Hitters trimming chase rates, boosting contact, and pulling the ball with more authority have posted stronger results in the second half. Nick Kurtz surges to a 220 wRC+ since mid-June, batting .342 with a .453 on-base and .743 slug since July 1, and 24 homers. Brayan Rocchio and Kyle Stowers follow, with Rocchio at 95 wRC+ since July 1 and Stowers at .306/.391/.634 in 39 games with 12 long balls.

Lenyn Sosa shows the biggest three-way gains, while Mike Trout adds power through increased Pulled Air%, even as overall numbers lag. Bo Naylor and Pete Crow-Armstrong post improved swing data but fall in results, underscoring the through-line: better plate decisions don’t always yield immediate fantasy dividends. The piece frames these process gains as bets for 2025 rosters.

In short, track O-Swing, Contact% and Pulled Air% as you project next season’s fantasy values, since those adjustments have real, trackable upside beyond the current season.

Ron Washington revealed quadruple bypass surgery and will not manage the Angels this season, eight weeks after the operation. At 73, he is MLBs oldest manager, and Ray Montgomery will run the dugout in his absence as the Angels push for a late-season rally. Washington hopes to return next year, a reminder that leadership turnover can ripple through a club facing Trout injuries and Ohtanis exit in free agency.

The Angels finished 63-99 last year with a younger roster and limited Trout to 29 games due to injuries, while Ohtani departed via free agency. Bruce Bochy remains the next-eldest manager in the majors. For fantasy players, Washingtons health and the in-season shift in leadership, plus the ongoing health saga of Trout, are meaningful variables in late-season projections and offseason planning.

Freeway Series kicks off with Shohei Ohtani facing his former foe and Mike Trout anchoring the Angels, while Jo Adell is ejected after a clock-related strike call. The incident had fans buzzing, overshadowing a competitive opening game at Angel Stadium.

Los Angeles bragging rights are on the line as the Dodgers (68-50) look to rebound from a rough stretch, and the Angels (56-62) try to derail their intracity rival. The controversy around umpire Dan Iassogna sparked calls for accountability, but the on-field drama kept fantasy managers keyed in on the stars. Ohtani’s ongoing NL MVP chase and Trout’s run production remain the pillars for fantasy rosters as the two clubs navigate a pivotal portion of the schedule.