With the MLB playoffs looming, strategic pitching acquisitions become crucial for fantasy teams. Yusei Kikuchi has turned a corner since June, boasting a string of quality starts and strikeouts, making him a viable buy-low candidate. Ryan Pepiot is gaining traction due to an advantageous upcoming schedule, particularly excelling on the road. Jacob Lopez is transitioning from a reliever to a starter and showing promise, albeit with a smaller sample size. Edward Cabrera's control issues have improved, hinting at a potential breakout. Michael Soroka, now healthy, is showing consistent performance. Quinn Priester and Chad Patrick present contrasting trends, with Priester surging while Patrick struggles.

Today’s MLB DFS picks spotlight key players and matchups for DraftKings and FanDuel, particularly as fantasy enthusiasts gear up for the Fourth of July weekend. Spencer Strider emerges as the top pitching choice, boasting 33 strikeouts over the past four games and a stellar career strikeout rate of 35.8%. Even against a resilient Baltimore lineup, he remains a must-have in cash games. Meanwhile, Sandy Alcantara presents an enticing option at SP2, with signs of positive regression despite recent struggles.

Infield recommendations include rookies like Nick Kurtz and Addison Barger, who are thriving against right-handed pitching. Barger’s recent performance against the Yankees shows his potential as a value pick. The outfield sees Riley Greene highlighted for his impressive power numbers and favorable matchup against Slade Cecconi. The Giants and Athletics game is also a prime stacking opportunity, with hitters like Heliot Ramos leading the charge for expected high offensive output.

As we celebrate Independence Day, MLB betting enthusiasts have a full slate of games to enjoy. This July 4, 2025, NRFI (No Runs First Inning) betting tips focus on five matchups that promise excitement and profit potential. The Cincinnati Reds face the Philadelphia Phillies, where Andrew Abbott, boasting a perfect 14-0 NRFI record, squares off against Jesus Luzardo. The Angels take on the Blue Jays in a game expected to deliver runs early, with Toronto's offense in top form. Baltimore’s Charlie Morton aims for his fourth NRFI in a row against an underperforming Braves lineup, while the Tigers look to capitalize on the Guardians' struggles. Lastly, a late game between the Giants and Athletics presents an opportunity to take on plus odds with two pitchers who have excelled at keeping runs off the board. Bet wisely and enjoy a day filled with fireworks on and off the field!

With Kevin Durant now donning the Houston Rockets jersey, anticipation for the 2026 NBA Finals is reaching fever pitch. His transition to Houston not only brings excitement to fans but also a unique opportunity for card collectors. As Durant's legacy expands across multiple franchises, his collectibles are expected to skyrocket in value, particularly those from his tenure with Oklahoma City, Golden State, and Brooklyn.

Meanwhile, the market for Panini's Rookie Royalty set has seen dramatic fluctuations, starting at $30,000 and plummeting to around $3,000. The WNBA's own Caitlin Clark is generating buzz, with her cards fetching six figures lately. Collectors are eager to capitalize on these trends amidst rising break prices, which illustrate the increasing demand for high-stakes memorabilia. The collectible market remains volatile, with factors like All-Star selections impacting player card values significantly.

Collectors should stay vigilant, especially with the MLB All-Star voting underway. Young stars like Pete Crow-Armstrong and Jacob Wilson are on the rise, leading to notable spikes in their card prices. As excitement builds around the Home Run Derby, players like Ronald Acuña Jr. could also provide investment opportunities with their performance affecting their market value. Keeping an eye on these emerging trends can yield rich rewards for savvy collectors and investors.

As the MLB All-Star break approaches, savvy fantasy baseball managers are scouring the waiver wire for potential upgrades. Key players like Chandler Simpson, Jac Caglianone, Otto Lopez, and Emmet Sheehan are making headlines with promising performances. Simpson has been a solid outfielder option with a 32% roster rate, while Caglianone, now with the Marlins, is showing versatility as a first base and outfield prospect. Lopez continues to shine, boasting impressive stats with a .354 average over his last 12 games. Meanwhile, Sheehan's emergence as a valuable pitcher makes him a target for teams looking to bolster their rotations. Additionally, Colby Thomas's promotion from the Oakland A's adds depth to their lineup, especially against left-handed pitching.