The Minnesota Twins have faced a tumultuous season, struggling to regain their footing after a promising start in 2024. Despite an initial surge that saw them at 70-53, a dismal finish of 12-27 left the team grappling with significant issues as they approach the 2025 trade deadline.

Pivotal injuries to key pitchers like Joe Ryan and Pablo Lopez, compounded by underperformance from high-profile acquisitions such as Carlos Correa and Christian Vázquez, have intensified the team's woes. The young talent pool, once heralded as the future, has stalled significantly, leading to a collective drop in performance. The Twins' management may be forced into drastic changes to salvage the season.

The race to secure valuable players for the second half of the fantasy baseball season is heating up, especially with August approaching. This week, we spotlight four hitters who have shown surprising offensive prowess over the past month and are likely available for pickup.

Matt Wallner of the Minnesota Twins has been getting regular at-bats and, while his average sits low at .200, he boasts a powerful presence with five home runs in the last 30 days. His strikeout rate is down significantly from previous seasons, suggesting potential for a batting average rebound.

Isaac Collins of the Milwaukee Brewers has also been a standout, hitting .310 recently with impressive speed, contributing four stolen bases. However, his below-average hard contact rate raises questions about sustainability.

Kody Clemens, another Twin, has showcased versatility across multiple positions, hitting .255 with five home runs. His hard contact rate indicates he could maintain this power surge.

Lastly, Victor Caratini of the Houston Astros is having a career year, hitting .355 over the last two weeks, with a significant increase in hard contact. His batting profile suggests this performance could continue, making him an excellent pickup for teams in need of a catcher.

In Week 15 of the 2025 fantasy baseball season, four lesser-owned hitters are rising as potential waiver wire gems. Matt Wallner of the Minnesota Twins, rostered at just 7%, has notably improved his strikeout rate and is hitting for power, making him an exciting outfield option. Milwaukee's Isaac Collins, at 4% rostered, is producing with a solid average and speed on the bases, though his hard contact numbers raise questions about sustainability. Meanwhile, Kody Clemens, also from the Twins, boasts impressive hard contact metrics and positional versatility, potentially offering fantasy managers a multi-position contributor. Finally, Victor Caratini of the Houston Astros is enjoying a career season, showcasing a strong batting average and emerging as a reliable catcher in fantasy leagues. As the All-Star break passes, these players present intriguing options for roster enhancement.

As the MLB season heats up, key player prop bets emerge for July 22. One standout is Willy Adames of the San Francisco Giants, who is projected for over 1.5 hits + runs + RBI against the Atlanta Braves. After a strong performance against the Braves recently, Adames looks poised to continue his momentum.

Eduardo Rodriguez faces a tough challenge against the Houston Astros, with odds favoring him to allow over 2.5 earned runs given his recent struggles. In addition, Victor Caratini's consistent hitting makes him a solid pick for over 1.5 hits + runs + RBI, particularly against Rodriguez's shaky pitching.

The Houston Astros managed to stave off a sweep by the Seattle Mariners with a convincing 11-3 victory, a critical win given their recent struggles. Despite a lengthy injured list that includes key offensive players, the lineup adjusted effectively, with Victor Caratini and Taylor Trammell stepping up to provide a combined six hits and six RBIs. The Astros' pitching was also crucial, as their relievers delivered five scoreless innings after the starter, Hunter Brown, struggled through just four frames.

Houston's bats came alive, overcoming an early 3-0 deficit by scoring nine runs over the final five innings. The Astros demonstrated resilience, especially in high-pressure situations, as they notched four hits with runners in scoring position. The win widens their lead over the Mariners in the AL West, showcasing their depth as they navigate through injuries.