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.

As the fantasy baseball season progresses into Week 5, savvy managers should focus on trading opportunities to enhance their rosters. Target players like Sandy Alcantara of the Miami Marlins, who despite a slow start, possesses the potential to regain his Cy Young form. Similarly, Brandon Nimmo from the New York Mets, currently underperforming, has a solid track record and is positioned for a rebound as part of a strong lineup.

On the flip side, players like Andrew Heaney of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who have recently posted exceptional numbers, may be overvalued and should be sold while interest is high. Likewise, Dylan Moore of the Seattle Mariners, while versatile, has stocks that might not sustain his early success. Trading him now could capitalize on his inflated value.

In the quest for reliable starting pitching in fantasy baseball, three breakout pitchers have caught attention early in the 2025 season: Landen Roupp, Andrew Heaney, and Mitchell Parker. Roupp, of the San Francisco Giants, has showcased tremendous strikeout potential, posting a 31.2% strikeout rate over his first four starts. His impressive 2.98 SIERA suggests that his current 4.09 ERA could improve significantly.

Meanwhile, Andrew Heaney, now with the Pittsburgh Pirates, has achieved a stellar 1.72 ERA and a 3.08 SIERA, indicating that he's found a new level after a tumultuous career. Lastly, Mitchell Parker of the Washington Nationals has surprised many with a low 1.39 ERA, although his underlying metrics suggest he may regress soon, making him a risky but intriguing prospect for fantasy teams. Each of these pitchers presents unique attributes that could bolster a fantasy rotation during this critical point in the season.

As the MLB season unfolds, fantasy baseball enthusiasts are faced with a packed schedule, particularly the enticing eight-game slate starting at 7 PM ET. Logan Webb ($10,000) and Freddy Peralta ($9,800) headline as the top pitchers, but the preference leans towards Peralta due to Webb's fluctuating strikeout rate and his team's high strikeout percentage.

Eduardo Rodriguez and Andrew Heaney present attractive options at $9,000 and $8,100 respectively, with Heaney's matchup against a struggling Angels lineup adding to his appeal. For budget-conscious players, Bowden Francis ($7,800) and JP Sears ($7,700) are worth considering, as both have delivered promising early performances. Kumar Rocker is a potential high-risk, high-reward pick at $6,900.

Among hitters, Eugenio Suarez stands out with a remarkable 50% extra-base hit rate and is primed for success against Taj Bradley, a pitcher prone to giving up home runs. The Pirates' duo of Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds could benefit from stacking, particularly against Jack Kochanowicz, who has struggled on the mound. The Twins, despite a slow start, offer value plays like Trevor Larnach ($2,900) against Bryse Wilson.

Stacking options to consider include the Kansas City Royals against German Márquez and the Chicago Cubs against a yet-to-be-determined Dodgers starter. With careful selection, this slate offers opportunities for both established stars and emerging talents.

The Pittsburgh Pirates achieved a narrow 1-0 victory over the Washington Nationals, marking their second series win of the season. Oneil Cruz's leadoff home run provided the only run Andrew Heaney needed, as he delivered an impressive performance, pitching 7.1 shutout innings. The Pirates will continue their homestand, welcoming the Cleveland Guardians for an Easter Weekend series.

This matchup against the Guardians is notable as the Pirates will face one of their former pitchers, who previously spent three seasons with the team. The Pirates will look to capitalize on this momentum as they aim to improve their record of 8-12.