The Los Angeles Dodgers have notably embraced the strategy of deferred contracts, currently holding $1.01 billion in agreements with eight players, highlighted by a staggering $680 million deal with Shohei Ohtani. Other players benefiting from this strategy include Blake Snell, Tommy Edman, and Tanner Scott, all signed last offseason. Deferred contracts allow teams to manage cash flow and luxury tax implications more effectively, as they are taxed at a discounted value.

Bobby Bonilla, famous for his deferred contract with the New York Mets, reflects on the financial wisdom of such arrangements, as he continues to receive annual payments exceeding $1 million, a strategy that has proved lucrative over the years. His comments illustrate the growing trend within MLB teams to utilize deferred payments to secure high-profile players while maintaining financial flexibility.

The New York Mets, once soaring high in the MLB standings, are now facing significant challenges as they head towards the trade deadline. Despite a strong start, recent injuries to key pitchers, including ace Kodai Senga, have left the team reeling. The Mets' starting rotation has struggled, posting a 4.80 ERA, ranking among the worst in the league. Meanwhile, Francisco Lindor is in a slump, impacting the lineup's performance on the road. Though the bullpen has been a concern, reinforcements are expected soon. With the competitive landscape in the National League intensifying, strategic moves at the trade deadline will be crucial for the Mets to regain ground and secure a playoff spot.

As July approaches, former Florida baseball players continue to shine in Major League Baseball. Pete Alonso has been the New York Mets' steady force, boasting a .296 batting average over the last week and sitting at 18 home runs for the season. His consistency is pivotal to the Mets' playoff aspirations. Meanwhile, Jac Caglianone, finding his footing with the Kansas City Royals, has struggled recently with a .040 average, but the team remains optimistic about his potential.

Injury woes have sidelined Wyatt Langford of the Texas Rangers, who was showing promise before his oblique strain. Harrison Bader of the Minnesota Twins and Jonathan India of the Royals also seek to improve their batting as they face slumps. Brady Singer had a mixed outing against the Yankees, registering four earned runs but racking up nine strikeouts, emphasizing his potential as a key player for the Cincinnati Reds.

New York Mets owner Steve Cohen expressed his frustrations after the team faced a dismal stretch, losing 13 of their last 16 games. Following a three-game sweep by the Pittsburgh Pirates, Cohen reached out to fans on Twitter, admitting he did not foresee such a downturn. He assured them that the team would overcome this difficult phase, noting the impending return of injured pitchers and the hope that the batting average with runners in scoring position—currently the second worst in the league—will improve.

The Mets had been soaring prior to this slump, boasting a 21-game over .500 record and a 5.5 game lead in the NL East. However, the team now finds itself at 48-37, trailing the Phillies. Despite having stars like Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto, and Pete Alonso, their offense has struggled, ranking 18th in batting average and relying heavily on these key players to turn the tide as they approach a pivotal series against the Brewers.

As the 2025 fantasy baseball season approaches Week 14, several well-known players are struggling to meet expectations, raising the critical question of whether to drop, hold, or sell them. Among the prominent names is Bailey Ober, a Minnesota Twins pitcher whose disastrous June has seen him allow 30 earned runs in 30 innings with a 9.00 ERA. His declining velocity and high WHIP suggest fantasy managers should drop him immediately.

Similarly, New York Mets pitcher David Peterson, while experiencing a slump, is more promising with a strong first half. Despite recent struggles, his overall performance indicates a hold. Conversely, Baltimore Orioles' Jordan Westburg's ongoing injury issues may warrant a hold in deeper leagues. For Michael Harris II of the Atlanta Braves and Paul Goldschmidt of the New York Yankees, each has their unique reasons for consideration; Harris’s potential resurgence and Goldschmidt’s slump suggest a cautious approach for fantasy managers.