The Boston Red Sox are in the mix for a playoff spot this season, and with the trade deadline approaching, they may become active in the market. One potential target is former All-Star pitcher Sandy Alcántara from the Miami Marlins. With a 2.74 ERA in his recent outings, Alcántara could significantly bolster the Red Sox rotation, enhancing their chances of making a postseason run.

Alcántara's remaining contract includes a $17.3 million salary for 2026 and a club option for 2027, indicating that any trade would likely require substantial compensation from Boston. The Red Sox possess attractive prospects, including shortstop Franklin Arias and outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia, which could facilitate a deal. Inconsistent performances by the current starting staff make this move imperative for Boston as they pursue a wild card berth.

The Milwaukee Brewers concluded their series against the Miami Marlins with a chance to finish their road trip at .500. Brandon Woodruff made his much-anticipated return to the mound after an extended absence, while the Marlins countered with Edward Cabrera, who holds a solid 3.41 ERA this season. The starting lineups featured notable players such as Christian Yelich and William Contreras for the Brewers, and Xavier Edwards and Jesús Sánchez for the Marlins. The game began at 12:40 p.m. CT and was broadcast on FanDuel Sports Wisconsin.

Looking ahead, the Brewers are set to face the Los Angeles Dodgers in a three-game series, with Freddy Peralta, Jacob Misiorowski, and José Quintana scheduled to pitch. Each game promises to be a test as they navigate through a pivotal stretch in the season, seeking to solidify their standing in the playoff race.

The first half of the 2025 Major League Baseball season has showcased numerous breakout players in the outfield, with Pete Crow-Armstrong leading the charge. With 23 home runs and 26 stolen bases in just 371 plate appearances, Crow-Armstrong's combination of speed and power has made him a standout. Meanwhile, Byron Buxton's resurgence, marked by 19 home runs and 15 steals, highlights his potential but raises concerns about his durability. Andy Pages of the Dodgers has also emerged, boasting a .293 average and 17 home runs, reflecting a significant improvement from his rookie season.

Jo Adell is finally finding his footing with a 15-game hitting streak and a robust power profile, while Kyle Stowers of the Marlins has surprised many with his effective hitting and strong wRC+. These players not only represent the top performers but also highlight the potential for long-term value in fantasy leagues. As teams strategize for the second half, understanding the sustainability of these players' performances will be critical for fantasy success.

Bobby Witt Jr., after two consecutive seasons with over 30 home runs, finds himself struggling with just 11 homers in 2025. Despite this, he leads the league with 30 doubles and boasts a career-high average exit velocity of 92.9 mph, indicating potential for a power resurgence as the weather warms. His current hitting streak of nine games has driven his odds to +550 for home runs against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

This Sunday features key players in the MLB home run prop market: Pete Alonso of the Mets, already with 20 homers this season, has impressive stats against Max Fried and is pegged at +450 odds. Kyle Stowers from the Marlins is also a notable mention with +550 odds against a recovering Brandon Woodruff.

The Chicago Cubs, currently leading the National League Central with a 53-36 record, face a critical moment as the trade deadline approaches. With the potential of only having Kyle Tucker for this season, the Cubs are under pressure to bolster their starting pitching depth, especially after losing Justin Steele to injury earlier in the season. Though Shota Imanaga's return and Matthew Boyd's improvement have aided the rotation, the team desires a high-profile starter for a playoff push.

Rumors suggest that the Cubs might target Sandy Alcantara of the Miami Marlins, a former Cy Young Award winner. Despite his struggles this season, with an ERA of 7.01, there’s potential for Alcantara to regain his form, making him a valuable asset for the Cubs' championship aspirations. His contract, which includes options for 2026 and 2027, could make him a long-term solution for the Cubs if he can bounce back.