Lineup Lowdown continues to analyze trends in player performance and playing time, specifically focusing on those who may be undervalued or overvalued. Tyler O'Neill of the Baltimore Orioles has recently returned from injury but has struggled at the plate, leading to limited playing time. Ramon Laureano has outperformed O'Neill, securing regular spots in the lineup. The Boston Red Sox are experimenting with Ceddanne Rafaela, who has taken on a new role at second base while maintaining his center field duties. The New York Yankees are dealing with shake-ups in their lineup, including Jazz Chisholm's return to second base and Ben Rice's decline in playing time due to competition from Jasson Dominguez. The Tampa Bay Rays saw Ha-Seong Kim return to the lineup after a minor injury, while the Toronto Blue Jays are benefitting from Nathan Lukes leading off. Other notable mentions include Nick Loftin from the Kansas City Royals, who has been performing well, and Jorge Polanco from the Seattle Mariners, who is experiencing a power surge.

The second half of the 2025 MLB season is approaching, and several hitters are poised for breakout performances after disappointing first halves. Michael highlights key players who are buy-low trade targets for fantasy baseball managers looking to improve their rosters.

Gunnar Henderson of the Baltimore Orioles, who has been recovering from an early injury, is starting to show signs of improvement, hitting .280 with a .803 OPS in July. Wyatt Langford of the Texas Rangers, despite a challenging season, remains on track for a potential 25/25 year. Salvador Perez of the Kansas City Royals has experienced bad luck with a low batting average but boasts strong underlying metrics indicating a positive regression. Jake Burger from the Rangers has finally found his rhythm after a rocky start, proving he can still deliver 30 homers with a solid pace.

The 2025 MLB All-Star Game promises to be a historic event with players like Cal Raleigh, Shohei Ohtani, and Aaron Judge leading the way. Raleigh, known as the 'Big Dumper', is on track to break several records for catchers, including most home runs in a single season, while Ohtani is vying for a remarkable run scored per game average, which hasn't been achieved since the early 1900s. Judge, closing in on Babe Ruth's total bases record, continues to impress with his aggressive hitting approach. Meanwhile, emerging talents like Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal are also making waves, setting the stage for a memorable All-Star experience.

Jacob Wilson, a standout rookie shortstop for the Oakland Athletics, is making waves in Major League Baseball with his hitting prowess, reminiscent of legends like Tony Gwynn and Rod Carew. At just 23 years old, Wilson is the first rookie shortstop voted by fans to start in an All-Star game, showcasing an impressive .332 batting average with just 28 strikeouts in over 340 at-bats. His ability to control the strike zone and make consistent contact has left pitchers baffled.

Wilson's batting style contrasts sharply with today’s emphasis on power, reawakening the appreciation for traditional hitting. Fellow players and All-Star pitchers acknowledge his unique skill set, with Carlos Rodón commenting it's 'not fair' trying to pitch against him. Wilson's old-school approach, prioritizing hits over walks, could signal a shift back to valuing batting average in a game often dominated by home runs and strikeouts.

As the fantasy baseball season enters its second half, savvy managers must keep an eye on potential breakout candidates to bolster their rosters. Players like Jac Caglianone of the Kansas City Royals are showing signs of life despite a slow start, thanks to a drastic improvement in his launch angle and a notable gap between expected and actual performance metrics. Colt Keith of the Detroit Tigers also stands out, with a rising fly ball rate and solid minor league stats indicating untapped potential. Meanwhile, Luis Robert Jr. of the Chicago White Sox is drawing interest from multiple teams, suggesting a resurgence is imminent.

Interestingly, Joe Boyle from the Tampa Bay Rays has excelled in the minors before struggling in his recent appearances; however, with the potential for a rotational spot, he could become a valuable asset. Bubba Chandler and Grant Taylor are also names to watch as post-hype sleepers, showcasing strong outings and impressive stats. The second half of 2025 could yield significant returns from these undervalued talents, making them worth pursuing on the waiver wire or via trade.