As the MLB season heats up, savvy fantasy baseball managers are keen to capitalize on the latest waiver wire pickups. Week 12 presents exciting additions like David Bednar, who has been a dominant force in June, boasting a stellar 0.56 WHIP and 15.2 K:9 ratio over 5 1/3 innings. Meanwhile, Brady House, recently promoted to the majors, is demonstrating his potential with a .364 batting average in his first three games. Additionally, players like Nick Kurtz and Evan Carter show promise as emerging talents worth considering for roster spots.

Injuries remain a concern, with star players like Corbin Carroll day-to-day and Bryce Harper still on the IL. Fantasy managers must stay vigilant, ready to make strategic moves to enhance their teams as we near the halfway mark of the season.

The New York Yankees are facing a challenging summer as reliever Jake Cousins is likely to undergo Tommy John surgery, a significant setback for their already fragile bullpen. Manager Aaron Boone's remarks underscore the urgency for the Yankees to bolster their relief corps, especially with Luke Weaver also sidelined. With the trade deadline approaching, Yankees GM Brian Cashman is exploring potential solutions in the market.

Several options are emerging for the Yankees. Pete Fairbanks of the Tampa Bay Rays, boasting an impressive 1.88 ERA, is a candidate, though his health is a concern. Ryan Helsley from the St. Louis Cardinals, last year's MLB saves leader, could be a highly sought-after closer, assuming St. Louis is open to trade discussions. David Bednar of the Pittsburgh Pirates is making a comeback after a rough start, while Kyle Finnegan of the Washington Nationals leads the league in saves, making him an intriguing budget-friendly choice. Finally, Jake Bird from the Colorado Rockies has shown promise this season, providing an affordable option with solid performance metrics.

Week 12 of the 2025 MLB season highlights promising waiver wire pickups for fantasy baseball enthusiasts, particularly focusing on relief pitchers and potential closers. As All-Star voting begins, performances are starting to solidify, revealing which players are becoming reliable options for saves. Notably, Robert Garcia and Chris Martin of the Texas Rangers have emerged following their recent save opportunities, despite some inconsistency. Shelby Miller of the Arizona Diamondbacks, now back in a closing role due to injuries, showcases a strong scoreless streak, making him a worthwhile add. In Atlanta, Pierce Johnson and Dylan Lee are vying for saves amidst a closer committee situation. The Chicago Cubs continue to rely on Daniel Palencia and Ryan Pressly in their bullpen, while David Bednar of the Pittsburgh Pirates reestablishes himself. Meanwhile, deeper league options like Calvin Faucher from the Miami Marlins suggest a developing closer situation as well.

Josh Hader maintains his status as the top closer in MLB, achieving 17 saves with a stellar 1.29 ERA and 43 strikeouts over 28 innings. Other top-tier closers include Andrés Muñoz, who rebounded with a perfect inning for a save, and Edwin Díaz, who recorded another save despite a less dominant strikeout rate. Meanwhile, David Bednar has been impressive since returning from a minor-league stint, contributing two saves and a win while showcasing a 2.49 ERA.

Atlanta’s closer situation remains uncertain as Raisel Iglesias continues to struggle, likely leading the Braves to adopt a committee approach. The loss of Justin Martinez to the injured list adds to their woes. In contrast, Kenley Jansen and Shelby Miller are finding their rhythm, both converting multiple saves. With so much movement in the closer ranks, fantasy managers must stay on top of these developments to make informed decisions for their rosters.

This week's fantasy baseball advice highlights players on hot streaks worth considering for your roster leading into Week 11 of the 2025 season. Michael Busch of the Chicago Cubs stands out with a .276 batting average, 10 home runs, and an impressive nine-game hitting streak, making him a must-add in most leagues. Despite facing left-handed pitchers less frequently, Busch’s power potential makes him a prime buy.

On the pitching side, David Bednar of the Pittsburgh Pirates has rebounded from early struggles, securing two saves in a week without allowing a run in his last seven appearances. However, while he's showing promise, his poor underlying metrics suggest he's best suited for deeper leagues. Christian Encarnacion-Strand, recently activated by the Cincinnati Reds, hit three home runs in his first weekend back, captivating power-hungry fantasy managers. Meanwhile, Atlanta's Bryce Elder has showcased All-Star potential with a recent dominating performance, yet issues with strikeouts keep him as a streaming option.

Lastly, Jo Adell of the Los Angeles Angels is demonstrating a hot bat with four homers recently, yet his overall inconsistency suggests selling high while his value is elevated. As the fantasy season heats up, these players are worth monitoring closely.