Heading into Week 12, fantasy baseball managers must keep an eye on four hitters who are hot and exceeding expectations: Junior Caminero, Lawrence Butler, Wyatt Langford, and Hunter Goodman. Understanding their performance metrics is crucial to differentiate between breakouts and lucky streaks. Caminero has shown notable power as the HR leader for Tampa Bay, while Butler's resurgence, stemming from mechanical adjustments, has led to a solid OPS. Langford continues to excel in a struggling Rangers lineup, and Goodman is surprisingly productive in a challenging Colorado environment.

Caminero's jump in slugging percentage, Butler's increase in doubles, and Langford's rise in HR/FB rate indicate they are players to consider for your lineup, while Goodman’s overall production can be attributed to positive regression despite playing at Coors Field. Managers need to assess these players wisely to maximize their fantasy rosters.

Josh Smith's week as the reigning AL Player of the Week began unexpectedly on the bench due to left hamstring tightness. Manager Bruce Bochy assured that Smith wouldn't require an IL stint but noted he is day-to-day. Smith's impressive week prior included a staggering .423 batting average with a 1.269 OPS, although he felt discomfort during a recent game, leading to a pinch-hit substitution.

With Smith sidelined, Evan Carter stepped into the leadoff spot, marking just his second time hitting in that position for the Rangers. Carter has also been performing exceptionally, boasting an even higher slash line of .444/.545/.889 before the switch. This reshuffling could significantly impact the Rangers' lineup strategy moving forward as they look to maintain their momentum.

Week 12 of the 2025 MLB season brings a fresh wave of fantasy baseball opportunities. The waiver wire is brimming with players who can bolster your roster as teams prepare for the All-Star break. Notable pickups include Jacob Misiorowski, who dazzled with five scoreless innings in his MLB debut, and Jesus Sanchez, who has been on fire with nine RBI and two home runs in his last six games.

Injuries have impacted several teams. For instance, Jackson Merrill of the San Diego Padres is day-to-day after exiting a game with a head injury. These developments create an urgency to secure the right players who can deliver in the stretch run. Our updated rankings prioritize players like Cade Horton and Eury Perez, both of whom show promising potential for the rest of the season. Whether you’re in a standard league or deeper formats, our rankings will help you navigate the best players available on waivers.

Byron Buxton's All-Star aspirations solidified further during a stellar performance against the Texas Rangers. The Minnesota Twins' outfielder not only showcased his defensive prowess with a jaw-dropping diving catch but also demonstrated his power at the plate, smashing a 479-foot home run to give the Twins a decisive lead. Buxton contributed significantly with multiple hits, including a double and a single, and nearly completed a cycle while also adding a stolen base to his night.

Pitcher David Festa took advantage of the offensive support, bouncing back from a tough outing to deliver a solid performance, allowing just two runs. Despite an early home run from Marcus Semien giving the Rangers a lead, Festa's strong sixth inning helped secure the Twins' 6-2 victory, marking a crucial win as teams approach the All-Star break.

As the MLB season progresses into Week 11, several top prospects are making headlines and could be key additions for savvy fantasy managers. Aaron Sabato of the Minnesota Twins is making waves with a powerful showing in Double-A, boasting a .289 average with 8 home runs and a 150 wRC+. Similarly, Jack Perkins of the Athletics has excelled in Triple-A, striking out 10 batters in a recent outing, while Nick Goodwin of the Blue Jays is hitting for power and showing improved discipline. Coleman Crow of the Brewers is also back after Tommy John surgery and is displaying impressive strikeout capabilities. Lastly, the Yankees' Marshall Toole is showcasing his speed and contact skills, raising his profile as a potential impact player.