The Chicago Cubs, currently at a 22-16 record, are set to face the New York Mets, who hold a 24-14 record, in a highly anticipated series starting Friday at Citi Field. Cubs' Jameson Taillon, with a 3.86 ERA, is pitching against the Mets' Clay Holmes, boasting a 2.95 ERA. The Cubs arrived after a disappointing loss to the San Francisco Giants, while the Mets recently celebrated a victory against the Arizona Diamondbacks, highlighted by Juan Soto's two home runs.

With the Cubs leading the league in runs scored (223) and ranking high in home runs (55), their offensive prowess will be tested against the Mets' solid pitching. Betting lines show the Cubs at +138 on the moneyline, with the Mets favored at -164. The over/under is set at 7.0 runs, and experts suggest a lean towards the Cubs to cover the spread at +1.5.

Juan Soto's recent 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets outshines Shohei Ohtani's 10-year, $700 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, marking a significant shift in baseball's financial landscape. Soto's contract is fully guaranteed, contrasting starkly with Ohtani's, which has a large portion deferred, effectively reducing its value to around $460 million. Despite Ohtani's groundbreaking achievement of 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season, he has yet to pitch for the Dodgers due to recovery from elbow surgery. His agent, Nez Balelo, expressed no regrets, emphasizing the importance of team fit and championship success over total dollar figures.

Balelo pointed out that the Dodgers used the savings from Ohtani's deferred contract to build a competitive team, adding key players like Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow. Ohtani's decision to sign with the Dodgers was strategic, allowing him to focus on both pitching and hitting after his success with the Los Angeles Angels. As Ohtani approaches the end of his contract at age 39, he has no intention of prolonging his career if he cannot perform at a high level. Fans eagerly anticipate the next nine years of his talent on the field.

Shohei Ohtani, the two-way superstar, is reportedly earning over $100 million in endorsements this year, a figure confirmed by his agent, Nez Balelo. After signing a historic $700 million contract with the Dodgers, Ohtani's financial strategy includes a significant deferral of $680 million, contrasting with Juan Soto's more immediate $765 million deal with the Mets. Balelo emphasized Ohtani's commitment to the Dodgers, highlighting their vision for utilizing him effectively as a two-way player and asserting that they made the right choices in his career trajectory, including his time with the Angels.

Ohtani's endorsement portfolio is extensive, with Balelo estimating around 20 deals, including various prominent brands in Japan. Despite substantial interest, both Ohtani and his team are keen on maintaining a balance to avoid overexposure. As he approaches free agency, the conversation surrounding his future remains active, especially with teams recognizing his dual-threat capabilities and marketability.

In the realm of fantasy baseball, statistics can be misleading. Mason Miller’s 4.61 ERA does not reflect his true dominance; he boasts an impressive 47.3% strikeout rate, coupled with a 1.53 SIERA indicating he deserves better. Despite allowing hard contact, his potential as a top closer for the Athletics is undeniable, especially with the team’s recent save opportunities.

Similarly, Juan Soto's current 17 RBIs seem low, but his underlying metrics suggest positive regression is imminent. His struggles with runners in scoring position are attributed to bad luck rather than skill decline, making him a prime buy-low candidate. MacKenzie Gore's two wins are also deceptive; he has consistently pitched well, but poor bullpen support has limited his win total.

Jackson Holliday, despite a rough start, has shown significant improvement with a .333 average in recent games, and his ability to contribute across categories makes him a sleeper candidate moving forward.

Pete Alonso's journey from personal tragedy to professional triumph highlights the resilience of the New York Mets' star first baseman. After Hurricane Helene ravaged his Tampa home last September, Alonso remained focused on his team's playoff aspirations rather than his looming free agency. His hard work paid off with a two-year, $54 million contract extension, cementing his role with the Mets, currently among MLB's top teams. Alonso's performance this season reflects a major turnaround, boasting a .328 batting average with nine homers and 33 RBIs in just 38 games.

Alonso's resurgence can be attributed to his refined mental approach and consistent batting behind teammates Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto, who have created ample opportunities for him. Meanwhile, Soto is still finding his footing in the Mets' lineup, with fewer walks and a lower batting average compared to his previous seasons. This dynamic duo, coupled with Alonso's powerful hitting, positions the Mets as strong contenders in the league.