Kade Anderson, a standout pitcher from LSU, has surged to the top of ESPN's latest mock draft, predicted to be selected first overall by the Washington Nationals in the upcoming MLB Draft. His playoff performance significantly boosted his stock, cementing his status as a top pick. ESPN's Kiley McDaniel estimates a 55% chance for the Nationals to choose Anderson, with the Los Angeles Angels likely to select him if he isn't taken first.

In his remarkable second season, Anderson finished with a 3.18 ERA and 180 strikeouts over 119 innings, playing a crucial role in leading LSU to the national championship. His impressive last game saw him pitch a complete-game shutout with 10 strikeouts. Other LSU pitchers, Anthony Eyanson and Chase Shores, are also projected to be drafted, positioned at numbers 42 and 59 respectively.

James Wood continues to impress with his power hitting, showcasing his burgeoning talent by hitting his 24th home run of the season. Over the last 29 games, he has cranked out eight homers, placing him among the top sluggers in Major League Baseball. Participating in the Home Run Derby next week, Wood's odds to hit another home run on Saturday against the Brewers stand at +390, providing attractive betting value. With a .931 OPS and a solid performance against right-handers, he is poised to capitalize on this matchup.

Meanwhile, Cal Raleigh of the Mariners leads the league with 38 home runs, solidifying his status as a top power hitter. In a similar vein, Kyle Schwarber of the Phillies recently reached his 30th home run milestone, demonstrating his own hot streak with five homers in just nine games this month. Sports bettors can find enticing odds for both players as they navigate the Saturday MLB slate, with Schwarber set at +230 against the Padres, appealing to those looking to capitalize on his current form.

SportsLine’s robust projection model, up 34.65 units on its individual MLB home run picks, is targeting these prop bets as prime opportunities. Alongside Wood and Schwarber, the model also favors Juan Soto, who has recently resumed hitting home runs and boasts favorable odds at +425 against the Royals. With the model's successful track record, savvy bettors should keep a close eye on these players this Saturday for valuable betting insights.

The Milwaukee Brewers kick off a critical series against the Washington Nationals tonight at American Family Field as they look to gain momentum before the All-Star break. Left-handed pitcher DL Hall (1-0, 2.29 ERA) will take the mound for the Brewers, supported by promising right-hander Quinn Priester (6-2, 3.59) to follow. The Nationals counter with lefty Mitchell Parker (5-9, 4.72) in what could be a pivotal matchup for both teams.

Starting lineups for both teams feature key players; for Milwaukee, Christian Yelich steps into the designated hitter role, while the Nationals bring in CJ Abrams at shortstop and Josh Bell in the DH spot. The game is set to start at 7:10 p.m. CT, with live coverage available on FanDuel Sports Wisconsin.

The Washington Nationals stand at a crucial juncture as they prepare for the MLB amateur draft, holding the No. 1 overall pick. Their choice will be pivotal in shaping their future, with standout prospects like shortstop Ethan Holliday and left-handed pitchers Kade Anderson and Liam Doyle on the radar. The recent firing of GM Mike Rizzo and manager Dave Martinez adds a layer of unpredictability to the draft process.

Interim GM Mike DeBartolo, along with the team’s scouting department, must balance player talent against budget constraints. The draft's first three rounds begin this Sunday, involving teams such as the Los Angeles Angels and Seattle Mariners, who are also looking to bolster their rosters. Notably, the depth of left-handed pitchers in this draft class could influence the Nationals' decision, as they weigh immediate needs against long-term potential.

The Washington Nationals are preparing for the 2025 MLB Draft, holding the coveted No. 1 overall pick. The decision hinges on whether to select Ethan Holliday, a promising high school shortstop, or a pitcher from the available list, including Kade Anderson, Liam Doyle, and Jamie Arnold. The organization faces difficulties after losing long-time general manager Mike Rizzo, making this decision particularly crucial.

Holliday, the son of MLB stars Matt and Jackson, offers a high ceiling, but there's no assurance he is the best choice. On the other hand, selecting a pitcher brings its own risks, particularly concerning injury potential. Ultimately, the Nationals must weigh the benefits of selecting a high-upside prospect against the need for immediate help from a closer-to-major-league-ready pitcher.