Max Muncy and Aaron Judge have rejoined their respective teams, the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees, providing much-needed boosts as the season nears its end. Their returns come at a critical juncture, with teams eyeing playoff positions amid a competitive landscape.

The Houston Astros await the return of Yordan Álvarez, whose power bat could seamlessly integrate into their lineup, bolstering a team already strong on the mound. Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs look to the returns of Javier Assad and Jameson Taillon to strengthen their rotation after a lackluster pitching performance this season.

In the AL East, the Toronto Blue Jays hope for Shane Bieber's resurgence after surgery, aiming to solidify their rotation alongside established stars. The Philadelphia Phillies are also eager for Alec Bohm and Aaron Nola to return, as both have been pivotal to the team's success. The Texas Rangers expect Jake Burger and Evan Carter to deliver much-needed offensive firepower as they seek a playoff spot.

The New York Yankees are in dire need of infield assistance as they grapple with a challenging post-All-Star Break slump. Young infielders Anthony Volpe, Jazz Chisholm Jr., and Ben Rice have struggled, and despite an impressive outfield cohort featuring Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger, the infield's inefficiencies are glaring. Amidst this, Spencer Jones, the Yankees' No. 2 prospect, is showing immense potential in Triple-A, recently driving three home runs in a single game, raising speculation about his imminent call-up.

Jones, 24, is outperforming expectations, now boasting a .400 batting average and an OPS of 1.407 over 19 games in Triple-A. His performance poses a dilemma for the Yankees as they consider reducing Jasson Dominguez's playing time, who has seen a decline after a robust month. Dominguez's struggles against lefties compared to Jones's potential improvement puts pressure on GM Brian Cashman as the trade deadline approaches.

Cristian Javier made strides in his recovery from Tommy John surgery, giving up just one run in his latest rehab game with the Sugar Land Space Cowboys. The 28-year-old right-hander showcased his improved fastball, which reached 95 mph, and effectively built his pitch count, throwing 49 pitches in total. Meanwhile, rookie outfielder Jacob Melton also returned to the field, aiming to rejoin the Astros after an ankle sprain sidelined him since June.

With the Astros currently grappling with a lengthy injured list, including seven starting pitchers, Javier's return would be a welcome boost. Not only does he possess a solid career ERA of 3.59, but his past performance in the postseason, particularly his remarkable no-hitter against the Philadelphia Phillies during the 2022 championship run, highlights his potential impact. The Astros are closely monitoring his rehabilitation process, potentially allowing him to join the active roster soon.

As the MLB All-Star break approaches, Week 17 presents a unique opportunity for savvy fantasy baseball managers to stash key prospects. Samuel Basallo of the Baltimore Orioles is generating buzz, boasting a stellar 153 wRC+ in Triple-A with 19 home runs. His potential call-up could be expedited by a trade of Ryan O'Hearn, making him a top 10 catcher for fantasy leagues.

Spencer Jones, now with the New York Yankees, continues to impress with a remarkable 202 wRC+ at Triple-A. Even with strikeout concerns, he could provide significant power if granted a chance in the majors. Meanwhile, Arizona's Jordan Lawlar is set to return from injury and may benefit from a trade of Eugenio Suarez, potentially unlocking his five-category upside.

Cleveland's C.J. Kayfus is another name to watch, hitting .307 in Triple-A, while Philadelphia's Justin Crawford, despite ground-ball issues, offers speed with 28 stolen bases. These players could significantly impact rosters, especially for those in need of a late-season boost.

The anticipation for the 2025 MLB All-Star Game is electrifying, especially with the MVP award up for grabs. While past champions like Derek Jeter and Mike Trout have shined, this year could favor unexpected players like Cal Raleigh, who has had a sensational season, and Hunter Goodman, a rookie with impressive stats. Veteran Byron Buxton, blessed with raw talent, is also in the mix, looking to make a splash in his home state. The All-Star MVP is notoriously unpredictable, making every at-bat crucial.

On the pitching side, Tarik Skubal stands out as the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner, boasting an impressive 1.12 ERA in recent outings. Expect fireworks this All-Star break as established stars and emerging talents vie for the coveted Ted Williams Award.