CC Sabathia, the former New York Yankees ace, showcased his timeless talent at the Celebrity Softball Game during All-Star Weekend, hitting a towering home run that stirred memories of his illustrious career. Though he hasn't pitched in the big leagues since 2019, Sabathia's natural swing remains intact, evidenced by his social media post declaring, 'Still got it.' His career statistics—251 wins, a 3.74 ERA, and over 3,000 strikeouts—alongside a 2007 AL Cy Young award and multiple All-Star selections, establish him as a Hall of Fame worthy player.

Baseball fans may recall his brief but impactful stint as a hitter, with a .207 batting average and three home runs in just 132 at-bats. His most notable performance came during his 2008 season with the Brewers, where he contributed to their playoff push while hitting two homers. Sabathia’s recent swing not only reminded fans of his multifaceted skills but also the joy he brought to the game, reinforcing the nostalgia surrounding his remarkable career.

Major League Baseball's Sunday matchups are highlighted by key matchups including the Chicago Cubs facing the New York Yankees, as well as the Tampa Bay Rays against the Boston Red Sox. With the All-Star break approaching, teams are looking to build momentum, particularly the Cubs who have a strong record against right-handed pitchers. Starting for Chicago, Shota Imanaga has been solid, while Will Warren has excelled at home for New York. Recent performances show the Yankees' Aaron Judge is in fine form, hitting his 35th home run. Meanwhile, in the matchup between the Pirates and Twins, Mitch Keller seeks to break a losing streak for Pittsburgh against a Minnesota team that has shown offensive prowess.

The New York Yankees are facing a surplus of hitters, with one or two talented bats often benched during games. This situation might catalyze a trade before the deadline, despite the Yankees being seen as buyers. A potential trade candidate is catcher J.C. Escarra, whose impressive journey from driving an Uber to the big leagues has caught the attention of several teams. Known for his elite pitch framing and defensive skills, Escarra is valuable even as a backup catcher. With Austin Wells and Ben Rice also capable of filling the catcher role, the Yankees may opt to trade Escarra, leveraging his feel-good story and defensive prowess to enhance their roster.

Aaron Judge has made history by becoming the fastest player to reach 350 home runs, achieving the milestone in just 1,088 games—192 games quicker than Mark McGwire. This remarkable feat took place during the Yankees' recent 5-2 loss to the Chicago Cubs, where Judge smashed a two-run homer off Brad Keller in the ninth inning. He now leads the league with a .358 batting average, alongside 35 home runs and 81 RBIs this season.

Judge, a two-time AL MVP, expressed gratitude for his teammates' support throughout his career, emphasizing that their contributions have positioned him for success. Reflecting on the legacy of McGwire, who finished his career with 583 home runs, Judge acknowledged the former star’s impact on the game, despite the controversies surrounding his career.

On July 13, 2025, savvy bettors should focus on home run props featuring notable MLB players such as Tyler Stephenson, Cal Raleigh, and Paul Goldschmidt. Each player offers promising odds based on favorable matchups and trending performance. Betting on Stephenson appears especially attractive against Austin Gomber's high HR/9 rate, while Raleigh is just one home run shy of tying Barry Bonds' record before the All-Star break. Goldschmidt's impressive stats against left-handed pitchers make him another compelling choice.

Overall, with the weather in favor of favorable hitting conditions and multiple promising matchups, bettors have a solid slate for home run betting. With a little strategy, hitting on these player props could yield significant returns.