In Week 12 of the fantasy baseball season, multi-position eligibility is a significant asset. Willi Castro of the Minnesota Twins, despite being slightly above the rostered threshold, has seen a surge in performance, making him a hot target. His eligibility at multiple positions increases his utility on fantasy rosters, especially with favorable matchups against the Reds.

Jose Caballero, playing for the Tampa Bay Rays, is another strong candidate, especially for managers seeking stolen bases. Despite a low batting average, his speed on the bases has made him a valuable asset lately.

In deeper leagues, keep an eye on Marcelo Mayer of the Boston Red Sox, who has shown promise since his promotion, and Hyeseong Kim of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who can contribute across various categories. Lastly, for the deepest leagues, Otto Lopez and DJ LeMahieu are worth considering as they display potential for significant contributions alongside favorable matchups.

This season has been a challenging one for DJ LeMahieu, whose 1,651-game streak without an ejection was surprisingly snapped during a tense matchup at Fenway Park. His reaction to a questionable call in the 10th inning highlights the pressure he faces as he attempts to rebound from a calf injury and prove his value to the New York Yankees. Despite his respectable .279 batting average and .769 OPS over 68 plate appearances, doubts linger about his ability to contribute significantly to a playoff push.

Entering 2025, LeMahieu is not just battling physical limitations but also the ever-looming trade deadline, which adds additional stress to his performance. Known for his leadership and strong contact skills, he must harness these attributes to remind the Yankees of his previous accolades, including four Gold Gloves and two batting titles. As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching to see if he can regain his old form or if time is catching up to the veteran infielder.

The New York Yankees faced off against their historic rivals, the Boston Red Sox, in an intense game at Fenway Park. Yankees' ace Aaron Judge proved his worth by tying the game with a monstrous 443-foot home run in the ninth inning, just after Boston's Garrett Crochet delivered an impressive 8.1 scoreless innings. However, the game took a tumultuous turn in the extra innings, culminating in an ejection of Yankees manager Aaron Boone in the 10th, after he vehemently protested a foul ball call.

As the controversy unfolded, DJ LeMahieu was also ejected for questioning the umpire's decision without any overt display of anger, which ignited criticism among fans about the current state of officiating in Major League Baseball. Many fans expressed frustration over the perceived lack of accountability among umpires, with some calling for the implementation of robotic umpires. Ultimately, New York suffered a walk-off loss, fueling further discontent amongst their loyal fan base regarding officiating standards.

DJ LeMahieu’s recent home run against the Boston Red Sox highlighted his potential, yet increasing pressure looms over the veteran as he approaches his 37th birthday on July 13. With the MLB trade deadline around the corner, LeMahieu must showcase his ability to contribute to the New York Yankees' playoff aspirations. His batting average has dipped in recent seasons, casting doubt on his future; he has only managed a .259 average with one home run and eight RBIs this year.

The Yankees organization, while not openly acknowledging the urgency, is closely monitoring LeMahieu's performance. As a two-time batting champion and respected teammate, he faces a critical month to reaffirm his status as a reliable player. Aaron Judge and manager Aaron Boone continue to support him, yet the reality of Father Time's impact weighs heavily on his ability to remain a starting player in New York.