As the 2025 MLB season gets rolling, fantasy baseball managers are scanning the waiver wire for hidden gems who might just tip the scales in their favor. This week, we’re shining a light on a handful of players who aren’t getting much attention yet but could end up making a real difference.
Some are emerging hitters, others are pitchers finding their groove again. If you’re looking to shake up your roster, these names deserve a serious look. Let’s dig into what makes each one interesting right now.
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Addison Barger, 3B/OF, Toronto Blue Jays
Addison Barger has become one of this season’s most improved hitters. Since locking down a regular spot in the Blue Jays’ lineup on May 8, Barger has racked up 81 fantasy points, launched seven home runs, and posted a 57.7% Statcast hard-hit rate.
That’s some serious production for a player who was barely on the radar a month ago. Barger’s turnaround comes down to a few tweaks:
- Wider stance
- Flatter swing path
- Bat speed up by 1.5 mph
He’s making harder contact on pitches in the zone, which is always a good sign. With steady playing time and a hot bat, Barger looks like a worthwhile gamble in just about any league.
Lance McCullers Jr., SP, Houston Astros
Lance McCullers Jr. brings both excitement and risk. Sure, he’s battled more than his share of injuries, but when he’s healthy, he can be electric.
In his last three outings, McCullers has punched out 27 batters in just 16 1/3 innings. That 39.1% strikeout rate jumps off the page.
His knuckle-curve is the real weapon—nine of those strikeouts came off it, and hitters are missing 60% of the time they swing at it. If he can just stay on the mound, McCullers could easily deliver top-25 numbers per start. He’s a classic boom-or-bust pickup, but sometimes you have to roll the dice.
Jack Leiter, SP, Texas Rangers
Jack Leiter is starting to show why he was the No. 2 overall pick back in 2021. Over his last five starts, he’s posted a sharp 2.10 ERA and he’s bringing more heat, averaging 97.4 mph on his four-seamer.
With Kumar Rocker sent down, Leiter has a real shot to stick in the Rangers’ rotation. Scouts have always liked his upside, and this recent run suggests he’s worth a flyer in any format.
Andres Gimenez, 2B, Toronto Blue Jays
Andres Gimenez hasn’t gotten as much buzz lately, but he’s not someone to overlook. Even after sliding down to the bottom third of Toronto’s lineup, his contract and defense keep him in the mix for regular at-bats.
Since coming back from injury, Gimenez is hitting .308 and hasn’t struck out. That’s pretty steady, especially in rotisserie leagues.
He’s also a real threat on the basepaths, tracking toward a third straight year with 30+ steals. If you’re chasing speed, Gimenez should be on your radar.
Kyle Teel, C, Chicago White Sox
Kyle Teel just landed with the White Sox and brings some nice upside for a catcher. Kiley McDaniel ranks him as the No. 4 catcher and No. 33 overall prospect, so there’s legit pedigree here.
In 50 games at Triple-A Charlotte, Teel hit .295/.394/.492 with eight homers and seven steals. He fills up the stat sheet, which is rare for a catcher. If you need depth behind the plate, Teel could be a sneaky good add.
Jerar Encarnacion, OF, San Francisco Giants
Jerar Encarnacion is back after missing two months with a fractured hand. He started slow—hitless in his first 11 at-bats—but don’t count him out just yet.
Encarnacion brings power and patience, as shown by his 13.0% walk rate in Triple-A. If he grabs hold of the Giants’ DH job, he could be a helpful piece in deeper mixed or NL-only leagues. It’s worth watching to see if he can get rolling again.
Ronny Mauricio, 2B, New York Mets
Ronny Mauricio has been one of the Mets’ top prospects for a while now. He just got the call to join the major league roster.
With Mark Vientos landing on the IL, Mauricio should get plenty of chances at third base. That’s a big opportunity for him to show what he can do.
He brings a nice mix of skills—think .306 batting average, 26 home runs, and 28 stolen bases over 125 Triple-A games. Those numbers catch your eye if you’re looking for upside in rotisserie leagues.
There’s also a chance he jumps into the second base mix when Vientos returns, which could make him even more interesting for fantasy managers.
If you want a deeper dive or just want to keep up with the latest waiver wire chatter, check out ESPN’s Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Picks for June 9, 2025.
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