Oakland heads to Target Field on Thursday afternoon to take on Minnesota, with Jack Perkins opposing José Ureña. Oakland’s recent two-game mini-sweep in this series came behind a Shea Langeliers blast, and the A’s will look for more pop from Langeliers as they chase a rarer road win. Minnesota has dropped four of five and needs a spark, especially against a pitcher like Perkins who leans on grounders. The odds are tight, with Oakland on the moneyline and the game set at 9 runs.

Model projections align with a close, swing-driven tilt. NBC’s Best Bet picks Oakland on the moneyline and suggests the over for the Game Total, signaling a contested, back-and-forth pace at Target Field. For fantasy players, Langeliers’ power bolt is the focal point, while Perkins offers a streaming angle if Oakland can keep Minnesota off balance in the middle innings.

Three young arms headline Week 20 waiver-wire targets in fantasy baseball: Michael McGreevy, Joey Cantillo, and Jack Perkins. McGreevy stranded six Cubs over six innings for his second win in a row, showcasing a groundball-friendly approach and a pitcher-friendly control profile that could help WHIP in the final stretch. Cantillo followed with a solid White Sox win, riding a devastating changeup that produced a whiff rate near league-best levels but accompanied by a troubling fastball and control concerns. Perkins flashed velocity and a multi-pitch mix for Oakland, delivering a quality start against Baltimore but carrying walk-rate risks that keep him as a “stream when needed” option. Rosters shifts noted: McGreevy 7%, Cantillo 13%, Perkins 7%.

Rosters aside, the fantasy takeaway is clear: McGreevy’s success came from suppressing hard contact and walking few, a repeatable skill that could yield steady innings and a workable WHIP in two months. Cantillo’s allure rests in the changeup, which pairs striking strikeout upside with a high contact-prone fastball that could crater ratios in bad matchups. Perkins’ upside rests on a high-velocity fastball and a nasty sweeper, with the cutter and changeup giving him a legitimate ceiling if he irons out walks and tightens his early-inning command. The Cubs, White Sox, and Orioles provided the surrounding context, while a Rockies tilt looms as a possible streaming spot for McGreevy.

For fantasy managers, Week 20 becomes a test of short-term upside against longer-term concerns. These three arms offer upside in deeper formats, but their margins are thin and matchup-driven. It’s a good time to chase upside with clear streaming slots, while balancing risk with established innings-eating options.

Three emerging MLB prospects—Jack Perkins, Tristin English, and Ryan Johnson—promise to make significant contributions in fantasy baseball. Perkins, a pitcher for the Oakland Athletics, has shown impressive stats, including a 1.93 ERA with 10 strikeouts in just over 9 innings. He has the potential to fill a starting role or take over as closer, depending on team movements.

Outfielder Tristin English, meanwhile, has been making waves with the Arizona Diamondbacks, sporting a .336 batting average and showing consistent production. His pathway may be aided by injuries to other players, allowing him to capitalize on opportunities.

Finally, Johnson, currently at High-A with the Angels, had a rocky start in the majors but has rebounded terrifically in the minors, boasting a 1.62 ERA in his last outings. As a prospect, his value in dynasty leagues is on the rise, though he may still face challenges returning to the big leagues this season.

Week 12 of the 2025 MLB season presents an opportunity for savvy fantasy baseball players to capitalize on up-and-coming prospects. Players like Brady House, who is hitting .298 with power potential for the Washington Nationals, are on the brink of major league call-ups. House's improved plate discipline and raw power make him a prime candidate for stashing in redraft leagues.

Other noteworthy prospects include Jack Perkins of the Athletics, who has shown resilience since returning from injury, maintaining a 2.58 ERA and a striking 36.6% strikeout rate. On the pitching side, Bubba Chandler from the Pirates possesses a fastball that regularly hits 98 mph, making him an exciting option once his command issues are resolved. Lastly, Andrew Painter of the Phillies is also one to watch, despite some recent struggles. His velocity and potential make him a worthwhile stash.