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.

Juan Soto's omission from the National League All-Star team has stirred debate among baseball fans and analysts alike, particularly given his stellar performance for the New York Mets. Soto has been a standout player, boasting a .908 OPS this season, ranking eighth in MLB and second among outfielders. Despite these impressive stats, he was not selected for the All-Star Game, largely due to competitive dynamics, including the Miami Marlins' need for an All-Star representative.

In a recent game against the Baltimore Orioles, Soto showcased his talents with a three-hit performance, further emphasizing his value to the Mets. Soto humorously remarked on the financial implications of missing the All-Star Game, referencing the potential earnings associated with participation. Additionally, the Mets' track record with All-Star selections has been notably unlucky, with players like Francisco Lindor also being overlooked in previous years. Soto's fans hope that he can turn this snub into motivation for a strong second half of the season.

Midseason evaluations for Saves+Holds leagues are essential as the All-Star break approaches. Rankings for the top 150 relief pitchers emphasize current form, with players like Josh Hader leading the pack in Houston. The landscape is shifting, especially with potential trades looming that could impact closer roles. Underperforming arms are being scrutinized as fantasy managers look to capitalize on emerging talents and secure their bullpens effectively.

Key updates reveal that players such as Edwin Diaz and Emmanuel Clase are maintaining their elite status, while others like Tanner Scott and Aroldis Chapman are proving valuable as they near trade discussions. The performance data highlights how injury impacts, strikeout rates, and job security are vital for your fantasy strategy. Tracking these changes can help create an edge in roster decisions as the season progresses.