In keeper and dynasty formats, a fresh crop of late-season waiver targets could redefine rosters next year. Garrett Cole anchors a plan to stash veteran aces who’ve shown durability, while Nathan Eovaldi and Joe Musgrove provide high-floor buys. Upside bets like Tristan Casas, Austin Riley, Luis Robert, and Shane McClanahan illustrate the payoff of health and spring momentum. Lesser-knowns such as Drew Thorpe and Chris Bubik close the arc, with offseason moves highlighted to unlock long-term value.

Outstanding pitching performances characterized the weekend, but the league suffered a significant blow with news of Justin Steel's season-ending elbow surgery, forcing the Chicago Cubs to adjust their rotation. While injuries continue to plague the league, including those affecting key middle infielders, several players emerged as waiver wire targets, including Michael Bush and Hayden Wesneski. Notable performances came from the likes of Michael King, Garrett Crochet, and Nick Pavetta, showcasing the depth of pitching options available. Noteworthy hitters, such as Jung Hu Lee and Sean Murphy, have been making waves, while injuries to stars continue to disrupt fantasy lineups. As teams navigate these changes, understanding replacement options and emerging talents will be crucial for savvy fantasy managers.

Justin Steele delivered a dominant performance with seven shutout innings, leading the Chicago Cubs to a 7-0 victory over the Texas Rangers. Steele, who faced scrutiny earlier in the season, struck out eight batters and allowed just three hits, showcasing his resurgence against a strong Rangers lineup. The Cubs capitalized on poor weather conditions, executing a disciplined offensive game that emphasized base running and timely hitting, including five stolen bases, to propel their scoring without relying on home runs.

With this win, the Cubs demonstrated their potential for success in 2025, emphasizing the importance of starting pitching and robust defense. The performance bodes well for their upcoming matchups, including a cold rematch against the Rangers, where they hope to continue the momentum established by solid outings from their starting rotation.

Week three of the MLB season presents a plethora of opportunities for fantasy baseball enthusiasts, particularly with several two-start pitchers on the horizon. Among them, Freddy Peralta faces a challenging lineup with games at Colorado and against the Diamondbacks. While Peralta typically offers reliability, the altitude in Colorado could impact his performance. Justin Steele's matchups against the Rangers and Dodgers also raise concerns, although his strikeout potential keeps him in consideration for points leagues despite his early-season struggles.

Other notable mentions include José Berríos, a 'random number generator' whose inconsistency makes him a gamble against the Red Sox and Orioles, and Tanner Houck, who may only have one start in a week with seven games for the Red Sox. As waiver wire scouring continues, pitchers like Casey Mize and Hayden Wesneski are on the radar due to favorable matchups, increasing their streaming appeal.

The CHGO Cubs podcast dives into the excitement of the Cubs' 2025 season, starting with a challenging schedule in March and April. With a rotation featuring Justin Steele, Jameson Taillon, and Shota Imanaga, the hosts highlight their importance in upcoming games, especially against tough opponents like the Dodgers and Padres. Optimism remains as they consider the potential for a playoff run, but the need for consistency and offensive support is emphasized, particularly if key players like Kyle Tucker struggle early on.

In bold predictions, the hosts speculate on who might emerge as the Cubs' MVP, with names like Dansby Swanson and Ian Happ discussed alongside Tucker. The importance of health and the performance of younger players, such as Peter Armstrong, is also underscored as the team looks to compete in a tight division.