The Friday MLB schedule showcases a thrilling lineup with all 30 teams taking the field, featuring key matchups in the ongoing home run race of 2025. Power hitters Kyle Schwarber, Shohei Ohtani, and Aaron Judge dominate the leaderboard, each with enticing prop betting opportunities.

Schwarber's Phillies face the Oakland Athletics, Ohtani's Dodgers challenge the Mets, and Judge's Yankees play host to the Rockies. With the Yankees projected for the highest-scoring game of the day, Judge and Grisham are prime candidates for home run bets. Kaylor’s picks include Judge at +150, Grisham at +200, and Schwarber at +285, forming a parlay with significant odds.

Sports bettors can take advantage of DraftKings' King of the Diamond promotion by opting in for a chance to win bonus bets by betting on home runs. Kaylor’s expert analysis suggests maximizing the odds with strategic player selections.

Brett Baty stole the spotlight in the New York Mets' recent 5-1 victory over the Boston Red Sox, showcasing his potential with a stellar performance that included three RBIs. Baty, who has been struggling against left-handed pitching, was given a chance to shine against Garrett Crochet, hitting a critical RBI single that opened the scoring.

His performance was pivotal in ending the Mets' three-game losing streak, marking their highest-scoring game since May. With Baty's current stats showing improvement, the Mets are keeping pace in the NL East, maintaining a competitive outlook as they look to challenge for the division title.

The New York Mets have seen significant contributions from infielder Brett Baty this season. After a promising start with a five-game hit streak, Baty was temporarily demoted when Jeff McNeil returned from injury. However, since his recall on May 5, he has posted a remarkable .292/.292/.792 slash line, hitting four home runs and driving in seven runs. His defensive versatility has also impressed manager Carlos Mendoza, who praised Baty's athleticism and ability to play multiple positions, including third base and left field. Baty's adaptability is key as the Mets aim to continue their strong performance this season.

As the Mets prepare for their rubber match against the Yankees, they will look to maximize Baty’s contributions. His ability to excel both offensively and defensively could prove crucial in close games. With Baty’s current form, fantasy players should consider him a valuable asset moving forward, especially in leagues that reward multi-position eligibility.

The Minnesota Twins are experiencing an unprecedented run, clinching an 11-game winning streak, but injuries are beginning to take their toll. Key players Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton collided and are sidelined, with Correa now on the seven-day concussion list. Further complicating matters, third baseman Willi Castro suffered a knee injury after being activated from the injured list, exacerbating the Twins' injury woes.

To fill the gaps, Kody Clemens has shifted to left field, and Ryan Fitzgerald, a 30-year-old infielder making his MLB debut, has been called up after a strong minor league season where he boasted a .328 batting average and impressive on-base numbers. As the Twins navigate their injury crisis, their depth will be tested, yet the team remains in contention.

With Week 8 of the 2025 MLB season upon us, it's important to identify breakout hitters and potential waiver wire gems. Notably, Manny Machado is leading hit streaks with a blistering .480 average over the last two weeks, showcasing impressive metrics including a career-best xBA of .353. Heliot Ramos has also stepped up, boasting a .550 batting average in the past week, although his home performance remains concerning. Meanwhile, Brett Baty’s resurgence is evident with an astounding .800 ISO, indicating he’s making impactful contact. Mike Yastrzemski has added base-stealing prowess to his game, swiping three bags recently, potentially increasing his value as a fantasy asset. Overall, these players are critical to monitor as they may enhance your fantasy lineup.