The Cincinnati Reds have made a significant move by acquiring third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes from the Pittsburgh Pirates in a pre-deadline trade. In exchange, the Pirates receive lefty reliever Taylor Rogers, shortstop prospect Sammy Stafura, and cash considerations. Hayes, despite his defensive prowess and a Gold Glove award in 2023, has struggled offensively this season with a .236 batting average and just two home runs. The Reds hope he can bolster their infield production as they vie for a wild card playoff spot.

For the Pirates, who are in last place in the NL Central, this trade signals a shift toward rebuilding, with Rogers being a solid contributor in relief this season. The Reds, currently three games back of the wild card, see Hayes as a potential upgrade at third base, where they have battled inconsistency this year. The contract details reveal Hayes is signed through 2029, presenting a long-term investment for Cincinnati.

Liam Doyle's selection as the fifth overall pick by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2025 MLB Draft marks a significant milestone for Tennessee baseball, establishing him as the highest-drafted player under coach Tony Vitello. Doyle's impressive season featured a stellar 10-4 record with a 3.20 ERA and a remarkable 164 strikeouts, setting a new program record and leading to his recognition as the SEC pitcher of the year.

Following in the footsteps of former Tennessee pitchers, Doyle becomes the seventh first-round pick under Vitello, continuing a trend for the program with first-round selections in four consecutive drafts. His dominance on the mound, showcased through multiple double-digit strikeout games, highlights his potential as he transitions into professional baseball.

Luis Gil is making significant strides toward his return to the Yankees' rotation after recovering from a high-grade lat strain. Gil began a rehab assignment with Double-A Somerset, where he is expected to gradually increase his pitch count, with manager Aaron Boone indicating a cautious approach to his outings. The Yankees are eager for Gil's return to bolster a rotation that has faced injuries to key pitchers, including Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt. Last season, Gil showcased his potential with a 3.50 ERA and 171 strikeouts, earning him the American League Rookie of the Year award.

Max Fried's recent blister issue adds further complications for the Yankees, especially as they head out of the All-Star break. The left-hander's recurring blister problems have previously derailed his season, and Boone is monitoring his recovery closely.

Meanwhile, Trent Grisham is being managed carefully as he deals with hamstring tightness, and Yankees' top prospect George Lombard Jr. is gaining attention after a strong performance in the All-Star Futures Game.

The Seattle Mariners are navigating through a challenging start to the 2025 season, with their formidable pitching rotation facing multiple injuries. Key starters Bryce Miller, George Kirby, and Logan Gilbert are currently on the injured list, yet the team has managed to maintain a competitive edge, posting a 24-19 record as they lead the American League West by a narrow margin. This resilience has kept them ranked ninth in the latest ESPN power rankings.

Despite a recent four-game losing streak, the Mariners have relied on depth in their pitching staff, with standout performances from Bryan Woo and rookie Logan Evans. Evans impressed with six shutout innings against the San Diego Padres, further solidifying his place in the rotation. As the season progresses, the Mariners aim for improved health among their pitchers, which could be pivotal in securing their position in the competitive AL West.

This FAAB overview highlights key targets for fantasy managers as the MLB season progresses. Notably, the league-wide OPS has dipped below .700, signaling a concerning trend for hitters. Despite only three weeks into the season, the average batting average stands at a historic low of .235. Amidst this backdrop, standout pitchers like Tyler Mahle of the Texas Rangers, who boasts a 0.50 ERA, and luckier options like Emilio Pagan from the Cincinnati Reds, currently holding the closer role, emerge. Meanwhile, Carson Kelly from the Chicago Cubs shows remarkable offensive prowess with a .407 batting average, making him a prime target for FAAB considerations.

Several pitchers, including Jose Quintana and David Festa, are highlighted as potential acquisitions due to injuries impacting their respective rotations. The FAAB budget, set at $100, indicates strategic moves for managers looking to bolster their rosters ahead of the weekend. With offensive trends impacting player performances, savvy fantasy managers will need to adapt quickly to secure valuable assets as the season unfolds.