Bubba Chandler is dominating the fantasy baseball landscape as the most-rostered pitching prospect in ESPN standard leagues. The Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander has shown immense potential, striking out 148 batters in just 119 2/3 innings across two minor league levels last season with a solid 3.08 ERA and a remarkable 1.01 WHIP. His fastball has reached an impressive 101.5 mph, and in three starts this season, he’s recorded a jaw-dropping 46% strikeout rate with a 1.69 ERA.

Despite a rocky spring training where he struggled with command, walking four batters and allowing five runs in 2 2/3 innings, the Pirates are taking a cautious approach. Nonetheless, with a rotation that’s lacking depth and Jared Jones sidelined for months, Chandler could get the call to the majors at any time. As fantasy managers weigh their options, investing in young pitchers remains a risky move compared to hitters, but Chandler’s upside makes him a coveted prospect.

Another name to watch is Andrew Painter of the Philadelphia Phillies, who is also a top pitching prospect recovering from Tommy John surgery. Painter, throwing in the high 90s, is expected to make his debut in July, and both pitchers could shape the future of their respective teams.

Elly De La Cruz showcased his talents on his bobblehead night, leading the Cincinnati Reds to a 5-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. The game saw De La Cruz hit a grand slam in the third inning, cementing his status as the star. He also displayed defensive prowess, contributing significantly to the Reds' success. With this win, the Reds secured their second consecutive series victory, improving their season record to 7-8. The standout performance came alongside Andrew Abbott's impressive debut start following an injury layoff, allowing just one run over five innings.

Despite a valiant effort from the Pirates, who managed to close the gap to 4-2 in the seventh inning, the Reds strengthened their position with a crucial run. Abbott claimed his first win of the season, while Elly De La Cruz's grand slam proved pivotal, showing why he's a player to watch moving forward.

As Week 3 of the 2025 fantasy baseball season approaches, several catchers are poised to make an impact with their current performances. Streaming catchers week-to-week can be a smart strategy, especially with players like Ivan Herrera sidelined due to injury. Hunter Goodman of the Colorado Rockies, now 33% rostered, offers significant promise, particularly with favorable matchups against the Nationals and a struggling Dodgers rotation.

Similarly, Sean Murphy of the Atlanta Braves, now at 30% ownership, is showing signs of a comeback after a rough 2024 season. His home run in his first at-bat back from injury suggests he could regain his previous form as one of the league's top catchers. In deeper leagues, Jonah Heim from the Texas Rangers is catching attention with a hot start, currently batting .303 with three homers. Other names to watch include Joey Bart and Endy Rodriguez from the Pirates, both of whom have favorable matchups ahead.

Hunter Greene delivered a nearly flawless performance for the Cincinnati Reds, falling just short of a complete game in a 2-0 victory against the San Francisco Giants. Greene, now boasting a 1-1 record this season, pitched 8.2 innings while striking out six and showcasing his dominance against a Giants lineup that had the best record in baseball at 8-2. The Reds' offense came alive late, with Blake Dunn hitting a crucial bases-loaded double in the eighth inning, providing the necessary runs to secure Greene's first win of 2025.

Despite facing Giants ace Logan Webb, who had a strong outing himself with ten strikeouts over seven innings, the Cincinnati bullpen capitalized on late-game opportunities. Greene's efforts were nearly rewarded with a shutout, but a late single by Jung-Hoo Lee and a walk to Matt Chapman ended his night, forcing manager Terry Francona to bring in Tony Santillan for the final out. The win marks a significant step forward for the Reds, now improving to a 4-7 record.