As the second half of the fantasy baseball season approaches, savvy managers should target breakout pitchers who exhibited inconsistent performances earlier in the season. This analysis identifies five pitchers who are primed for significant improvements. Taj Bradley of the Tampa Bay Rays, with a 4.60 ERA, showed flashes of brilliance, including a dominant outing against the Astros. Yu Darvish of the Padres has returned from injury and possesses the potential to regain his previous form. Kevin Gausman has had strong outings but struggled recently, making him a buy-low candidate. Hunter Greene from the Reds is recovering from injury but boasts impressive metrics that suggest he could dominate upon his return. Lastly, Dylan Cease of the Padres has underperformed but has strong strikeout rates, indicating a potential rebound.

In Week 16 of fantasy baseball, Joe Boyle, Janson Junk, Landen Roupp, and Edward Cabrera are emerging as pitchers worthy of attention. Boyle has demonstrated impressive performance since his return, boasting a 1.29 ERA over 14 innings and a strong whiff rate on his slider. However, limited rotation opportunities may hinder his immediate fantasy value.

Janson Junk has shown resilience, posting a commendable 2.68 ERA, but his expected metrics indicate potential regression. Landen Roupp stands out with a solid 3.27 ERA and strong strikeout numbers, making him a viable option for deeper leagues. Edward Cabrera is harnessing his talent more effectively this season and holds potential for growth, particularly if traded.

The MLB All-Star Game this year featured a dramatic swing-off, marking a first in history. The National League emerged victorious over the American League 7-6 in a nail-biting conclusion that showcased power hitting, particularly from Kyle Schwarber, who belted three homers in just three swings. Meanwhile, Jonathan Aranda's heroic attempt fizzled out, leading to the NL's celebration.

This year's festivities also raised questions about the All-Star game format, as some players left early while a few competitors like Pete Alonso revelled in the moment. The MLB Draft simultaneously took place, though it overshadowed by the lack of high-profile prospects in attendance, signaling potential issues with its scheduling.

The Tampa Bay Rays made an impactful selection by drafting Brody Donay, a catcher/designated hitter from Florida, in the 17th round of the 2025 MLB Draft. With a compelling history of power hitting in the SEC, Donay showcased his abilities with 32 home runs and impressive batting stats over 106 games. His journey has been marked by challenges and significant improvement, particularly in reducing his strikeout rate during his second year at Florida.

Donay's transition back to Florida from Virginia Tech has been pivotal, allowing him to tap into his immense raw potential. While his defensive skills still require refinement, his offensive prowess makes him a candidate to be one of the most feared hitters in the minors. The Rays, known for developing power hitters, may have found a perfect fit in the local talent.

The Tampa Bay Rays are potentially set to host MLB playoff games at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa due to damage at their usual home, Tropicana Field. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred confirmed that the Rays would play postseason games at Steinbrenner Field, normally home to the Yankees' Single-A affiliate. This season, the Rays are 5.5 games behind in the AL East and in contention for a wild-card spot. The decision follows news of the Rays being sold for $1.7 billion, with the completion of the deal expected by September.

As the Rays adapt to their temporary home, they join the Oakland Athletics, who are also playing in a minor-league stadium this season. The A's plan to remain in Sacramento until their new Las Vegas facility opens in 2028. In contrast to the Rays’ playoff ambitions, the A’s are significantly behind in their division, making their playoff chances slim.