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.

The Chicago Cubs have signed right-handed pitcher Ryan Jensen to a minor league contract, reuniting with a player they drafted 27th overall in 2019. Jensen has yet to make his MLB debut in six minor league seasons, posting a 4.69 ERA and a concerning 1.518 WHIP, mainly due to control issues (214 walks in 301 innings).

His return comes as the Cubs navigate a pitching crisis, especially after placing Jameson Taillon on the 15-day injured list due to a calf strain. While Jensen won't solve their immediate problems, he adds depth to a struggling rotation. Cubs management has been actively seeking starting pitching, and Jensen could provide a valuable arm if further injuries arise.

The waiver wire is heating up as the 2025 MLB season rolls into Week 15. With the All-Star break approaching, the need for savvy pickups is paramount, especially with injuries affecting key players. Colson Montgomery has made an impressive start with the Chicago White Sox, going 3-for-7 with a triple and an RBI since his promotion. Meanwhile, Addison Barger of the Toronto Blue Jays is on fire, boasting a .346 average with three home runs over the last week. Key injuries to monitor include Gleyber Torres of the Detroit Tigers, who is day-to-day with a neck issue, and players like Grant Taylor and Eury Perez are also hot commodities among waiver seekers.