The early MLB season is ripe for streaming opportunities as teams settle into their schedules. A handful of hitters are well-positioned to make an impact in this crucial early period, especially those in favorable matchups or hitter-friendly ballparks. With weekly transactions in mind, focus on players who are on the waiver wire and likely available in 40% or fewer leagues.

For week one, players like TJ Friedl of the Cincinnati Reds, hitting leadoff, shows promise given his 20/20 potential. Meanwhile, the St. Louis Cardinals' Ivan Herrera has started strong, and Tyler Soderstrom from the Athletics is making waves thanks to his hot start and advantageous Coors Field games. Victor Scott II is stealing bases for the Reds, while Kyle Manzardo is proving his worth as the Guardians' rising star. Seek out these players to enhance your roster this week.

The fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups for outfielders in Week 1 of the 2025 season feature players poised for immediate impact. Wilyer Abreu of the Boston Red Sox has demonstrated impressive power, hitting two home runs on Opening Day, making him a must-add, especially with a favorable schedule ahead. TJ Friedl of the Cincinnati Reds is a comeback story, returning from injury to lead off, and boasts 18 home runs and 27 steals from a previous season, with favorable matchups at Great American Ballpark.
Victor Scott II of the St. Louis Cardinals, despite a rocky start to his career, brings immense stolen base upside. Jung Hoo Lee of the San Francisco Giants, while not a power hitter, offers potential for a solid batting average from the third spot in the lineup. Lastly, Lars Nootbaar is establishing himself as a leadoff option for the Cardinals, showing promise for a 20+ HR, 10+ SB season.

Teoscar Hernández showcased his power with a three-run homer, putting the Dodgers ahead against Tarik Skubal and the Tigers in the fifth inning. Hernández, who set a personal record with 33 homers last season, proved he's still a force. In contrast, Nolan Arenado rebounded from a tough season, hitting a significant home run for the Cardinals against the Twins, suggesting he's ready to reclaim his former glory. Meanwhile, Victor Scott II made an exceptional catch for St. Louis, while the Marlins achieved a dramatic walk-off victory to end a four-year Opening Day losing streak.

The Giants rallied late to defeat the Reds, highlighted by Wilmer Flores' three-run blast that brought them triumph. The White Sox managed a winning start, currently above .500 for the first time in a year. Adley Rutschman of the Orioles hit two home runs in a strong performance as Baltimore outclassed their opponents. Bryce Harper's timely homer tied the game for the Phillies, who later took the lead, showcasing their offensive firepower. The pitching highlight was MacKenzie Gore's impressive 13-strikeout performance for the Nationals, marking a franchise record for Opening Day.

As the MLB season approaches, savvy fantasy managers are looking to make crucial roster adjustments. Key pickups across various positions are now available, offering valuable options for those looking to refine their lineups.

First up is Connor Wong of the Boston Red Sox, a catcher with the potential for decent batting average and speed, making him a unique asset for fantasy teams. Christian Encarnacion-Strand from the Cincinnati Reds emerges as a power sleeper, showcasing his solid spring training performance.

Boston Red Sox's Kristian Campbell might take the league by storm after a stellar minor league season. Meanwhile, Houston Astros' Cam Smith is on the rise, showing excellent promise following a trade, and could secure a starting role. The Giants’ Tyler Fitzgerald offers dual-position flexibility just as he prepares to kick off the season as a starter.

Victor Scott II, a dynamic outfielder for the St. Louis Cardinals, is a notable name, boasting impressive speed for potential base steals. For pitching, Landen Roupp of the Giants looks solid after a strong spring, while José Soriano of the Angels is a promising starter given his high strikeout potential. Lastly, Texas Rangers’ Luke Jackson is emerging as a top choice for saves in a revamping bullpen.

As the 2025 MLB season approaches, drafting your fantasy baseball team is just the beginning of the journey. This season promises to be filled with players who may well exceed their projections and impact their teams significantly. The New York Mets are showing particular promise, with a lineup that could combine for an impressive 115 home runs, bolstered by stars like Juan Soto and Pete Alonso. Both players are primed for breakout seasons, while Mark Vientos is emerging as a valuable source of power. Meanwhile, Julio Rodríguez is expected to recover from a disappointing 2024 season, potentially logging a 40/40 season.

Bubba Chandler, set to make his mark in Pittsburgh, is another player to watch, potentially becoming a second starting pitcher for the Pirates. Zack Wheeler is a prime candidate for the NL Cy Young Award, and Triston Casas is poised for a comeback with the Red Sox. After moving to the Tigers, Gleyber Torres aims to re-establish himself, while Victor Scott II is a name to remember for stolen bases. The season is set to be long and challenging, but these players could be critical to fantasy success.