Rookie prospects are making waves in the minors, and JJ Wetherholt of the St. Louis Cardinals leads the pack with impressive stats and potential for fantasy impact. His recent performance indicates he could be a valuable addition to fantasy rosters in 2025. Meanwhile, Luke Keaschall is back from injury with the Minnesota Twins and showing promise. Jordan Lawlar of the Diamondbacks, despite an injury, has shown tremendous upside based on his minor league stats. Catcher Samuel Basallo of the Orioles is currently on fire, making him a must-watch. New York Yankees' Spencer Jones is showcasing elite power, while Bubba Chandler, the top pitching prospect from the Pirates, is another name to keep an eye on.

Amidst the discussions on these rising stars, Jesús Made is touted as the best overall fantasy prospect, driven by a combination of hitting, power, and speed. The Marlins’ Robby Snelling and Mariners’ Tyler Locklear are also highlighted as emerging talents in the league. Keep tabs on these prospects, as they could significantly impact fantasy lineups in the near future.

In a heartwarming reflection, the Detroit Tigers emerge as a vital lifeline for a family grappling with adversity. Andrew Birkle shares his poignant experience as his grandfather, affectionately known as Pops, battles serious health issues in the hospital. Despite the grim circumstances, the love for the Tigers shines bright. Pops, a lifelong fan, finds solace in watching games, and the return of baseball rekindles his spirit. After struggling to catch the games on hospital TV, a creative workaround allows him to watch Tarik Skubal dominate on the mound, leading to moments of joy amidst the pain. The Tigers, despite recent losses, exemplify hope, showcasing the emotional connection sports can foster during tough times.

The Minnesota Twins faced a disappointing defeat against the Chicago Cubs on Thursday, falling 8-1 at Target Field. Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong showcased his All-Star potential by hitting two home runs, including a towering 425-footer that electrified the crowd. The Twins, who had won the first two games of this series, struggled offensively, with Kody Clemens being the sole bright spot, hitting a solo homer for Minnesota.

Cubs pitcher Colin Rea outperformed Twins ace Chris Paddack, allowing just three hits over seven innings, while Paddack couldn't find his rhythm, yielding runs in four of the five innings he pitched, marking his eighth loss of the season. Despite the loss, the Twins won the series 2-1 and are navigating through a challenging homestand.

The Los Angeles Dodgers faced the Milwaukee Brewers and their rising star pitcher, Jacob Misiorowski, but couldn't convert their game plan into results, culminating in a disappointing 3-1 loss. Despite a promising start with Shohei Ohtani's leadoff home run, the Dodgers struck out 12 times, failing to capitalize on opportunities and extending their losing streak to five games.

Manager Dave Roberts emphasized the need to create pressure on the inexperienced Misiorowski by working long at-bats but instead, the Dodgers were consistently retired quickly. Clayton Kershaw’s solid performance was overshadowed by the lack of offensive support, and the Brewers' bullpen effectively shut down the Dodgers after Misiorowski's departure.

As the second half of the MLB season unfolds, several top prospects are set to make their mark in 2025 redraft leagues. Notable names include Samuel Basallo, who, despite not being called up amidst an injury to Adley Rutschman, continues to showcase his elite power in Triple-A with a .264/.390/.579 line and a high barrel rate. Bubba Chandler, while initially impressive, has struggled with walk rates in recent outings, raising concerns about his promotion timeline. Conversely, Hunter Barco's exceptional K-BB rate and low ERA position him as a strong candidate for a call-up soon.

Spencer Jones, after a successful stint in Triple-A, is one to watch, though his contact issues might hinder his transition. Colby Thomas has been a standout with solid stats indicating 25/15 upside, making him a likely candidate for a call-up. Overall, stashes of these players could yield significant fantasy returns as the season progresses.