Week 1 of the MLB 2025 season has ushered in an exciting array of standout players, creating a dynamic landscape for fantasy baseball managers. Wilyer Abreu of the Boston Red Sox has emerged as a must-add after hitting two home runs on Opening Day, showcasing impressive power metrics and a potential breakout year ahead. Jeffrey Springs, a pitcher for the Athletics, also turned heads with a six-inning shutout against the Mariners, making him a valuable buy if he can maintain his health.

Tyler Soderstrom and Kyle Manzardo have both shown promise with strong offensive starts, but caution is advised for fantasy managers considering them due to their limited track records. Spencer Torkelson, once a top prospect, appears to be bouncing back from a rough 2024 with a solid start this season. Otto Lopez of the Marlins is another name to watch as he starts to gain traction after a strong finish to last year. These players are worth monitoring closely as they may change the tide for fantasy lineups early in the season.

The early chaos of the 2025 MLB season has already left fantasy baseball managers scrambling for talent due to a slew of injuries. Notable waiver wire pickups this week include Spencer Torkelson, who has shown remarkable power and contact ability early on, along with Tyler Soderstrom, who is gaining momentum with the Athletics. Kyle Manzardo is also making a case for deeper league consideration following a strong start. Other names worth watching include Otto Lopez, who offers speed and versatility, and Lars Nootbaar, who is taking advantage of a leadoff spot with the Cardinals. Pitchers Sean Burke and Jose Soriano have also registered impressive outings, making them valuable streaming options.

As the 2025 fantasy baseball season ramps up, savvy players are diving into the Week 1 waiver wire options. Below are top recommendations for each position, focusing on players with under 50% ownership in ESPN and Yahoo leagues.

For first base, Rhys Hoskins offers a promising option with his lefty-friendly schedule, while Spencer Torkelson has shown early power and is worth a look. In the second base category, Otto Lopez stands out, especially in points leagues due to his consistent performance. Eugenio Suarez is the must-add at third base, and Trevor Story remains a valuable shortstop despite health concerns.

The outfield boasts emerging talents like Victor Robles, who is leading off for Seattle, and Joc Pederson, who appears set to clean up for Texas. For catchers, Hunter Goodman is intriguing with playing time in Colorado. Keep an eye on these players as they could provide the edge you need early in the season.

As the 2025 MLB season kicks off, fantasy managers should be proactive in the waiver wire to bolster their infield options. Luis Rengifo of the Los Angeles Angels is a promising second baseman, poised for a breakout after a strong previous season cut short by injury. With his projected 30 steals and potential for 14 home runs, he’s a must-add in shallow leagues. Meanwhile, Tyler Soderstrom of the Oakland Athletics has shown early power, hitting two homers on Opening Day, and could be beneficial for managers seeking first base or catcher depth.

For deeper leagues, Spencer Torkelson of the Detroit Tigers is bouncing back with an impressive start, displaying power and patience at the plate. Otto Lopez from the Miami Marlins is another intriguing option after a versatile season last year, providing speed and batting average potential. Finally, in extremely deep leagues, Jeimer Candelario from the Cincinnati Reds presents value with his starting role, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa offers positional flexibility and speed, both worth considering as the season develops.

As fantasy baseball auction drafts approach, knowing which players to target for $1 can be a game changer. Sal Frelick of the Milwaukee Brewers is a standout candidate, having bulked up this offseason and shown promising metrics, including a 12.9% whiff rate. Otto Lopez from the Miami Marlins also had a strong finish to last season, hitting .344 in September, making him a solid choice for those in need of batting average and stolen bases.

On the pitching side, Hayden Birdsong of the San Francisco Giants is making noise in spring training, boasting a 0.75 ERA over 12 innings. Chris Bassitt of the Toronto Blue Jays, while perhaps lacking in strikeout power, has been consistently reliable, making him a safe pick at $1. Lastly, Mitch Keller of the Pittsburgh Pirates could bounce back from a rocky second half, offering potential value at his low auction cost, especially with his improving command.