Friday's MLB DFS slate is packed with 14 games, providing an array of choices for lineup construction. Pitchers like Merrill Kelly from Arizona are gaining momentum, boasting a 3.39 ERA and 9.00 K/9 rate against the struggling Miami offense, while Ryan Pepiot's solid road performance for Tampa Bay against a low-scoring Baltimore lineup makes him a valuable option. Jose Quintana, despite not going deep into games, is a strong candidate against a weak Rockies offense.

Offensively, Kyle Schwarber continues to be a powerhouse, already hitting 24 home runs this season. Meanwhile, rookies like Jackson Chourio are showing promise with a blend of speed and power, making them attractive for roster spots. For budget options, Brandon Lowe and Nolan Schanuel are highlighted, both offering upside against favorable matchups.

Ronald Acuña Jr., only 27, is already a standout in Atlanta Braves history, recognized as a Rookie of the Year and MVP. Recently, MLB Español praised him alongside Milwaukee's Jackson Chourio, calling them 'Leyendas de una nueva generación,' indicating the high regard in which Acuña is held. Since returning from injury, Acuña has excelled with a .353 batting average and an OPS of 1.083, demonstrating his offensive prowess with six home runs and 11 RBIs in just 18 games. However, the Braves have struggled, posting a 5-13 record since his return.

Chourio, a promising 21-year-old, has also made an impact this season with 11 home runs and 39 RBIs. Both players are seen as future cornerstones for their franchises, suggesting that their paths could lead them to legendary status in MLB. With Acuña not turning 28 until December, there’s ample time for both players to continue their ascent as stars of the game.

As June sets in, several MLB players are making waves, providing valuable insights for your fantasy roster. Key upgrades include Carlos Rodon of the New York Yankees, who has bounced back with a 1.27 ERA in his last nine starts after a rocky beginning. Hunter Goodman of the Colorado Rockies is also turning heads with consistent scores against the Marlins. Meanwhile, Ryan O'Hearn from the Baltimore Orioles has been soaring with a .973 OPS over the last 21 days. Taylor Ward of the Los Angeles Angels is emerging as a power hitter with 17 home runs this season, hitting eight in recent weeks.

On the flip side, Randy Arozarena of the Seattle Mariners and Freddy Peralta of the Milwaukee Brewers are trending downwards, raising concerns for their fantasy viability. Arozarena is struggling with a .539 OPS lately, while Peralta's recent ERA has climbed to 4.21. However, players like Jackson Chourio from the Milwaukee Brewers and Sonny Gray of the St. Louis Cardinals remain steady holds, showing potential for a strong second half of the season.

Aaron Judge has been a standout performer this season, leading in various metrics across the league. As of mid-June, he leads all players with 260 fantasy points, 23 points ahead of the second-place player. His numbers include a remarkable .387 batting average, .485 on-base percentage, and .757 slugging percentage. Despite past injury concerns, his durability has improved, with an impressive track record of playing in 567 of the last 590 games if not for an unusual injury in 2023. Judge's ability to hit effectively in two-strike counts has also shown significant improvement this season.

As fantasy managers consider potential trades, trading Judge could make sense for teams needing to diversify their rosters, especially in shallow formats where elite players are prized. His projected rest-of-season performance suggests he could finish with over 700 fantasy points—an impressive feat last achieved by Barry Bonds in 2004. Compelling trade targets include Shohei Ohtani and Bobby Witt Jr., among others. Each proposed swap aims to balance the roster while acknowledging Judge's unparalleled contributions this season.

In his season debut, Minnesota Twins pitcher Zebby Matthews showed promise with five strikeouts in three innings, but struggled with walks that led to a 5-2 loss against the Milwaukee Brewers. Matthews faced difficulty in the third inning, allowing three walks that resulted in three runs. Despite the defeat, Twins manager Rocco Baldelli praised the team's recent performance, noting their impressive 13-game win streak had ended. Royce Lewis managed to hit a home run in the fourth, highlighting the Twins’ offensive potential. Still, several missed opportunities, particularly with Jackson Chourio's catch robbing Lewis of another homer, underscored their struggles.