As fantasy baseball enthusiasts navigate through Week 3 of the 2025 MLB season, it's crucial to identify waiver wire hitters who can boost your team's performance across various categories. Players like Zach McKinstry, Mike Yastrzemski, and Ty France are making waves in the Runs category, while Jonah Heim, Michael Busch, and Matt Mervis lead as promising options for Home Runs. Meanwhile, Jonathan Aranda, Wilmer Flores, and Cam Smith are showing potential in RBIs, with Zac Veen, Jake Meyers, and Jose Caballero stealing bases. Lastly, Geraldo Perdomo, Jacob Wilson, and Jorge Polanco are essential for enhancing batting averages. Act fast to secure these players who are projected to contribute significantly to your fantasy lineup.

Week 3 of the 2025 MLB season presents a critical juncture for fantasy baseball managers as they navigate injury-riddled lineups and seek valuable streamer options. A full slate of teams will have favorable matchups, with ten teams playing seven games, enhancing the prospect of racking up counting stats. Key streamers for this week include Geraldo Perdomo, poised to take advantage of a higher batting order due to Ketel Marte's injury, and Kyle Manzardo, whose power potential remains intact despite a drop in batting average.

Detroit's Zach McKinstry emerges as a versatile pickup, boasting eligibility at multiple positions while hitting .326. Sean Murphy's return to the Braves lineup has re-energized their offense, and he is expected to continue contributing power. Meanwhile, Wilmer Flores is on a hot streak and may deliver vital production amidst San Francisco's road games. For deeper leagues, keep an eye on prospects like Sal Frelick and Nolan Schanuel, who have shown signs of improvement and could become impactful in the coming weeks.

The San Francisco Giants head to the Bronx to face the New York Yankees on Saturday, with both teams at crucial points early in the season. The Giants have been the league's surprise, boasting a 10-3 record and a stellar +26 run differential, trailing only the San Diego Padres in the competitive NL West. Meanwhile, the Yankees, after a hot start with 36 runs in their opening series against Milwaukee, have cooled off, sitting at just one game over .500 after losing four out of their last five, including a 9-1 blowout against the Giants.

Jordan Hicks (1-0, 2.38 ERA) is set to pitch for the Giants, while the Yankees will counter with Will Warren (0-0, 6.00 ERA). The Yankees enter the game as slight favorites at -137, while the Giants are underdogs at +116. The total is set at 8 runs; analysis suggests the Over has a slight edge, hitting in 58% of simulations. With Aaron Judge leading the odds to hit a homer at +260, it's notable that four Giants players, including Matt Chapman and Mike Yastrzemski, follow closely behind.

The MLB season is heating up, with a packed Friday schedule featuring 13 games slated for DFS players. Among top pitching recommendations, Nick Pivetta (Padres) stands out with a favorable matchup against a struggling Rockies offense, while Bryce Miller (Mariners) aims to bounce back against the Rangers after a rough start. Sean Newcomb (Red Sox) offers a budget option facing the White Sox, the league's worst team.

Top hitters include Pete Alonso (Mets), hitting well since his return, and Yordan Alvarez (Astros), who is set for a power outing against Jack Kochanowicz. For budget-friendly bats, Mike Yastrzemski (Giants) and Nolan Schanuel (Angels) are intriguing picks. Stacking opportunities are ripe for the Red Sox against Davis Martin of the White Sox and for the Nationals against Cal Quantrill of the Marlins.

The Cincinnati Reds faced a tough loss against the San Francisco Giants, falling 8-6 in the bottom of the 10th inning. The pivotal moment came when Mike Yastrzemski hit a walk-off homer off reliever Emilio Pagan, despite Reds analyst Jeff Brantley suggesting a walk to avoid facing him. Reds manager Terry Francona defended the decision, citing Pagan's historical success against Yastrzemski and the low chance of a double play despite the risk of runners advancing on the first pitch.