Francisco Alvarez showcased his power at the plate with a pair of home runs in Syracuse, shedding light on his ongoing adjustment period after being demoted by the Mets. The young catcher has made strides in addressing his swing inconsistencies, despite still grappling with some decision-making issues. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza hinted at the potential for Alvarez's return to the majors, noting improvements in both his batting and defensive skills. However, the Mets are keen to see continued progress before making a final decision.

While Alvarez's offensive stats reflect a rebound—his current slash line of .241/.328/.648 includes seven home runs across 61 plate appearances—his defense requires attention as he navigates pop times and pitch framing. The Mets understand the importance of balancing offensive prowess with solid defensive skills as they contemplate Alvarez's future on the big league roster.

The New York Mets faced a weather delay in their final game before the All-Star break against the Kansas City Royals. The game, originally scheduled for July 13, was postponed due to rain, with the Royals announcing they would provide updates on the new start time.

In a notable roster move earlier in the day, the Mets activated pitcher Sean Manaea from the injured list, while Austin Warren was optioned to Triple-A. On the mound, Clay Holmes was set to start for the Mets, facing Noah Cameron for the Royals.

As July rolls in, Eric Cross provides an insightful update to fantasy baseball prospect rankings, showcasing the top 100 hitters and pitchers. With the MLB All-Star break and the 2025 draft approaching, this update serves as a valuable resource for dynasty league players looking to evaluate the latest talent. The rankings consider players' profiles, performances, and projections, emphasizing long-term value while also factoring in short-term potential.

Highlighted prospects include Roman Anthony from the Boston Red Sox, who debuted impressively this season, and Konnor Griffin, a promising shortstop with the Pittsburgh Pirates expected to make waves by 2027. The rankings also recognize players like Josue Briceño of the Detroit Tigers, who has excelled with significant stats, and Jonah Tong of the New York Mets, boasting an impressive ERA and strikeout rate in Double-A. This detailed insight is crucial for fantasy players looking to make informed decisions as they shape their teams.

July's update to the top 100 MLB fantasy baseball prospects reveals shifts as the draft approaches. Standouts include Sebastian Walcott, Konnor Griffin, and Kevin McGonigle, each showcasing substantial potential. Notably, Theo Gillen has emerged as a sleeper, recovering from a rocky start to demonstrate impressive statistics in Low-A. Jonah Tong and Nolan McLean are on the cusp of major league debuts, with McLean posting a remarkable ERA in his first full season as a pitcher.

Other rising stars include Edward Florentino, who has quickly climbed the ranks with outstanding performance metrics, and Owen Caissie, who continues to hit home runs in Triple-A. Each prospect's development is key for fantasy managers looking to make strategic moves as the season progresses.

The Cleveland Guardians are gearing up for the 2025 MLB Draft with the 27th overall pick following a successful 2024 season that saw them reach the ALCS. The Guardians have an impressive history of draft picks, with numerous selections making significant contributions to the franchise. From Chase DeLauter, who is on the cusp of his MLB debut, to the likes of Francisco Lindor and Shane Bieber, the Guardians' drafting strategy has produced stars that shaped the team's competitive edge.

As they prepare to add five new players in the first three rounds of the upcoming draft, the Guardians reflect on their top ten draft selections since 2000. Key mentions in this ranking include Triston McKenzie, who was once a rookie sensation before facing injury issues, and Steven Kwan, a standout who has become an All-Star. The list highlights the importance of scouting and development in building a successful roster.