Struggling stars such as Mookie Betts, Jackson Merrill, and Ozzie Albies are on the fantasy radar this season, but their underwhelming performances raise concerns for managers. Betts, with a career-low batting average, is still seen as a buy-low candidate, primarily due to his potential for a strong second half. Meanwhile, Merrill is viewed as a high-upside prospect who could bounce back after injury setbacks. Albies also presents a compelling buy opportunity for managers seeking power and speed from their second baseman, despite his current struggles.

Pitchers like Blake Snell, who is currently nursing a shoulder injury, might be worth acquiring for teams positioned for a playoff push, especially given his history of strong second halves. Conversely, Christopher Sanchez’s impressive first half has sparked debate on whether he can maintain that success as the season progresses. The fantasy landscape is dynamic, with injuries and performance fluctuations influencing trade strategies.

The All-Star voting phase has seen an exciting turn for the Los Angeles Dodgers, with Shohei Ohtani leading as the top vote-getter in the National League, securing his position as a guaranteed starter. Phase two of voting is set to reset all previous votes, allowing fans another chance to influence the roster. Dodgers fans have the opportunity to push multiple players into starting roles, with several players making it to the next phase. The potential for the Dodgers to have eight starters is being discussed, although some analysts express skepticism about certain candidates, like Tommy Edman and Max Muncy, against their competitors.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto is also highlighted as a strong contender from the Dodgers' pitching staff, with impressive metrics placing him in contention for an All-Star nod. The discussion surrounding voting trends and the passionate Dodgers fanbase suggests that while reaching the goal of eight starters might be challenging, it remains a possibility if the community rallies together to vote effectively.

The recent trade involving Rafael Devers and the Boston Red Sox has sparked significant discussion among fans and analysts alike. The implications of this trade extend beyond just Devers's movement; they reflect a prolonged period of strategic missteps that began with the Mookie Betts situation back in 2019. Many fans are left grappling with the franchise's inconsistent direction, oscillating between a win-now mentality and a future-oriented approach, which has only led to frustration.

The ownership's focus on broader aspirations, such as expanding Fenway Sports Group's portfolio, seems to overshadow the immediate needs of the Red Sox. This strategy appears to lack a coherent vision for the team's development, leaving fans anxious about what the future holds for the Red Sox.