The anticipation for the 2025 MLB All-Star Game is electrifying, especially with the MVP award up for grabs. While past champions like Derek Jeter and Mike Trout have shined, this year could favor unexpected players like Cal Raleigh, who has had a sensational season, and Hunter Goodman, a rookie with impressive stats. Veteran Byron Buxton, blessed with raw talent, is also in the mix, looking to make a splash in his home state. The All-Star MVP is notoriously unpredictable, making every at-bat crucial.

On the pitching side, Tarik Skubal stands out as the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner, boasting an impressive 1.12 ERA in recent outings. Expect fireworks this All-Star break as established stars and emerging talents vie for the coveted Ted Williams Award.

Week 13 of the 2025 MLB season presents a wealth of waiver wire opportunities for savvy fantasy players. Among the top targets, Alec Burleson of the St. Louis Cardinals stands out, boasting a 93 APR and a consistent hitting streak. Miguel Vargas of the Chicago White Sox also shines with a promising six-game homestand ahead, while Romy Gonzalez of the Boston Red Sox showcases a robust track record against left-handed pitching. For deeper leagues, consider Nolan Schanuel and Nathaniel Lowe, both of whom offer solid potential for point compilers. Despite their lower rostership, players like Eric Wagaman and Gavin Sheets can provide value, albeit with caution due to their inconsistent performances.

As the season progresses, keep an eye on injury updates, especially for players like Jake Burger and Ryan Mountcastle, who are currently sidelined. Engaging with the waiver wire effectively can bolster your fantasy roster significantly. This week’s advice also emphasizes the importance of evaluating player performance across different platforms, as variances in scoring can heavily influence waiver decisions.

Identifying trends in player performance can be vital in fantasy baseball, and this week's analysis covers several noteworthy shifts across MLB teams. The Atlanta Braves have seen Eli White thrive recently, hitting .462 with a solid OPS, though his long-term viability remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Sean Murphy's playing time has fluctuated, indicating a potential timeshare at catcher with Drake Baldwin.

The Miami Marlins have relied on Eric Wagaman and Javier Sanoja to fill gaps in the lineup due to injuries, but their offensive production has been inconsistent. The Philadelphia Phillies are navigating their outfield dynamics with Max Kepler and Brandon Marsh seeing varied playing time against left-handed pitchers, while Alec Bohm's struggles persist as he finds himself batting eighth.

In Washington, Jose Tena's rise in playing time coincides with Amed Rosario's injury. For the Chicago Cubs, Dansby Swanson's drop in the batting order has led to increased production, while Tyler Stephenson's return from injury could signal a shift in the catching landscape for the Cincinnati Reds. The Milwaukee Brewers and other teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres also show evidence of lineup shifts that fantasy managers should monitor closely.

The St. Louis Cardinals secured a commanding 6-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds in the first game of a day-night doubleheader, aided by a ninth-inning offensive explosion. The Cardinals' Masyn Winn opened the scoring with a solo home run off Cincinnati starter Brady Singer, who pitched six strong innings, allowing just one run. However, it was Reds' reliever Alexis Diaz who faced the brunt of the Cardinals' late-game firepower, giving up three consecutive home runs. Miles Mikolas pitched 5.1 innings for St. Louis, contributing to the Reds' struggles with only one hit and striking out four batters.

The game marked the end of Cincinnati's five-game winning streak as the Cardinals improved their record to 13-17 while the Reds fell to 16-14. Key performances included a stellar outing from Mikolas and impactful swings from Victor Scott II and Lars Nootbaar, who each homered in the top of the ninth. The Reds, despite a strong start from Singer, could not capitalize on their chances, with only one hit through the first eight innings. The loss prompted Reds manager Terry Francona to reflect on Diaz's performance, noting the critical moment when the game slipped away.

With spring training on the horizon, the Arizona Diamondbacks are showcasing their top minor-league prospects, igniting excitement for the upcoming season. Leading the pack is Jordan Lawlar, a dynamic shortstop whose potential is tempered by injury concerns. After struggling through a limited 2023, Lawlar's blend of speed, power, and defensive prowess positions him as a key player for Arizona's future.

Following him is Yilber Diaz, a right-handed pitcher known for his impressive fastball and breaking pitches. While command issues have plagued him, his potential to solidify a spot in the big-league rotation this season keeps him on the radar. Rounding out the top three is Ryan Waldschmidt, whose unconventional swing has raised eyebrows but also brought significant upside due to his ability to draw walks and steal bases.