Chicago Cubs rookie pitcher Cade Horton faced tough competition during his eighth start against the Houston Astros, resulting in an unfortunate outing. Although he had a solid 3.73 ERA coming into the game, he struggled early, allowing three runners in the first two innings but escaping unscathed. However, the third inning proved disastrous as he loaded the bases and gave up a sacrifice fly and a three-run homer to Yainer Diaz. By the end of the fourth inning, Horton had given up seven runs, raising his ERA to 4.80. Despite the setback, Cubs manager Craig Counsell remained optimistic, emphasizing the importance of this experience for Horton, likening it to a playoff atmosphere. With the Cubs having traded Cam Smith to the Astros, the matchup held extra significance, showcasing the pressure of high-stakes games.

In Week 14 of RotoBaller's Rookie Report, a focus on emerging talents in MLB highlights prospects to watch for 2025. Jacob Misiorowski of the Milwaukee Brewers is making headlines, boasting a 1.13 ERA over his first three starts, striking out 19 batters. His impressive fastball and slider have placed him in the Rookie of the Year conversation.

Meanwhile, Cam Smith of the Houston Astros is quietly establishing himself with a .271 batting average and clutch hitting, particularly in high-pressure situations. Nick Kurtz of the Oakland Athletics is another name rising fast, showcasing power with 11 home runs and an .828 OPS in his rookie season.

Jo Adell's recent surge in performance has rekindled interest, as he posted a .280/.365/.707 line with 10 home runs since May 29. Despite previous struggles with high strikeout rates, he's showing improvements this season, particularly with a career-low strikeout percentage. Comparatively, his expected stats suggest he could be performing at a higher level, which might make him more relevant in fantasy leagues.

Another name to watch is Michael Toglia, who has shown promise after returning from a demotion. He has hit three home runs in six games since his recall, albeit with an elevated strikeout rate. Meanwhile, Chad Patrick is highlighted as a two-start pitcher to consider, currently boasting a strong ERA and a favorable upcoming schedule. Additionally, Cam Smith has emerged as a versatile player contributing across multiple categories. Overall, these players could add value in fantasy leagues as the season progresses.

The fantasy baseball landscape is heating up as we approach Week 13 of the 2025 season. With favorable hitting conditions and a slate of teams playing multiple games, now is the time to capitalize on waiver wire opportunities. This week's top streamer picks include Ryan McMahon of the Colorado Rockies, who has showcased significant power with six home runs in the last two weeks, and Agustin Ramirez from Miami, whose power potential makes him a valuable option despite a low batting average. Other notable names include Cam Smith of Houston, showing promise against left-handed pitchers, and Trevor Story from Boston, who remains a consistent power threat.

Sal Frelick, leading off for the Milwaukee Brewers, has been a reliable source of average and stolen bases, while J.P. Crawford from Seattle has solidified his role as a productive middle infielder. Michael Toglia from the Rockies is also making waves with a recent stretch of success at the plate. It's essential to be proactive in roster management this week to secure these emerging talents and bolster your fantasy lineup.

The MLB season is heating up, and several players are making impactful strides, becoming essential additions for fantasy managers. Agustin Ramirez, a rookie catcher for the Miami Marlins, has emerged with an impressive 11 home runs, placing him among the top catchers in the league. His power and keen batting skills warrant a spot on more fantasy rosters.

St. Louis Cardinals' Alec Burleson is also on the rise, showcasing a significant increase in his batting average and hard-hit rate. Houston Astros rookie Cam Smith is generating buzz with a .354 batting average over his last 12 games, while Atlanta Braves' Jurickson Profar returns strong, expected to hit in a prime lineup spot. Meanwhile, pitchers Quinn Priester and Jacob Lopez are showcasing solid performances, making them intriguing options for rotation spots. Lastly, Orion Kerkering's role as a potential closer for the Phillies adds depth to any fantasy bullpen.