As the MLB season heats up, savvy fantasy baseball managers are keen to capitalize on the latest waiver wire pickups. Week 12 presents exciting additions like David Bednar, who has been a dominant force in June, boasting a stellar 0.56 WHIP and 15.2 K:9 ratio over 5 1/3 innings. Meanwhile, Brady House, recently promoted to the majors, is demonstrating his potential with a .364 batting average in his first three games. Additionally, players like Nick Kurtz and Evan Carter show promise as emerging talents worth considering for roster spots.

Injuries remain a concern, with star players like Corbin Carroll day-to-day and Bryce Harper still on the IL. Fantasy managers must stay vigilant, ready to make strategic moves to enhance their teams as we near the halfway mark of the season.

On the evening of June 18, 2025, the Houston Astros (42-31) are set to face off against the Oakland Athletics (30-45) in a compelling matchup featuring Framber Valdez and Luis Severino on the mound. Valdez enters the game with a solid 3.10 ERA and recent impressive outings, striking out 12 hitters in his last appearance. Severino, despite a rough season, displayed resilience with a strong performance against Kansas City, allowing only one earned run. The Astros have been hot, winning four of their last five games, making them heavy favorites in this contest.

Betting odds reflect this sentiment, placing the Astros at -162 on the moneyline with a 1.5 spread favoring them. The over/under is set at 9.0 runs, indicating potential scoring opportunities given both teams' recent offensive trends. The Athletics have notched four covers in their last five outings, hinting at competitive spirit despite their underwhelming season. Expert picks lean towards the Astros winning outright and advise considering the Athletics +1.5 with a possible over bet.

John Fisher, owner of the Oakland Athletics, is taking crucial steps to finance a new stadium in Las Vegas, indicating a major shift in the team's future. As part of this plan, he is looking to sell his other sports franchise to secure the necessary funds. Fisher has engaged Moelis & Company, a prominent investment bank, to manage the sale process, highlighting his commitment to establishing the Athletics' presence in Las Vegas.

This strategic move not only aims to bolster the financing needed for the stadium but also reflects the growing trend of team owners diversifying their investments in sporting franchises. Fisher’s actions may have significant implications for both the Athletics and the broader sports landscape.

The Boston Red Sox have made a significant move in the MLB trade market, sending designated hitter Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants. This decision follows a strong performance from the team, winning eight out of their last nine games, including a sweep against the New York Yankees. With their playoff hopes alive, the Red Sox are expected to continue reshaping their roster.

Among the proposed changes, NESN's Owen Crisafulli suggests acquiring Mason Miller, the closer from the Oakland Athletics. While Miller's performance has dipped this season—with a 5.33 ERA—he has shown potential with 14 saves and a strikeout rate of 43 in just 25 games. The Red Sox, who already have a solid closer in Aroldis Chapman, could use Miller in a high-leverage setup role, given Chapman's successful season with a 1.50 ERA and 13 saves. At 26 years old, Miller stands as a strong candidate for a long-term contract with the Red Sox.

In the current fantasy baseball landscape, identifying sell-high candidates can be a challenging yet rewarding strategy for managers navigating the trade market. Players like Byron Buxton and Jeremy Peña, who are enjoying breakout seasons, may not maintain their current production levels due to historical injury concerns and unsustainable performance metrics, respectively. Buxton, despite a solid .273 average and 12 homers, has struggled to stay on the field, while Peña's high BABIP might not be indicative of his long-term potential.

Others like Jacob Wilson and Hunter Goodman are also highlighted as players who are performing above expectations. Wilson's incredible batting average of .360 seems unlikely to be sustainable, given his subpar exit velocity. Similarly, Goodman, while thriving as a catcher, may find himself under pressure as the season progresses. In contrast, veterans like José Altuve are also mentioned; while he remains productive, his recent performance metrics raise questions about his long-term value. The overarching theme is that fantasy managers should not get too attached to players who are currently overperforming, as trends suggest regression is likely.