As we enter Week 9 of the fantasy baseball season, several top prospects are making waves. Matt Shaw returns to the majors, while Moises Ballesteros heads back to Triple-A as the Chicago Cubs adjust their roster. Roman Anthony, an outfielder for the Boston Red Sox, celebrates his 21st birthday in style, boasting impressive numbers at Triple-A with a 159 WRC+ and strong plate discipline. Fantasy managers are eager for Anthony's call-up, which could significantly impact lineups across all leagues.

Meanwhile, Kansas City Royals prospect Jac Caglianone is making noise after a strong Triple-A debut, hitting his first home run. With injuries affecting the Royals' pitching staff, a call-up for Caglianone could be imminent. Over in Baltimore, Samuel Basallo, hitting for power, could provide a much-needed spark to the struggling Orioles' lineup. Prospects like Colby Thomas and Marcelo Mayer are also on the cusp, showcasing immense potential for fantasy enthusiasts looking for early-season stashes.

As the 2025 MLB season enters Week 8, the waiver wire is buzzing with potential pickups for fantasy baseball enthusiasts. Key additions include Zebby Matthews, who makes his debut for the Minnesota Twins after being called up from the minors. He’s expected to be a significant asset in starting rotations across leagues. Likewise, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Dalton Rushing and Chicago Cubs’ Moises Ballesteros have been added in response to injuries, adding depth at catcher. Also worth noting is the resurgence of Wilmer Flores from the San Francisco Giants, who’s hitting an impressive .400 with power in his last five games.

Injuries are shaping the landscape of pickups; the Kansas City Royals placed star pitcher Cole Ragans on the injured list with groin tightness, presenting an opportunity for other pitchers to step up. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on recent performances, particularly from players like Jackson Holliday and Marcelo Mayer, who are generating buzz as valuable assets off the wire. As the week unfolds, prioritizing these players could provide the edge needed to win matchups.

The Philadelphia Phillies are showcasing a formidable pitching rotation, allowing them to be cautious with their RHP prospect Andrew Painter. Expected to make his debut around July, Painter's skills, including a blazing 100-mph fastball, excite fantasy managers. Recently, he impressed during his Triple-A debut, striking out five in three scoreless innings. However, his recovery from Tommy John surgery casts doubt on his immediate contributions, as he may face innings limits. With established pitchers like Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola in the rotation, fantasy managers may find it prudent to seek more immediate fantasy help.

Meanwhile, stock is rising for several prospects. Jacob Misiorowski of the Milwaukee Brewers has displayed improved control, while Moises Ballesteros of the Chicago Cubs has excelled in Triple-A, earning a promotion. Dalton Rushing is also making waves with the Dodgers, showcasing his offensive potential. In contrast, Coby Mayo has stumbled with the Orioles, while Brady House of the Nationals is seeking to capitalize on available playing time. The prospect landscape remains dynamic, presenting both opportunities and challenges for fantasy players.

The Chicago Cubs are facing a mixed bag of news following their recent 5-2 victory against the Miami Marlins. All-Star outfielder Ian Happ, who has been sidelined with an oblique injury, is headed to the injured list, necessitating a longer absence than initially projected. In a strategic move to fill the gap in their lineup, the Cubs are promoting highly-touted prospect Moises Ballesteros from Triple-A Iowa. This 21-year-old catcher/first baseman is touted as Chicago's No. 4 prospect, boasting an impressive .368 batting average along with four home runs and 18 RBIs in just 34 games this season.

Ballesteros's power-hitting potential is noteworthy, drawing comparisons to former Cub Willson Contreras, suggesting he could make a significant impact at the major league level. The Cubs are hopeful he can replicate his minor league success as they prepare for their next game against the Marlins. If Ballesteros performs as well as anticipated, his addition could be pivotal for the Cubs as they lead the NL Central.

The Chicago Cubs are set to promote highly regarded catching prospect Moisés Ballesteros before their upcoming game against the Miami Marlins. This move comes as the team plans to place outfielder Ian Happ on the injured list with an oblique injury sustained earlier this season. Ballesteros, 21, has made headlines with his impressive offensive stats, batting .402 with 12 extra-base hits in just 24 games. However, questions linger regarding his future defensive role, especially with other contributors like Miguel Amaya impacting the team's early success.

As the Cubs navigate Happ's absence, they may utilize Ballesteros primarily in the designated hitter role, allowing for the inclusion of other outfielders such as Seiya Suzuki and Pete Crow-Armstrong. The performance of Justin Turner, currently at DH, has raised concerns, as he has struggled with a batting average of just .155. The Cubs are in a pivotal moment, balancing their immediate needs against the development of their young talent like Ballesteros, whose strong start might just make a significant impact.