As the trade deadline approaches, fantasy baseball managers must stay alert to player movements and their implications. Jesus Sanchez, recently traded to the Houston Astros, is a riser to watch. With a solid .256 batting average, 10 home runs, and 9 stolen bases, his transition to a strong Astros lineup could enhance his production. Meanwhile, Jhoan Duran's move to the Philadelphia Phillies positions him as a clear choice for their closer role, boasting a 1.97 ERA and 25.4% strikeout rate, which could translate into valuable saves.

On the flip side, Gavin Sheets of the San Diego Padres faces uncertainty following the acquisition of Ryan O'Hearn and Ramon Laureano, which may reduce his playing time. In the pitching realm, David Bednar and Camilo Doval, both now with the New York Yankees, find themselves in a crowded bullpen, complicating their save prospects. Tracking these changes is crucial for maximizing your fantasy team's potential.

Week 17 of the 2025 Fantasy Baseball season brings an exciting set of waiver wire pickups for points leagues. With several players available in over 50% of leagues, these free-agents offer potential to transform your roster. Romy Gonzalez, listed at just 12% on ESPN, has excelled against lefties, slashing .389 against them and coming off a hot streak. Nolan Schanuel of the Angels, surprisingly low at 17%, ranks high among first basemen and faces a favorable schedule. Ernie Clement continues to build momentum facing lefties, and Gavin Sheets also remains a strong option against right-handers.

Second base offers Romy Gonzalez and Otto Lopez, the latter also showing promise against righties. While Jeff McNeil and Jonathan India are worth considering, both have had inconsistent performances. The third base position is slightly weaker this week, with Ernie Clement leading the charge. In the outfield, Chandler Simpson is showing great form with an average above .300 at home, while Tyler Freeman can be a sneaky addition due to favorable matchups in Coors Field. These insights will help you navigate the waiver wire effectively as we approach the final stretch of the season!

The San Diego Padres, amid a crucial stretch as the trade deadline approaches, welcomed back Gavin Sheets from the Paternity List while optioning catcher Luis Campusano to Triple-A El Paso. Sheets has been a standout performer this season, boasting a .775 OPS—ranking third on the team after stars Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. His return is timely, especially considering the team's current outfield depth issues. Campusano, however, has struggled significantly, failing to register a hit in 21 at-bats this season. This roster move is expected to bolster the Padres' lineup as they battle for a postseason spot against the San Francisco Giants.

On July 18, 2025, the MLB landscape offers an enticing variety of home run prop bets, particularly in favorable matchups and ballparks. Gavin Sheets of the San Diego Padres, fresh off the birth of his child, faces off against Michael Soroka of the Washington Nationals, who has struggled against lefties, making Sheets a strong candidate to go yard at +450 odds. Jo Adell from the Los Angeles Angels also shines with +425 odds, showcasing impressive power and a favorable matchup against Jesus Luzardo of the Phillies, who has been vulnerable to right-handed hitters.

Additionally, Jose Ramirez of the Cleveland Guardians is set to face JP Sears of the Oakland Athletics, a lefty known for allowing significant home runs, making Ramirez a safe bet at +280. Lastly, Gunnar Henderson of the Baltimore Orioles stands at +320 against Taj Bradley of the Tampa Bay Rays, who has also had trouble with left-handed hitters. All in all, players might find value in these potential home run performances as they explore today's prop betting landscape.