. With Taillon leading the Cubs’ pitching staff in starts, the team has called up Jordan Wicks from Triple-A Iowa, who boasts a solid recent performance but will initially serve out of the bullpen. Meanwhile, the Cubs are exploring trade options for additional starting pitching, considering reliever Chris Flexen as a potential starter.

Chase Burns has made a significant impact since his MLB debut as a right-handed pitching prospect for the Cincinnati Reds, quickly rising through the ranks after being picked second overall in last year's draft. In his first game, he struck out the first five batters he faced, showcasing elite strikeout capability against a tough Yankees lineup. Despite giving up three earned runs over five innings, his impressive eight strikeouts and zero walks position him as a must-add for fantasy managers.

With a stellar minor league record of 89 strikeouts to just 13 walks and a 1.77 ERA across 66 innings, Burns is viewed as a top-tier fantasy asset. His next start against the Red Sox on Monday is highly anticipated, and he's being recommended as a must-start in all fantasy leagues. His early performance and potential make him a valuable addition for managers looking to bolster their pitching staff.