A.J. Puk has quickly established himself as the primary closer for the Arizona Diamondbacks, successfully converting both of the team's saves early in the season. Despite some career challenges against right-handed hitters, his impressive stats from last season (1.72 ERA, 0.75 WHIP) suggest he has the potential to dominate the role alongside Justin Martinez, who is also making waves with a 45.0 K-BB% thus far. The Atlanta Braves, meanwhile, are struggling despite their expected positive regression, with Rasiel Iglesias emerging as a potential buy-low candidate in fantasy leagues.

In the Boston Red Sox's bullpen, Aroldis Chapman is stepping into the closer's role, especially with Liam Hendriks sidelined. Chapman showed an uptick in performance post-All-Star break last year, making him a valuable fantasy asset. In contrast, the Chicago Cubs face uncertainty with Ryan Pressley leading saves but his high SIERA raises concerns. The White Sox, still without a save this season, are leaning towards Mike Clevinger, who has yet to prove effective.

Over in Cincinnati, Emilio Pagán is taking charge as the preferred ninth-inning option, but concerns about Alexis Díaz's performance when he returns from injury linger. The Colorado Rockies’ Seth Halvorsen has managed to get a save, though Coors Field remains a variable. The Detroit Tigers are also navigating murky waters with Tommy Kahnle likely to secure the closer's job, while the Los Angeles Angels, surprisingly leading the league in save opportunities, are getting solid returns from Kenley Jansen.

As the season progresses, keep an eye on the Miami Marlins' Anthony Bender, who has already notched a save, and the Milwaukee Brewers, who are still searching for their first save opportunity. With the season only just beginning, the evolving closer landscape will be crucial for fantasy players looking to fill key roster spots.

The 2025 MLB season is underway, and savvy fantasy baseball players are scouring the waiver wire to enhance their rosters. This week’s top pickups include promising names such as Cam Smith, Kristian Campbell, and Matt Shaw, who have demonstrated strong performances early in the season. Smith, a third baseman, boasts a 46% roster rate and is a must-add in all leagues, while Campbell, the Boston Red Sox’s second baseman, is also a hot pick with a 39% roster rate after hitting his first home run. The article emphasizes the importance of keeping up with player news, including injuries and emerging talent, to make informed waiver decisions.

Other notable picks include Bowden Francis, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and several pitchers like A.J. Puk and Drew Rasmussen, each recommended for deeper leagues. The article recommends evaluating players based on their early-season performances and potential to fill gaps in your lineup. With a comprehensive list of 100 players, fantasy managers can prioritize their waiver wire strategies effectively. Stay ahead by monitoring the latest updates and adjusting your roster accordingly.

As the 2025 MLB season approaches, fantasy managers' focus shifts to final roster adjustments and identifying last-minute FAAB targets. Notable names include Hayden Birdsong of the San Francisco Giants, who has excelled in spring training with an impressive strikeout rate and zero walks. Meanwhile, Justin Verlander, now with the Giants, is rebounding after injury setbacks, showing strong performance in his outings. Baltimore Orioles' Tomoyuki Sugano, transitioning from Japan, has made a mark by maintaining a solid ERA during spring training, while A.J. Puk of the Arizona Diamondbacks could split save opportunities, making him a valuable pick in leagues. Jose Alvarado of the Philadelphia Phillies is also reclaiming high-leverage spots after a tumultuous previous season. In the catcher position, Joey Bart from the Pittsburgh Pirates stands out after a breakout previous season and strong spring performance.

The National League West remains a battleground as teams vie for roster spots ahead of the season. The Arizona Diamondbacks are focusing on center field, with Jake McCarthy edging out Alek Thomas based on their early performances. While McCarthy's speed has proven valuable, Thomas has yet to deliver consistent power. The fifth starter role sees Brandon Pfaadt and Ryne Nelson in contention, while Justin Martinez and A.J. Puk compete to become the closer after Paul Sewald's departure.

Meanwhile, the Colorado Rockies are evaluating their right field options, with Hunter Goodman, Jordan Beck, and Zac Veen in the mix. Goodman’s dual role at catcher complicates things, and veterans may fill the gap if the youngsters don’t impress. Chase Dollander, the promising rookie, is expected to start in the minors due to spring struggles, while Seth Halvorsen appears to be the most viable closing option despite a historically tough environment for Rockies relievers. The Los Angeles Dodgers focus on second base and center field, with Tommy Edman likely starting regularly as the team assesses Hyeseong Kim's power revamp. Dustin May has secured the fifth starter role, but injury concerns loom for Tony Gonsolin.

Identifying pitching sleepers for the upcoming baseball season can offer a significant advantage in fantasy leagues. A.J. Puk is emerging as a hidden gem for Arizona, boasting an impressive statistical profile that includes a 1.72 ERA and a SIERA of 2.16. Grant Holmes of the Braves, with a strong strikeout-to-walk ratio, is set to benefit from a potent Atlanta lineup. Meanwhile, Nick Lodolo’s potential to rebound after an injury makes him an enticing option for Cincinnati. Spencer Arrighetti of the Astros is a notable sleeper, showing promise with a solid CSW rate, while Jesús Tinoco may unseat Calvin Faucher as Miami's closer. Lastly, keep an eye on Clay Holmes with the Mets and Clarke Schmidt with the Yankees; both have compelling cases to be fantasy mainstays this season.