Juan Soto, one of the highest-paid players in MLB at over $100 million this season, was surprisingly left off this year’s All-Star roster. Despite his stellar June performance—hitting .322 with a league-leading 1.196 OPS and 11 home runs—he did not earn the $100,000 bonus that comes with an All-Star selection. Teammates Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso, and Edwin Diaz are advocating for him, citing his deserving numbers.

Soto's early season struggles may have weighed heavily in the voting process, despite significant improvements by mid-May. While fan voting primarily drives All-Star selections, the input from players and officials can influence the decision. Soto remains optimistic about potentially making the roster as a replacement, especially with Ronald Acuña Jr.'s recent back issues. Manager Carlos Mendoza also expressed frustration over Soto's omission, reaffirming that he is an All-Star in the team's eyes.

The New York Mets have surged to the top of the NL East after winning five of their last seven games, showcasing their resilience as they approach the All-Star break. The team's latest victory over the Baltimore Orioles exemplifies their recent form, tying them with the Philadelphia Phillies for first place in the division.

The Mets are about to receive a significant boost with the anticipated return of pitcher Kodai Senga, who has been sidelined due to a hamstring injury. Manager Carlos Mendoza has provided updates that Senga is on track to return as early as Friday against the Kansas City Royals, which could further enhance the Mets' chances of maintaining their momentum as the season progresses.

Senga demonstrated his potential this season with an impressive ERA of 1.47 and a solid SO/BB ratio of 2.26 prior to his injury. His performance will be crucial for the Mets as they look to solidify their position in a competitive NL East.

The MLB slate features 11 games tonight, starting at 7:05 PM ET. Weather conditions could pose challenges for games in Baltimore, Cincinnati, New York, and Boston, so keeping an eye on forecasts is vital for lineup decisions. Pitching options are limited, with Kris Bubic ($10,000) being a favorable choice against the struggling Pirates. Dylan Cease ($9,300) has the highest strikeout rate, but faces a tough opponent in the Diamondbacks.

Mid-tier pitchers like David Festa ($8,000) and Kumar Rocker ($7,500) offer potential, while Cade Horton ($6,500) stands out as a budget option. On the hitting side, target players like Pete Alonso ($5,000) against Tomoyuki Sugano, who has struggled recently. Stacking opportunities arise in games like Atlanta vs. Oakland and Boston vs. Colorado, especially with favorable matchups against weak pitchers.

The New York Mets' season has taken a turn for the worse, particularly for catcher Francisco Alvarez, who has faced struggles leading to his recent demotion to the minors. Once considered the team's top prospect, Alvarez's swing adjustments from the offseason have backfired. He currently holds a disappointing .236 batting average with limited power, raising questions about his future with the Mets.

One consequence of his time in the minors is the potential delay of his free agency, which could save the Mets millions. If not recalled soon, he could be under team control until after the 2029 season, entering free agency at 28. While he showed promise in 2023 with 23 home runs, his current performance puts his future earnings at risk.

The MLB trade deadline approaches, prompting fantasy baseball managers to reassess their rosters for improvements. With the All-Star break on the horizon, it's an opportune time to make moves. A crucial factor in trade success is evaluating player matchups. For the second half of the season, teams face varying degrees of difficulty based on their schedules, heavily influencing fantasy outcomes.

Among the best schedules, the Atlanta Braves stand out, facing weaker pitching and benefiting hitters like Ozzie Albies and Austin Riley, who excel against left-handed pitching. Similarly, the Cleveland Guardians and Minnesota Twins will have favorable matchups in hitter-friendly environments, enhancing the prospects for players like Nolan Jones and Carlos Correa.

Conversely, the New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals face challenging schedules, particularly against strong pitching teams and in pitcher-friendly parks. This could hinder players like Brandon Nimmo and Paul Goldschmidt, making them potential trade candidates. Overall, understanding these upcoming matchups can guide managers in maximizing their fantasy rosters as the trade deadline nears.