The Atlanta Braves are facing a challenging season, currently sitting eight games out of a postseason spot. Without Chris Sale and Spencer Schwellenbach, the pitching rotation has been a critical issue that could further complicate their playoff aspirations. Despite this, GM Alex Anthopoulos is committed to building for the future rather than selling off assets at the trade deadline, suggesting that the organization may still look to bolster the roster.

Rumors suggest that the Braves might explore a trade for Luis Severino of the Oakland Athletics, who is reportedly available. Severino, a two-time All-Star, has a mixed season with a 5.09 ERA overall but shows promise with a 3.04 ERA in road games. Adding him could stabilize the rotation as the Braves push for a turnaround this season and beyond. However, time is of the essence for Anthopoulos to make impactful decisions before the All-Star break.

Dynasty fantasy baseball is dynamic, with new stars challenging for dominance at their positions each season. This year, several young talents are making a significant impact, notably Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners, who has set a record for catchers with 35 home runs, dwarfing the competition. Raleigh's all-around performance, with a wRC+ of 184, positions him as the top catcher in dynasty leagues.

Meanwhile, Nick Kurtz has emerged as a strong contender at first base, showcasing his power with 13 homers in just 200 at-bats. Despite an initial slow start, Kurtz's stats reflect a promising future, potentially overtaking older stars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Junior Caminero has also made waves, establishing himself among the elite third basemen with 21 home runs this season. Lastly, James Wood of the Washington Nationals is proving to be a formidable outfield prospect, hitting 23 home runs and stealing 12 bases, solidifying his status in dynasty leagues.

As we reach the midpoint of the MLB season, it’s crucial for fantasy baseball managers to optimize their rosters with strategic waiver wire pickups. This week, attention shifts to multi-positional infielders that can serve as valuable bench options.

Highlighted players include emerging pitchers from Minnesota and Houston, with a focus on the next breakout star, Mason Miller. With ownership rates below 40% in Yahoo! leagues, these players are prime targets for FAAB dollars. Allocating your FAAB wisely is essential; each week, at least one player per position will be identified to bolster your lineup and enhance your competitive edge.

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.