The American League Rookie of the Year race has tightened significantly, with the Oakland Athletics' Jacob Wilson and Houston Astros' Cam Smith emerging as top contenders. Wilson currently holds the favorite status at -110 odds, but Smith has seen a remarkable rise to +105 after an impressive month, showcasing his potential with a .348 average over the past 30 days. Meanwhile, Boston's Roman Anthony remains an intriguing bet at +1200, despite averaging .345 recently, his numbers lag behind Smith's.

Smith, a former No. 14 overall pick, has transformed expectations since his trade from the Cubs to the Astros. His statistical growth is notable: a batting average leap from .125 in March to .350 in July, supplemented by 80 hits and 39 RBIs. His defensive capabilities also make him a potential Gold Glove candidate, ranking high in Outs Above Average and Defensive Runs Saved. As Wilson's performance dips, Smith is positioned to take the lead in the race for the coveted award, making him a hot betting option now.

As the MLB season approaches the All-Star break, savvy bettors are looking for value in the upcoming matchups. The Kansas City Royals face off against the Pittsburgh Pirates, and the spotlight shines on Kris Bubic. Despite a rocky return to the rotation, he presents an intriguing Over/Under prop of 6.5 strikeouts, largely due to the Pirates' struggles against left-handed pitching. The Pirates hold a staggering 27.1% strikeout rate against lefties, making this bet appealing.

In another matchup, the Houston Astros' Brandon Walter offers a prop of Over 4.5 strikeouts against the Guardians. Walter, a relatively unknown pitcher, has shined in his brief MLB tenure with impressive metrics. Despite the Guardians being a low-strikeout team, Walter's recent form suggests he can clear this number. Bettors should consider these lines carefully for their potential.

The Cleveland Guardians (42-48) face off against the Houston Astros (55-37) tonight, July 9, in Houston, aiming to complete a three-game sweep after winning the first two games of the series. Guardians' Slade Cecconi (3-4, 3.56 ERA) takes the mound against Astros' Brandon Walter (1-1, 4.15 ERA). In their last outing, the Astros rallied from a 6-1 deficit but lost in the 10th inning to the Guardians, highlighting their struggles in both early and late innings.

Recent trends show the Guardians have won their last two games after a 10-game losing streak. Key players to watch include Jose Altuve, who has produced 12 hits in his last 27 at-bats, and Jose Ramirez, who has hit safely in four of his last five games. As the Guardians look to continue their momentum, the Astros aim to avoid a sweep and regain their footing in the series.

Orel Hershiser's recent comments sparked controversy among Houston Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers fans, implying Astros hitters were exploiting past sign-stealing tactics. During a humiliating 18-1 loss for the Dodgers, Hershiser suggested that Astros batters were anticipating breaking balls, referencing the infamous 2017 sign-stealing scandal.

Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy, currently on the injured list, clarified that while he believes the Astros were not cheating in this latest series, rookie pitcher Ben Casparius may have been tipping his pitches. Muncy emphasized the importance of understanding potential signals and how good teams adapt to them, reinforcing that analyzing a pitcher's delivery is a smart part of the game. Muncy's insights highlight the ongoing conversation about ethics and tactics in baseball, particularly surrounding the Astros' controversial history.

As we reach the midpoint of the 2025 MLB season, some teams are exceeding expectations while others are struggling. The Houston Astros, despite losing key players and facing injuries, have surged ahead, competing for the best record in the league. Their resilience showcases emerging talents like Hunter Brown and Jeremy Peña. Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs and Toronto Blue Jays have also impressed, with pivotal performances from various players.

However, teams like the New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves are facing significant challenges, raising questions about their postseason viability. The battle for playoff spots intensifies as the trade deadline approaches, making it crucial for teams to bolster their rosters effectively. The rest of the season promises intense competition and potential shake-ups in standings.