As Week 4 of the 2025 fantasy baseball season approaches, several catchers are gaining traction on the waiver wire. Streamers and free-agent adds are plentiful, making it crucial for managers to target the right players. Sean Murphy has been a standout, hitting four home runs in his first nine games, rewarding those who picked him up. Francisco Alvarez of the New York Mets, recovered from a fractured hand, holds significant upside and could finish as a top-12 catcher if he returns to form. Meanwhile, Gabriel Moreno from the Arizona Diamondbacks is struggling but has potential for a breakout.

In deeper leagues, Carson Kelly of the Chicago Cubs has been hot, boasting an impressive .419 batting average and a staggering 26.7% walk rate. Edgar Quero of the Chicago White Sox, now called up, could be a hidden gem, while Drake Baldwin from the Atlanta Braves is showing promising metrics despite limited playtime. This week offers various opportunities for savvy fantasy managers to bolster their rosters.

Fantasy baseball managers are urged to remain proactive in roster management. Key players to consider adding include Ben Rice from the New York Yankees, who has been a standout with three homers and strong on-base skills. Jacob Wilson from the Oakland Athletics is another prospect worth adding due to his excellent contact rate and high batting average. Minnesota Twins’ Matt Wallner has shown potential power, while Milwaukee Brewers’ Sal Frelick combines speed and average. Also of note is New York Mets’ Francisco Alvarez, returning from injury, and Miami Marlins’ Max Meyer, showcasing strong strikeout numbers.

Chase Burns, a Cincinnati Reds prospect, is a name to stash for the future, given his impressive minor league performance. Each of these players presents an opportunity to enhance fantasy rosters as the season progresses.

After a right forearm contusion sidelined Luis Torrens, an MRI revealed no serious damage, allowing him to begin baseball activities again. Torrens, who suffered the injury during a foul tip in the Mets' home opener, has missed five consecutive games. Meanwhile, rookie Hayden Senger continues to step up, impressing with his defensive skills and contributing offensively with a multi-hit game. With primary catcher Francisco Alvarez recovering from surgery, the Mets are optimistic about Torrens' availability soon.

Paul Blackburn, another injured player, is making progress as he prepares for a return from knee inflammation. He plans to ramp up his pitches in anticipation of a rehab stint. The Mets are focused on their depth as they navigate these challenges. Additionally, the team honored St. John's basketball for their recent successes, showcasing a community spirit amidst the ongoing MLB season.

Francisco Alvarez and Jeff McNeil are poised to enhance the New York Mets’ lineup as they near returns from their injuries. Alvarez, recovering from a fractured left hand, is set to start a rehab assignment, while McNeil is expected to begin his rehab soon after dealing with a right oblique strain. Both players were seen taking batting practice, signaling their progression toward a comeback.

Manager Carlos Mendoza emphasized the importance of monitoring McNeil's recovery, particularly as he faces live pitching. With both players out for a significant part of the season, their return represents not just a personal victory, but a crucial boost for a struggling Mets lineup, which has been missing their offensive prowess.

The New York Mets are counting on young infielders Brett Baty and Luisangel Acuña to step up as they fill in for the injured Jeff McNeil at second base. Both players have shown promise defensively but struggle at the plate, with Acuña hitting just 2-for-14 and Baty 2-for-21. President of Baseball Operations David Stearns emphasized the need for improved performance to allow one of them to solidify a utility role as the team approaches a healthier lineup.

Despite their batting woes, both players have exceeded expectations defensively. Baty's shift to second has been smoother than anticipated, while Acuña's defensive skills have been his hallmark. The Mets hope to see more production from the bottom of their lineup, especially with stars like McNeil and Francisco Alvarez potentially returning soon. The Mets' pitching, particularly their bullpen, has been integral in keeping the team competitive, which stands at 6-3, buoyed by a strong 1.29 relief ERA.