Late-season fantasy baseball hinges on edge finding and smart salary-driven plays. Michael Wacha brings steady 3.31+ ERA and 1.16 WHIP across four years, with a home-friendly environment against Texas that could yield 6+ innings and solid DK points. Zac Gallen is a rebound candidate facing Cleveland’s slumping offense, especially at home where he’s shown better K per nine and lower hit rates. Will Smith anchors a weakened catcher pool and gets Coors Field upside against a weak lefty, while Elly De La Cruz enters with elite power-speed upside, making him a core buying option.

That core is complemented by a Dodgers stack that leans on Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Teoscar Hernandez, especially in a high-ceiling Coors slate. Heliot Ramos is a budget-friendly bat with platoon advantages, and the Reds bring Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain and TJ Friedl into a favorable matchup against an unproven starter. The piece also highlights top stacks (Dodgers at Rockies, Reds at Angels) and cautions about ownership and exposure alignment, inviting readers to use the DraftKings MLB Lineup Optimizer to tailor pools and exposures.

Aaron Judge sits No. 1 as the season’s most impactful performer, a pace-setter for AL MVP amid occasional injury drama that could tether his late-season ceiling. Ohtani’s rare two-way run continues to redefine value, now complemented by mound impact in Dodgers rotation depth. Tarik Skubal has strengthened his case as the game’s premier lefty, Cal Raleigh has broken every catcher record in sight, and a wave of breakout talents—Bobby Witt Jr., Paul Skenes, Elly De La Cruz—have reshaped the top 50's balance. The list flags snubs and surprises, guiding fantasy pivots for the stretch drive.

Expect Judge to stay DH-bound while navigating a flexor scare; Ohtani’s October workload will be a strategic chess move for the Dodgers; Raleigh’s power pace will test catcher benchmarks, and Skenes’ record-starting form keeps him in Cy Young chatter despite Pirates’ run support. Ramirez remains a steady 20/20 influence, while Tatis’ defense and OBP lift Padres’ chances down the stretch. Rest-of-season value hinges on health, innings management, and lineup support across teams.

For fantasy managers, the lesson is clear: prioritize health into your mid- to late-season bids, lean into dual-threats when innings are managed, and bank on breakout stars who can sustain elite contributions through September. The season’s narrative remains dynamic—volume hitters, high-velocity starters, and players who can adapt to changing workloads will drive playoff rosters and bets alike.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are grappling with their offense as the trade deadline approaches. Following a challenging start to July, their recent performances show a glimmer of hope. In a recent 5-2 victory against the Boston Red Sox, missing star Mookie Betts, the Dodgers managed to score five or more runs for the seventh time in ten games. Veteran outfielder Teoscar Hernández, who struggled earlier this season, recorded his first three-hit game since April and contributed a two-run home run in the win.

Young slugger Andy Pages also showed signs of life, hitting a sacrifice fly and a double in an engaging performance. Will Smith continues to lead the National League in batting average, while Freddie Freeman is finding his rhythm with consecutive multihit games. However, other hitters like Michael Conforto and Hyeseong Kim have failed to find their form, raising questions about the team’s lineup as the trade deadline approaches.

The Los Angeles Dodgers managed a 5-2 win over the Minnesota Twins, showcasing a mix of power hitting and effective pitching. Despite an overall lackluster offensive performance, the Dodgers hit four home runs, including a two-run shot by Shohei Ohtani and two solo homers from Will Smith. Entering the game with the third-lowest batting average in the majors, the Dodgers' offense remains a concern. Ohtani not only contributed with a bat but also pitched, yielding a solid outing despite giving up an early home run to Byron Buxton.

Ohtani's unique position allowed him to focus on his batting without rushing back to the mound. Meanwhile, Smith's performance increased his batting average to a National League-leading .327. The pitching staff, led by Ohtani and followed by Dustin May, held the Twins' lineup at bay despite some hard contact. However, closer Tanner Scott's exit due to an arm issue raises concerns for the Dodgers' already stretched bullpen as the trade deadline approaches.

As the 2025 MLB All-Star Game approaches, speculation is abuzz regarding Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal's future, particularly with the Los Angeles Dodgers, who have a well-established track record of attracting top-tier talent. Skubal, a left-hander and reigning Cy Young winner, has publicly praised the Dodgers organization, citing their winning culture and significant financial investment as attractive factors. With the Dodgers boasting a roster that includes superstars like Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani, the allure for Skubal to join them post-2026 is palpable.

Dodgers catcher Will Smith expressed his desire to pair with elite pitchers like Skubal, emphasizing that securing the best players is crucial for their championship ambitions. Skubal's impressive stats, including a 2.43 ERA over his last 400 innings, position him as a likely candidate to shatter pitching contract records. With the Dodgers' substantial payroll and continuous playoff success, Skubal's potential transition to Los Angeles could redefine his career and impact the MLB landscape.