As the MLB season heats up, savvy fantasy baseball managers are keen to capitalize on the latest waiver wire pickups. Week 12 presents exciting additions like David Bednar, who has been a dominant force in June, boasting a stellar 0.56 WHIP and 15.2 K:9 ratio over 5 1/3 innings. Meanwhile, Brady House, recently promoted to the majors, is demonstrating his potential with a .364 batting average in his first three games. Additionally, players like Nick Kurtz and Evan Carter show promise as emerging talents worth considering for roster spots.

Injuries remain a concern, with star players like Corbin Carroll day-to-day and Bryce Harper still on the IL. Fantasy managers must stay vigilant, ready to make strategic moves to enhance their teams as we near the halfway mark of the season.

The 2025 MLB Draft is shaping up to be highly unpredictable, especially at the top where the Washington Nationals are considering LSU pitcher Kade Anderson as their No. 1 pick. Anderson recently impressed scouts by limiting Arkansas to just one run in the College World Series, solidifying his position among top prospects. However, competition remains fierce as high school infielder Ethan Holliday, brother of Orioles star Jackson Holliday, is a close second in projections.

Other notable prospects include Liam Doyle of Tennessee, projected as the No. 2 pick to the Los Angeles Angels, and Florida's Jamie Arnold, potentially going third to the Seattle Mariners. The Cardinals are likely to select Mississippi shortstop JoJo Parker at fifth. This year's draft is part of the MLB All-Star weekend, set for July 13-14.

On June 18, the Colorado Rockies (16-57) face off against the Washington Nationals (30-43) at Nationals Park. Recently, the Rockies displayed a power surge, setting a franchise record with seven home runs in a 10-6 victory over the Nationals, marking their third consecutive win while Washington continues to struggle, now on a 10-game losing streak. Rockies pitcher Germán Márquez, despite a rocky season with a 6.62 ERA, has shown flashes of brilliance, and the Nationals will look to Mitchell Parker, who has a 4.84 ERA but struggled in his last outing, allowing six earned runs. The odds favor the Nationals slightly on the moneyline, and with both teams' current form, the over of 9 total runs seems enticing.

As the summer of 2025 unfolds, MLB prospects are making significant waves with recent call-ups and performances. Notably, Jacob Misiorowski made an impressive debut for the Milwaukee Brewers, showcasing potential with a 0.00 ERA. Meanwhile, Daylen Lile and Christian Moore have been called up, adding intrigue to the fantasy landscape. Lile, despite a low batting average, is making contact, while Moore's power potential is evident after hitting 34 home runs in college, positioning him as a potential power threat.

On the pitching side, Grant Taylor is emerging in the Chicago White Sox bullpen after overcoming Tommy John surgery, while Noah Schultz advances to Triple-A, expected to fine-tune his skills before a major league push. These young talents offer a mix of excitement and uncertainty, making them valuable pickups for fantasy managers willing to take risks on upside.

The Colorado Rockies face the Washington Nationals in an intriguing matchup with both teams struggling this season. The Rockies secured a 6-4 victory in game one, marking the Nationals' ninth consecutive loss, a streak characterized by a faltering offense that has failed to exceed four runs in each game. Antonio Senzatela, carrying a dismal 1-10 record with a high ERA of 7.23, takes the mound for Colorado against the Nationals' Michael Soroka, who has a more respectable 3-4 record but a 5.14 ERA. Both pitchers are looking to rebound from rough outings, and this game presents a critical opportunity for the Rockies to achieve their first three-game winning streak of the year.

For betting enthusiasts, the odds favor the Nationals with a moneyline at -199 and a spread of -1.5, indicating confidence in their ability to end their losing streak. Notably, the Rockies have struggled following wins, losing 10 of their last 14 games in such situations. Interestingly, betting trends suggest that while the Rockies are underdogs, playing them at +1.5 could be worthwhile, especially given the Nationals' recent difficulties covering the run line. With a total set at 9.0 runs, the over might also be a favorable bet considering both teams’ past performances.