The Boston Red Sox have secured a promising future by signing rookie outfielder Roman Anthony to an eight-year, $130 million contract. This deal highlights the team's commitment to building a competitive roster centered around young talent. In his first game post-signing, Anthony made a statement, batting leadoff at Fenway Park and receiving praise from veteran catcher Salvador Perez, a nine-time All-Star. The 21-year-old is currently boasting impressive rookie stats with a .282 batting average, .400 on-base percentage, and .428 slugging, including two home runs and 19 RBIs.

With the Red Sox winning seven consecutive games and ranking atop the American League wild-card standings at 64-51, Anthony's contributions are crucial as they push for a postseason berth. This contract not only solidifies Anthony's position but evidences the organization’s strategy of investing in young players. As his performance continues to shine, expectations will rise, and the Red Sox hope to see him play a pivotal role in their future success.

In a packed MLB slate this Wednesday, key player props and picks are highlighted for bettors aiming to capitalize on the latest trends. Joey Ortiz of the Milwaukee Brewers is forecasted to secure over 0.5 hits against the Atlanta Braves, following a hot streak that has seen him hit safely in five of his last six games. Meanwhile, Dustin May, recently traded to the Boston Red Sox, aims to notch over 4.5 strikeouts in his debut against the Kansas City Royals—a challenge that aligns with his ability to punch out batters regularly. Lastly, Nestor Cortes, making his San Diego Padres debut after injury, is tipped to earn the win despite shaky past performances, leveraging the weakened Diamondbacks lineup.

The Minnesota Twins faced a tough loss against the Houston Astros, falling 3-2 in a dramatic ninth inning. Joe Ryan delivered a commendable performance with seven innings pitched, allowing only two hits, but was overshadowed by the Astros' Hunter Brown, who dominated the Twins with 12 strikeouts. In the deciding inning, Jhoan Duran walked Christian Walker and surrendered crucial hits to Jake Myers and Cam Smith, sealing the Astros' victory and ending the Twins' winning streak against them.

Ryan's only errors came in the third inning when Yanier Diaz hit a home run, putting the Astros up by two. The Twins tied it up later by Brooks Lee's homer off Brown, but ultimately couldn't secure the win. This loss not only extended the Twins' current losing streak to three games but also marked the Astros' clinching of the season series against Minnesota for the first time since 2022.

The Minnesota Twins ended their three-game losing streak with a 6-3 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays, thanks to back-to-back home runs by Brooks Lee and Christian Vázquez in the fourth inning.

After trailing 3-2, Lee's fifth homer of the season ignited the Twins, followed by Vázquez's two-run shot. Joe Ryan secured the win, allowing three runs in five innings and improving his record to 7-2. The Twins' bullpen, featuring Brock Stewart, Cole Sands, and Griffin Jax, combined for four shutout innings, while Jhoan Duran earned his 10th save.

The Blue Jays, who had started strong with an early lead, couldn't maintain their momentum. Toronto's bullpen struggled, allowing Minnesota to capitalize on crucial hits, including an RBI single by Ty France. This loss halted the Blue Jays' four-game win streak, putting them at a tied 35-30 record with the Twins.