This week's fantasy baseball waiver wire targets feature a mix of under-the-radar contributors making an impact as we approach the halfway point of the MLB season. Otto Lopez, the Miami Marlins' versatile infielder, has been on fire with a .301 batting average in June, showcasing his potential for both power and speed. The Brewers' Isaac Collins is seizing his opportunity with regular playing time, hitting .309 in his last 19 games. Gary Sanchez, now the primary catcher for the Orioles, is making waves with a .354 average and power surge, making him an attractive trade candidate. Outfielder Jake Meyers of the Astros is a solid addition as he’s raised his batting average to .317 with key contributions in stolen bases. Lastly, Tyler Freeman of the Rockies brings significant upside with his ability to contribute in multiple categories, especially if he secures a top spot in the batting order.

As July approaches, fantasy baseball managers should keep a keen eye on the latest prospect developments, particularly as MLB teams assess their rosters leading up to the trade deadline. Players like Yanquiel Fernandez from the Colorado Rockies have shown strong potential, boasting a .284 batting average with notable power. Meanwhile, Harry Ford of the Seattle Mariners has been making waves in Triple-A, showcasing a solid .305 batting average, and could soon see action in the majors. Similarly, Brice Matthews of the Houston Astros is also on the brink of a call-up, posting impressive stats with 23 stolen bases this season.

The pitching landscape is equally intriguing, with Didier Fuentes of the Atlanta Braves seeing mixed results upon his call-up, yet still possessing the potential to grow with each outing. Brandon Sproat, a rising star in the New York Mets organization, is another name to watch as he navigates the challenges of Triple-A. Lastly, Quinn Mathews of the St. Louis Cardinals, despite a slow start, could emerge as a late-season surprise for fantasy rosters. These prospects offer tantalizing upside for managers willing to invest in their growth.

On July 2, 2025, a full slate of MLB games provides ample opportunity for bettors focusing on home run player props. Among the highlighted players are Aaron Judge, Cal Raleigh, Matt Olson, Yainer Diaz, and Kyle Stowers. Each of these hitters is showcasing formidable offensive prowess or facing favorable matchups. In constructing these bets, factors like batted ball metrics, pitcher-hitter matchups, and park factors are critical.

Judge, with a prop of +205, has been a consistent slugger with 30 home runs this season and favorable historical performance against Blue Jays' righty Jose Berrios. Cal Raleigh, priced at +235, is targeting a struggling Royals' pitcher after an impressive recent streak. Olson, who is priced at +285 against the Angels' lefty Yusei Kikuchi, aims to capitalize on his strong batted ball metrics. Yainer Diaz offers value at +370, particularly in Coors Field, while Kyle Stowers appears as a high-risk, high-reward bet at +500 against the Twins.

Yordan Alvarez, the Houston Astros' power-hitting outfielder, is facing a setback in his recovery from a broken right hand, as reported by general manager Dana Brown. After expressing continued pain upon arriving at spring training, Alvarez will be evaluated by a specialist before resuming activities. Originally diagnosed with a muscle strain, further imaging revealed a small fracture, sidelining him for nearly two months. Despite previously feeling good and targeting a return against the LA Dodgers, this latest development raises uncertainty about his playing timeline.

In related news, shortstop Jeremy Peña has also been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a fractured rib. The Astros have called up Shay Whitcomb from Triple-A Sugar Land to fill the gap as they navigate these injuries at a crucial juncture in the season.

Yordan Alvarez, the Houston Astros' powerful outfielder, is facing a setback in his recovery from a broken right hand. After reporting pain upon arrival at the Astros' spring training facility, Alvarez will consult a specialist, as the initial diagnosis of a muscle strain evolved into a confirmed fracture after further evaluation. The Astros' management had hoped for a return to action this weekend against the Los Angeles Dodgers, but that timeline is now uncertain.

General Manager Dana Brown emphasized the need for caution, recognizing the importance of letting Alvarez heal rather than pushing him back too soon. This development is particularly concerning given Alvarez's impressive track record, hitting 31 home runs or more in the previous four seasons. Additionally, the Astros have placed shortstop Jeremy Peña on the 10-day injured list with a fractured rib, further testing the team's depth as they navigate injuries early in the season.