Week 21 of 2025 brings a compact set of starting-pitcher waiver options, tailored for shallow leagues but with deeper-leaning plays that could pay off in standard formats. Will Warren anchors the top tier, offering reliable volume and recent five-inning quality starts as the Yankees chase wins. Jose Quintana stabilizes the rotation with dependable innings and solid ratios on a strong Brewers squad. Jose Soriano combines strikeouts with groundball variety for a back-end slot in many leagues. Hurston Waldrep offers upside as a top Braves prospect getting a late-season shot, while Charlie Morton provides veteran savvy as Detroit managers lean on experience. In deeper formats, Cristian Javier returns to form with injury-recovery potential; Zebby Matthews brings swing-and-mmiss upside tempered by HR risk; Nolan McLean, Jason Alexander, and Ryan Bergert each offer speculative, weekend-ready options with varying ceilings. Kyle Bradish, Michael McGreevy, Sean Burke, Michael Lorenzen, and Joey Wentz close the list with a mix of floor, wins potential, and breakout vibes. Proactive rosters can maximize Week 21 by pairing safe floors with high-upside stashes, while tracking BvP and PvB data for favorable matchups.

Colson Montgomery’s arrival has flipped the White Sox’ rebuild narrative. Since early July, the 23-year-old former top-10 prospect has blended power with plus defense to emerge as a middle-of-the-order presence at shortstop, answering questions about his readiness with a 452-foot blast at Rate Field that highlighted a 6-4 win over Cleveland. He’s slashed nine homers, driven in 25 runs, scored 15, and posted an .853 OPS since the All-Star break, a remarkable turn after a Triple-A start that had many doubting his ceiling.

His breakout isn’t just about raw numbers; Montgomery has shed the mental weight that hampered him in 2024, explaining how a months-long focus on preparing and trusting his coaches freed him to let his ability take over. White Sox brass, led by GM Chris Getz, believe his development trajectory could anchor the franchise for years, with his glove at shortstop stabilizing a defense that’s carried the rebuild. Veterans Mike Tauchman and Michael A. Taylor have also stepped up in the outfield, supporting a clubhouse that Venable has cultivated into a consistent, team-first environment.