Joey Bart delivered a clutch performance for the Pittsburgh Pirates, hitting a walk-off single against the St. Louis Cardinals, securing a narrow 2-1 victory. With Isiah Kiner-Falefa on second base as an automatic runner, the Cardinals' reliever Chris Roycroft struggled under pressure, issuing back-to-back walks that loaded the bases. Veteran Andrew McCutchen was then unable to capitalize, grounding into a force-out at home plate. Bart's subsequent fly ball soared over Lars Nootbaar in left field, allowing Kiner-Falefa to score from third, sealing the game for the Pirates.

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.

Heading into Week 2 of the 2025 MLB season, fantasy baseball enthusiasts should keep an eye on breakout hitters and potential waiver wire targets. Jacob Wilson of the Oakland Athletics is riding a seven-game hit streak, showcasing newfound power with a barrel rate of 4.2%. Meanwhile, Ivan Herrera of the St. Louis Cardinals is hitting .467 with impressive extra-base hits, including a three-homer game, suggesting he could be a top catcher this season. Isiah Kiner-Falefa has also found his stride, collecting hits in six consecutive games with increased stolen base opportunities.

Those looking for power should consider Wilmer Flores, who currently boasts a high ISO percentage, while Victor Scott II stands out for his speed, already swiping four bases. Conversely, some players are underperforming by significant margins, like Mike Trout and Jonny DeLuca, who may see regression. Stay tuned for these hot and cold hitters as the season progresses.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have started the season with a rough 1-5 record, marked by three walk-off losses and the demotion of closer David Bednar to the minors. The team has struggled with key injuries, notably losing starting pitcher Jared Jones to the 60-day injured list. However, one bright spot for the Pirates this season is their aggressive base stealing; they lead MLB with 17 steals, a testament to their speed on the bases.

Oneil Cruz stands out as a player to watch, showcasing his potential with an impressive performance last season and a perfect record on stolen bases so far. Fantasy managers are keen on Cruz, often selecting him in the early rounds. For those in deeper leagues, Isiah Kiner-Falefa is also worth considering, as he has shown a solid batting average and significant stolen base activity while being available in most leagues. Meanwhile, catchers like Joey Bart are expected to rise as the season progresses, potentially providing value as they adjust to their new circumstances.

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.