The second month of fantasy baseball is an ideal time for savvy managers to dive into the trade market, taking advantage of fluctuating player valuations. With many owners still closely monitoring their rosters, there's a ripe opportunity to find partners willing to trade. It's crucial to analyze players' early-season stats critically, as hot starts can often be deceptive.

Alec Bohm's April surge in 2024, for instance, inflated perceptions despite his history of underperformance. Similarly, Cedric Mullins' strong showings come with a warning; his inconsistency in past seasons suggests that his current form may not be sustainable. Ryan Pressly's early struggles with the Cubs raise doubts about his job security as closer. Conversely, players like Gavin Lux and Tyler Mahle present intriguing trade options, but their current performances may not reflect long-term value.

The St. Louis Cardinals are set to face the Cincinnati Reds in a doubleheader on April 30, with Game 1 scheduled for 12:40 PM EST at Great American Ball Park. Prior to the matchup, the Cardinals are struggling with a record of 3-7 in their last 10 games, while the Reds have been more successful, winning 7 of their last 10. The Reds won the series opener 3-1, contributing to the Cardinals' woes as they look to bounce back. Steven Matz takes the mound for St. Louis, boasting a 1.80 ERA through his first two starts, while Cincinnati's Andrew Abbott is coming off a less impressive outing, giving up four runs in four innings against Colorado.

Current betting odds favor the Reds at -125 on the moneyline, with a spread of -1.5 and a total of 9 runs. Trends show that the Reds have been strong at home against National League teams, while the Cardinals have gone under in four of their last five games. Additionally, Gavin Lux is on a notable 12-game hitting streak, which could influence fantasy considerations for the matchup. Expert picks lean towards a win for the Reds as they look to continue their strong performance at home.

Nick Martinez finally secured his first win of the season, leading the Cincinnati Reds to a solid 3-1 victory against the St. Louis Cardinals. Martinez started the game strong, allowing just one run, which came after a misplay by left fielder Gavin Lux. After the first inning, he settled in, giving up only three hits over five innings with three strikeouts, showcasing his potential to be a reliable arm for Cincinnati.

The Reds' offense was highlighted by a powerful home run from Jose Trevino, who tied the game at one and showed signs of breaking out of his slump. Additionally, Noelvi Marte delivered a crucial triple, bringing in Lux, who had an impressive night at the plate with three hits, extending his hitting streak to 12 games. The Reds’ bullpen was equally impressive, retiring all nine batters they faced, sealing the win and improving Cincinnati's record to 16-13.

This week’s top fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups for infielders feature recommendations across shallow, deeper, and the deepest leagues. Masyn Winn is a strong addition, returning from injury with a notable performance since his activation, including a .357 batting average and a stolen base. Maikel Garcia shows promise with a rising batting average and increasing run production. Nick Kurtz, Agustin Ramirez, and Gavin Lux also stand out as potential breakout candidates, each making a case for why they should be rostered after productive stretches.

For those in deeper leagues, Gavin Lux is riding a 10-game hitting streak, further solidified by a favorable home series. Noelvi Marte has turned it on recently, contributing with power and average. In the deepest leagues, Eric Wagaman has showcased a significant hitting streak with doubles and homers, while Brooks Lee’s versatility and recent form make him an attractive option for teams needing infield depth.

As Week 5 of the 2025 MLB season approaches, savvy fantasy baseball managers will want to consider key outfielders available on the waiver wire. Leading the charge are three Cincinnati Reds: TJ Friedl, Austin Hays, and Gavin Lux. Friedl, with his strong leadoff performance, boasts a .328 average and is poised to capitalize against the Cardinals and Nationals at Great American Ballpark. Hays, back from the injured list, is hitting an impressive .386 with five home runs over his last 11 games, making him an enticing option in the cleanup spot.

Meanwhile, Gavin Lux is on a ten-game hitting streak, contributing significantly to the Reds' offense. Beyond the Reds, the Texas Rangers' Josh Smith offers positional flexibility while slashing .328/.414/.492, and the Colorado Rockies' Jordan Beck is on a hot streak, hitting five homers in three games. For deeper leagues, keep an eye on Kyle Stowers from the Miami Marlins, who has shown promise despite a high strikeout rate. Daulton Varsho’s return for the Blue Jays also brings potential upside, especially if he can recapture his power-speed combo. Make strategic moves to enhance your roster’s strength this week.