The 2025 MLB Draft is set to commence with exciting prospects, particularly as the Washington Nationals hold the first overall pick amidst recent management changes. This year's draft format has been streamlined to two days, featuring 105 selections on the first day, with teams eager to bolster their rosters with fresh talent. The past few drafts have shown a trend of quicker transitions from amateur to professional statuses, with recent first-round picks making immediate impacts in the majors. Notable top prospects include Eli Willits and Ethan Holliday, both of whom have impressed scouts with their strong performances and potential.

As draft evaluations are conducted, teams scrutinize a vast pool of amateur talent, categorizing prospects into high school and college hitters and pitchers, and weighing the complexities of each player's background and performance. The top 50 prospects list is intended to reflect how major league teams view the draft class, allowing for comparisons and projections on potential impacts at the next level.

Today's MLB betting insights highlight promising matchups for several contact-heavy pitchers and hitters. Focus is placed on starting pitchers like Logan Evans (SEA) and Bryce Elder (ATL), both boasting over 90% zone contact rates, which creates opportunities for opposing hitters like Paul Goldschmidt (NYY) and Ceddanne Rafaela (BOS) who have recently excelled in making quality contact.

With a strategic parlay in mind, the proposed five-leg bet features players who've consistently demonstrated high hard-hit percentages, emphasizing the potential for fruitful performance at the plate. As always, bet smart and ensure you manage your stakes responsibly.

As fantasy baseball enthusiasts gear up for today's 11-game slate, several standout players emerge as top picks on both DraftKings and FanDuel. Kris Bubic of Kansas City is highlighted as a strong cash play against Pittsburgh, who struggles against left-handed pitchers. MacKenzie Gore, recovering from earlier struggles, takes on St. Louis, which has shown poor performance against lefties recently. Lucas Giolito is also a recommended choice as he faces a struggling Colorado lineup.

In the infield, Texas' Corey Seager continues to thrive, recently hitting home runs and proving to be a formidable opponent against right-handers. Meanwhile, Oakland's Nick Kurtz is notable for his power display, making him a compelling addition for stacking. The outfield features Boston's Wilyer Abreu, who excels against weak right-handed pitching.

As MLB teams begin promoting their young talent in the lead-up to the trade deadline, several players are making headlines for fantasy baseball enthusiasts. Among the most notable prospects are Colson Montgomery of the Chicago White Sox and Tristin English of the Arizona Diamondbacks, both of whom are expected to receive increased playing time. Montgomery, called up after refining his swing mechanics, is being positioned as a starting shortstop, while English has quickly established himself as a reliable hitter following his recent recall.

Additionally, Anthony Seigler of the Milwaukee Brewers is worth monitoring as he continues to showcase his on-base skills and speed in the minors, despite challenges in securing consistent playing time. On the pitching side, Shinnosuke Ogasawara of the Washington Nationals, who debuted with mixed results, and Cam Schlittler of the New York Yankees, who has impressed with strong strikeout rates, are also garnering attention. Jack Perkins from the Athletics is another player to watch, as he could play a pivotal role in the bullpen or starting rotation depending on team needs.

Oneil Cruz, the Pittsburgh Pirates' center fielder, is set to participate in the Home Run Derby in Atlanta, marking the first time a Pirate has joined the event since Josh Bell in 2019. Known for his exceptional power, Cruz’s home run on May 25 against the Milwaukee Brewers recorded an impressive exit velocity of 122.9 mph, the hardest hit in the Statcast era. Although he has a batting average of .203 this season, he is leading the National League with 28 stolen bases and has hit 15 home runs in just 80 games, nearing his personal best of 21 homers in a season.

Joining Cruz in the Derby are notable players such as Ronald Acuña Jr. from the Atlanta Braves, Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners, James Wood from the Washington Nationals, and Byron Buxton of the Minnesota Twins. Interestingly, several top power hitters, including Pete Alonso, Aaron Judge, and Shohei Ohtani, have opted out of this year’s event, which opens up the competition for Cruz to showcase his remarkable talent on a national stage.