Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh leads the MLB in home runs with 33 and RBIs with 71. He's joined in the AL All-Star Game starting lineup by rookie sensation Jacob Wilson of the Athletics, who boasts a .339 batting average. Three players from the Detroit Tigers, including Gleyber Torres, add to the excitement. The NL lineup features three Dodgers, including Freddie Freeman and Shohei Ohtani, who topped the NL voting. Remarkably, Ronald Acuña Jr. secured a starting spot despite an early-season injury.

The All-Star Game, set for July 15 in Atlanta, showcases talent from 13 MLB teams, with 18 positional starters overall. Highlights include the history-making rookie Wilson, the Tigers' 1984 record-tying three starters, and multi-position All-Star Javier Baez's third All-Star start.

Alex Verdugo's stint with the Atlanta Braves has been tumultuous since he was signed on March 20. Initially brought in to fill the gap left by Jurickson Profar's PED suspension, Verdugo struggled, putting up a .239 batting average with no home runs and just 12 RBIs over 197 at-bats. His performance metrics showed a significant decline in his ability to drive the ball compared to previous seasons. As the Braves' 2025 season falters, currently sitting below the Marlins in the NL East, the team's decision to designate him for assignment signals an uncertain future for Verdugo.

With Profar returning after his suspension, Verdugo's release opens the door for him to potentially sign a minor-league deal with teams like the Blue Jays, Phillies, or Guardians, all of whom have expressed a need for outfield depth. His past as a top prospect, particularly as part of the trade that sent Mookie Betts to the Dodgers, creates intrigue around his next steps. As Verdugo looks to rebound from this challenging season, the fantasy community will watch closely to see where he lands next.

The New York Yankees' storied history has long been dominated by legends like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, and Mickey Mantle, forming the team's Mount Rushmore. While it's premature to discuss Aaron Judge's ascent into this elite company—largely due to his lack of championships—his power is undeniable. Currently, Judge has hit 345 home runs with the Yankees, just seven shy of surpassing Alex Rodriguez and 16 from Yogi Berra.

Despite a recent slump where he's batting only .222 over 18 games, Judge's capability to go on a hot streak is essential for the Yankees, who have faced difficulties, dropping to just a game ahead in the AL East. The franchise's ambitions hinge on Judge's performance as they strive to reclaim dominance in the division and make a serious playoff run.

As the July heat intensifies, so does the action on the MLB DFS scene with ten games slated for Wednesday evening. Key players to consider include Merrill Kelly, who showcases a solid 3.49 ERA and a strong K/9 rate against a struggling Giants lineup. Logan Gilbert also looks promising against the Royals, who are struggling offensively. Shota Imanaga's return from injury was encouraging, making him a value pick against a Guardians team that's faced its own offensive woes.

On the hitting side, Ronald Acuña continues to impress post-injury with a stellar .350 batting average, while Will Smith provides catcher value with an OPS over 1.000. For bargain hunters, Brice Turang and Josh Smith offer potential for steals and power. Stacking options against pitcher Austin Gomber include several Astros hitters, which could yield high returns, especially in Coors Field’s hitter-friendly confines.

The countdown to the 2025 MLB T-Mobile Home Run Derby at Truist Park in Atlanta is on, with the event scheduled for July 14 at 8 p.m. ET. Notable absences include Shohei Ohtani, who has expressed doubt about participating due to the rigorous swing demands, and Elly De La Cruz, who has declined the invitation. However, the spotlight will shine brightly on Ronald Acuña Jr. and Cal Raleigh. Acuña, back from ACL surgery, boasts 9 homers this season and seeks redemption after defeats in previous Derbies. Meanwhile, Raleigh leads MLB with 33 home runs, making him a formidable contender as the first switch-hitter in the event since 2023.