The San Francisco Giants, despite appearing to be sellers at the trade deadline, continue to chase a playoff spot, boosted by the impressive performance of top prospect Bryce Eldridge. After a difficult start to the season, Eldridge has excelled in Triple-A Sacramento, hitting three home runs in recent games and maintaining a strong .281 batting average with a 1.023 OPS since returning from injury. His ability to cut down on strikeouts is noteworthy, with 22 strikeouts in 74 plate appearances. Giants president Buster Posey remains cautious about an immediate call-up, stating they want Eldridge to be fully prepared before stepping into the majors. With power hitting being a concern for the team and a recent injury to Jerar Encarnacion, the Giants may need to consider an impact player like Eldridge more seriously as they look to strengthen their lineup.

As the Giants navigate a crucial next few weeks, including a series against the wild-card-chasing Padres, their decision on Eldridge may define their playoff aspirations. While Posey hinted at the possibility of a late-season call-up for Eldridge, he emphasized the importance of readiness and overall player development. The Giants face a challenging path ahead as they aim to solidify their position and capitalize on Eldridge’s potential.

The Seattle Mariners are in a strong position for the postseason, currently holding the second American League wild card spot and just two games behind the AL West leaders. A significant factor in their success is the emergence of catcher Cal Raleigh, alongside key acquisitions like Josh Naylor and Eugenio Suárez. However, the spotlight also shines on the young star Julio Rodríguez, who, despite his ups and downs, continues to showcase his immense talent.

At just 24 years old, Rodríguez has already made significant contributions, including a historic achievement of 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases in each of his first four seasons. While he has faced criticism for his strike zone discipline and low batting average, his defensive skills and base-running prowess remain exceptional. His current performance metrics, including a 116 OPS+ and a 4.8 WAR, indicate that he is not only above average but one of the more valuable players in baseball at this stage of his career.

Fantasy baseball managers are always on the lookout for emerging talent, and this week's spotlight shines on three notable prospects: Justin Crawford, Jordan Lawlar, and Jonah Tong. Each player is making waves in the minors and could significantly impact your fantasy roster.

Justin Crawford, an outfielder with the Philadelphia Phillies, boasts a stellar .325 batting average and outstanding speed with 33 stolen bases this season at Triple-A. His lack of power, reflected by only three home runs, may push him down the rankings, but his ability to steal bases and get on base should warrant serious consideration for stashing.

Jordan Lawlar of the Arizona Diamondbacks is another player to watch. With a .319 average, 10 home runs, and 18 stolen bases, he possesses an impressive all-around skill set. He is expected to return soon from a rehab assignment and could play a critical role in Arizona's lineup, especially with a more regular opportunity looming.

Finally, Jonah Tong from the New York Mets has been dominant as a pitcher in Double-A, leading with a 1.66 ERA and an eye-popping 146 strikeouts in just 92 innings. While there may be concerns about his immediate chance of being called up, he is a must-stash in keeper and dynasty leagues.

The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders secured an impressive 8-7 victory over the Nashville Sounds, showcasing the consistent performances of T.J. Rumfield and Jose Rojas. Rumfield's clutch two-run single in the fifth inning catalyzed a comeback, while Rojas contributed significantly with a double, a home run, and four RBI. This win allowed the RailRiders to take the six-game series 4-2 and improve their second-half record to 25-7, though they remain just half a game behind Syracuse for the top spot. Manager Shelley Duncan praised Rumfield and Rojas for their pivotal roles throughout the season.

Despite a strong fifth inning by the Sounds, where they momentarily took a 4-1 lead, the RailRiders responded effectively. Key contributions from Rumfield and Rojas helped turn the game in their favor, as Rojas’s three-run home run in the eighth provided crucial insurance against a late rally from Nashville. The RailRiders now prepare for a challenging series against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, aiming to maintain their momentum as they push for playoff positioning.

Heading into Week 19 of the 2025 MLB season, with the trade deadline reshaping bullpens, strategic FAAB (Free Agent Acquisition Budget) pickups are critical for fantasy managers. Several closer roles have opened up following significant trades involving Mason Miller, Ryan Helsley, David Bednar, and others, creating opportunities for savvy players. This week’s targets include under-40% owned players who can enhance your fantasy rosters in various categories. Key recommendations include potential saves from incoming relievers and hitters who can provide immediate offensive boosts.