The Major League Baseball trade deadline is fast approaching, with July 31 at 6 p.m. ET marking the end of a flurry of activity. Teams are making strategic moves, and several notable trades have already occurred. The New York Yankees have been active, recently acquiring third baseman Ryan McMahon from Colorado and shortstop Amed Rosario from Washington. Meanwhile, the Seattle Mariners added first baseman Josh Naylor from Arizona, enhancing their lineup as they push for a playoff berth. As the deadline approaches, the Arizona Diamondbacks are emerging as potential sellers, with key players like Eugenio Suárez and pitchers Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen rumored to be on the move, prompting speculation about their future. With CBS Sports ranking the top trade candidates, fantasy players should keep an eye on these shifting dynamics.

The race to secure valuable players for the second half of the fantasy baseball season is heating up, especially with August approaching. This week, we spotlight four hitters who have shown surprising offensive prowess over the past month and are likely available for pickup.

Matt Wallner of the Minnesota Twins has been getting regular at-bats and, while his average sits low at .200, he boasts a powerful presence with five home runs in the last 30 days. His strikeout rate is down significantly from previous seasons, suggesting potential for a batting average rebound.

Isaac Collins of the Milwaukee Brewers has also been a standout, hitting .310 recently with impressive speed, contributing four stolen bases. However, his below-average hard contact rate raises questions about sustainability.

Kody Clemens, another Twin, has showcased versatility across multiple positions, hitting .255 with five home runs. His hard contact rate indicates he could maintain this power surge.

Lastly, Victor Caratini of the Houston Astros is having a career year, hitting .355 over the last two weeks, with a significant increase in hard contact. His batting profile suggests this performance could continue, making him an excellent pickup for teams in need of a catcher.

In Week 15 of the 2025 fantasy baseball season, four lesser-owned hitters are rising as potential waiver wire gems. Matt Wallner of the Minnesota Twins, rostered at just 7%, has notably improved his strikeout rate and is hitting for power, making him an exciting outfield option. Milwaukee's Isaac Collins, at 4% rostered, is producing with a solid average and speed on the bases, though his hard contact numbers raise questions about sustainability. Meanwhile, Kody Clemens, also from the Twins, boasts impressive hard contact metrics and positional versatility, potentially offering fantasy managers a multi-position contributor. Finally, Victor Caratini of the Houston Astros is enjoying a career season, showcasing a strong batting average and emerging as a reliable catcher in fantasy leagues. As the All-Star break passes, these players present intriguing options for roster enhancement.

Kody Clemens made headlines after striking out Shohei Ohtani during a game where his team, the Detroit Tigers, was down by ten runs. This moment was particularly significant as it allowed him and his father, Roger Clemens, to be recognized as the duo with the most combined strikeouts in MLB history. Ohtani, now with the Los Angeles Dodgers, continues to dazzle this season, ranking among the league leaders in home runs and OPS, while also dominating on the mound with a sub-3.00 ERA.

As the Minnesota Twins face off against the Dodgers, the admiration for Ohtani's unique talent is shared among players like Chris Paddack, who marvel at his ability to excel both as a pitcher and a hitter. Manager Rocco Baldelli noted the rarity of Ohtani's skill set, highlighting how he stands alone in his extraordinary contributions to the game.

On Sunday, Sleeper Fantasy offers an enticing 100% deposit match on the first deposit up to $100 for new users with the promo code "CBSSPORTS." Players can take advantage of this offer as all 30 MLB teams are in action, presenting a plethora of betting options. Notably, Sleeper provides steep discounts on player props, such as slashing Tarik Skubal’s outs recorded from 18.5 to 0.5 and his strikeouts from 7.5 to 5.5. These promotions enrich the fantasy experience, allowing players to capitalize on favorable odds.

The SportsLine Projection Model highlights several top picks for the day. MacKenzie Gore has been impressive, particularly with a projected average of 6.2 strikeouts, while Byron Buxton stands out with strong RBI potential, having a projection of 0.97. Rookie Jacob Wilson is also making waves, with projections suggesting he could combine for 2.28 hits, runs, and RBIs against the Guardians. Such insights are vital for savvy fantasy players looking to optimize their lineups.