The second half of the fantasy baseball season kicks off with the Chicago Cubs hosting the Boston Red Sox, but the spotlight is on Eury Pérez of the Miami Marlins. The young ace threw a stunning shutout against the Baltimore Orioles, achieving six strikeouts and allowing only three hits. This performance earned him 26 fantasy points, matching his career high. Pérez's metrics have been impressive, highlighted by an increase in fastball velocity and exceptional spin rate, placing him among the top pitchers. He has a 2.37 expected ERA, just behind Zack Wheeler, and an outstanding .181 expected batting average against.

Pérez should be a primary pickup consideration as he remains available in 72.4% of ESPN leagues. Alongside him, other high-potential targets include Ceddanne Rafaela from the Boston Red Sox, who has made adjustments to his batting approach, significantly increasing his performance against breaking pitches. Nick Kurtz from the Athletics has emerged as a notable power hitter, hitting 16 home runs since May 20. Noelvi Marte of the Cincinnati Reds is showing promise after returning from injury, and Trevor Rogers of the Orioles has developed a strong changeup to stifle opponents.

In Week 16 of fantasy baseball, Joe Boyle, Janson Junk, Landen Roupp, and Edward Cabrera are emerging as pitchers worthy of attention. Boyle has demonstrated impressive performance since his return, boasting a 1.29 ERA over 14 innings and a strong whiff rate on his slider. However, limited rotation opportunities may hinder his immediate fantasy value.

Janson Junk has shown resilience, posting a commendable 2.68 ERA, but his expected metrics indicate potential regression. Landen Roupp stands out with a solid 3.27 ERA and strong strikeout numbers, making him a viable option for deeper leagues. Edward Cabrera is harnessing his talent more effectively this season and holds potential for growth, particularly if traded.

The recent fall exhibition game at Blue Wahoos Stadium showcased an impressive array of talent, featuring multiple MLB Draft picks from both Florida State University and Auburn University. The Miami Marlins made headlines by drafting three FSU players: outfielder Max Williams, infielder Drew Faurot, and pitcher Joey Volini, selected in the third, fourth, and sixth rounds, respectively. Overall, 18 players from the exhibition were chosen in the MLB Draft, highlighting the high stakes and competitive nature of college baseball.

The day witnessed a total of 11 FSU players and 7 Auburn players being drafted, marking a significant achievement for both programs. The exhibition attracted more than 30 MLB scouts, showcasing its importance in the college baseball landscape. The Marlins notably drafted only college players for the first time in their history, reflecting a strategic shift in their recruitment approach. Additionally, Auburn's Ike Irish caught the attention of the Baltimore Orioles as a first-round pick, further emphasizing the caliber of talent on display during the exhibition.

The Chicago Cubs concluded the first half of the MLB season with an impressive 57-39 record, leading the National League Central, but their position remains precarious with the Milwaukee Brewers closely trailing. With the trade deadline approaching, the Cubs are expected to be active in the market, specifically targeting starting pitching, a third baseman, and bullpen help.

Among the names being considered for the Cubs' roster are Mitch Keller from the Pittsburgh Pirates and Sandy Alcantara from the Miami Marlins. Both teams are seen as sellers and could provide key players to bolster the Cubs' playoff ambitions. A proposed trade from MLB Insider Jon Heyman suggests the Cubs could acquire Keller, closer David Bednar, and third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes in exchange for top prospects Matt Shaw and Owen Caissie. This potential deal could significantly enhance the Cubs' lineup, particularly with Keller being a prime pitching target and Hayes offering elite defensive skills. However, parting with promising prospects may be necessary for the Cubs to secure the talent needed to advance in the postseason.

Kade Anderson, a standout left-handed pitcher from LSU, was selected third overall by the Seattle Mariners in the recent MLB Draft, emphasizing the program's strong tradition under head coach Jay Johnson. Anderson’s impressive record, marked by leading the NCAA in strikeouts and securing the national championship, adds to LSU's legacy of producing top-tier talent. He joins previous first-round picks like Paul Skenes and Dylan Crews, who were drafted first and second overall in 2023, respectively, showcasing Johnson's exceptional recruiting capabilities.

Paul Skenes, now a star in the MLB with the Pittsburgh Pirates, continues to impress with a stellar 2.01 ERA and leading the National League in strikeouts this season. Meanwhile, Dylan Crews, who debuted in 2024, is recovering from injury but remains a player to watch. Jacob Berry, drafted sixth overall by the Miami Marlins in 2022, is also climbing through the minors, illustrating the robust pipeline of talent stemming from LSU’s baseball program.