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14 hours ago
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Mets at Phillies prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends, and stats for June 20
It's Friday, June 20 and the Mets (45-30) are in Philadelphia to take on the Phillies (45-30). Blade Tidwell is slated to take the mound for New York against Zack Wheeler for Philadelphia. The Phillies are 7-1 in the last eight games and 8-2 over the past 10 to follow up a 0-5 and 1-9 stretch of play. Philadelphia took three out of four against Miami despite outscoring the Marlins 14-13. Advertisement The Mets are on a six-game losing streak after being swept by Tampa Bay and Atlanta. New York has scored 14 runs in that span with three games of one or fewer run. New York swept Philadelphia earlier this season at home, so this appears to be good timing for the Phillies to win the series and attempt to extract revenge in the form of a series sweep. Let's dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two. We've got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch first pitch, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts. Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long. Game details & how to watch Mets at Phillies Date: Friday, June 20, 2025 Time: 7:15PM EST Site: Citizens Bank Park City: Philadelphia, PA Network/Streaming: Apple TV+ Advertisement Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out. Odds for the Mets at the Phillies The latest odds as of Friday: Moneyline: Mets (+156), Phillies (-187) Spread: Phillies -1.5 Total: 8.0 runs Probable starting pitchers for Mets at Phillies Pitching matchup for June 20, 2025: Blade Tidwell vs. Zack Wheeler Mets: Blade Tidwell, (0-1, 14.73 ERA) Last outing: 3.2 Innings Pitched, 6 Earned Runs Allowed, 9 Hits Allowed, 3 Walks, and 2 Strikeouts Phillies: Zack Wheeler, (7-2, 2.76 ERA) Last outing: 6.0 Innings Pitched, 1 Earned Runs Allowed, 4 Hits Allowed, 0 Walks, and 9 Strikeouts Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type! Expert picks & predictions for tonight's game between the Mets and the Phillies Rotoworld Best Bet Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700. Advertisement Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts. Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager. Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Friday's game between the Mets and the Phillies: Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Philadelphia Phillies on the Moneyline. Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the New York Mets at +1.5. Total: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the over on the Game Total of 8.0. Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC. Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Mets at Phillies The Phillies have won 5 of their last 6 games at home 4 of the Mets' last 5 matchups against NL East teams have gone under the Total The Mets have failed to cover the Run Line in 7 of their last 9 games New York is 3-0 on the ML against Philadelphia this season New York is 0-1 on the ML when Blake Tidwell pitches this season Philadelphia is 10-4 on the ML when Zack Wheeler pitches this season Advertisement If you're looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports! Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:
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17 hours ago
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Royals at Padres Prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends, and stats for June 20
It's Friday, June 20 and the Royals (37-38) are in San Diego to take on the Padres (40-34). Michael Lorenzen is slated to take the mound for Kansas City against Nick Pivetta for San Diego. Despite picking up the win against the Texas Rangers, the Royals' struggles continue. They are just 4-6 in their last 10 games and are 10.5 games behind the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central. Advertisement The Padres have struggled as well. Even though they won yesterday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, they have won just three of their last 10 and are 5.0 games back from first in the NL West. Let's dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two. We've got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts. Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long. Game details & how to watch Royals at Padres Date: Friday, June 20, 2025 Time: 9:40PM EST Site: Petco Park City: San Diego, CA Network/Streaming: Apple TV+ Advertisement Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out. Odds for the Royals at the Padres The latest odds as of Friday: Moneyline: Royals (+154), Padres (-184) Spread: Padres -1.5 Total: 8.0 runs Probable starting pitchers for Royals at Padres Pitching matchup for June 20, 2025: Michael Lorenzen vs. Nick Pivetta Royals: Michael Lorenzen, (4-7, 4.91 ERA) Last outing (Athletics, 6/14): 6.0 Innings Pitched, 3 Earned Runs Allowed, 4 Hits Allowed, 3 Walks, and 4 Strikeouts Padres: Nick Pivetta, (7-2, 3.40 ERA) Last outing (Arizona Diamondbacks, 6/15): 7.0 Innings Pitched, 2 Earned Runs Allowed, 2 Hits Allowed, 1 Walks, and 9 Strikeouts Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries, and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions, and news type! Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Royals at Padres The Royals are on a 3-game winning streak The Under is 21-15-1 in the Royals' road games this season The Royals have failed to cover the Run Line in 3 straight matchups against the Padres Advertisement If you're looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline, and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports! Expert picks & predictions for tonight's game between the Royals and the Padres Rotoworld Best Bet Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700. Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread, and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information, and weather forecasts. Advertisement Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager. Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Friday's game between the Royals and the Padres: Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline. Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Kansas City Royals at +1.5. Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the over on the Game Total of 8.0. Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:
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2 days ago
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Brewers at Cubs Prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends, and stats for June 18
It's Wednesday, June 18 and the Brewers (39-35) are in Chicago to take on the Cubs (45-28). Jacob Misiorowski is slated to take the mound for Milwaukee against Jameson Taillon for Chicago. The Cubs won game one 5-3 last night against the Brewers. Ben Brown started on the mound for the Cubs. He struck out five batters and gave up six hits and two earned runs in 5.0 innings pitched. Advertisement The Cubs have now extended their lead in the NL Central to 6.5 games. Let's dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two. We've got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts. Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long. Game details & how to watch Brewers at Cubs Date: Wednesday, June 18, 2025 Time: 8:05PM EST Site: Wrigley Field City: Chicago, IL Network/Streaming: Marquee Sports Network, FanDuel Sports Network Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out. Odds for the Brewers at the Cubs The latest odds as of Wednesday: Advertisement Moneyline: Brewers (+130), Cubs (-156) Spread: Cubs -1.5 Total: 8.0 runs Probable starting pitchers for Brewers at Cubs Pitching matchup for June 18, 2025: Jacob Misiorowski vs. Jameson Taillon Brewers: Jacob Misiorowski, (1-0, 0.00 ERA) Last outing (St Louis Cardinals, 6/12): 5.0 Innings Pitched, 0 Earned Runs Allowed, 0 Hits Allowed, 4 Walks, and 5 Strikeouts Cubs: Jameson Taillon, (7-3, 3.48 ERA) Last outing (Pittsburgh Pirates, 6/12): 6.1 Innings Pitched, 2 Earned Runs Allowed, 4 Hits Allowed, 2 Walks, and 7 Strikeouts Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries, and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions, and news type! Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Brewers at Cubs The Cubs have won 3 straight home games with Jameson Taillon starting In the Cubs' home games, this season When Jameson Taillon started a home game on the mound for the Cubs the Under is 5-2 (71%) With Jameson Taillon toeing the rubber betting the Cubs on the Run Line would have returned a 0.97-unit profit in 2025 If you're looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline, and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports! Expert picks & predictions for tonight's game between the Brewers and the Cubs Rotoworld Best Bet Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700. Advertisement Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread, and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information, and weather forecasts. Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager. Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Wednesday's game between the Brewers and the Cubs: Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Chicago Cubs on the Moneyline. Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Milwaukee Brewers at +1.5. Total: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the over on the Game Total of 8.0. Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC Advertisement Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:
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4 days ago
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- NBC Sports
2025 NBA Mock Draft 3.0: 76ers take Edgecombe, Grizzlies select Sorber after Bane trade
There is no offseason in the NBA. Before the Finals have even ended, we already have a blockbuster trade that sent Desmond Bane to Orlando in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four first-round picks, and a pick swap. That deal also slightly altered mock drafts, with pick 16 heading to Memphis, giving the Grizzlies a first-round pick. That doesn't guarantee that they'll hold that pick; they could certainly swing it to another team over the next nine days before the draft begins. Every rumor has indicated that this will be a busy offseason, so it isn't surprising that it got started early. The official draft withdrawal date has officially passed, and a few international prospects, such as Neoklis Avdalas, Ben Henshall, and Momo Faye, withdrew and will reportedly evaluate their options for next season to help improve their stock ahead of the 2026 draft. That leaves the depth of this draft even thinner. Still, there is a ton of talent at the top, and this is how our team thinks the 2025 draft will go with a little over a week before it begins on June 25. Round 1 1. Dallas Mavericks For all the talk about Flagg's high ceiling coming into this draft — MVP candidate, top-five player in the league for a stretch — what's more important is his high floor. That starts with the fact that Flagg is a high-motor, competitive defender whose rim-protecting skills have always been his strength. Flagg is likely a multi-time All-Star at worst. That's what makes his selection such a no-brainer. - Kurt Helin, NBC Sports 2. San Antonio Spurs The obvious choice here for the Spurs is Harper, even if they have multiple talented guards on the roster. He's just that good. It'll be interesting to see how head coach Mitch Johnson utilizes Harper in the rotation with De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle, but Harper has too much upside as a prospect for San Antonio to pass on. He will form a dangerous duo with Victor Wembanyama that could last for at least a decade. - Noah Rubin, Rotoworld 3. Philadelphia 76ers In the eyes of many, the draft begins with the 76ers at No. 3. While Philadelphia may move down in the draft, staying put could net the team an attractive piece for the future. Rutgers' Ace Bailey is a possibility, but so is the ultra-athletic Edgecombe, who would provide a dimension the current 76ers' perimeter rotation lacks. The 6-foot-5 guard does not need the ball in his hands to be impactful on offense, and defensively, he's a high-level competitor. Edgecombe does need to become a more efficient offensive player, but Philadelphia has the talent to compensate for that. - Raphielle Johnson, Rotoworld 4. Charlotte Hornets The Hornets need more talent. A lot more talent. Bailey has the second-highest ceiling of any player in this draft with the build and look at times of a prototypical NBA wing. If he can be that guy and thrive in the spacing of the NBA game — and playing off LaMelo Ball — the Hornets may have a key piece of the future. - Helin 5. Utah Jazz The Jazz have experimented with multiple point guards in recent years, and while Isaiah Collier had a strong rookie year, he wasn't good enough for Utah to avoid drafting another lead ball handler. Fears' efficiency was an issue during his lone season at Oklahoma, but he was productive in a high-usage role in a tough conference after enrolling a year early. The 18-year-old has the potential to solve the point guard problem for the Jazz. - Rubin 6. Washington Wizards While the Wizards did select Alexandre Sarr with the second overall pick in last year's draft, he's more of a modern big who likes to spend equal time on the perimeter and in the paint. Therefore, adding Maluach would not be an issue if he's still on the board. Just 18 years old, the 7-foot-2 center out of Duke is excellent in the paint on both ends of the floor. Maluach will need time to develop, which should not be an issue for a Wizards franchise that fully embraced a rebuild last season. - Johnson 7. New Orleans Saints Whatever the Pelicans roster looks like after Joe Dumars is done tinkering with it this summer, it will need more shooting and guard depth. Knueppel fills those roles. Shooting is his strength — he hit 40.6 percent of his three-pointers last season for the Blue Devils — and he can do some secondary shot creation, while also being a solid defender. He can step right in and give Willie Green some minutes. - Helin 8. Brooklyn Nets This is just the start of a long rebuild for Brooklyn, and Johnson would be an excellent piece to add. He is one of the best shooters and scorers in the draft and will immediately provide the Nets with a potential franchise player. He'll have a chance to develop other aspects of his game over the next few seasons, but the scoring should be there from day one. Though Flagg will be the heavy favorite, Johnson would be a dark horse candidate to win Rookie of the Year in a situation like Brooklyn. - Rubin 9. Toronto Raptors Current starting center Jakob Poeltl has one guaranteed season remaining on his current contract, with a player option for 2026-27. While teams don't usually go for need in the draft, this is a spot where the Raptors can do so while also getting the best available player on the board. Queen is a versatile big who boasts a polished offensive skill set that still has ample room for growth. His perimeter shot improved late in his lone season at Maryland, and there's also the ability to facilitate for others. Queen does need to improve defensively, but having Poeltl will give the Raptors time to develop the rookie on that end of the floor. - Johnson 10. Houston Rockets (via PHX) The Rockets are expected to extend Fred VanVleet this summer, but they need some point guard depth behind him and Jakucionis can be that guy. He's a strong floor general who understands how to run an offense, is a creative passer, and averaged 15.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.8 assists a game last season. Ultimately, how good he is depends on his shooting and defense, but he's going to be in the NBA for a long time. - Helin 11. Portland Trail Blazers Essengue is still playing for Ratiopharm Ulm right now, so he wasn't able to attend the NBA Draft Combine. However, he had some measurements done recently that put him at 6-10 without shoes on, which is a bit taller than expected, along with nearly a 7-1 wingspan. He's not a ball-dominant player, and he does a little bit of everything else, which will help him fit in right away with Portland's young core. He will provide them with another formidable perimeter defender on the wing, and Scoot Henderson should be able to find him for some easy shots at the rim. If the Trail Blazers want to turn a corner this year, Essengue can contribute immediately, but he also won't turn 19 years old until December. - Rubin 12. Chicago Bulls With long-time starter Nikola Vucevic and backup Zach Collins both entering the final season of their respective contracts, there may be an added sense of urgency to add a young big to the fold. The Bulls can do that here by selecting Murray-Boyles, a versatile frontcourt player who can be used at power forward or center. The basketball IQ, tenacity and defensive ability help compensate for Murray-Boyles' lack of height, and the Bulls have the scorers (and in Vucevic, a floor-spacer) needed to cover for his limited perimeter shooting. - Johnson 13. Atlanta Hawks (via SAC) Onyeka Okongwu is the starting center in Atlanta, and with Clint Capela almost certainly gone via free agency, the Hawks want some depth at the five. Wolf gives them that. He has a strong feel for the game with guard-like passing skills. He may not defend well enough (or be explosive enough as an athlete) to be a starting five, but he has an NBA role. - Helin 14. San Antonio Spurs (via ATL) Bryant has been a late riser in this class, and there is a decent chance he goes earlier than this when the draft rolls around next week. However, San Antonio would be thrilled if the board fell like this. Bryant didn't play a large role at Arizona, but the upside here is tremendous, especially on defense. With Wembanyama healthy, the Spurs will be looking to return to the playoffs next season. Bryant has the ability to contribute early on defensively, with upside to turn into much, much more. - Rubin 15. Oklahoma City Thunder (via MIA) Do the Thunder need another point guard? Probably not, especially with 2024 first-round pick Nikola Topic due to be available after sitting out this season with a torn ACL. However, Demin is the best available player on the board, and he has the size to play multiple positions. How successful he is at the NBA level will depend on his perimeter shot, which needs a lot of work. The good news here is that Oklahoma City has enough talent to remain patient in developing Demin. - Johnson 16. Memphis Grizzlies (via ORL) Memphis has this pick as one of the stunning four first-round picks it got in the Desmond Bane trade. That trade also gave the Grizzlies good guard depth (with the additions of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cole Anthony), so they may look for more help along the front line. Sorber is a bit undersized for an NBA center (6-9) but his 7-6 wingspan and strong NBA build will allow him to play inside, and he has a good feel for the game. - Helin 17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET) Coward only played six games last season before a torn labrum ended his year early. He committed to transfer to Duke next season, but his name rose up draft boards, and he opted to forego another year in college. Based on the number of other players that opted to return to school and enjoy NIL money while improving their draft stock, Coward wouldn't have done that if he wasn't going in the first round. He boasts a 7-2 wingspan, and he's a knockdown shooter. He should immediately provide Minnesota with yet another two-way wing. - Rubin 18. Washington Wizards (via MEM) Considered by some to be a lottery pick early in the pre-draft process, Richardson's measurements at the combine negatively impacted how he's viewed in some circles. While he does not possess the size most teams prefer off-ball scorers to have, the former Michigan State standout has the offensive skill set required of a combo guard. While the Wizards added Bub Carrington to the mix in last year's draft, the team is still in rebuilding mode. And if Richardson is available here, Washington would be hard-pressed to leave him on the board. - Johnson 19. Brooklyn Nets (via MIL) The Nets head into the draft needing... everything. McNeeley thrived at Montverde Academy (on the same team as Flagg and Queen) but was pushed into a role as a primary shot creator for Dan Hurley and the Huskies, which was not a fit. The Nets are betting he can return to his high school form and be part of their wing rotation. - Helin 20. Miami Heat (via GSW) Every year, it feels like there is a pick that is a match made in heaven for the Heat. It usually ends up being a tough, two-way player who can contribute immediately. Clifford feels like that guy this year. At 23 years old, he doesn't have the same room for growth that some of the other players in this class do, but he should be at least a rotation piece from day one, with the upside to start as a rookie. Miami isn't going to kickstart a rebuild this year, and adding Clifford will help them improve the roster. - Rubin 21. Utah Jazz (via MIN) The 7-1 Raynaud is one of the most skilled big men in this draft class. During his time at Stanford, the All-ACC center showed off the ability to score from all over the floor, and his rebounding improved as his career progressed. While the Jazz appear to have their center of the future in Walker Kessler, he's not the most skilled big man offensively. Adding Raynaud would give Utah a floor-spacer in the frontcourt, especially if they were to move John Collins via trade. - Johnson 22. Atlanta Hawks (via LAL) As noted above when I had them drafting Wolf out of Michigan, the Hawks need depth at the five. Beringer is more of a long-term bet. He showed potential as a shot-blocking, rim-running big in the Adriatic League last season, but he's a project. Atlanta is betting on its player development skills here. - Helin 23. Indiana Pacers Once unanimously considered to be a lottery talent, the opinions on Newell have changed. He can still be a phenomenal player, but he may need the right situation for that to happen. Indiana feels like the perfect place for that. He's not much of a shot creator, but the Pacers' style of play will get him easy looks. He's not a great defender, but he'll have Myles Turner behind him to clean things up. Newell also fills some gaps for the Pacers as a backup center that can also spend time at power forward if they want him to. - Rubin 24. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC) Initially projected to be a lock for the draft lottery, Traore's limited perimeter shooting is an issue for some draftniks. However, he's a quick point guard who can be a high-level playmaker for others, provided he keeps the turnovers in check. Oklahoma City certainly doesn't need another point guard, but Traore on the board at this point could be too enticing to pass up. - Johnson 25. Orlando Magic (via DEN) While Orlando moved into a 'win now' mode by trading for Bane, Riley is the best player on the board and a bet by the Magic on their player development and long-term success. The Magic believe in the Riley we saw score 22 points on 12 shots in a win against Xavier in the NCAA tournament (and ignore the times he faded into the background of games this season). - Helin 26. Brooklyn Nets (via NYK) The Nets have a ton of needs, but with Nic Claxton, Noah Clowney and Day'Ron Sharpe on the roster, they do have some centers with upside. That's why it isn't an issue for them to select wings with three of their four first-round picks, even if they opt to address different positions on draft night. Powell played a limited role at North Carolina after entering as a five-star freshman, but he boasts a 7-0 wingspan and a 43-inch vertical. He still has upside as a creator on offense, but it was his 37.9 percent shooting from beyond the arc and his defensive prowess that make him a strong selection for the Nets. - Rubin 27. Brooklyn Nets (via HOU) The Nets have embraced the rebuild, and point guard is a position of need, regardless of what happens with D'Angelo Russell in free agency. So, why not add a point guard who led his team to a national title and can make plays for himself and others? Despite being considered by some to be a bit small for an NBA point guard, Clayton would fit that mold. There's room for him to grow as a finisher, but adding a quality leader with a championship pedigree can work out well for a rebuilding franchise. - Johnson 28. Boston Celtics The Celtics can afford to be patient (not like anyone they were going to draft here was going to come into this veteran team and make a big impact). Gonzalez has good size and feel for the game, and shows real promise as a defender, he has the kind of game that would fit well on the Celtics (or Pacers, or a lot of deep teams), but the question is his shot. He hit just 29 percent from deep last season. Don't be surprised if he spends another year in Spain working on that before coming over. - Helin 29: Phoenix Suns (via CLE) This would be quite the steal for Phoenix. He didn't create much in college, but the 6-9 forward has a 7-5 wingspan and shot 39 percent from deep. The Suns don't have much of their own draft capital over the next five years, so even if they acquire picks in exchange for Kevin Durant, there is no incentive for them to rebuild. Fleming may not have All-Star upside, but he can be a star in his role for Phoenix, which would be an excellent pick for them at the end of the first round. - Rubin 30. Los Angeles Clippers (via OKC) The Clippers are in a good spot regarding the starting center role, as Ivica Zubac is coming off the best season of his career. But there is a need for a backup, and Kalkbrenner can certainly offer value. Three-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year, he made strides as a rebounder and defender during his time in college. Kalkbrenner will need to improve his strength and mobility, but there will be time for him to develop playing on a team that's already set at the center position. - Johnson Round 2: 31. Minnesota Timberwolves (via UTA): Noah Penda, F, Le Mans, France 32. Boston Celtics (via WAS): Kam Jones, G, Marquette 33. Charlotte Hornets: Adou Thiero, F, Arkansas 34. Charlotte Hornets (via NOR): Yanic Konan Niederhauser, C, Penn State 35. Philadelphia 76ers: Hansen Yang, C, Qingdao, China 36. Brooklyn Nets: Ben Saraf, G, Ratiopharm Ulm, Israel 37. Detroit Pistons (via TOR): Bogoljub Marković, F, KK Mega Basket, Serbia 38. San Antonio Spurs: Alex Toohey, F, Sydney Kings 39. Toronto Raptors (via POR): Hunter Sallis, G, Wake Forest 40. Washington Wizards (via PHX): Tyrese Proctor, G, Duke 41. Golden State Warriors (via MIA): Amari Williams, C, Kentucky 42. Sacramento Kings (via CHI): John Tonje, F, Wisconsin 43. Utah Jazz (via DAL): Chaz Lanier, G, Tennessee 44. Oklahoma City Thunder (via ATL): Rocco Zikarsky, C, Brisbane Bullets 45. Chicago Bulls (via SAC): Johni Broome, C, Auburn 46. Orlando Magic: Alijah Martin, G, Florida 47. Milwaukee Bucks (via DET): Ryan Nembhard, G, Gonzaga 48. Memphis Grizzlies (via GSW): Vladislav Goldin, C, Michigan 49. Cleveland Cavaliers (via MIL): Javon Small, G, West Virginia 50. New York Knicks (via MEM): Koby Brea, G/F, Kentucky 51. Los Angeles Clippers (via MIN): Sion James, G, Duke 52. Phoenix Suns (via DEN): Kobe Sanders, G/F, Nevada 53. Utah Jazz (via LAC): Dink Pate, F, Mexico City 54. Indiana Pacers: Micah Peavy, G/F, Georgetown 55. Los Angeles Lakers: Mark Sears, G, Alabama 56. Memphis Grizzlies (via HOU): RJ Luis, G/F, St. John's 57. Orlando Magic (via BOS): Eric Dixon, F, Villanova 58. Cleveland Cavaliers: Lachlan Olbrich, F/C, Illawarra Hawks 59. Houston Rockets (via OKC): Viktor Lakhin, C, Clemson Look back on the highlights from Dylan Harper's 2024-25 season. The star Rutgers guard is projected as a top-5 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Look back on the highlights from Derik Queen's 2024-25 season. The Terrapins freshman center is projected as a lottery pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Look back on the highlights from Danny Wolf's 2024-25 season for the Michigan Wolverines ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft. Look back on the top moments from Thomas Sorber's 2024-25 season for the Georgetown Hoyas ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft. Look back on the highlights from Liam McNeeley's 2024-25 season. The Huskies freshman forward is projected as a first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Look back on the top moments from Will Riley's 2024-25 season for the Illinois Fighting Illini ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft. Ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft, watch highlights from All-American center Ryan Kalkbrenner's 2024-2025 season at Creighton, where he won Big East Defensive Player of the Year and Naismith Defensive Player of the Year.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Fantasy Baseball Dynasty Stock Watch: Konnor Griffin, Luis Peña, Chase Burns headline first-half storylines
With the midway point of the 2025 season rapidly approaching, it feels like the perfect time to take a 10,000 foot overview of the dynasty landscape, which is in the process of undergoing a dramatic overhaul. This week's Dynasty Stock Watch column identifies a handful of compelling prospect-related storylines and players that fantasy managers need to know entering the second half. We've spilled enough electronic ink across Rotoworld's wide range of fantasy baseball-related columns on household names like Roman Anthony and Jac Caglianone in recent weeks. This space digs a little deeper with a focus on the next wave of top prospects that are going to send shockwaves through the fantasy landscape in a couple years. 1) Konnor Griffin and Luis Peña have achieved top-10 dynasty prospect status. Life comes at you fast. Griffin and Peña's meteoric ascents into the top-10 dynasty prospect stratosphere took than a half season as they've spent the past few months destroying the Low-A Florida State and Carolina Leagues, respectively, as two of its youngest position players. The fact that Griffin and Peña remain several hyperspace jumps, respectively, from the big leagues makes it challenging to forecast their long-term future. However, the pair look like potential future five-category impact fantasy contributors, which puts them in some lofty territory already. The unmistakable indicators were there for Griffin when he showed up to spring training a couple months ago and immediately looked like one of the top prospects in baseball. The 19-year-old shortstop, who was selected ninth overall in the 2024 MLB Draft, has hit .317/.376/.519 with eight homers and 25 steals across 46 contests for Low-A Bradenton in a highly impressive professional debut. He leads the entire Florida State League in hits (60) while also ranking second in stolen bases and third in OPS (.895). It's not hyperbolic to say that he looks like a potential fantasy star based on his combination of talent and early-career production. Meanwhile, Peña's long-term stock has risen more than any other prospect in the dynasty landscape as he's torn the cover off the ball in his stateside debut, slashing .344/.407/.563 with five homers and 24 steals across 32 games for Low-A Carolina. The 18-year-old phenom, who put up strong numbers last year in the Dominican Summer League, has displayed above-average plate skills and a power/speed upside combination on-par with other elite shortstop prospects like Sebastian Walcott, Leo De Vries and Jesús Made. According to Baseball America's Geoff Pontes back in late May, Peña is among a handful of prospects in the entire minors that have seen a significant uptick in 90th percentile exit velocity, jumping from 99.9 mph last year to an impressive 106.5 mark. There's a bit of an anchoring effect going on right now where it might take some additional time for some dynasty managers to truly value him in the same neighborhood as those other elite prospects, which creates a buying opportunity. Advertisement 2) In a vast prospect ocean filled with uncertainty, Kevin McGonigle represents a safe harbor. From a purely probabilistic standpoint, McGonigle's combination of elite contact skills and consistent hard contact make him one of the most likely prospects to make the leap to a consistent fantasy contributor at the highest level. The 20-year-old supplemental first-round selection from the 2023 MLB Draft missed one month at the outset of the year after suffering an ankle injury in his season debut, but he's been destroying the Midwest League ever since, hitting .444 (20-for-45) with 10 extra-base hits through 12 games this season for High-A West Michigan. He's still growing into some additional over-the-fence pop, but he looks like the quintessential high-floor fantasy prospect with the potential to emerge as an extremely impactful multi-category impact bat, especially if he manages to stick at second base, which remains one of the weakest position groups in the fantasy landscape. He lacks the stratospheric power/speed combo upside of a Roman Anthony, Walcott, Made, De Vries, Griffin or Peña, but he's rapidly cementing his status as a borderline top-10 dynasty prospect. 3) No pitching prospects improved their stock more than Chase Burns and Jacob Misiorowski during the first half. Let's start with Burns, who has blossomed into arguably the top pitching prospect in baseball over the last few months during his electrifying professional debut, recording a microscopic 1.93 ERA, 0.79 WHIP and 69/9 K/BB ratio across 46 2/3 innings (10 starts) between High-A Dayton and Double-A Chattanooga. The hard-throwing 22-year-old righty, who was the second-overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, has put himself squarely in the Bubba Chandler and Andrew Painter tier of elite starting pitching prospects. The typical risk/reward caveats apply here, as they would with any pitcher, but he's clearly one of the most promising long-term gambles in the dynasty landscape based on his early-career performance in the upper minors. We still need to see the noticeable gains Misiorowski has made in the control department this season, slashing his walk rate from 14.4 percent last year to a more respectable 11.9 percent, stick in the majors if he's going to be a truly impactful fantasy starter. The triple-digit velocity and strikeouts have always been there thanks to his potent fastball/curveball combo, but he's made serious strides this season at the Triple-A level, compiling a sparkling 2.47 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 73/28 K/BB ratio across 58 1/3 innings (12 appearances, 11 starts). The risk that he wouldn't succeed as a start, eventually winding up as a high-leverage reliever, made him one of the more challenging pitching prospects to value for dynasty purposes. He'll continue rising in long-term rankings lists as the likelihood increases that he's going to make it as a starting pitcher. Advertisement 4) Arjun Nimmala and Bryce Rainer are among the fastest rising hitting prospects in the lower minors entering the second half. Unfortunately, Rainer suffered a potentially serious shoulder injury earlier this week and could be facing a lengthy absence. There should be some clarity on his status at some point in the coming days. Prior to the injury, Rainer was ascending into top-25 territory from a dynasty rankings perspective based on his elite exit velocity data relative to his age and level, recording a sky-high 108 mph 90th percentile average exit velocity, per MLB Pipeline. The 19-year-old shortstop, who was selected 11th overall in the 2024 MLB Draft, was hitting .288/.383/.448 with five homers and nine steal across 35 games for Low-A Lakeland in his professional debut. Detroit's front office has done an outstanding job in the Scott Harris era with Rainer looking like another potential franchise cornerstone someday. Speaking of future franchise icons, Nimmala has a chance to be the next one for Toronto in a couple years. The 19-year-old prodigy has looked like an elite fantasy prospect this season at High-A Vancouver, slashing .288/.376/.513 with nine homers and five steals across 48 games. He ranks among the top five in the entire Northwest League this season in hits (55), home runs (nine) and OPS (.889) despite being one of its youngest position players. He's made one of the biggest jumps over the past few months from a long-term dynasty rankings standpoint, ascending to top-25 range status heading into midseason. 5) There's no shortage of interesting pitching prospects in the dynasty landscape. Throwing a dart at the second half of Rotoworld's upcoming Top 500 Dynasty Rankings update typically results in hitting a compelling pitching prospect. They're not quite ready to make the leap to top-50 range status yet in most cases, but they're all compelling. Blue Jays phenom Trey Yesavage might be the closest as he continues to excel in his professional debut. The Athletics have a pair of intriguing arms in southpaw Gage Jump and righty Luis Morales, who have looked extremely impressive this season. Nationals flame-thrower Travis Sykora is healthy again and missing bats. Logan Henderson has emerged as a viable big-league option for the Brewers. The Mets might have the most intriguing arm in this territory in strikeout machine Jonah Tong, who continues to dominate at the Double-A level. Advertisement We haven't even touched on guys who deserve a mention in this space like Robby Snelling (Marlins), Nolan McLean (Mets), Grant Taylor (White Sox), Ryan Sloan (Mariners) and Payton Tolle (Red Sox). Dynasty managers are understandably leery when it comes to pitching prospects, but there are compelling cases for rolling the dice on a bunch of names right now. Bonus) My personal affinity for Aroon Escobar is reaching unhealthy levels. We all have a favorite prospect. Avoiding personal biases or attachments to any singular prospect is an essential component of my overall process when it comes to compiling Rotoworld's dynasty rankings. Change is inevitable and we need to be open to changing our opinions as uncomfortable as it can be in some cases. With that important caveat out of the way, let's talk about Escobar, who is rapidly evolving into one of my favorite prospects in baseball. The 20-year-old infielder has become one of the Phillies top prospects over the last few months, hitting .324/.421/.533 with 10 homers and five steals over 45 games for Low-A Clearwater. He's shown an ability to make consistent hard contact without selling out from an approach standpoint to get to it in games and he looks like a potential impact fantasy contributor at second base in a couple years.
