Philadelphia Phillies ace Zack Wheeler has opted out of the 2025 MLB All-Star Game to focus on resting and preparing for the upcoming second half of the season. With a strong 9-3 record over 18 games, Wheeler has established himself as a dominant force, recording 148 strikeouts, the second highest in the majors. His 2.17 ERA places him among the top pitchers this season. As Wheeler steps away, Adrian Morejon of the San Diego Padres will replace him in the All-Star roster. Wheeler's next start is scheduled against the Padres on July 12.

Riley Quick, an Alabama right-hander, has emerged as a top prospect in the 2025 MLB Draft after a stellar season. He finished with an 8-3 record, a 3.92 ERA, and 70 strikeouts over 62 innings, showcasing his recovery from Tommy John surgery.

Projections for Quick's draft position vary, with ESPN predicting a second-round selection by the Kansas City Royals, while other analysts foresee him being picked as high as No. 26 by the Philadelphia Phillies or No. 39 by the New York Yankees. His impressive size and high-velocity sinker make him a valuable addition to any team.

The upcoming MLB trade deadline raises questions about potential moves that could reshape team dynamics. Historically, the Houston Astros were on the brink of a significant trade for superstar Bryce Harper from the Washington Nationals, as revealed by former GM Jeff Luhnow. Harper's acquisition was nearly finalized, pending ownership approval, which ultimately fell through. This missed opportunity is regrettable as Harper has consistently been one of the league's top hitters, potentially altering the Astros' trajectory in 2018, where they fell short in the playoffs.

Despite the players Houston intended to trade being relatively unproven, the Astros went on to win the World Series the following year. The trade chatter around Harper serves as a reminder of how close organizations can come to making pivotal decisions that affect their long-term success.

As MLB betting heats up, pinpointing key trends is essential for savvy bettors. Notably, the Cincinnati Reds are heavily favored at -235 against the Colorado Rockies, while the Detroit Tigers hold a -215 edge over the Seattle Mariners.

When analyzing pitching matchups, Philadelphia's Ranger Suárez, boasting a remarkable 1.99 ERA, is set against San Diego's Ryan Bergert, who has recently struggled. Suárez's ability to limit homers juxtaposed with Bergert’s injuries gives the Phillies an advantageous position. The recommendation here is to take the Phillies with -1.5 runs at +108.

In a different matchup, the Texas Rangers and Houston Astros face off in a game projected with a total of 8 runs. However, with both starting pitchers, Lance McCullers Jr. and Jack Leiter, showing inconsistent performances, the OVER bet appears to be promising. The suggested wager is the OVER 8 runs for -115.

The Philadelphia Phillies continue to perform strongly in the National League, currently holding a 54-39 record and a narrow 1 1/2 game lead over the New York Mets in the NL East. However, as the trade deadline approaches, the team is keenly aware of its need to strengthen its bullpen and add a right-handed outfield bat.

Among potential trade targets, Minnesota Twins outfielder Harrison Bader has emerged as a fitting option. Known for his defensive prowess, Bader is a versatile player capable of manning any outfield position while also offering slightly above-average hitting abilities with power potential. His current season stats include a .249 batting average, 11 home runs, and 34 RBIs, complemented by 8 stolen bases and a respectable .760 OPS.

With the Phillies struggling to get consistent production from their outfield, Bader's addition could provide the power boost they require as they navigate the remainder of the season. He's not expected to command an exorbitant trade price, making him an attractive option for Philadelphia as they look to fend off the Mets and solidify their playoff aspirations.