With a full slate of 16 MLB games on tap, the betting scene heats up this Friday as the New York Yankees welcome the Chicago Cubs. Key player prop bets are capturing attention, especially with the Athletics facing the Toronto Blue Jays. Notably, Lawrence Butler is projected to exceed 1.5 combined hits, runs, and RBIs, riding a solid .786 OPS against right-handed pitchers. Another promising bet features Nick Kurtz, who notched a home run recently and boasts an impressive .402 wOBA at home.

Meanwhile, Corey Seager's prop of 1+ walks looks enticing, especially with Lance McCullers Jr. on the mound, whose walk rate has been problematic this season, giving Seager an edge to draw a free pass. As the weekend approaches, these prop bets not only showcase players’ current forms but also highlight the strategic angles savvy bettors are keen to exploit.

The Toronto Blue Jays, currently atop the AL East, are assessing their roster as they navigate a pivotal trade deadline. After a spectacular 10-game winning streak, they faced a resurgence from the New York Yankees, who are now on a four-game win streak. Despite having lost ground, the Blue Jays are positioned as buyers, looking to enhance their pitching as they aim for playoff success.

One potential target identified is Luis Severino from the Oakland Athletics. Severino has struggled in Triple-A, but his track record suggests he could be a valuable addition for Toronto. With a high ERA on home turf but a solid road performance, he offers a blend of risk and opportunity. The Blue Jays could potentially acquire him without sacrificing top prospects, making this a strategic move as they seek to bolster their rotation.

Three emerging MLB prospects—Jack Perkins, Tristin English, and Ryan Johnson—promise to make significant contributions in fantasy baseball. Perkins, a pitcher for the Oakland Athletics, has shown impressive stats, including a 1.93 ERA with 10 strikeouts in just over 9 innings. He has the potential to fill a starting role or take over as closer, depending on team movements.

Outfielder Tristin English, meanwhile, has been making waves with the Arizona Diamondbacks, sporting a .336 batting average and showing consistent production. His pathway may be aided by injuries to other players, allowing him to capitalize on opportunities.

Finally, Johnson, currently at High-A with the Angels, had a rocky start in the majors but has rebounded terrifically in the minors, boasting a 1.62 ERA in his last outings. As a prospect, his value in dynasty leagues is on the rise, though he may still face challenges returning to the big leagues this season.

Mason Miller, the promising relief pitcher for the Oakland Athletics, has been making headlines with his incredible performances. In a recent outing against the Atlanta Braves, he not only showcased his fastball but also threw the fastest recorded pitch in MLB this year at an astonishing 104.1 miles per hour. This pitch, delivered to Sean Murphy for a strikeout, exemplifies Miller's growing dominance on the mound.

Throughout the game, Miller demonstrated his lethal ability to find the strike zone, with eight of his 13 pitches resulting in called strikes. His impressive repertoire included multiple fastballs clocking over 103 miles per hour. With stats boasting 17 saves and 54 strikeouts this season, Miller's trajectory indicates he could be a key player for fantasy teams looking for reliable relief pitching.

The New York Yankees are in dire need of pitching help as the MLB trade deadline approaches. With the Yankees' offense struggling, their reliance on acquiring above-average pitchers is paramount. Six potential relief pitchers have been identified by industry insiders, including Aroldis Chapman, David Bednar, Félix Bautista, Mason Miller, Ryan Helsley, and Emmanuel Clase. Each of these players presents unique strengths and challenges for the Yankees as they seek to bolster their bullpen.

Chapman, a former Yankee, may be a tough sell due to past tensions and the rivalry with the Boston Red Sox. Bednar offers impressive strikeout numbers but comes with consistent control issues. Bautista and Miller are likely unattainable given the assets required for acquisition and the tension between division rivals. Helsley presents similar control issues, while Clase has experienced a decline post-season, making him more of a question mark.