This week's Waiver Wire Watch highlights several MLB players under 40% rostered who could provide significant value for fantasy teams. Maikel Garcia of the Kansas City Royals, despite a rocky start, has shown promise with a .320 batting average and offers power/speed upside along with positional versatility. Spencer Torkelson of the Detroit Tigers is another name to consider for power, as he’s been making better swing decisions leading to increased contact.

Hunter Goodman of the Colorado Rockies is making a name for himself by starting consistently and hitting the ball hard, making him a priority add, especially in two-catcher formats. Trevor Story from the Boston Red Sox, despite injury concerns, has demonstrated speed and utility in the lineup, making him a worthwhile target. Other notable players include Jung Hoo Lee from the San Francisco Giants and Ben Rice from the New York Yankees, both of whom present opportunities for counting stats and power respectively.

This week's Waiver Wire Watch focuses on several MLB players who are under 40% rostered and could provide valuable contributions to fantasy teams. Maikel Garcia of the Kansas City Royals has demonstrated power and speed upside by starting five games and hitting two home runs early in the season. Spencer Torkelson from Detroit is making better swing decisions that lead to increased contact. Meanwhile, Hunter Goodman and Trevor Story of Colorado and Boston, respectively, are also valuable additions due to their consistent playing time and speed. Additionally, Jung Hoo Lee of San Francisco is a reliable option for counting stats, while Ben Rice of the New York Yankees showcases power potential as he secures an everyday role.

As the 2025 fantasy baseball draft season approaches, late-round third basemen present lucrative opportunities for savvy managers. Maikel Garcia of the Kansas City Royals is projected to bounce back after a disappointing 2024, leveraging his speed on the base paths. Though his batting average dipped, his elite baserunning stats suggest significant upside, making him a potential steal at an ADP of 204.

Josh Jung of the Texas Rangers, recovering from a wrist injury, started strong last season. With a career barrel rate of 11.2%, he holds promise if he can stay healthy, making him an intriguing option at an ADP of 215. Meanwhile, Joey Ortiz is transitioning to shortstop for the Brewers, which may enhance his playing time and fantasy value, projecting to provide solid but unspectacular stats.

Chicago Cubs' prospect Matt Shaw could thrive given the opportunity to start after a strong minor league season, and Deyvison De Los Santos from the Marlins has shown a tantalizing power-speed combination but remains a risk due to his inconsistent performance.

Baseball season is officially underway with spring training games providing noteworthy action. Players like Elly De La Cruz displayed power as he homered from both sides, a potential sign of improvement against lefties, which was a struggle for him last season. Ceddanne Rafaela's revamped swing looks promising, and he could carve out a significant role as Boston's everyday center fielder. Maikel Garcia also showcased swing adjustments aimed at bouncing back from a dip in batting average.

New swing mechanics were a common theme, with Thairo Estrada's solid performance indicating he might be a hidden gem for late middle infield needs. Danny Jansen's home run highlights his potential in two-catcher formats, especially with the advantageous conditions at the Rays' minor league park. Meanwhile, young prospects like Orelvis Martinez and Luke Keaschall are making their cases for roster spots, demonstrating both power and reliability. Pitchers are equally noteworthy, with Chris Sale and Sandy Alcantara showing promising velocity. The competition for rotation spots is heating up, setting an exciting tone for the season ahead.

The Kansas City Royals have made a significant move by signing All-Star relief pitcher Carlos Estévez to a two-year contract with an option for a third year, strengthening their bullpen. This acquisition raises the question of whether the team will seek to trade some of their existing relief pitchers, such as 25-year-old lefty Angel Zerpa, who may no longer fit into their plans as a primary setup man. If the Royals trade Zerpa, they could package him along with other assets to acquire a high-upside bat, which they desperately need.

One name being floated in trade discussions is shortstop Bo Bichette from the Toronto Blue Jays, particularly if the Blue Jays' playoff aspirations falter. Bichette endured a disappointing 2024 season, plagued by injuries, but his prior accolades include being a two-time All-Star and a leader in hits in the American League. If the Royals could land him, they'd have to make adjustments to their infield, with Bichette likely shifting to second base, allowing Bobby Witt Jr. to remain at shortstop. While the deal hinges on Toronto's willingness to move Bichette, it demonstrates Kansas City's ambition to improve their roster significantly.