A modern ace in 2025 is defined by dominance in shorter outings, not by full games or win totals. Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal illustrate a new template: high strikeout rates, strong ERA+ and WAR, and 170–180 innings, with wins no longer the primary metric. The piece traces a 50-year arc from 1975 to today, arguing value comes from efficiency, multi-pitch arsenals, and consistent high-leverage performance.

Across eras, aces evolved from 20-win behemoths to strikeout-heavy, control-focused leaders. The article weighs Skenes against 1970s–2010s exemplars, concluding that 2025’s great seasons are validated by WAR, ERA+, and the ability to shut down lineups in short stints rather than piling up innings.

Five bargain-hunter hitters are fueling late-season surges and could carry fantasy teams through Week 25. Jose Caballero adds speed and positional flexibility for the New York Yankees, thriving since the trade and offering stolen-base upside even while contributing across the infield and outfield.

Kyle Manzardo provides power from cleanup, with a recent burst of production that has him driving runs for Cleveland. Romy Gonzalez brings contact and infield versatility, especially strong against left-handers, making him a practical daily-start.

Patrick Bailey anchors catcher depth for the Giants with a late push, while Parker Meadows has rekindled his prospect glow, carving out a leadoff role for Detroit and a path to multi-category production. All are affordable, flexible plug-ins that can help you squeeze every last win from the season.

Toronto tightened its grip on the AL’s Best Record race, moving two steps closer to home-field advantage for the playoffs for just the fourth time in franchise history. With a four-game cushion over Detroit and a favorable finish, the Jays own their destiny in the final stretch as the magic number drifts toward clinching scenarios.

The chase revolves around seven wins by Toronto or losses by rivals to clinch the league’s best record, six to seal the AL East, and three to lock a playoff berth. A potential Friday night clinch looms, though debates persist after a Jays-Royals clash lands on Apple TV while fans crave Sportsnet.

Cal Raleigh’s 2025 season has become a power coronation. He’s sitting at 56 homers with 11 games remaining, on a pace for 60 and chasing the Mariners’ single-season marks while rewriting the record book for switch-hitters. He’s already passed Mantle for the most homers in a season by a switch-hitter and sits atop the AL RBI chart as Seattle rides a home-run tear into the stretch.

His remarkable May–June run, 101 runs and 115 RBIs, and 30 road HRs illustrate a season defined by elite power, timely production, and a shift in how fantasy managers value catchers with multi-positional appeal and monster counting stats.