The 2025 MLB Draft commenced with the Washington Nationals selecting Eli Willits, a high school shortstop, as the first overall pick—an expected move. However, the Los Angeles Angels created a stir with their second overall selection of Tyler Bremner, a pitcher from UC Santa Barbara, who was projected as the 18th best prospect by MLB.com. This choice has been criticized as a cost-saving maneuver, raising questions about the Angels' strategy. Both Sporting News and CBS provided a 'C' grade for the pick, indicating it was the lowest mark given to any top-10 selection. While Bremner had a strong 2024 season, his performance dipped in the spring, leading to skepticism about whether this was the right time for the Angels to prioritize star talent in their pitching staff overhaul.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have faced challenges this season yet remain a formidable force in the National League. Despite injuries affecting their pitching staff and some key hitters struggling, they boast a record of 58-39 and lead the NL West by 5.5 games. Yoshinobu Yamamoto has emerged as a standout pitcher with a 2.59 ERA, cementing his place as a first-time All-Star. However, closer Tanner Scott's issues have raised concerns about the bullpen's reliability.

Offensively, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman are currently in slumps, but Will Smith is making waves with an impressive batting average. The Dodgers' recent extra-inning win against the Giants highlights their resilience, yet there is still room for improvement as they approach the trade deadline, especially in reinforcing their bullpen.

The Los Angeles Angels are navigating a turbulent season marked by injuries and coaching changes. Currently standing at 47-48, they find themselves three games behind the Seattle Mariners for the final AL Wild Card spot as they gear up for a matchup against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The absence of Mike Trout due to a knee injury and the unexpected departure of manager Ron Washington for health reasons have tested the team's resilience.

Trout, a three-time AL MVP, expressed confidence in the team's potential, suggesting that management recognizes the talent within the clubhouse. The Angels have gone 5-5 in their last ten games and are looking to make the playoffs for the first time since 2014. As the July trade deadline looms, the front office is faced with a pivotal decision: should they strengthen the roster or consider trading assets like closer Kenley Jansen, who has been a reliable performer?

Major League Baseball's 2025 draft is set to kick off at 6 p.m. ET on July 13, with the Washington Nationals, following their lottery win, expected to select Oklahoma high school shortstop Ethan Holliday. Holliday is not only the son of All-Star Matt Holliday but also the brother of Jackson Holliday, who was the number one overall pick in 2022. This draft is anticipated to feature a rich crop of shortstops and left-handed pitchers, with college standout Kade Anderson from LSU being a strong candidate for the second pick.

In addition to Holliday and Anderson, other top prospects include Eli Willits, Liam Doyle, and Aiva Arquette, all likely to be picked in the top ten. The first three rounds will be broadcast on ESPN and MLB Network, while the remaining rounds will take place without televised coverage.

The Arizona Diamondbacks are currently 11 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West and 6.5 games out of the Wild Card race, a situation that might push them into a selling mode as the MLB trade deadline approaches. However, the team is hopeful for a turnaround as they attempt to halt a three-game losing streak with a matchup against the Los Angeles Angels. The Diamondbacks will start pitcher Merrill Kelly, who boasts a strong 3.41 ERA and has 107 strikeouts in 111 innings this season. Kelly's previous performance showed promise, allowing just one run over seven innings against San Diego. With a 57% chance of winning per simulation, he presents a favorable option for bettors focused on the Diamondbacks' money line at -104.

When building MLB bets for Sunday, consider the three-leg parlay suggested, including the Diamondbacks' money line against the Angels, the Giants +1.5 against the Dodgers, and the Phillies' money line against the Padres. The model forecasts a +478 payout, presenting a worthwhile investment for savvy bettors looking to capitalize before the All-Star break. With a proven track record in prop bets, this model could provide an edge in a crowded betting landscape.