Week 5 in fantasy baseball calls for strategic waiver wire moves, especially for starting pitchers. Among the top picks is Andrew Heaney of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who, despite a fastball under 90 MPH, has been effective with a 5.1% walk rate and an impressive K% of 26.3% in his last four starts. Mitchell Parker of the Washington Nationals also stands out, boasting a 1.39 ERA, but his low strikeout rate may limit his overall value. Landen Roupp from the San Francisco Giants shows promise with a significant K% increase, though inconsistency in his ERA raises questions. Jose Quintana of the Milwaukee Brewers remains a reliable option for controlling ratios and winning potential, albeit with limited strikeout upside. Deeper leagues may find value in Reese Olson of the Detroit Tigers, who has improved rapidly, and Matthew Liberatore from the St. Louis Cardinals, boasting four quality starts. Tobias Myers and Shane Smith, both rostered under 30%, are also worth consideration for streaming options.

This week's NL FAAB Factor highlights several promising free agents worth considering for your roster. Starting pitcher Landen Roupp of the Giants has shown potential with a low xFIP and high strikeout rate, making him a viable option despite a shaky ERA. Matthew Liberatore of the Cardinals is also making waves, having dramatically improved his strikeout and walk rates, and is a must-add to see if he continues to blossom.

On the injury front, Tony Gonsolin is on track to reclaim a spot in the Dodgers' rotation, while Brewers’ Tobias Myers and Andrew Abbott of the Reds are returning from injuries with impressive minor league performances. Meanwhile, David Bednar is back with the Pirates, looking to re-establish himself as a closer after a stint in the minors. Overall, there are several intriguing options available for your fantasy teams, especially in deeper leagues.

In Week 3 of the 2025 fantasy baseball season, several starting pitchers have emerged as potential waiver wire targets, and three in the NL Central have caught attention. Andre Pallante of the St. Louis Cardinals has been impressive, boasting a 2.20 ERA after a dominant performance against the Phillies, utilizing his four-seam fastball and slider effectively. Meanwhile, Matthew Liberatore, also from the Cardinals, has shown promise with his new pitch mix, including a heightened slider usage that led to a solid outing against the same team. Lastly, Ben Brown, pitching for the Chicago Cubs, showcased his ability to blank the formidable Dodgers, demonstrating considerable upside despite earlier struggles this season. These pitchers may be worth monitoring for fantasy teams.

This week’s fantasy baseball streamer options are limited, with a focus on just a few pitchers who have shown potential. Hayden Wesneski of the Houston Astros tops the list, boasting a solid strikeout rate and favorable matchups against below-average lineups. Richard Fitts of the Boston Red Sox also makes the cut, showcasing improved fastball velocity despite a rough season debut. Casey Mize of the Detroit Tigers should see expanded roster interest following a strong start, although his matchups are challenging. Luis Severino from the Athletics is an option in deeper leagues despite some concerning trends in walks and home runs. Matthew Liberatore and Simeon Woods Richardson provide additional streaming options, though they come with varying levels of risk.

On the hitting side, the Boston Red Sox look promising with favorable matchups against the Toronto Blue Jays, particularly for players like Wilyer Abreu and Kristian Campbell. The Kansas City Royals may find opportunities against a weak Twins rotation, making hitters like Michael Massey worth considering. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Brewers will be looking to capitalize on the favorable hitting conditions at Coors Field.