Cal Raleigh continues to seize the spotlight in Major League Baseball with his remarkable performance as the Seattle Mariners' catcher. In a recent game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Raleigh blasted a 92 mph fastball for his 34th home run of the season, contributing to his impressive .270 batting average and adding two more RBIs to his season total, bringing it to 73. His consistent offensive output has been vital for the Mariners as they vie for a wildcard spot in the American League.

Seattle's record stands at 45–42, placing them in a competitive position for postseason contention. Raleigh's recent selection as the American League's catcher for the 2025 All-Star Game underscores his importance to the team's success. As the Mariners prepare for a challenging series against the New York Yankees, all eyes will be on Raleigh as he aims to maintain his momentum and help lead his team to victory.

As the 2025 MLB season heats up, savvy fantasy players are targeting two-start pitchers for the upcoming week to maximize their rosters. Hunter Brown stands out as a top choice, having posted a remarkable 1.82 ERA paired with a stellar 126 strikeouts. Jacob deGrom’s resurgence with a 2.13 ERA makes him an automatic start. Other noteworthy options include Logan Gilbert, whose strikeout potential remains high despite tough matchups, and Jack Flaherty, who could benefit from favorable conditions at home. In the National League, Paul Skenes and Yoshinobu Yamamoto continue to impress, boasting low ERAs and strikeout rates that make them essential starts for fantasy managers.

As the MLB season progresses, betting on upcoming matchups requires keen insight into team performance and player stats. Notably, the Pittsburgh Pirates are set to face the Seattle Mariners, with Bryan Woo showcasing impressive home stats — a 2.08 ERA and 0.82 WHIP this season. However, Bailey Falter of the Pirates has struggled with a 5.14 ERA and 1.67 WHIP over his last 30 days, making the Mariners' -1.5 run line an appealing bet.

In another matchup, the Tigers are favored against the struggling Guardians. With Reese Olson's remarkable 2.37 ERA over his last seven starts and the Guardians' recent poor record (2-8), betting on the Tigers' moneyline seems prudent. Meanwhile, the White Sox and Rockies are projected to combine for a high-scoring game, making the OVER 11 runs a viable betting option.

Three young prospects are poised to make significant impacts in fantasy baseball: Colton Gordon, Yanquiel Fernandez, and Harry Ford. Gordon, a 26-year-old pitcher for the Houston Astros, has shown promise with a 3.98 ERA over 40 innings. However, his strikeout rate raises concerns about his long-term fantasy viability. Yanquiel Fernandez, an outfielder for the Colorado Rockies, is making his major league debut after a strong performance in the minors, featuring a .284 average with 13 home runs. He brings much-needed power to a struggling Rockies lineup. Lastly, Harry Ford, a catcher for the Seattle Mariners, has dominated in Triple-A with a .305 average and solid power metrics. As fantasy managers weigh their options, these names could be crucial waiver wire additions.

Three American League players—Aaron Judge, Cal Raleigh, and Addison Barger—lead the league in extra-base power, averaging over 14 extra-base hits per 100 at-bats. Judge, the reigning AL MVP, continues to showcase his prowess, while Raleigh is on track for an unprecedented season as a catcher. Barger, a surprising outfielder for the Toronto Blue Jays, has already hit 11 homers this season, significantly improving his batting average. His recent performance includes home runs in two consecutive games, highlighting his ability to deliver consistent power.

In addition to these AL sluggers, Shohei Ohtani and Corbin Carroll also feature prominently in this elite category. Barger’s impressive metrics, including remarkable exit velocity, suggest that his success is not merely a fluke. Fantasy players should keep a close watch on him as he has the potential to continue this surge throughout the season.