The early MLB season is ripe for streaming opportunities as teams settle into their schedules. A handful of hitters are well-positioned to make an impact in this crucial early period, especially those in favorable matchups or hitter-friendly ballparks. With weekly transactions in mind, focus on players who are on the waiver wire and likely available in 40% or fewer leagues.

For week one, players like TJ Friedl of the Cincinnati Reds, hitting leadoff, shows promise given his 20/20 potential. Meanwhile, the St. Louis Cardinals' Ivan Herrera has started strong, and Tyler Soderstrom from the Athletics is making waves thanks to his hot start and advantageous Coors Field games. Victor Scott II is stealing bases for the Reds, while Kyle Manzardo is proving his worth as the Guardians' rising star. Seek out these players to enhance your roster this week.

The fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups for outfielders in Week 1 of the 2025 season feature players poised for immediate impact. Wilyer Abreu of the Boston Red Sox has demonstrated impressive power, hitting two home runs on Opening Day, making him a must-add, especially with a favorable schedule ahead. TJ Friedl of the Cincinnati Reds is a comeback story, returning from injury to lead off, and boasts 18 home runs and 27 steals from a previous season, with favorable matchups at Great American Ballpark.
Victor Scott II of the St. Louis Cardinals, despite a rocky start to his career, brings immense stolen base upside. Jung Hoo Lee of the San Francisco Giants, while not a power hitter, offers potential for a solid batting average from the third spot in the lineup. Lastly, Lars Nootbaar is establishing himself as a leadoff option for the Cardinals, showing promise for a 20+ HR, 10+ SB season.

The outfield position in Major League Baseball is shaping up to be a treasure trove for fantasy enthusiasts in 2025. The emergence of breakout candidates, coupled with traditional power hitters, makes for an exciting landscape. Kerry Carpenter of the Detroit Tigers showcased glimpses of his potential last season, despite injury setbacks, hitting .284 with 18 homers. Jasson Dominguez, making a long-awaited full-season debut with the New York Yankees, possesses both speed and power, possibly becoming a leadoff fixture. Michael Toglia, while primarily at first base for the Colorado Rockies, is another name to watch for his power potential. TJ Friedl of the Cincinnati Reds looks poised for a bounce-back year after battling injuries. Lastly, Ceddanne Rafaela of the Boston Red Sox is expected to provide depth and versatility, with the potential for a breakout season.

T.J. Friedl's aggressive playing style has always been a hallmark of his game. Recently, during a spring training game against the Mariners, he suffered a wrist fracture while diving for a catch, sidelining him for over two months. Despite urging from fans to temper his approach, Friedl remains resolute, stating his style won't change whether in spring training or a pivotal postseason game. This philosophy stems from a belief that hesitance can lead to injury. Friedl's commitment to playing authentically embodies a competitive spirit that is critical for athletes, especially in high-stakes scenarios.

The 2025 fantasy baseball draft landscape is shaping up with several intriguing hitter targets. Analyzing STEAMER projections and ADP data, five players emerge as potential steals in upcoming drafts. Each player is positioned between picks 75 and 250, with rankings significantly higher than their current ADP. It's essential for fantasy players to weigh not only projected stats but also potential risks associated with each player's past performance.

First on the list is Luis Robert of the Chicago White Sox, projecting as a top hitter despite previous injury setbacks. His projected plate appearances suggest a bounce-back season, but concerns about team lineup strength and personal performance metrics remain. Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays follows, boasting impressive power metrics despite limited MLB experience. His projections signal a potential breakout, making him a worthwhile mid-round pick.

Also featured are Luis Rengifo of the Los Angeles Angels, whose stolen base potential adds value despite a mixed power outlook, and Alec Bohm of the Philadelphia Phillies, a reliable option with solid contact rates. Finally, TJ Friedl of the Cincinnati Reds appears as a discounted target due to injury concerns but retains upside as a consistent contributor. Fantasy managers should consider these players as valuable additions to their rosters for the forthcoming draft.