Ethan Holliday, a standout slugger from Stillwater High School, is set to join the Colorado Rockies after being selected fourth overall in the MLB draft. The 18-year-old left-handed hitter is the son of Rockies legend Matt Holliday, who played a pivotal role in the team's only World Series appearance in 2007. Ethan's older brother, Jackson Holliday, was the first overall pick in 2022 and is currently making waves as the starting second baseman for the Baltimore Orioles. Initially, it was speculated that the Washington Nationals might pick Ethan, but they opted for shortstop Eli Willits instead, allowing the Rockies to secure Holliday. In his senior year, Ethan boasted an impressive .611 batting average, 19 home runs, and 64 RBIs. At 6'4" and 210 pounds, he possesses significant power, with estimates suggesting he could hit the ball at speeds upwards of 110 mph.

As we reach the MLB All-Star break, the waiver wire becomes critically important for fantasy baseball owners looking to enhance their rosters for the second half of the season. This week, notable call-ups include Brice Matthews of the Houston Astros, a promising shortstop who dominated at Triple-A with 10 home runs and 25 stolen bases. Also on the rise is Brady House from the Washington Nationals, who has been on fire with a .333 batting average in his last eight games.

Pitching-wise, Bubba Chandler of the Pittsburgh Pirates is making headlines after a strong comeback, striking out 13 batters with a 1.17 WHIP over 12 scoreless innings. For fantasy managers, it's essential to stay updated on injuries and player performances as the regular season resumes. Below is a list of key players to consider adding from the waiver wire, ranked to help prioritize your moves:

As the All-Star break approaches, it's an optimal time to reassess your Sorare MLB lineup. Players like Kyle Stowers of the Miami Marlins have been heating up, boasting a 1.069 OPS over the last three weeks, making him a key upgrade. Nathan Eovaldi of the Texas Rangers is also turning heads with a 1.62 ERA and leading MLB in WHIP, making him a Cy Young candidate if he stays healthy. Meanwhile, Nick Gonzales of the Pittsburgh Pirates shows promise despite the team's offensive struggles, backed by a solid .903 OPS recently.

However, caution is warranted with players like Cam Smith of the Houston Astros and Carlos Rodón from the New York Yankees. Smith has potential, but a high BABIP suggests unsustainable luck, while Rodón's low BABIP could lead to regression. Lastly, consider downgrading players like Jeffrey Springs of the Oakland Athletics and Luis Arraez of the San Diego Padres, as their recent performances don’t correlate with Sorare points production.

MLB's highly anticipated Home Run Derby is set for 2025 at Truist Field, home of the Atlanta Braves, featuring eight of the league's top sluggers. Participants will aim to hit the most home runs within a time frame, with the top four from the initial round advancing to the semifinals. This thrilling competition has seen past champions like Teoscar Hernandez, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Juan Soto.

The 2025 lineup includes Ronald Acuña Jr. from the Braves, James Wood of the Nationals, Oneil Cruz representing the Pirates, Cal Raleigh from the Mariners, Byron Buxton of the Twins, Junior Caminero of the Rays, and Brent Rooker from the Athletics. The event will be broadcast live on ESPN, offering streaming options for fans who want to catch every moment.

The waiver wire in fantasy baseball remains crucial as the MLB All-Star break approaches. Among the top targets are Colson Montgomery of the Chicago White Sox, who is now gaining traction with a low rostered percentage, suggesting he may be a savvy pick-up for teams in need of infield depth. Also noteworthy is Cam Schlittler, recently debuted for the New York Yankees, struggling initially but showing potential with his strikeout numbers, making him a viable option in deeper leagues.

Joe Boyle from the Tampa Bay Rays stands out with 14 strikeouts in his last 10 innings, indicating a strong performance that could translate into wins and strikeouts for fantasy managers. As injuries plague players like Byron Buxton of the Minnesota Twins, monitoring the waiver wire becomes essential for maintaining competitive rosters in the lead-up to the All-Star festivities.