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Back 20 years ago, Cal Raleigh had a video of an eight-year-old version of him, where he went on to hammer a toy baseball with his toy bat and said that he is the Home Run Derby champ. Alas, that moment would turn out to be a premonition as the Seattle Mariners star became this year’s Home Run Derby champion thanks to his massive performance. Making history in the premier power-hitting event of the MLB, it does seem that Raleigh was expected to win it all when the video was leaked. The Mariners star joined Ken Griffey Jr. (1994, 1998, 1999) as the only players to ever win the Home Run Derby in franchise history. He is also the first catcher in the league to achieve the said feat. Raleigh is the league’s leader in power hitting, so it made perfect sense that he was going to be a candidate in the contest despite being a designated catcher to begin with. Still, it was not enough to stop him from fulfilling one of the best performances in the game. Now he’s a historic winner of the Home Run Derby, and that stays forever. A Promising Finish for Raleigh Raleigh topped off the MLB with the most home runs nailed before the All-Star Break at 38. That is more than any other player in the history of the sport at that point, save for Barry Bonds, who had 39 back in 2001. That says a lot about how Raleigh has been really good when it comes to putting up an impressive campaign of hitting homers. “I mean, I don't know where they found that thing in the archives. Yeah, just kind of surreal. You don't think you're going to win it. You don't think you'll ever get invited. Then you get invited. The fact that you win it with your family, super special. Just what a night.” Raleigh finished the Home Run Derby with 17 homers in the pool round, setting him up as the no. 4 seed among the final four hitters in play. The Mariners star would go on to knock off a homer at 470.62 feet, which ended up with him closely staving off any chances of more tiebreakers to play in the game. “My goodness gracious, that's close,” Raleigh said. “It’s just crazy. An inch off, and I'm not even in the final four, which is amazing. So I guess I got lucky there. One extra biscuit.” Cherishing the Moment The moment of truth with Raleigh finishing with the Home Run Derby title was just a surreal experience not just for him, but also for his family. No one has experienced more nostalgia at this point than his father, Todd Raleigh Sr. – who took the said video of the young Cal. “When you're a parent, you look at it differently because you want your kids to be happy,” Todd Sr. said. “I can't say how lucky and blessed I am. Everybody that plays baseball, every dad knows, I could have been that guy. Cal could have been that player. To do it as a family has been really special.” Thankfully, this finish for Raleigh will now set him as one of the legends that the game will remember for years to come. For a catcher to come up with a strong win in the Home Run Derby is a statement as to how flexible his game has become, and how impressive his two-way game has emerged at this point for the Mariners.

When one of the losing teams in the American League gets the first overall pick, you know they’re going to get the best talent possible. So when the Washington Nationals brought in Eli Willits with the first overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, it was expected that the feedback would be great enough to raise expectations for the club moving forward. A promising selection out of Fort Cobb-Broxton High School in Oklahoma, the 17-year-old shortstop proved to be one of the best talents out in this year’s draft class, and he was one of the youngest true prospects from the 2025 class after reclassifying from the class of ‘26 as well. Initially, no one would be impressed that the Nats brought in a very young player who may not do enough or even more to help the club get back on track and regain its footing on the big stage – and rise to domination once more. Still, there’s a lot of hope from such a talented player in Willits to prove his worth, and he is going to get that chance now more than ever. Preparing for a New Dawn Before the draft came in, the Nationals actually worked out to make massive changes in their management. The team fired general manager Mike Rizzo and even manager Dave Martinez. Mike DeBartolo – who has been the club’s assistant GM for years – was elevated to interim GM for his long service since 2012. DeBartolo then brought in some big names to come up with new staff – amateur scouting Danny Haas; senior director, amateur scouting Brad Ciolek; and assistant director and national crosschecker, amateur scouting Reed Dunn. “I would say he was our top guy throughout the process. We had our eye on him throughout,” said DeBartolo. “… He was the guy we wanted all along, and we’re really excited that it worked out so well. Eli was the top guy on our board. It's one of those nice things where the scouts and the analysts see things exactly the same way and saw him as the best hitter in the Draft.” That preparation eventually led them to see the prime talent in Willits – who was definitely their best expected pick ever since the offseason began for the team, and now it seems that the Oklahoma talent is going to make waves in the game moving forward. Is Willits a Good Selection? To be fair, Eli Willits does deserve a lot of praise for his impressive game and how he can actually find his way to the top of the squad and make a strong impact to the Nationals’ redemption hopes. After all, it is not always that a rebuilding club would bring in the first pick of the draft. Based on his highlights, Willits has a good amount of speed and a strong arm to keep him at the ready. He also has massive instincts on the field, which should definitely make him a great performer to look out for now more than ever. “I want to be described as a guy that plays harder than everyone else,” Willits. “But at the end of the day, I want to be described as a great human being that is good to people off the field and good to teammates.” Should Willits turn out to be a great performer as projected by the team, then the Nationals would have a great chance to get back on their winning pattern and finally redeem their worth on the big stage.

When you least expect it, the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system is coming to make an appearance in the upcoming MLB All-Star Game this year. As it is slated to be a permanent addition next year, it is expected that the challenge system will be implemented to cover the whole game and detect potential bugs before refining it ahead of the 2026 run. So far, the ABS Challenge System is slated to make a full appearance in the 2026 run. It was already used in the previous Spring Training, which earned it mixed reception to its functionality and usability. Using it in the All-Star Game, in which the best of the best will play, should significantly lead to more research data about the efficacy of the system moving forward. The ABS system is one of the latest umpire innovations in sports. The EPL has implemented the VAR for these same purposes, and the ATP Tour employs instant review with AI. The NBA, on the other hand, has a variety of review centers for game analyses. Should the ABS system prove successful, it may well set the standard for the AI-assisted refereeing in the United States, and should push further innovation among other leagues in the country. How Does the ABS System Work? More known as the “robo-ump” system, the ABS challenge system, serves as a high-tech method for calling pitches that takes human error (and human subjectivity) out of the equation. It’s not a physical robot behind the plate, but a system of cameras, radar, and software that determines – accurately and instantly – whether a pitch is a ball or a strike. Multiple high-speed cameras and radar units (like Hawk-Eye) are installed around the stadium. They track the ball from the pitcher’s hand to the catcher’s mitt with extreme precision, speed, spin, trajectory, and location. As soon as the ball crosses the plate, the ABS determines whether it touched any part of the strike zone. The call, whether it is a ball or strike, is made in real time. Pitchers, catchers, and hitters are the only ones who may initiate the challenge as soon as the pitch happens. Players will tap their hats or helmets to the umpire should they want to challenge. Any form of assistance from the dugout or even other players in the field are not allowed. Based on a poll back in Spring Training, around 72% of fans say that the ABS system is on a positive side. An estimated 69% of the fans want it to be part of the game moving forward, while 10% do not want it to be implemented in the MLB. ABS and Sports Betting Whether you believe it or not, the ABS system stands as a positive development for sports betting, particularly because it increases accuracy, consistency, and transparency. These pillars of a promising betting environment enables bigger opportunities for fans and punters alike. By allowing teams to challenge a limited number of ball-strike calls per game, the system helps correct egregious mistakes while still keeping the human element intact. For bettors, this means fewer blown calls impacting props like total strikeouts, walks, or runs scored. It also reduces the variability caused by inconsistent umpires, which sharpens betting lines and creates a fairer playing field. Additionally, the presence of challenges introduces new live betting opportunities and adds drama to key at-bats. However, because challenges are limited, not every bad call will be overturned, and some inconsistency may still affect outcomes. Plus, the system slightly diminishes the value of pitch framing, which could impact certain catcher-related props or fantasy scoring.

The San Diego Padres have been a promising team to watch this season, but it is worth noting that it has been Manny Machado’s antics that have proven to be quite the difference with the way he has continued to lead the squad with his impressive hitting game. At this point, there’s just more to expect from him as Machado now etches his name in history with 2,000 hits now to his tally. Machado tallied this feat with a home run in the eighth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Since his debut in 2012 with the Baltimore Orioles, Machado has been one of the most productive and consistent hitters in baseball. Now in his thirties, he becomes one of the youngest active players to reach the 2,000-hit mark. His rise through the ranks has been nothing short of remarkable. Few players have combined elite defensive prowess at third base with offensive power and reliability the way Machado has. Over the years, his ability to produce at the plate and flash the glove in critical moments has made him a perennial All-Star and one of the most respected figures in the league. Big Milestones for Manny the Hitter The 2,000-hit milestone is not just a number. It is a symbol of longevity and sustained excellence. Fewer than 300 players in MLB history have reached that mark, and many of them have gone on to earn a place in the Hall of Fame. For Machado, this moment is not only a personal achievement but also a statement of intent as he continues to build a resume that will surely earn Hall of Fame consideration once his playing days are over. It also highlights the rare blend of talent and determination required to remain at such a high level over the course of a demanding major league career. In recent years, Machado has taken on an even larger leadership role with the Padres. Since joining San Diego in 2019, he has been the anchor of a franchise that has been striving to establish itself as a serious contender in the National League. His presence both on the field and in the clubhouse has provided stability and experience for a team filled with emerging stars. Whether mentoring younger players or stepping up in clutch situations, Machado has embraced his role as the heart and soul of the Padres roster. Ready for More Action? His 2,000th hit could not have come at a more important time for the Padres. As the team battles in a competitive National League West, every game and every hit matters. Machado's home run against the Diamondbacks not only added to his personal tally but also gave the Padres a crucial boost in a tight game. It was a reminder of just how impactful he remains in high-pressure moments and why he continues to be one of the most feared hitters in baseball. This milestone also sparks renewed conversations about where Machado stands among the greats of the game. While 3,000 hits have long been considered the benchmark for automatic Hall of Fame induction, reaching 2,000 at this stage of his career puts that lofty goal within reach. With several productive seasons still likely ahead, Machado has the opportunity to climb further up the all-time hits list and solidify his legacy as one of the game's all-time greats. As the Padres look ahead to the remainder of the season with postseason hopes still alive, Machado’s bat, leadership, and experience will be more important than ever.

A historic first half of batting with elite performances, Cal Raleigh has now punched his ticket to the Home Run Derby with the hopes of becoming the first catcher to make a wild finish in the contest. The Seattle Mariners are seeing good strides thanks to him, and now he gets to prove his worth on the smashing game as well. The Mariners backstop is hoping to shine on the All-Star festivities as he joins the power-hitting event, set this July 14th at the Truist Park in Atlanta. For Raleigh, this is a full-circle moment considering that he grew up 150 miles away in North Carolina and even regularly played in the area in his youth travel ball days. Now it seems that he is going back for a familiar reason, just on a bigger stage this time. Earlier this month in an interview, Raleigh already hinted that he would love to do the Home Run Derby in a heartbeat. With Atlanta’s Ronald Acuña announcing that he will be joining the competition, Raleigh wasted no time in putting his name forward for the competition as well. Joining the Hype There were a lot of talks that Raleigh might pass up the opportunity considering that he is one of the players who are also slated to play in the All-Star Game and avoid too much fatigue to begin with. However, it seems that he is strongly considering to try it out and who knows, probably win it all as well. “It's really cool,” Raleigh said. “Obviously, for all my family, it'll be easy for them to get to. And friends have already been texting me and asking if I would do it. So now hopefully I can put their mind at ease a little bit.” The 2025 season has been a career-best campaign for Raleigh so far, with his offensive numbers putting him among the league leaders in home runs. His powerful swing from both sides of the plate has helped the Mariners stay competitive in the American League West. At this point in the season, he’s already crushed over 30 homers and has become one of the most feared switch-hitters in the game. What makes this even more impressive is that he’s doing it while handling one of the best pitching staffs in baseball. A Rewarding Season for Raleigh His selection for the Derby isn’t just a reward for his strong season—it’s a chance to make a statement. Historically, catchers haven't had much success in the Derby, often overshadowed by bigger names from corner infield or outfield positions. Raleigh wants to change that. If he can make it deep into the competition or even win, it would be a milestone for catchers in MLB history. And there's a special personal twist to the event, too. Raleigh’s father, Todd Raleigh, is expected to pitch to him during the Derby. Todd is a former college baseball coach, and the bond between father and son makes this moment even more significant. Cal also hinted at getting his younger brother involved in some way, possibly catching during the rounds. It adds a family dynamic to what’s already shaping up to be an emotional homecoming. The crowd in Atlanta will likely have mixed loyalties with local star Ronald Acuña Jr. also participating, but Raleigh’s roots in the region could help him draw support. He played plenty of youth baseball in the Georgia and Carolinas scene, so don’t be surprised if some fans in Braves country are secretly pulling for him.

Nothing has been easy for Walker Buehler so far, and his continued struggles on the pitching side have been quite disappointing given the way he has played so far. While there are still a lot of games to play in the season, the Red Sox star has been quite on the fence about his chances to improve his play, and finally get back on track with his level of play now more than ever. If there’s going to be a list of struggling players in the 2025 MLB season, it seems that Buehler would definitely be topping the list with the way he is playing right now. He has been struggling to find ways to win in his games, and it is clear that he could not come up with a promising stretch that would see him thrive on the biggest stage now more than ever. Buehler is a great player in his own right, but it is the untimely struggles, albeit a hint of promising pitches from time to time, that have bothered his game. So far, this is expected to be the big issue in his game, and consistency is going to be quite a serious matter if he is going to stay in the lineup. Struggles Happen in MLB Despite being one of the most experienced players in the game, Buehler has seen the toughest stretch of his career now more than ever. In that regard, the two-time World Series winner has lost his rotation spot and could not find a way to break out of his slump. But then again, if injuries can happen – struggles are definitely more possible as well. “Yeah, I think I'm fighting for my spot in the game honestly,” said Buehler. “I think at some point, the way that I’ve thrown, there’s not a lot of places for 7 ERA starting pitchers in the big leagues. I don’t know what the next step is, and obviously I want to take the ball every fifth day and keep going and keep fighting.” There was even a day when Buehler even gave up four hits and four runs – and walking three and striking out three on 72 pitches. At this point, his ERA has swelled up to 6.45. Even for manager Alex Cora, it is not the time to think about Buehler’s spot in the Red Sox’s rotation. Can Buehler Bounce Back? Boston’s rotation depth, fortunately, is messed up enough to the point that they are buying Buehler some time to get back on his best game now more than ever. Tanner Houck is yet to come up with a great return from rehab, and Hunter Dolphins is still dealing with right elbow soreness. However, all of these help Buehler stay in the team – at least for now. “At the end of the day, we have depth and talent in this organization and there are realities in this game,” Buehler said. “I’ll kind of keep going and keep trying to figure it out. I think I kind of owe that to my family and to myself, given the rehab that we go through, and what that does to you. I’m going to find it and have a run. I just don't know when or where that'll be.” But he’s still grinding. After all, his one-year, $21.05 million contract in December isn’t endless.

When the Atlanta Braves announced on June 24 that Ronald Acuña Jr. would be suiting up for the 2025 T-Mobile Home Run Derby, fans erupted in joy. It marks his third time participating in this electrifying showcase of raw power and charisma. And this time? Acuña is itching to go all the way. The Braves, perhaps surprisingly, have never had a Home Run Derby winner. Not since its founding in 1985. Legends like Freddie Freeman, Chipper Jones, Dale Murphy, Andruw Jones – they’ve all competed, but none claimed the crown. At 27, he’s neither youngest nor most seasoned, but he’s one of the rare few to mix elite power with electric speed. His 173 career home runs and blazing stolen base stats underscore a rare blend of speed and strength. As a kid, Acuña has always been dreaming about winning at least one home run derby in the big league. While it is just one of the mere All-Star festivities, it is expected that he would be the perfect candidate to give Atlanta a shot at greatness. But it is still a few weeks before the action takes place, but Acuña already appreciates and is hyped for the action. Acuña is the Perfect Contestant The numbers don’t lie. In the 2025 season up to June 18, Acuña has hit 173 homers in his career and maintains a .421-foot average distance on longballs – placing him among the game’s top sluggers. He averages north of 108 mph exit velocity, making his Der­by profile particularly compelling. Four of his homers this season have sailed at least 440 feet – granting him potential bonus time in Derby format. Simply put: when forums and analysts talk about players who can hit “no-doubters,” Acuña’s name is always near the top of the list. This isn’t just about brute strength – it’s mental toughness too. Every swing must have players trying to make the ball leave the yard. For Acuña, however, pacing early in the rounds is not much of a big deal, but he has to innovate and make sure he can find ways to keep his swagger and win big in the competition. In an event designed to thrill and amaze, one thing’s certain: Acuña will make every swing count. Firepower in the Mix This year’s lineup is stacked. Defending champion Pete Alonso returns; Juan Soto, Kyle Schwarber, Albert Pujols – each brings unique flair. Competing in Los Angeles' Dodger Stadium on July 18, Acuña will be right where he wants to be: on the brightest stage. If this feels different from his 2019 and 2022 Derby experiences, that’s no accident. Between rupturing an ACL in 2024 and roaring back with a home run on his first pitch back in May 2025, Acuña has evolved. That comeback likely fuels his fire now. With renewed confidence and validation following a rigorous rehab, this Derby feels like a celebration of everything he’s overcome. As Braves fans begin planning watch parties for July 18, one thing stands above all: Ronald Acuña Jr. is bringing heart, hustle – and most importantly, history – to the Derby. He’s chasing not only the title, but a chance to write his name as the first Brave to bring home the trophy, and to finally answer that childhood reverie. At this point, between winning MLB Games, Acuña is also keen to show that he’s able to understand and deliver big hits that would win him the Home Run Derby.

After nearly three months sidelined, veteran ace Max Scherzer is set to reprise his role in the Toronto Blue Jays’ starting rotation — and the excitement is palpable. The 40‑year‑old right‑hander, a future Hall of Famer and three‑time Cy Young Award winner, has been cleared to return, making his first start of the season this Wednesday against the Cleveland Guardians. When Scherzer inked a one-year, $15.5 million deal with Toronto in February, expectations were high. That optimism was backed by a dominant Spring Training stretch — he posted a very positive ratio over nine innings and entered camp with a sharp, blistering spring performance noted by analysts. Yet, the thumb had other plans. In late March, during his debut against Baltimore, Scherzer lasted just three innings before exiting due to lat soreness tied to persistent thumb inflammation. This setback triggered his placement on the 15‑day injured list on March 30, later shifting to the 60‑day IL by early May. A Timely Return Throughout May, Scherzer’s rehab was methodical. He ramped up from bullpen sessions where he threw live to hitters to rehabilitation starts with Triple‑A Buffalo. On June 13, he threw 56 pitches over 4 1/3 innings, conceding two runs with four strikeouts — then followed it up with another rehab on June 18, notching 12 strikeouts and two earned runs over 8 2/3 innings. By the time he topped out at 75 pitches in his latest rehab outing, Toronto’s coaching staff was satisfied — he had regained velocity, showed no grip issues with his thumb, and followed with a clean bullpen session. “That’s Max Scherzer. I’ll take that any day of the week,” said Blue Jays manager John Schneider. “He knows his stuff is where it should be. I’m really, really excited to have him back.” Toronto currently battles in a crowded AL East, with division leaders such as the Yankees and Rays breathing down their necks. The Blue Jays also aim for a Wild Card berth, having rebounded from a dismal 74‑88 season in 2024. Scherzer’s return adds depth, stability, and playoff experience. Also on the line is another milestone for Scherzer himself — just 93 strikeouts shy of 3,500 career K’s, which would rank him among MLB’s all‑time greats. Looking Ahead for Toronto His return couldn’t come sooner. Scherzer brings not just elite pitching — his career 3.16 ERA, 3,408 K’s across 18 seasons is emblematic — but also invaluable mentorship. Young arms like Bowden Francis have benefited from observing Scherzer’s preparation and approach If Scherzer’s comeback is smooth, the Blue Jays will ease him into the rotation, possibly skipping starts around off‑days. His first challenge comes Wednesday, followed by a watchful eye on fatigue and grip. A series of successful outings would sound the alarm across the league — Toronto might just have their ace back. Max Scherzer’s return isn’t just a boost to Toronto’s rotation — it’s a shot of confidence to the entire organization. His veteran savvy, frontline skill, and playoff pedigree elevate the team’s ceiling. As the regular season intensifies, expect Scherzer to anchor big moments and mentor the next wave of Blue Jays arms. This Wednesday marks more than just a return — it could be the turning point of Toronto’s 2025 campaign. This may set them up for a stronger and even more competitive finish while recharging a promising run in their next set of games for the rest of the season.

The Los Angeles Dodgers managed to come up with a promising finish when they clocked out the San Diego Padres in all three games of their marquee series. However, things seemed to have come up with a lot of heated arguments as emotions were on the rise in this series, leading to fans speculating that this will ever be a fiery matchup to look forward to in the years to come. Perhaps the most spicy clashes of the season so far, the Dodgers vs Padres series lived up to the hype – all close games, high implications in the standings, and a lot of drama that began right from the first game and was carried all the way to the final game. It was a picture-perfect finish for fans in the MLB, and you can see how it really continues to be a spectacle at this point. Despite a mature win for the Dodgers, fans were quick to point out that the club wasn’t really much interested in the antics that was stirred up by the Padres. The opponents were clearly trying to get into their heads, and that didn’t work well as Los Angeles remained composed – at least for most parts of the game, but it was manager Dave Roberts who could not handle that well. Roberts Ejected in Game 2 In just an inning, fans saw both stars Fernando Tatis Jr. and Shohei Ohtani get plunked by pitchers, causing lineup shifts and massive complaints from the Dodgers. Tatis was clocked in the back with a fastball coming from reliever Lou Trivino, while Ohtani’s right leg was struck with another fastball, this time from Randy Vasquez. Both teams were immediately issued a warning from the umpires – and that perhaps proved to be quite the trigger point as Roberts eventually stepped out of the dugout and barked out loud, saying that Vasquez should have been ejected. His plea was not taken lightly by the umpires, with third-base umpire Tripp Gibson deliberately ejecting him from the game as soon as he made his way from the dugout. As far as rivalry goes, this is something that fans would’ve loved to see, and the tensions rising says a lot about how it is expected to be for the two clubs when they get a chance to face each other again. “They got way more superstars over there if we want to hit somebody,” said Manny Machado. “They’ve got some big dogs over there we could hit. This game is crazy, right, this rivalry. It’s back and forth. Playing this competition, things get heated. You want to go out there and compete.” Rising Emotions This incident wasn’t the first one, however. Monday night clash that ended up in a Dodgers win also saw outfielder Andy Pages get struck in the left leg after a fastball by Dylan Cease. It led to a staredown from the Los Angeles outfielder – thinking there was intent behind the “accidental” hit. The next day, both superstars on each team ended up being hit as early as the third inning. Tension mostly cooled off after the Dodgers’ manager was sent out of the game. The series did end in a bang, with emotions settling down. However, fans are expecting to see more from a showdown between the two clubs. Luckily, there’s still two series of baseball left between these two teams, which comes in August.

The Boston Red Sox were fresh off a three-game sweep against one of the top teams in the league in the New York Yankees. The club has notched its seventh win of the last eight games, and they are set to focus on their upcoming trip to the West Coast as they are set to take on the Seattle Mariners. All of that hype and focus went away in a snap after Rafael Devers was suddenly traded. The star slugger – the last remnant of the club’s most recent success in the World Series back in 2018 – Rafael Devers is gone from wearing Red Sox club kits to putting up a new one. Boston received righty Jordan Hicks, lefty Kyle Harrison, and a pair of prospects in outfielder James Tibbs III (Giants' No. 4 prospect at the time of the deal) and righty Jose Bello. All of a sudden, the story has flipped well from being a huge season for Devers, only to end up being on the moving end of a trade that may well define the future of the club. Just six weeks before the July 31 Trade Deadline, and just five days before the two teams involved find themselves in a showdown in San Francisco. Why is the Devers Trade a Shocker? For starters, Devers was the face of the Red Sox, especially after he inked a massive deal of $313.5 million worth 10 years. Imagine how would it have held up had he stayed with the team instead of being traded. In his suddenly final game for the Red Sox, Devers notched his 15th homer and the 215th overall of his career. On top of that, he logged his 500th extra-base hit. At the age of 28, Devers is at the best of his game, well within his prime, and certainly capable of being a championship piece for his team. It can be remembered, however, that things have gone turbulent between Devers and the Red Sox in the past Spring Training, especially after the team signed third baseman Alex Bregman to a three-year deal. In that turn, Bregman became the club’s right-handed batsman and veteran leader. Devers, who is a below-average defender based on the numbers, was prominently in the third base in his whole career. He didn’t like transitioning to the designated hitter role, but eventually agreed to that shift last March. A New Star for the Giants It can be remembered that the New York Giants went for Aaron Judge in the offseason, only to fall short. They also made their case for the likes of Shohei Ohtani and Carlos Correa – also falling short in both. The Giants roster has been somewhat full of supporting cast players, but never an elite star who can win big and lead the club to bigger heights. Landing Devers in a massive deal, however, is a good move for them. In fact, it is a steal. It is rare for a star of his caliber to be involved in a trade. The mere fact that he is still in his best prime says a lot about how it is expected to turn out for the Giants moving forward. The only thing that the Red Sox can hope for is that this trade does not end up as a disastrous move like the way they did in moving Mookie Betts, which still hits hard considering that they signed Devers a big deal because of that. Now they just gave him away.

Paul Skenes, Tarik Skubal, Max Fried, and Zack Wheeler – are just a few names who are making waves in the current poll for the Cy Young award as they continue to elevate their pitching game with a whole new promising feel for their respective teams. But both Skenes and Skubal take the top spots on their respective leagues. Pitching is not an easy task for any player, let alone for those who continue to take the job at the helm. Still, that doesn’t stop the latest pitchers from shining at the top of the big stage to show their worth and elevate their level of play. In fact, both Skenes and Skubal have impressed well to top their respective leagues, showing how they have become elite pitchers this season so far. But the season is far from over, and there’s a lot of expectations that the season will bring out the best of the best from these pitchers while they help their respective clubs win. At this rate, nothing has surprised MLB fans more than the sudden rise of these elite pitchers now more than ever. A Skenes and Skubal Domination Tarik Skubal continues to be the runaway vote-getter in the American League as he continues to play at a high level. Let’s not forget the fact that he is also the defending Cy Young award winner, which says a lot about his strong potential to repeat as a winner again. He continues to be on an absolute tear with just one run allowed in the last 23 2/3 innings to lower his ERA to 2.16. On the other hand, Skenes has also been phenomenal in his games. His recent seven-pitch mix has allowed him to evolve faster than what he achieved in his massive rookie season, and now he continues to shine at a high level as one of the top pitchers in the National League. These two stars have been on the shining ground for today’s list, and it is easy to expect that they will be the ones to continue to dominate the game on the pitching side as they are seriously making some dominant performances now more than ever. Max Fried and Zack Wheeler also deserve some praise for their individual performances, and this should give them a strong chance to contend for the top spots. After all, it is still a long way to October. Setting Expectations At this rate, both Skenes and Skubal are poised to come up with a big win in the Cy Young awards on their respective leagues. Skubal has been quite the performer, but it is also worth noting that he has the highest first-place votes so far, which makes a lot of impressive note on the way he is performing right now. Skenes, on the other hand, also continues to shine bright on his own, and it is definitely his time to be a runaway winner for the Cy Young at this point. With the way his only rival – Yoshinobu Yamamoto – is playing right now, maybe Skenes indeed does have a chance to take the award home for himself and deliver a fantastic finish that he’s been waiting for. That said, there are still a lot of contenders to look out for outside of these two, and even Fried and Wheeler. The likes of Garrett Crochet, Hunter Brown, and Kris Bubic also round off the AL’s top performers, while Yamamoto, MacKenzie Gore, and Logan Webb also round up the NL’s list.