The second half of the MLB season is underway, and with it comes an essential look at potential waiver wire adds for fantasy baseball enthusiasts. This week, focus on players under 40% rostered who could significantly boost your lineup as the season progresses. Luke Keaschall (MIN) is recovering from injury but showed promise in the minors last season with a .303 batting average and the ability to hit 15-18 home runs. Caleb Durbin (MIL) has turned around his season, hitting .324 with speed potential, while Austin Hays (CIN) is back from injury and performing well when healthy. Noelvi Marte (CIN) is making a comeback after a rough 2024, showcasing his power-speed blend. Zebby Matthews (MIN) is set to rejoin the rotation, and Quinn Priester (PIT) has been impressive as well. Finally, keep an eye on Shane Bieber (CLE) as he nears return from Tommy John surgery, making him a valuable stash option.

The MLB slate post-All-Star Break poses a significant challenge for fantasy managers. With ambiguity rampant concerning starting pitchers, including teams like the Mets, Yankees, and Mariners lacking confirmed starters as of Friday morning, staying updated is crucial. Among the starters, Max Fried's potential blister issue makes him intriguing but risky. On the offensive front, Coors Field presents a prime opportunity to target Twins' hitters, while Astros and Mariners games are expected to be high-scoring given their favorable matchups.

Pitching options include Seth Lugo, who has shown consistency in recent outings despite a less favorable matchup against a decent Marlins lineup. Sean Manaea stands out due to his past performance against the Reds, while JP Sears could be a budget-friendly option against a struggling Cleveland offense. In terms of hitters, Byron Buxton's price reflects his explosive abilities, especially against left-handed pitchers. Meanwhile, players like George Springer and Rafael Devers offer significant value in matchups against vulnerable pitchers.

The All-Star break alters the usual fantasy baseball strategy, often causing debate among managers on whether to treat the weekend after as a standalone scoring period or combine it with the first full week post-break for a longer span. This week’s streamer recommendations cater to both options, with a focus on players rostered in less than 80% of leagues, navigating the uncertainty of rotations as teams finalize their lineups.

Sean Manaea stands out against a struggling Reds lineup, showcasing a sidearm delivery that reaffirms his viability as a starter. Mitch Keller is projected to excel against the White Sox, given his comfort pitching against weaker lineups. Slade Cecconi’s recent form and favorable matchups against the Athletics enhance his streaming appeal. Jeffrey Springs, despite some homer-prone tendencies, boasts a solid ERA versus a struggling Guardians lineup. Trevor Rogers has regained effectiveness, making him a worthy play against lefty-hitting teams. Michael Wacha and Sandy Alcantara present potential upside against mediocre offenses in the Marlins and Royals respectively.

Other viable options include JP Sears and Will Warren, who have displayed consistent performance against teams that struggle against left-handed pitching. Andrew Heaney, while testing the waters against the lowly White Sox, rounds out this week’s list of streaming possibilities, each with their own unique advantages based on matchups and recent performance.

With the 2025 MLB season reaching its halfway point, fantasy baseball managers are eager for the call-ups of top prospects who can provide valuable boosts. Among the players on the brink of making an impact are pitchers Andrew Painter of the Philadelphia Phillies and Chase DeLauter of the Cleveland Guardians, both showcasing promise in the minor leagues. Painter's recovery from Tommy John surgery has shown flashes of his high strikeout potential, while DeLauter is proving his worth in Triple-A with a solid on-base percentage and power ability.

Additionally, Samuel Basallo of the Baltimore Orioles is making noise as a premier catching prospect with considerable power metrics. Bubba Chandler of the Pittsburgh Pirates is also in the mix. His recent performances have rekindled interest after a rocky stretch. Meanwhile, Justin Crawford of the Phillies and Trey Yesavage of the Blue Jays are noteworthy hitters and pitchers, respectively, to keep an eye on as the trade deadline approaches. Each has the potential to significantly influence fantasy rosters as they get the call to the majors.

The Boston Red Sox made significant roster moves ahead of their game against the Toronto Blue Jays, particularly impacting their pitching staff. Chris Murphy was activated from the 60-day injured list, marking his first appearance of 2025 after recovering from Tommy John surgery. In contrast, Luis Guerrero was placed on the 15-day injured list after pitching 13 games this season with a 4.15 ERA, while Justin Slaten was transferred to the 60-day injured list, further thinning the bullpen due to shoulder issues.

Murphy's activation brings fresh hope for a struggling roster, especially as the team seeks to break a six-game losing streak. His performance in previous seasons, though limited, shows potential with a 3.86 ERA in five preseason appearances in 2024. Meanwhile, Slaten's prior season showcased a reliable 2.93 ERA, making his absence particularly felt. The changes reflect the Red Sox's ongoing efforts to adapt amid performance challenges.