As the first half of the 2025 fantasy baseball season wraps up, several under-the-radar players have emerged as waiver wire gems, proving invaluable to fantasy managers. Players like Hunter Goodman, Spencer Torkelson, and Michael Busch have transformed from overlooked assets to key contributors, delivering impressive stats and solidifying their roles in their respective lineups.

Goodman, for instance, has turned out to be a top catcher for the Colorado Rockies, boasting a .280 batting average with 17 home runs. Meanwhile, Torkelson, after a dismal 2024, has rebounded with 21 home runs this season. Busch has also dazzled with a .296 average and 18 home runs.

Hunter Goodman, the standout catcher from Memphis and a member of the Colorado Rockies, has been selected to the 2025 MLB All-Star Team, marking his first selection in just his third major league season. With 16 home runs and a .281 batting average this season, Goodman is now among an elite group of Memphis Tigers who have achieved All-Star status, joining the likes of Charlie Lea and Dan Uggla.

Brent Rooker, also a Memphis native and currently playing for the Oakland Athletics, secured his second All-Star nod this season, showcasing his impressive power with 18 home runs and a .271 batting average. Both players have made significant strides since their collegiate days, with Rooker previously earning accolades as the SEC Player of the Year while at Mississippi State.

The MLB All-Star Game rosters for 2025 are packed with standout players, showcasing an intriguing mix of veterans and rising stars. In the National League, the Dodgers' Will Smith and Freddie Freeman make waves, alongside Ketel Marte of the Diamondbacks, who earned fan support after a touching moment on the field. Francisco Lindor finally secures his first All-Star start with the Mets, while Manny Machado approaches his milestone of 2,000 hits. The Cubs' Kyle Tucker and breakout sensation Pete Crow-Armstrong highlight an impressive outfield, complemented by Ronald Acuña Jr.'s electrifying return from injury. On the other hand, Shohei Ohtani continues to leave a mark as a dual-threat for the American League as the Dodgers' designated hitter.

As for the American League, the impressive Cal Raleigh leads all catchers with 35 home runs, while Vladimir Guerrero Jr. keeps the Blue Jays competitive. Gleyber Torres has found his rhythm after leaving New York, and Jacob Wilson makes history as the first rookie shortstop to start the All-Star Game. José Ramírez and Aaron Judge have also been dominant forces, with Judge aiming for another MVP-worthy season. The pitching staff features elite arms like Tarik Skubal and the returning Jacob deGrom. The 2025 All-Star Game promises to be a showcase of talent and storylines that could impact the second half of the season.

The Colorado Rockies are facing a dismal season, yet catcher Hunter Goodman has been selected as an All-Star, a rarity considering the team's performance. While Goodman may not rank among the top catchers in the National League, he certainly stands out as a bright spot for the Rockies, arguably making him the second-best catcher in the league for the first half of the season. This selection emphasizes the rule that every MLB team must have at least one representative in the All-Star Game, regardless of their overall success.

The history of MLB All-Stars is filled with stories of unexpected selections, especially among lesser-known players who have made the cut. It highlights that many athletes, despite their limited career statistics, find themselves honored with an All-Star title due to quirks of timing, fan votes, or unique circumstances. This season's All-Star roster also serves as a reminder of the randomness that can define baseball, where even players with a checkered past can enjoy moments of glory.

The Colorado Rockies have hit rock bottom in the first half of the 2025 MLB season, staggering to an abysmal record of 18-63. This is not just a bad start; it's the worst in the modern era. Manager Bud Black has been fired, replaced by interim Warren Schaeffer, while star players like Ezequiel Tovar and Kris Bryant have struggled with injuries. The Rockies' hitting coach Hensley 'Bam Bam' Meulens has also been let go.

Among the few bright spots is catcher Hunter Goodman, who stands out with a .287 batting average and potential All-Star recognition. On the pitching side, Jake Bird has been a revelation, boasting a 2.62 ERA and ranking among the best in the league for relievers. Conversely, the team has faced severe struggles, with a .977 fielding percentage and an alarming minus-213 run differential, projecting to be one of the worst in history.