As we approach Week 4 of the 2025 MLB fantasy season, three starting pitchers have emerged as potential waiver wire targets due to their surprising performances. Griffin Canning of the New York Mets showcased significant improvement in his last start against the Cardinals, striking out eight over six innings. Canning has increased his slider usage, achieving a remarkable whiff rate, indicating he could be a valuable addition for fantasy players.

Landen Roupp of the San Francisco Giants also delivered an impressive outing against the Angels, recording nine strikeouts and displaying a dominant curveball that has shown a high strikeout potential. His performance suggests he could be a high-upside option for deeper leagues. Lastly, Luis Ortiz of the Cleveland Guardians is making headlines with his recent strikeout rate. Although his past struggles raise questions about sustainability, his recent performance against the Pirates could indicate he's turning a corner.

After a lengthy hiatus due to a stress fracture, Griffin Canning of the New York Mets has embraced a new approach to his pitching career. Reflecting on his two-year absence, Canning highlights the importance of staying present, crediting his exploration of spirituality, particularly through Eckhart Tolle's "The Power of Now." This book has profoundly influenced his mental approach on the mound.

Canning believes that the mental game is as crucial as physical talent, asserting that intuition can drive performance during crucial moments in games. He began incorporating meditation into his routine in 2023, helping him maintain composure and focus during games. This newfound mindset appears to be paying off, as he adapts his pitching strategy in real-time to outsmart opponents, specifically when facing teams like the St. Louis Cardinals.

Griffin Canning put on a stellar pitching performance, leading the New York Mets to a 4-1 victory against the St. Louis Cardinals. Canning allowed just one earned run, striking out eight batters over six innings, marking his best outing in a Mets uniform. After struggling with illness, he returned to the mound strong, displaying impressive command and efficiency, particularly in the later innings.

The Mets capitalized early with a robust second inning, scoring four runs off Andrew Pallante, including a home run from Mark Vientos. Despite a shaky start, Canning regained his composure, striking out batters and minimizing scoring threats effectively. The Mets' bullpen added to the victory, holding the Cardinals to just two baserunners in the last three innings.

Bobby Witt Jr. is making waves as one of the top performers in MLB, showcasing his skills with a nine-game hit streak and scoring in 8 of his last 13 games. He poses a strong threat for scoring against the Detroit Tigers, making him a prime candidate for prop bets. Meanwhile, pitcher Taj Bradley is also worth a look as he faces a Yankees lineup with a high strikeout rate. Conversely, Griffin Canning is expected to struggle, particularly against a Cardinals team that rarely whiffs, making him a solid fade in strikeout props.

Griffin Canning's trade from the Angels to the Braves was anticipated to be a career revival, but the Braves' decision not to tender him a contract led to a fresh start with the Mets. Currently, Canning seems to have found his form, showing promising early season numbers. Embracing a 'pitch backwards' strategy, he's increased his slider usage significantly while maintaining health after past injuries. The Mets' coaching staff has effectively helped pitchers like Luis Severino and Sean Manea, indicating a potential for Canning to thrive in this new environment.

Canning's recent focus on enhancing his slider, which has historically been his most effective pitch, reflects a strategic shift that could lead to a successful season. With improved command and a new pitch mix, including a revived cutter, he aims to establish himself as a key player in the Mets' rotation, potentially replicating the success seen with other pitchers under the team's development philosophy.