Three stretch-run trends set the tone for the 2025 MLB chase: Josh Naylor's opportunistic baserunning in Seattle, Yu Darvish's midseason mechanical adjustment reviving his mound presence, and Shea Langeliers' continued breakout with Oakland. Each thread translates into concrete fantasy angles: speed margins matter more than raw foot speed; a subtle arm-slot tweak can unlock a pitcher’s upside; and a catcher with power plus improved contact becomes a steady fantasy anchor. The NL West remains a dance between the Padres and Dodgers, while the Athletics’ young core offers late-season intrigue as the rest of the league eyes playoff positioning.

Naylor’s pace is the headline saver: 22 steals on the season, including a blistering 11 steals in 15 Mariners games, despite sprint speeds trailing the league. The steals come as much from pitch recognition and the catcher’s mix as raw speed, turning him into a sneaky SB threat down the stretch. Darvish’s arm-slot shift has transformed his arsenal, fueling a late-year turnaround that could push San Diego into the NL West mix. Langeliers has quietly become an offensive power with elite contactcutting his strikeouts while maintaining big homer numbers. In fantasy terms, monitor Naylor’s SB pace, chase Darvish’s form, and lean into Langeliers as a two-way catcher with long-term value.