As the 2025 MLB season heats up, Week 4's fantasy baseball waiver wire offers several intriguing outfielders worth considering for your roster. Tyler Fitzgerald of the San Francisco Giants has been on fire, showcasing a .444 batting average with two home runs and six RBIs in his last seven games. His dual eligibility at OF, 2B, or SS makes him a valuable pick-up for those looking to capitalize on his hot streak.

Similarly, Sal Frelick from the Milwaukee Brewers is excelling with a .319 batting average and five steals, making him a solid volume play. Meanwhile, Houston Astros rookie Cam Smith is building on his momentum, having recently notched his first multi-homer game. For deeper leagues, Austin Hays and Heston Kjerstad are generating buzz with power potential, while Mike Yastrzemski offers a temporary boost due to favorable matchups.

In an impressive display, Cincinnati Reds pitching prospect Chase Burns faced early challenges against the Great Lakes Loons, allowing back-to-back home runs in the first inning. However, he quickly regained his composure, striking out seven batters and allowing just one run over four innings of work. Burns, who ranks as the top Reds prospect and 24th overall in MLB Pipeline's rankings, made a strong impression in his previous outings with significant strikeout performances. The game was eventually delayed due to rain, but Burns' trajectory indicates he is on track to bolster the Reds' future pitching lineup.

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.