Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal has made waves this season, earning a nomination for the "Best MLB Player" category at the 2025 ESPY Awards alongside heavyweights like Freddie Freeman, Shohei Ohtani, and Aaron Judge. Skubal's incredible performance during the 2024 season saw him clinch the American League Cy Young Award with an impressive 18-4 record and a 2.39 ERA. He became the first AL pitcher since Justin Verlander in 2011 to achieve a pitching triple crown. As of 2025, he's on a similar trajectory with a 10-3 record and a 2.23 ERA, positioning him as the frontrunner for another Cy Young Award.

While Skubal's stats are stellar, winning the ESPY may prove difficult due to fierce competition. Judge's 11.3 fWAR in 2024 is among the best seasons in recent history, Ohtani made history as a dual threat by hitting over 50 home runs and stealing at least 50 bases, and Freeman delivered a memorable performance in the World Series. This backdrop makes Skubal's award aspirations challenging, despite his remarkable season thus far.

The Los Angeles Angels are showing signs of a revival, with Mike Trout making a potential return to the outfield as the team continues to contend for a playoff spot. Trout, who has been limited to designated hitter duties since late May due to a right knee injury, is taking steps towards getting back in the field. Despite lingering discomfort, he’s optimistic about his return and is aiming for a more active role in the Angels' lineup. The team, currently at 47-49, sees Trout's return as crucial for their prospects of finishing with a winning record for the first time in a decade.

Interim manager Ray Montgomery emphasized the need for careful management of Trout's workload, as they can no longer assume his full readiness. His current season numbers are promising, batting .238 with 17 home runs and 41 RBIs, and he's on track for a high walk count. The Angels, who have relied on Jorge Soler in right field during Trout's absence, are navigating a pivotal moment in the season.

Kyle Schwarber claimed the All-Star Game MVP award, remarkably without a hit, thanks to a new swing-off rule that allowed a dramatic finish to the game. Schwarber's three home runs in the swing-off led the National League to a comeback victory against the American League. The innovative swing-off, introduced to revitalize the All-Star Game, captivated fans and players alike, particularly as teams rallied from a significant deficit. Schwarber's heroic performance drew cheers even from rival fans, signaling a successful twist to a long-standing exhibition format.

This year’s event also featured the addition of a challenge system to help with ball-strike calls, while rookie sensation Jacob Misiorowski wowed attendees with impressive pitching. Overall, the night was seen as electrifying for baseball, showcasing moments of thrill and showcasing the potential for future changes in how All-Star games are played.

As July 2025 approaches, fantasy baseball enthusiasts must stay informed about the shifting dynamics of player values in dynasty leagues. Eric Cross's latest rankings reveal key insights into the top 200 players to target, emphasizing performance and potential. With the MLB season nearing the final stretch, players like Bobby Witt Jr., Shohei Ohtani, and Kyle Tucker continue to dominate the rankings. Meanwhile, emerging talents such as Jacob Misiorowski and Ceddanne Rafaela are making waves, showcasing their skills and increasing their fantasy stock.

Misiorowski's impressive strikeout rate and low ERA position him as a potential ace, while Rafaela's recent offensive breakout makes him a must-have asset for dynasty managers. Additionally, Cristopher Sánchez's elite numbers, Colt Keith's resurgence, and Kyle Stowers' power highlight the depth of talent available this season. Keeping an eye on these players can significantly impact your fantasy team’s success.

As the MLB season approaches its climax, Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, Tarik Skubal, and Zack Wheeler have emerged as frontrunners for the major awards. With a solid performance, Judge leads the MVP race, boasting impressive slugging metrics. Ohtani remains a dual-threat but faces competition from emerging stars like Pete Crow-Armstrong and Kyle Tucker. In the Cy Young race, Skubal has solidified his position with dominant outings, while Wheeler's strong win-loss record contrasts with his under-supported counterpart, Paul Skenes. As the season draws to a close, tight races in these categories promise excitement.