As the MLB season hits its mid-point, savvy fantasy baseball managers are scouring the waiver wire for impactful players. Among the top recommended pickups are Drake Baldwin, a catcher for the Atlanta Braves, whose recent performance indicates he could be a solid contributor. With 11 home runs and a .841 OPS this season, Baldwin offers considerable power for a catcher.

Mickey Moniak of the Colorado Rockies is another potential gem. After a slow start, he has hit an impressive .338 since June 1, showcasing his ability to generate runs in a potent lineup, especially in the favorable hitting environment of Coors Field.

Victor Caratini, currently with the Houston Astros, has stepped in as a reliable hitter, delivering power and consistency during a stretch with injured teammates. Meanwhile, Giancarlo Stanton, now back from injury, shows flashes of his former power, making him a worthwhile risk for teams needing a boost in home runs.

Lastly, Jorge Polanco of the Seattle Mariners is on a hot streak, providing solid offensive production as he looks to continue his success into the second half of the season. Each of these players presents an opportunity to strengthen fantasy rosters as the playoff race heats up.

The MLB season has reached its halfway mark, revealing key storylines as teams jockey for playoff positions. The much-debated 'torpedo bats' haven't completely taken over the game, with the Yankees still leading in home runs but not at the explosive start anticipated. Meanwhile, struggling bullpens have become a major issue with teams like the Dodgers averaging less than six innings from starters, leading to speculation on potential trade acquisitions.

On a positive note, the Detroit Tigers have exceeded expectations, boasting the best record in baseball and an impressive lead in the AL Central, thanks in part to standout performances from players like Tarik Skubal and a resurgent Javier Baez. In contrast, the Colorado Rockies are sinking, aiming for a record-breaking loss season. Additionally, other teams like the Houston Astros and LA Dodgers have shown resilience despite offseason losses, setting the stage for an intriguing second half.

The USC Trojans had an eventful MLB Draft, with three players making the leap to professional baseball. Ethan Hedges, a dual-player and the No. 159 overall prospect, was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the third round at pick No. 77. Caden Hunter, a left-handed pitcher and the No. 149 prospect, followed in the sixth round when the Baltimore Orioles selected him with pick No. 184.

In a surprising turn, shortstop Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek was chosen by the New York Yankees with the second-to-last pick in the 20th round (No. 614). This marks a repeat of his situation last year when the Toronto Blue Jays drafted him; however, he opted to return to USC. Last season, Martin-Grudzielanek showcased his potential, posting impressive stats with a .294 batting average, 44 runs, and 41 RBIs, along with eight home runs and nine stolen bases.

The 2025 MLB All-Star Game promises to be a thrilling matchup held at Truist Park, featuring a high-stakes duel between Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers. Skenes is making his second consecutive start in the All-Star Game, showcasing his prowess against a formidable American League lineup, including MVP-caliber players like Aaron Judge and Gleyber Torres. The National League, managed by Dave Roberts of the Dodgers, boasts stars like Shohei Ohtani and Ronald Acuña Jr., making this a contest not to be missed.

Fans can tune in on July 15 at 8:00 p.m. ET via Fox or stream it on Fubo. Betting odds favor the NL at -118, reflecting their strength with three top-ranked teams by run differential. Predictions lean toward a close contest, with excitement building around the potential for standout performances, especially from bench players like Hunter Goodman of the Rockies.

The all-star break presents a critical moment for fantasy baseball managers to reassess their teams and consider stashing promising prospects for the second half of the season. A number of top prospects have had notable performances in the first half, providing a glimpse into their potential impact for 2025. Among them, Spencer Jones of the New York Yankees has emerged as a standout, showcasing a remarkable power surge in Triple-A with impressive stats: seven home runs, six steals, and a .362 batting average over his last 14 games. His ability to hit for power in Yankee Stadium makes him a tantalizing option, albeit with some strikeout concerns.

Owen Caissie of the Chicago Cubs is another prospect to monitor, as he has demonstrated significant improvements at the plate with a .333 average and 30-homer potential. However, his path to the majors might be blocked by established outfielders unless trades happen. Zac Veen of the Colorado Rockies and Bubba Chandler and Hunter Barco from the Pittsburgh Pirates also command attention as they continue to progress in their respective minor leagues. The next few months could be pivotal for these players as they seek opportunities for major league call-ups.