Chicago White Sox managed a first-inning lead but couldn’t sustain offense, drawing a blank after one run as Parker Messick’s mix of fastball and changeup kept Cleveland in check. Davis Martin steadied after a rough first, yet a late two-run shot by C.J. Kayfus and a costly error-free third inning sealed a 3-1 loss. Despite outhitting the Guardians, Chicago couldn’t string together multi-run damage and left runners stranded, highlighting the need for a deeper lineup breakout.

Hitters trimming chase rates, boosting contact, and pulling the ball with more authority have posted stronger results in the second half. Nick Kurtz surges to a 220 wRC+ since mid-June, batting .342 with a .453 on-base and .743 slug since July 1, and 24 homers. Brayan Rocchio and Kyle Stowers follow, with Rocchio at 95 wRC+ since July 1 and Stowers at .306/.391/.634 in 39 games with 12 long balls.

Lenyn Sosa shows the biggest three-way gains, while Mike Trout adds power through increased Pulled Air%, even as overall numbers lag. Bo Naylor and Pete Crow-Armstrong post improved swing data but fall in results, underscoring the through-line: better plate decisions don’t always yield immediate fantasy dividends. The piece frames these process gains as bets for 2025 rosters.

In short, track O-Swing, Contact% and Pulled Air% as you project next season’s fantasy values, since those adjustments have real, trackable upside beyond the current season.

The Guardians rolled to an 8-1 win at Fenway as Joey Cantillo spun six solid innings with seven strikeouts, flashing a crisp changeup and improved control that boosts his ceiling toward a #3 starter. George Valera notched his first big‑league hit and carried himself with poise. Gabriel Arias delivered a two‑run homer, Bryan Rocchio kept producing, and Steven Kwan joined the multi‑hit parade with a 3-for-5 night. CJ Kayfus and Bo Naylor added two doubles apiece, while Jose Ramirez cooled off but remains a longtime fantasy asset. Cantillo’s breakout vibe, Valera’s arrival, and the offense’s depth headline a strong push as Cleveland heads to Tampa for four with implications for prospect timelines and late-season fantasy moves.