Mookie Betts, in his sixth season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, has continued to showcase his talent as a versatile player, officially transitioning to shortstop in March 2024. Despite a recent slump that saw him struggle during a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals, his contributions remain vital as Los Angeles pursues back-to-back World Series titles. Currently, the Dodgers hold the best record in MLB at 53-32, but Betts has seen a dip in performance this season with a .249 batting average and .707 OPS, partly due to health issues earlier in the year.

The Dodgers, having secured a series victory in Kansas City, are optimistic about Betts' potential rebound. His leadership and experience, coupled with two additional World Series championships and multiple accolades, make him a key player as they navigate the season ahead. With the team’s strong record, the expectation is for Betts to regain his form and contribute significantly to their championship aspirations.

Bobby Bonilla Day resonates with baseball fans, particularly those of the New York Mets, as it marks a day where the franchise pays a retired player over a million dollars annually until 2035. This repartee extends beyond Bonilla, as numerous current players are also set to receive deferred payments worth millions. Among them is Shohei Ohtani, who will cash in a staggering $680 million, showcasing the trend of deferred contracts in Major League Baseball.

Rafael Devers, now a San Francisco Giant, will start receiving payments from 2034 until 2043, while Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman are also primed for significant payouts post-retirement. The Los Angeles Dodgers are known for their deferred payments to former players, creating a culture where such contracts are commonplace. The Mets' Francisco Lindor and Edwin Diaz will also see deferred payments, solidifying the notion that deferred money is a lucrative part of MLB contracts.

As the MLB All-Star voting enters its second phase, the Los Angeles Dodgers are poised to potentially field eight position players, a remarkable feat for the franchise. The Dodgers currently have finalists in every infield slot and two outfielders in contention. Leading the charge, Shohei Ohtani has secured his starting spot as the designated hitter. Notably, both Will Smith and Freddie Freeman topped their respective positions in the voting, while Mookie Betts and Max Muncy are also in strong contention. In the American League, Mike Trout fights for an outfield position, competing against several star players.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed pride in the team’s performance and its All-Star prospects, emphasizing their strong play this season. With the voting results announced soon, fans are encouraged to participate and support their favorites online. The historic possibility of placing more than five players in the All-Star Game reflects the Dodgers' dominance in the National League.

As July approaches, MLB's action heats up with 11 games on the slate, starting with the first pitch at 1:35 p.m. EDT. Pitchers to consider for daily fantasy lineups include Ranger Suárez of the Philadelphia Phillies, who boasts an impressive 1.17 ERA over his last nine starts, facing a struggling Atlanta Braves lineup. Frankie Montas of the New York Mets is also a viable option against the Pittsburgh Pirates, who rank near the bottom in runs scored. Justin Verlander, still seeking his first win this season, may find relief facing the Chicago White Sox, a team struggling offensively.

Among the top hitting options, Christian Yelich has demonstrated solid performance with a .969 OPS in recent weeks. Tyler Soderstrom remains a budget-friendly pick, with a strong showing of 14 home runs and solid slugging against right-handers. Bargain bats include José Altuve, who’s shown potential against righties, despite recent struggles against left-handed pitching.

Consider stacking players from the Tampa Bay Rays against Dean Kremer's vulnerable pitching. Brandon Lowe, Josh Lowe, and Jonathan Aranda present a formidable trio. For a matchup against Luis Severino, the Yankees’ lineup featuring Jazz Chisholm, Cody Bellinger, and Trent Grisham could yield high returns based on Severino’s recent form. Dive into the DFS lineup optimizer for tailored recommendations to maximize your fantasy potential.

On this Saturday, the MLB DFS slate features an enticing 10-game lineup with multiple opportunities for daily fantasy enthusiasts. Weather conditions are favorable, especially in key matchups like Padres vs. Reds and Yankees vs. Royals. Notably, pitchers like Robbie Ray and Andrew Abbott are expected to shine. Ray faces a White Sox lineup with a significant strikeout rate against left-handed pitchers, while Abbott's low hard-hit rate could exploit the struggling Padres.

In the infield, Alejandro Kirk stands out as a value pick against Lucas Giolito, boasting a remarkable hitting record against him. Brandon Lowe and Rafael Devers are also primed for big performances against their respective pitchers. Outfielders like Christian Yelich, with a 10-game hitting streak, and Kyle Stowers offer great upside at affordable prices. Maximizing lineup potential today requires careful selection of players and strategic stacking against weaker pitchers.