The Minnesota Twins (40-44) are set to face the Miami Marlins (37-45) in the opening game of a three-game series at LoanDepot Park, Miami. Star pitcher Joe Ryan is on the mound for the Twins, boasting an impressive 2.86 ERA and coming off an outing where he allowed no earned runs against the Detroit Tigers. Meanwhile, Edward Cabrera will start for the Marlins, who are riding a season-long seven-game winning streak after sweeping the Giants and Diamondbacks on a road trip. Notably, the Marlins are 13-3 against the spread in their last 16 games and their recent form has seen five consecutive games go over the total. The Twins seek to bounce back after a disappointing loss to Detroit, hoping Ryan can lead them to victory.

On July 1, 2025, the MLB betting scene was dominated by No Runs First Inning (NRFI) picks. The previous night yielded a 3-2 record, with the biggest disappointment stemming from Chase Burns of the Boston Red Sox allowing seven runs in the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds. The Athletics almost edged out a 4-1 success with a three-run homer from Shea Langeliers, showcasing the volatility of first-inning betting. Today’s slate featured five strong NRFI bets, including matchups such as the San Diego Padres vs. Philadelphia Phillies, the St. Louis Cardinals at Pittsburgh Pirates, and more.

Key highlights included Padres' Nick Pivetta, boasting a solid 3.36 ERA and a strong NRFI record, facing the Phillies' Cristopher Sánchez, whose changeup has been effective against right-handed batters. Meanwhile, Paul Skenes, the Pirates' ace with a perfect 17-0 NRFI record, is expected to keep the Cardinals in check. With elite pitchers taking the mound, bettors were advised to consider weather and lineups before placing wagers.

As we enter Week 14 of the fantasy baseball season, four sleeper hitters have emerged as players to watch: Nick Kurtz, Josh Lowe, Agustin Ramirez, and Cam Smith. Each rookie brings unique skills and recent success, making them potential breakout candidates. Kurtz’s power displays a promising home run/fly ball rate, though his high strikeout rate may raise concerns. Lowe, back from injury, has significantly improved his strikeout rate, boosting his offensive contribution for the Tampa Bay Rays. Ramirez has been a key player for the Miami Marlins, showcasing a strong slugging performance, while Smith of the Astros adds to the lineup’s depth amidst recent injuries.

The Chicago Cubs are actively exploring trades to bolster their roster ahead of the deadline, focusing particularly on acquiring an impactful starting pitcher. Sandy Alcantara and Mitch Keller are at the top of their wishlist for rotation improvements as the Cubs aim for a playoff push with a strong standing in the NL Central. Additionally, the team is eyeing offensive upgrades, especially at third base, where Matt Shaw has shown defensive prowess but lacks offensive consistency. The Cubs are considering adding veteran Justin Turner for his postseason experience, although his performance has been inconsistent. They are also monitoring Eugenio Suarez from the Arizona Diamondbacks, who could provide a significant offensive boost if available.

As the July 31 MLB trade deadline approaches, speculation intensifies around potential trades. Notable names in the trade market include Ryan McMahon of the Colorado Rockies, who has shown consistent performance but is evolving his game. Freddy Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers, a top starter, could be moved as they assess their roster options. Eugenio Suárez of the Arizona Diamondbacks is enjoying a stellar season, while teammates Merrill Kelly and Sandy Alcantara are also attracting interest. The St. Louis Cardinals have their own considerations with Nolan Arenado and Ryan Helsley, each with different scenarios influencing their future.

The market could shift rapidly, influenced by team standings and the impending postseason. Players like Cedric Mullins and Mitch Keller are also under the microscope, along with others who may not have been on this initial list. With every team evaluating their potential for postseason contention, the next few weeks promise significant changes across the league.