Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire 2025: Top Pickups & Sleepers of the Week, Every Week

While nailing your fantasy baseball draft is always the first step towards having a great season, make no mistake about it, leagues are won and LOST on the waiver wire.

There is nothing more important in fantasy baseball than being proactive. Whether that is picking up one of the hottest hitters in MLB to ride the wave, or if it means identifying players who are off the radar entirely that are your best stash players in MLB.

In fantasy, you want to be deep in the waiver wire constantly, making sure you never get too complacent with your roster and continue to make weekly waiver wire pickups whenever an opportunity arises.

Throughout the 2025 Fantasy Baseball season, this post is going to be your home to stay on top of the MLB waiver wire, so that you don’t miss any of the diamonds in the rough that can transform your fantasy lineup.

Also, since players often sit on the waiver wire for more than just one week, we will keep up to three weeks of wires saved at the bottom of each update. Just in case you miss a week, and a player has slipped through the cracks in your league longer than they should have.

Without further ado, let’s dive into our latest update of the top players you should have your eye on this week’s waiver wire!

Best Waiver Wire Pickups This Week: June 16th, 2025

We are back for another week of waiver wire pickups. Although notable prospects like Roman Anthony, Jacob Misiorowski, and Christian Moore have made their debuts recently, we don’t have any on this waiver wire addition.

What we do have are a few veterans who have worked their way back into the fantasy value conversation along with a cheat code of a pitcher who will steal you some innings. Without further ado, let’s dive in.

Stats as of first pitch June 15. Ownership percentages via ESPN.

Alejandro Kirk – C – Toronto Blue Jays (46%)

2024 Stats: .322/.363/.433, 5 HR, 31 RBI

Kirk has returned to fantasy relevance after being on a hiatus since 2022. The contact oriented, low strikeout and low power bat is currently hitting everything and his .322 average is tough to ignore. Not only is he hitting, but the power has ticked up slightly already matching last seasons home run output in half the games.

As I mentioned last week with Kyle Teel, finding offensive catchers in June can be difficult. If you are struggling to get production from the position I highly suggest leaning into picking up whoever’s hot and riding it until they cool off. In Kirk’s case, you might get the rest of the season with how great he’s been.

Jose Quintana – SP – Milwaukee Brewers (13.2%)

2025 Stats: 48.1 IP, 3.35 ERA, 1.43 FIP, 35 K

Quintana has never been the sexiest pickup, but we have all rostered him before. His strikeouts have continued to go down as he ages but his ability to miss barrels still makes him effective enough. I’m not expecting huge numbers but I am sure you are dealing with injuries and Quinatana can help.

I’m mostly relying on a veteran who continues to prove time and time again that’s he’s a perfectly fine back end option. In a fantasy space where chasing upside is fun, sometimes having the steady option is more important.

Jeff McNeil – UTL – New York Mets (18.8%)

2025 Stats: .268/.361/.528, 7 HR, 22 RBI

Now here’s a name you shallow leaguers likely haven’t considered in some time. McNeil was an asset in 2022 when he won the batting title and actually has a higher wRC+ (146) this season. His .268 average is good enough to help you out but his .260 ISO is a career best and worth noting.

McNeil is on pace to blow past his average of about 10 home runs and his positional flexibility will help construct your lineups. He’s once again a key part of a good offense so run production opportunities will be there.

Shelby Miller – RP – Arizona Diamondbacks (9.9%)

2025 Stats: 28.2 IP, 1.57 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 29 K, 7 SV

Rostering “Closers: has never been more difficult. More and more teams are leaning into the closer by committee approach and Arizona was no different. However, Justin Martinez and AJ Puk have both hit the shelf giving Miller a clearer path to collecting saves.

He’s already collected seven saves and has looked fantastic while doing so. The Diamondbacks are good enough to warrant a roster spot for their (now) primary closer. Keep a close eye on this one because Miller could slip.

Sawyer Gipson-Long – P – Detroit Tigers (5.9%)

2025 Stats: 8.1 IP, 4.32 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 8 K

Gipson-Long has just returned form over 600 days off due to injury. While he’s not a household name, trust me when I say his stuff is gross. He has the ability to be a good back end option with strikeout potential but the role he is in is something you can capitalize on.

Gipson-Long has been working bulk innings after a starter. IF you are in a league where you have a limited number of starts Gipson-Long can give you starter innings without counting towards your total number of starts. We’ll see how long this cheat code works but ride it until it fails.

Wait and See

Jo Adell (OF – Los Angeles Angels), Hunter Dobbins (SP – Boston Red Sox), Grant Holmes (SP – Atlanta Braves)

Jo Adell and his power have been a hot topic in the fantasy space. I wrote more in-depth on Adell here if you are interested in a longer breakdown. While I like the adjustments he has made, I want a larger sample before I give a roster spot away. If I miss out, so be it.

Dobbins has been a name on the waiver wire due to his 3.74 ERA through 55.1 innings with Boston. He’s similar enough to Quintana and maybe has the upside, but I went with the track record instead. Holmes has allowed three or less runs in each start since the beginning of May. He does have strikeout ability but I personally have not been a huge believer. Maybe I need to change my mind, but I’m cautious for now.

Best Waiver Wire Pickups This Week: June 9th, 2025

The players listed below were featured in our waiver wire article from last week. Stats as of first pitch June 8th. Ownership percentages via ESPN.

Kyle Teel – C – Chicago White Sox (4.1%)

2025 Stats: .375/.500/.375, 0 HR

Teel is the big name prospect that was called up this week. Acquired in the Garrett Crochet deal, Teel hammered Triple-A pitching to the tune of a .295/.394/.492 slash and 130 wRC+ prior to his promotion. He should see plenty of run with Chicago while also sliding into the middle of the order.

I am usually more of a wait and see than rush to the waiver wire type when it comes to prospects but Teel is different. First, I love his bat and think he’ll get prime position in the batting order over time. Second, catcher can be a difficult postion to replace if you failed in the draft so take advantage now!

Christian Encarnacion-Strand – 1B/3B – Cincinnati Reds (4.9%)

2025 Stats: .209/.229/.433, 4 HR, 72 wRC+

CES has lost the better part of this year and last due to injury but is back and swinging a hot stick. In a tiny sample since returning from injury CES has been more patient and chasing less which I think is the key to unlocking his potential.

You won’t find many players with this type of power on the waiver wire. Also, CES played third on Sunday and if that continues he’ll bring added versatility to your team. I understand waiting if you are in a shallow league but I think he’s a must pick up in 12 or deeper.

Landen Roupp – SP – San Francisco Giants (21.3%)

2025 Stats: 64.2 IP, 3.48 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 62 K

Roupp has sold me on his move from the bullpen back to the rotation this season. He’s striking out nearly 9 K/9 and has improved his walk rate from a season ago. The 3.18 ERA and 3.47 FIP look real and I think he’s the next good pitcher the Giants have developed.

His curveball/sinker duo is pretty unqiue but also effective. He’s been able to limit hard contact and keep the ball on the ground which is also a great profile for fantasy owners. I expect him to continue to get picked up and if you don’t act now he’ll be gone within a week.

Abraham Toro – 1B/3B – Boston Red Sox (1.5%)

2025 Stats: .325/.338/.506, 3 HR, 130 wRC+

Am I truly a believer in Abraham Toro in 2025? Hell no. But, I know a hot streak when I see one. The Red Sox have made some head-scratching moves with addressing first, and the Bregman injury opened the door for more AAAA talent to get at-bats. Toro should continue to play enough for you to scoop him.

This move likely buys you a week or so. Very deep leagues maybe longer. One aspect of Toro’s game I have always liked is how little he strikes out, which could be important depending on your scoring. Ride the hot hand and see what happens.

Lance McCullers – SP – Houston Astros (19.6%)

2025 Stats: 24.1 IP, 4.44 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 33 K

It just feels right seeing McCullers back on the mound. After dusting off the arm, McCullers has settled in over his past two outings, each going six innings with one allowing three runs and the latter allowing none.

I’m not sure what to make of McCullers so far, especially because his two best outings were against the A’s and Pirates. However, a guy with his track record who currently has a 12.21 K/9 is worth picking up and seeing what happens.

Wait and See

Roman Anthony (OF- Boston Red Sox), Thairo Estrada (2B – Colorado Rockies), Jac Caglianone (1B – Kansas City Royals)

Let’s start with the prospects. Cag’s was recently recalled after destroying the minors and many have already picked him up. I want to see how he handles major league pitching first, even if the power potential is tough to pass up. Anthony continues to get picked up while in the minors but I think the Red Sox already have too many outfielders and it could be closer to the deadline before it’s sorted out.

Estrada is off to a good start with the Rockies slashing .308/.321/.423 through his first seven games. However, he has not walked and I don’t think even Coors will help his power enough to make it worth it. So much is riding on him hitting for average and I don’t think he’ll keep up the .300 pace.

Best Waiver Wire Pickups This Week: June 2nd, 2025

The players listed below were featured in our waiver wire article from two weeks ago. Stats as of first pitch June 1st. Ownership percentages via ESPN.

Max Muncy – 3B – Los Angeles Dodgers (27%)

2025 Stats: .220/.341/.382, 6 HR, 106 wRC+

Muncy can be a frustrating player to have on your team. The cold stretches pretty rough but you can still count on a 15% walk rate to help you out. Over the past month Muncy has posted an .883 OPS with five of his six home runs and as many walks as strikeouts.

I don’t think the power will be what it once was, but Muncy can still bring you value. Not only is he on a hot streak, but anyone playing for the Dodgers gets a bump due to the potential run production. Scoop him up and ride the hot streak.

Ryan Weathers – SP – Miami Marlins (26.6%)

2025 Stats: 15.2 IP, 8.62 K/9, 1.15 ERA, 3.60 FIP

Weathers was mentioned as a pick up earlier this season while he was still on the IL, but I want to make sure you are reminded again. His 1.15 ERA is impressive but is even more noteworthy when you consider his three starts included one against the Padres and two versus the Cubs.

His start on Sunday (not included in stats) was a bit shaky, but he still produced seven strikeouts. I don’t think Weathers is trending toward ace by any means, but will be a solid addition to your team and perhaps fill a spot you have needed to stream in the past.

Alex Burleson – OF/1B – St. Louis Cardinals (26.8%)

2025 Stats: .278/.323/.404, 4 HR, 103 wRC+

I think the Cardinals are all but finished with giving Jordan Walker a runway. That alone should open more at-bats for Burleson, who has a .928 OPS over the past month. Although he’s a platoon option, in deeper leagues he’s worth a shot due to his relatively high floor and positional flexibility.

I’m not too worried about the power output. Burleson is still putting up a 91.5 mph average exit velocity and only a 17.5% whiff rate. He’s making a lot of quality contact and it’s only a matter of time before he starts lifting the ball more.

Addison Barger – 3B/OF – Toronto Blue Jays (3.1%)

2025 Stats: .267/.336/.466, 4 HR, 125 wRC+

Barger struggled in his first stint with the Blue Jays last season but looked like a more comfortable batter this go around. He’s dropped his strikeout rate by six percent while bumping his walk rate by two percent. Combine that with elite contact while lifting the ball, and the possibilities of a productive player are high.

The Blue Jays have not used Barger against lefties too often, but that could change. He’s held his own (.250/.368/.375) in a small sample that should grow over time. While I don’t think he’ll put up big numbers against southpaws it will at least keep his bat in your lineup.

Jameson Taillon – SP – Chicago Cubs (44.5%)

2025 Stats: 63 IP, 7.29 K/9, 3.86 ERA, 5.13 FIP

Taillon has had up and down fantasy seasons throughout his career but you can always count on at least one stretch where he’s worth rostering. He’s been mostly effective this season with each start resulting in three or fewer runs outside of one against the Mets and one against the Diamondbacks.

His next few starts are lining up to come against better competition so beware. Pick your spots wisely as you will not be able to fall back on high strikeouts. But, if we are in one of those Taillon stretches, he could steal you a few weeks.

Wait and See

Cole Young (2B – Seattle Mariners), Marcelo Mayer (INF – Boston Red Sox), Ha-Seong Kim (SS – Tampa Bay Rays), Brandon Lowe (2B – Tampa Bay Rays)

Two highly regarded infield prospects were both called up, and Mayer is off to a cold start. I think there’s a lot of upside but I worry about it coming in this season. I wonder how much power will translate right away and if the swing-and-miss will be too much. Young comes with great bat-to-ball skills, but I just want to see more before dropping a player in order to scoop him.

The two Tampa players are pretty straightforward. Kim is currently on rehab and should return soon and become an option in deeper leagues or for owners dealing with injuries. Lowe is on one of his hot streaks, but the swing-and-miss combined with how poorly he handles lefties always makes me weary of adding him.

Best Waiver Wire Pickups This Week: May 26th, 2025

The players listed below were featured in our waiver wire article from three weeks ago. Stats as of first pitch May 25th. Ownership percentages via ESPN.

Chase Meidroth – SS/2B/3B – Chicago White Sox (14.7%)

2025 Stats: .307/.391/.376, 1 HR, 8 SB

I understand if you have not been tuned into the White Sox, but rookie Chase Meidroth is carving out a significant role in Chicago. When the calendar flipped to May Meidroth has be giving the leadoff spot and slashed .313/.374/.398 with all eight stolen bases from the one hole.

The lack of power hurts his value, but his contact is elite and so are his swing decisions. A 13.9% strikeout rate and 12.2% walk rate are going to help him get on base enough to make it worth it. Add in his speed and positional flexibility and there’s plenty of value.

Logan Henderson – SP – Milwaukee Brewers (47.5%)

2025 Stats: 16 IP, 1.69 ERA, 0.81 WHIP, 23 K

What a fun watch Henderson has been. Only three starts, but each included four or less hits, two or less runs, and seven or more strikeouts. High spin rates produce great movement that allows his lower velocity offerings to still be effective.

The Brewers have gained their reputation of a pitching lab for a reason. Right or wrong, I’m willing to take a chance on any of their pitchers that show a sign of life early in their careers. Henderson’s plus swing and miss stuff should not sneak through the waiver wire.

Jack Leiter – SP – Texas Rangers (20.5%)

2025 Stats: 41 IP, 4.17 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 30 K

Leiter has had a unique start to the season. He’s faced some difficult opponents, had a blow-up start, and three times allowed more runs than hits. Walking batters has been an issue, however, his pitch mix has changed from last season, now relying on a sinker at a higher clip and his four seamer much less.

You can see the flashes when watching his starts. He’s coming off back-to-back quality starts and something tells me he’s turning a corner. Mix in a few more strikeouts and he could be a value in the back of your fantasy rotation.

Eury Perez – SP – Miami Marlins (9.6%)

2025 Stats: N/A, Injured

Let’s not forget just how good Eury Perez was as a 20-year-old in 2023. Across 19 starts, he posted a 3.15 ERA, 28.9% strikeout rate, and 33.7% whiff rate. A four-pitch mix with three producing over a 40% whiff rate. ELITE for a 20-year-old.

It’s as simple as this. No, other pitchers with a 9.6% ownership are going to offer as much upside. When exactly he returns is still up in the air but he is on rehab and he’s worth picking up now and holding a roster spot before others flock to him next week.

Parker Meadows – OF – Detroit Tigers (3.8%)

2025 Stats: N/A, Injured

Similar to Perez, Meadows is on rehab and set to join the Tigers soon. After a miserable start to his 2024 campaign, Meadows was demoted only to return and put up a stellar second half. Across 47 games Meadows slashed .296/.340/.500 with six home runs and 5 stolen bases.

The Tigers have been one of the best teams in baseball and Meadows could slide into the leadoff spot, unless Hinch sticks with Carpenter there. Regardless, Meadows has a blend of power and speed that will help your fantasy lineup.

Ivan Herrera – C – St. Louis Cardinals (45%)

2025 Stats: .394/.474/.712, 5 HR

The Cardinals have their next long term catcher, and he’s a good one. Sure, the sample size of 20 games is small but Herrera put up a 127 wRC+ last season across 72 games, as well. He’s already tied his home run output from last season. I’m fully buying into his bat and increased power output.

St. Louis has bounced back from a down season and Herrera is a big part of their recent good play. There should be no issues with playing time, either.

Wait and See

Drake Baldwin (C- Atlanta Braves), Denzel Clarke (OF – Athletics), Cubs Closer Situation

Don’t get me wrong. I think Baldwin is a stud and should eventually demand roster spots. However, the current timeshare with Sean Murphy makes it hard for me to roster a player who is not playing every day. Clarke, a tall, lanky, speedy outfielder, has replaced JJ Bleday in center. He’s sacrificed power for less strikeouts, but has the tools to be an option. I’m just not ready yet.

The Cubs have had six different players record a save with Ryan Pressly being the only to record more than two. Daniel Palencia is this weeks hot name after Porter Hodge’s injury news. To be frank, I don’t think the Cubs “closer” is on the roster right now. I expect them to add closer to the deadline. Play musical chairs, if you wish.