With the MLB playoffs looming, strategic pitching acquisitions become crucial for fantasy teams. Yusei Kikuchi has turned a corner since June, boasting a string of quality starts and strikeouts, making him a viable buy-low candidate. Ryan Pepiot is gaining traction due to an advantageous upcoming schedule, particularly excelling on the road. Jacob Lopez is transitioning from a reliever to a starter and showing promise, albeit with a smaller sample size. Edward Cabrera's control issues have improved, hinting at a potential breakout. Michael Soroka, now healthy, is showing consistent performance. Quinn Priester and Chad Patrick present contrasting trends, with Priester surging while Patrick struggles.

As the second half of the MLB season unfolds, several top prospects are set to make their mark in 2025 redraft leagues. Notable names include Samuel Basallo, who, despite not being called up amidst an injury to Adley Rutschman, continues to showcase his elite power in Triple-A with a .264/.390/.579 line and a high barrel rate. Bubba Chandler, while initially impressive, has struggled with walk rates in recent outings, raising concerns about his promotion timeline. Conversely, Hunter Barco's exceptional K-BB rate and low ERA position him as a strong candidate for a call-up soon.

Spencer Jones, after a successful stint in Triple-A, is one to watch, though his contact issues might hinder his transition. Colby Thomas has been a standout with solid stats indicating 25/15 upside, making him a likely candidate for a call-up. Overall, stashes of these players could yield significant fantasy returns as the season progresses.

As we enter Week 14 of the 2025 MLB season, fantasy baseball managers are urged to capitalize on emerging starting pitchers available on the waiver wire. Eury Perez of the Miami Marlins is highlighted for his potential upside despite inconsistent performances, making him a speculative but promising pick. Boston's Lucas Giolito, having turned around his season in June, appears primed to contribute significantly, especially with his recent run of quality starts.

Noah Cameron from the Kansas City Royals and Landen Roupp of the San Francisco Giants are also recommended, with Roupp's excellent performance against the White Sox demonstrating his viability as a streaming option. Eduardo Rodriguez of the Arizona Diamondbacks shows promise as well, with recent outings indicating his return to form.

In deeper leagues, Ryne Nelson of the Diamondbacks and Edward Cabrera from the Marlins are considered valuable for their ability to log innings effectively. Jacob Lopez from the Athletics has emerged as a surprising option, showcasing solid strikeout potential. Emmet Sheehan, despite not being on the current Dodgers roster, is expected to return soon and should be added before his talent becomes widely recognized.

Craig Breslow's strategic decision to trade Rafael Devers from the Boston Red Sox has ignited both optimism and skepticism about the team's future. If the trade proves successful, Breslow may emerge as a visionary; however, failure could tarnish his reputation considerably. The return package included Jordan Hicks, whose performance has been lackluster with a 6.47 ERA, and Kyle Harrison, who despite his potential is still wrestling with control issues (4.48 ERA). The centerpiece, outfield prospect James Tibbs III, while promising, does not measure up to the high expectations that accompany Devers.

Moreover, the Red Sox initially sought to acquire Giants' top prospect Bryce Eldridge, who is excelling in the minors, indicating that the franchise's asking price may have been too steep for San Francisco. This predicament raises questions about Breslow's negotiation strategies and the overall direction of a team looking to revamp its roster without its star player. The Red Sox must now hope that the acquired talent can significantly contribute towards playoff aspirations in the seasons to come.

The San Francisco Giants have made a significant move by acquiring Boston Red Sox star Rafael Devers right before their game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. In exchange, the Giants are sending pitchers Jordan Hicks and Kyle Harrison, among others, to Boston. Harrison was originally slated to start the game, but reports indicate Sean Hjelle was warming up in the bullpen, suggesting quick adjustments following the trade.