Welcome to the Waiver Wire Picks, our daily fantasy baseball article that looks at the best players in baseball that you should be adding to your rosters. We’ll look at the players that are likely to be available in most leagues, as well as some deep league waiver wire options, and we’ll also look at the most added players in fantasy baseball across the major sites, and let you know which players to add and which players you can leave on the wire.
Top Priority Players to Add
Royce Lewis (MIN) 3B (56% Yahoo, 24% ESPN)
Just when everybody was giving up on the guy, there may just be some light at the end of this year-long slump. Injuries have sidetracked Lewis in 2025, as always. However, he is back now and showing glimpses of his old self. Since the beginning of June, his .529 SLG jumps out for good reason. The underlying data shows he’s moving in the right direction, even some of the swing decisions are much improved compared to years past. The ceiling has always been high for Royce, and Minnesota was counting on him to produce in 2025. While Minnesota is currently 5.5 games out of a wild-card spot, he will need to get hot if there’s any shot of making the postseason. He’s certainly capable of going on torrid stretches, and don’t forget that this is the same guy who hit 15 long balls in 58 games back in 2023.
Sean Manaea (NYM) SP (56% Yahoo, 39% ESPN)
The arm slot ace is back. Manaea only being rostered in just over half of Yahoo leagues is shocking. He’s been spectacular ever since his mechanical change last season. And so far this year, it’s shaping up to be a similar success. A 0.97 WHIP is right where he needs to be while striking out 18 in just 12.1 innings. He has increased his pitch count with each outing and gone deeper into games, finally going five in his latest contest versus the Angels. Manaea will never overwhelm with velocity. Yet he knows how to live around the zone and locate well while the arm action messes with hitters. A Tuesday start against the Padres should be a good one.
Eric Lauer (TOR) SP ( 49% Yahoo, 17% ESPN)
The most surprising thing about Lauer’s success so far is been much of the success is believable. The xERA and xBA are in the 89th and 83rd percentiles, respectively, while he’s striking guys out, walking a few, and completely missing barrels most of the time. Historically, any type of success Lauer had was short-lived, and it seemed as if he would always come back to earth over the span of a six-month season. A big reason why many fantasy managers steered clear of him while he was sitting on the wire. Well, times have changed. Pick up Lauer wherever possible because, at this time of year, with the attrition of starting pitchers, everyone needs healthy arm depth. He has not allowed more than 3 earned runs in any appearance all season. How’s that for consistent production?
Matt Shaw (CHC) 3B, 2B, SS (34% Yahoo, 19% ESPN)
After a spring training which pretty much forced Shaw into the starting third base job for the Cubs, it was clear he needed more time to develop down in the minors. He did just that, and it seems to be paying off nowadays. Since the All-Star break, Shaw has hit safely in nine straight games while sprinkling in four homers and three steals. The multi-positional eligibility has boosted his attractiveness to fantasy managers, and playing for a team like the Cubs will only help his counting stats. Batting ninth has its advantages when bats like Michael Busch, Kyle Tucker, and Seiya Suzuki are following in the order. Scoop up the young rookie and watch him fly.
Streaming Pitchers
Be sure to check out Nick Pollack’s SP Streamer Rankings to figure out who you need to start, stream, or sit each day this season.
JP Sears (OAK) SP (15% Yahoo, 7% ESPN)
On a day when the streaming options are bleak, look out west to JP Sears taking on the Mariners. Josh Naylor improves Seattle’s offense in a big way, but Sears will be up for the challenge. a 1.25 WHIP is outstanding for any pitcher who is in the streaming category. Even though he has had some rough outings so far in 2025, he’s a guy who gets the job done by not giving out tons of free passes – something fantasy managers love to see in any pitcher. Sears will not strike out the world, but he’s worth taking a chance on versus a Seattle team that doesn’t have a whole lot of pop outside of Cal Raleigh.
Yahoo and ESPN Most Added Players
A good amount of balance is shown in the most added players list. Superman himself (Nick Kurtz) lands as the most added player after his monster performance in Houston. Kyle Stowers is consistently producing, something many thought would stop after a few hot weeks. Quinn Priester has been getting the job done for this Brewers team. He’s got nine wins on the year and faces the Cubs on Tuesday in a huge series. Noah Cameron was excellent on Sunday, blanking the Guardians and tossing six strikeouts in five innings. And Addison Barger has been a pleasant surprise, just like the team he plays for.
Speculative Adds
Joe Boyle (MIL) SP (16% Yahoo, 6% ESPN)
Relax, Joe Boyle is good. There’s no speculation in that area. The only thought which occurred was just how loose the Rays will be with him. It would be fantastic to see Boyle go five every outing. But after piggybacking Drew Rasmussen and only pitching two or three innings in the last few outings, one has to wonder if he’ll get to qualify for wins or have very little innings volume. He did go five innings in his first two appearances of 2025, so maybe the Rays will get back to that mindset. He’s still a must add considering he’s now officially a part of the Rays rotation, but the workload is something to keep an eye on as the season unfolds and October approaches.
