As we head into another bustling Friday of MLB action, the DFS landscape is ripe for opportunity. With 14 games on the slate, it's critical to optimize your lineup for success. Notably, Joe Ryan of the Minnesota Twins is a top pitching option against the Kansas City Royals, boasting a 2.83 ERA and a stellar K/BB ratio. Luis Castillo of the Seattle Mariners is another strong choice, particularly at home, where he has a much lower ERA. Zac Gallen, despite his recent struggles, faces the hapless Colorado Rockies, who are struggling offensively.

Offensively, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. stands out as an excellent play with impressive stats against left-handed pitching. Geraldo Perdomo, hitting well against lefties at home, is also a valuable option. For those looking to save, consider Kerry Carpenter, who is showing great power against right-handed pitchers. Liam Hicks at catcher provides solid value with a high OBP against righties, making him a smart addition to your lineup.

The New York Mets have made a move ahead of the 2025 trade deadline, acquiring Gregory Soto from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for two minor league prospects. Soto, a 30-year-old left-handed reliever, has had a mixed performance, with a 3.96 ERA over 36 1/3 innings this season. However, his alarming walk rate of 4.5 walks per nine innings raises concerns. With a career ERA of 4.24, his consistency has come into question, especially given his two All-Star seasons with the Detroit Tigers.

Social media reactions were mixed, with fans showing cautious optimism about Soto's hard-throwing ability, suggesting he could complement Mets' lefty Brooks Raley. Others expressed skepticism, noting his struggles with run prevention and questioning the Mets' choice in trading away promising prospects Wellington Aracena and Cameron Foster. Overall, the trade reflects the Mets' effort to bolster their bullpen as they navigate the season.

In a tense matchup against the Cincinnati Reds, the New York Mets secured a 3-2 victory thanks to Ryne Stanek's late-game heroics and a crucial performance from catcher Luis Torrens. After Edwin Diaz surrendered the tying run in the eighth, Stanek stepped in to close the game, marking his second save of the season. Torrens, while batting 1-for-4, contributed a pivotal fielder’s choice RBI that ultimately led to the game-winning run. His toughness behind the plate, taking several foul tips, was highlighted by teammate David Peterson, who praised Torrens' perseverance and focus.

The Mets capitalized on their base running, notably with Juan Soto's heads-up play to score on a grounder, demonstrating their ability to execute plays under pressure despite not delivering significant hits. Manager Carlos Mendoza emphasized the importance of timing and execution, especially after a shaky start where errors almost cost them runs. Peterson's solid six-inning outing, only allowing one unearned run, was a key factor in the Mets' success, showcasing their resilience and adaptability.

The New York Yankees gained a crucial victory against the New York Mets, winning 6-4, amidst controversial umpiring decisions that left Mets manager Carlos Mendoza frustrated. The decisive moment came in the ninth inning as pinch-hitter Luis Torrens faced a questionable strike call from home plate umpire John Bacon that ended the at-bat prematurely. This was not the only contentious call, as Mendoza cited earlier decisions affecting Juan Soto's at-bat as well.

The Yankees showcased their offensive strength, out-hitting the Mets 12-10 and hitting two home runs, one from Aaron Judge and another from Austin Wells. This victory is particularly vital as the teams head into the final stretches of the season, with the Mets preparing for road games against the Baltimore Orioles and Kansas City Royals.

The New York Yankees have traded catcher Alex Jackson to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for international bonus pool money and potentially cash or a player yet to be named. While this move seems minor, it highlights the Yankees' remarkable ability to develop catchers who later excel with other teams. Jackson, who previously was in the Yankees’ system but did not emerge as a regular, has worked under catching coordinator Tanner Swanson, who has successfully molded players like Jose Trevino and Kyle Higashioka into significant contributors.

This trade adds to a growing list of former Yankees catchers thriving in the league, with Trevino now starting for the Cincinnati Reds and Higashioka maintaining a steady role with the Texas Rangers. Luis Torrens has secured a position with the Mets and is known for his impressive caught-stealing rate and solid framing. Even Red Sox manager Alex Cora has acknowledged that the Yankees excel in producing quality catchers. Swanson’s techniques have transformed several players, demonstrating how the Yankees cultivate talent, even if they do not stay in New York.