Devin Williams, the New York Yankees' new closer, entered the 2025 season as a highly valued fantasy asset thanks to his 1.83 career ERA and elite strikeout rate. After a stellar performance late last season with the Milwaukee Brewers, expectations were high for his role in New York. However, just weeks into the season, Williams has found himself among the most dropped closers on ESPN leagues following a series of inconsistent outings. A particularly troubling game against the Tampa Bay Rays saw him blow a four-run lead, raising concerns despite an underlying .423 BABIP indicating he’s been unlucky. Fantasy managers are urged to stay the course, as his performance should normalize.

Meanwhile, other closers like Jeff Hoffman of the Toronto Blue Jays and Kyle Finnegan of the Washington Nationals have seen their stock rise, with Hoffman perfect in save opportunities and Finnegan accumulating saves despite mediocre strikeout rates. Justin Martinez of the Arizona Diamondbacks is set to benefit from an increased role following the injury of A.J. Puk, while Jose Alvarado of the Phillies has stepped up as a reliable closer. Conversely, Baltimore's Felix Bautista is struggling and may need time to regain his pre-surgery form, prompting patience from fantasy owners.

Ballparks are crucial in fantasy baseball valuations, with home stadiums significantly impacting player performance. Favorable environments for hitters like Coors Field and Yankee Stadium are prioritized, while pitcher-friendly parks like Oracle Park are sought after by fantasy managers. This week’s recommended pickups emphasize players thriving in conducive settings.

Kris Bubic of the Kansas City Royals, returning from injury, shows impressive strikeout potential, bolstered by Kauffman Stadium's low home run rate. Hunter Goodman of the Rockies, a versatile catcher/ DH, profiles well with his power numbers benefitting from Coors Field's advantages.

Tyler Soderstrom (Athletics) emerges as a notable power source, while Hayden Wesneski is a strategic pitcher pickup for his two-start week. Philadelphia's Jose Alvarado is making waves as a dominant reliever.

In the early stages of the 2025 MLB season, savvy fantasy managers are already eyeing potential waiver wire gems. Eric Cross highlights a selection of players under 40% rostered on Yahoo! that could offer value as replacements for injured players or underperforming late-round picks. Ben Rice (NYY) has emerged as a standout option after capitalizing on Giancarlo Stanton's injury, boasting an impressive .320 batting average and power potential. Jung Hoo Lee (SFG) has also caught the eye with his solid start, combining steals and a high contact rate.

Adding depth, Isiah Kiner-Falefa (PIT) has shown promise in multi-position eligibility and consistent batting, while Jordan Walker (STL) continues to intrigue with improved metrics despite concerns about his groundball rate. On the pitching side, Jordan Hicks (SFG) is back in the rotation with notable velocity gains, and rookie Chase Dollander (COL) is set to debut, boasting impressive minor league stats. Finally, José Alvarado (PHI) presents potential as a closer, sharing duties while showcasing electric stuff. These players could provide the boost needed for your fantasy roster as the season progresses.

The 2025 MLB season is underway, and savvy fantasy baseball players are scouring the waiver wire to enhance their rosters. This week’s top pickups include promising names such as Cam Smith, Kristian Campbell, and Matt Shaw, who have demonstrated strong performances early in the season. Smith, a third baseman, boasts a 46% roster rate and is a must-add in all leagues, while Campbell, the Boston Red Sox’s second baseman, is also a hot pick with a 39% roster rate after hitting his first home run. The article emphasizes the importance of keeping up with player news, including injuries and emerging talent, to make informed waiver decisions.

Other notable picks include Bowden Francis, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and several pitchers like A.J. Puk and Drew Rasmussen, each recommended for deeper leagues. The article recommends evaluating players based on their early-season performances and potential to fill gaps in your lineup. With a comprehensive list of 100 players, fantasy managers can prioritize their waiver wire strategies effectively. Stay ahead by monitoring the latest updates and adjusting your roster accordingly.

As the baseball season unfolds, the importance of savvy waiver wire pickups becomes crucial for fantasy managers. Christopher Morel, traded to the Tampa Bay Rays, has shown promise after struggling with the Chicago Cubs. His power potential can't be overlooked, especially with a chance to hit 30 home runs this season. José Alvarado, recently dominant in relief for the Philadelphia Phillies, may secure a mix-and-match closing role that could lead to valuable saves. Tyler Soderstrom, now with catcher eligibility on the horizon, showcased his potential with two home runs. Quick mentions include Tony Santillan as a closing option for the Reds, and Kyle Manzardo's favorable position in the Guardians lineup.