The 2025 MLB Draft is brimming with anticipation, especially with a host of elite shortstops dominating the early picks. Ethan Holliday from Stillwater, Oklahoma, is projected to be selected first overall by the Washington Nationals, a choice that comes amid organizational upheaval. Following him, the Los Angeles Angels are expected to secure left-handed pitcher Kade Anderson from LSU, renowned for his outstanding strikeout rate. The Seattle Mariners could snag Aiva Arquette, adding a powerful infielder to their roster, while the Colorado Rockies might select Eli Willits, a high school shortstop with immense potential.

Following the top four, the St. Louis Cardinals are likely to go with Liam Doyle, a left-handed pitcher from Tennessee, while the Pittsburgh Pirates and Miami Marlins look set to draft Seth Hernandez and Billy Carlson, respectively, both of whom are viewed as pivotal to their rebuilding efforts. Notably, ten shortstops are expected to fill at least half of the top twenty spots, highlighting the depth of talent available in this year's draft, making it an exciting time for teams and fans alike.

The 2025 MLB Draft kicks off at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN, with the Washington Nationals holding the coveted No. 1 pick. The decision looms large: will they choose from the talented college pitching crop, including LSU's Kade Anderson, Florida State's Jamie Arnold, or Tennessee's Liam Doyle? Alternatively, high school infielder Ethan Holliday remains a tantalizing option. Following the Nationals, teams like the Los Angeles Angels and Seattle Mariners are also strategizing their picks, shaping the initial direction of the draft.

Anticipation surrounds which players will emerge as significant steals on Day 1. Analysts predict that the top five will include exciting prospects that could make immediate impacts in the league. As teams finalize their strategies, fans can expect in-depth coverage from ESPN's experts, providing insights on each selection as they unfold.

Heading into Week 16 of the 2025 fantasy baseball season, cutting players from your roster becomes more critical as underperformers emerge. Notably, Drew Rasmussen of the Tampa Bay Rays is under scrutiny after a decent stat line, but concerns surrounding his limited innings cap make him a candidate for drop in most leagues. Brenton Doyle of the Colorado Rockies has struggled significantly on the road, suggesting he might only be a viable option in deeper leagues. Meanwhile, Jack Flaherty from the Detroit Tigers appears to show signs of rebound despite an inflated ERA, making him worth holding onto.

Adolis Garcia of the Texas Rangers is intriguing as a potential trade candidate, with recent performance indicating he might be turning a corner. Jackson Merrill of the San Diego Padres, after a rocky start, is also on the hot seat after a two-homer game, leaving fantasy managers pondering his future. Lastly, Salvador Perez and Ian Happ, both experiencing slumps, show volatility typical of catchers while also still holding some value due to their respective roles. This week’s Cut List urges careful consideration and strategic thinking as you manage your roster.

The Rockies faced yet another heartbreaking loss, this time to the Reds, falling 4-3 after a disastrous ninth inning. Despite a promising start, including a two-run homer from rookie Ryan Ritter and a strong pitching performance from Bradley Blalock, Colorado was unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Their struggles continued as they went 0 for 10 with runners in scoring position, a recurring issue that manager Warren Schaeffer highlighted in his post-game comments.

In the ninth, Victor Vodnik, who had previously secured a win, faltered under pressure. A misplayed ball by Brenton Doyle led to the tying run, and errors compounded Colorado's woes. The loss extends the Rockies' abysmal record to 22-73, marking a frustrating season filled with missed chances and disappointing outcomes.

The New York Yankees' recent decision to part ways with DJ LeMahieu, while absorbing his remaining contract worth $22 million, could significantly hinder their ability to upgrade at third base ahead of the trade deadline. LeMahieu, once an All-Star, saw a decline in performance due to injuries, prompting the Yankees to release him as he approaches 37. This financial commitment will limit their options, steering them towards more affordable rentals like Eugenio Suárez from Arizona, rather than securing high-profile talent like Nolan Arenado or Ryan McMahon, who have more substantial contracts beyond 2025.

Suárez, who is enjoying a productive season with 29 homers and 75 RBIs, becomes a more viable target given the Yankees' cost constraints, but this shift may detract from their overall flexibility. The Yankees are known for their willingness to spend, yet recent trends show their attempts at budget management. As they approach the trade deadline, their priorities may shift, but they must balance short-term gains with long-term financial health.