On June 18, the Kansas City Royals (35-38) are set to face the Texas Rangers (36-37) in Arlington, TX. The Royals secured a 6-1 victory in the first game, ending the Rangers' four-game winning streak. Key performances came from Salvador Perez, who hit two home runs, and Bobby Witt Jr., who also contributed to the scoring. This win snapped a six-game losing streak for Kansas City, while Texas has won seven of its last nine games after a previous slump.

The pitching matchup features Kris Bubic for the Royals, boasting a solid 1.92 ERA despite a less-than-stellar last outing. In contrast, Patrick Corbin takes the mound for the Rangers, with a 3.66 ERA and a more stable recent performance. Both teams are looking to build momentum, making this matchup critical for their respective seasons.

The Milwaukee Brewers have turned their struggling 2025 season around, making a significant push in the NL Central after a rocky start. Following a split series against the Pittsburgh Pirates that left them at 25-28, the Brewers ignited an impressive eight-game win streak. This resurgence has rekindled their hopes of clinching the division title again.

However, the team is navigating personnel challenges, particularly with veteran pitcher Aaron Civale who has requested a trade after being moved to the bullpen for top prospect Jacob Misiorowski. Civale, who has had a solid career with a 4.06 ERA and over 590 strikeouts in 122 starts, could be on the move as the Brewers explore options that may involve multiple players. His situation emphasizes the dynamic nature of team rosters and the impact of prospect promotions on veteran players.

The finalists for the prestigious Minnesota Mr. Baseball award have been announced, showcasing the state's top high school talents. Among the nominees are standout players who have consistently excelled on the field throughout the season, demonstrating impressive skills and leadership. This year's competition highlights a diverse group of athletes, each bringing a unique set of talents and accomplishments to the forefront.

The Mr. Baseball award recognizes not just athletic prowess but also character and contributions to their teams. This year’s finalists have not only demonstrated their skills with the bat and glove but have also shown exemplary sportsmanship and dedication to the game. As the award approaches, the anticipation builds for which athlete will take home the honor, marking a significant milestone in their baseball careers.

Today's MLB DFS landscape features a six-game slate with several promising picks across DraftKings and FanDuel. The weather holds mostly clear, with minor rain risks in Minnesota and Kansas City. Notable pitchers include Robbie Ray, who boasts a high strikeout rate and faces a strikeout-prone Rockies lineup, and Kris Bubic, who has performed well against tough opponents like the Yankees. Value plays like Jonathan Aranda and Wilmer Flores also emerge, particularly in favorable matchups. Stacking options include the Giants against Kyle Freeland at Coors Field and the Yankees against Bubic, both of whom present high upside opportunities for fantasy players.

With the June 2025 update of Eric Cross' top 200 dynasty fantasy baseball rankings, players' movements are significant as the Major League season approaches its midpoint. Bobby Witt Jr. retains the top spot, followed closely by Shohei Ohtani and Corbin Carroll. Notably, players like Jeremy Peña and Zach Neto are climbing the ranks due to their impressive performances, with Peña's batting average hitting .319 and Neto's home run and stolen base totals catching attention. Meanwhile, Eury Pérez is still highly regarded despite previous injuries, showcasing elite strikeout potential. Addison Barger has made a remarkable leap into the top 200, signaling a bright future. Conversely, Ozzie Albies faces a decline due to underwhelming stats this season, reflecting how performance can drastically impact rankings.