As the MLB season approaches the All-Star break, savvy fantasy baseball players are looking to bolster their rosters with under-the-radar hitters. This week, several players have emerged as strong candidates for waivers, offering potential boosts in critical categories like runs, home runs, RBIs, stolen bases, and batting average.

Josh Smith of the Texas Rangers, rostered in just 36% of leagues, continues to shine at the plate, boasting a .311 average with three home runs and 18 runs scored recently. Caleb Durbin of the Brewers is another name to watch, hitting .296 with three homers and 18 runs in June. Meanwhile, Ramon Laureano has returned to form with the Orioles, hitting .312 with four home runs and leading in runs scored.

For power hitters, Kyle Stowers of the Marlins is on the rise, hitting three home runs in the last week of June, while Gary Sanchez is making a significant impact for the Orioles as well, providing solid numbers despite limited playing time. Lastly, Otto Lopez is leading the NL in RBIs this month, making him a must-roster player. As the season progresses, these players could be the difference-makers for fantasy teams.

As the 2025 MLB season progresses into Week 15, several promising prospects are poised to make a significant impact in fantasy baseball. With injuries affecting teams like the Baltimore Orioles, Samuel Basallo has emerged as a critical fantasy stash. Batting .258 with impressive power numbers in Triple-A, he could soon join a lineup that needs his offensive spark. Similarly, Chase DeLauter from the Cleveland Guardians is pushing for a call-up after a remarkable hit streak and an alarming lack of production from the team’s outfield. The Pirates' Hunter Barco and Tampa Bay's Joe Boyle are also capturing attention on the mound, showcasing dominant performances that could translate well at the major league level. Identifying these emerging talents ahead of time can make a difference in fantasy leagues.

Stashing these players not only positions your team to capitalize on their potential but also helps in making strategic FAAB bids, thus outmaneuvering league competition. With the All-Star break approaching, the influx of young talent is imminent, and keeping an eye on player performance in Triple-A will be crucial. Whether it's Basallo’s power, DeLauter’s consistent hitting, or Barco’s strikeout capabilities, each player offers upside that can elevate your fantasy roster as the season heats up.

With Clayton Kershaw now a member of the 3,000-strikeout club, the focus shifts to the next pitchers who might achieve this milestone. Currently, only four active pitchers have surpassed 2,000 strikeouts, but injuries complicate their journeys. Chris Sale leads with 2,528 strikeouts but is sidelined with a fractured rib. Gerrit Cole, with 2,251 strikeouts, is out for the season due to elbow surgery. Charlie Morton and Yu Darvish are also in pursuit but face challenges due to age and injury.

Aaron Nola and Robbie Ray, both possessing impressive strikeout rates, might be contenders if they can avoid injuries. Newly emerging talents like Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes show promise but face the daunting task of maintaining performance and health over many seasons. The road to 3,000 strikeouts is fraught with uncertainty, making each pitch critical.

The Houston Astros are grappling with first base struggles, particularly with Christian Walker, who has underperformed since joining the team. Walker's disappointing .213 batting average and just 10 home runs have led to speculation about a replacement as the trading deadline approaches. The Astros are reportedly considering acquiring Ryan O'Hearn from the Baltimore Orioles, a versatile player who's excelled this season with a .295 average and 11 home runs. Despite O'Hearn's potential, he will hit free agency at the end of the year, which may complicate a potential deal.

The Cleveland Guardians are at a crossroads as the MLB trade deadline approaches. They sit 11.5 games behind in the AL Central but are only 3 games out of a Wild Card spot, making their decision to buy or sell quite complex. Selling top players could be wise if they receive compelling offers, yet adding a player like Cedric Mullins from the Baltimore Orioles might bolster their lineup. Mullins, although having lost some speed, could be a plug-and-play option that enhances their chances of a postseason run.

Despite their current standing, the Guardians still see potential in making a late-season push. This uncertain position reflects the delicate balance teams must navigate during this pivotal time of year, weighing immediate performance against future potential.