The MLB waiver wire is heating up as several players emerge as valuable fantasy options. Tyler O'Neill of the Baltimore Orioles, with a power upside, has returned from the IL but is currently hitting low numbers. Chandler Simpson of the Tampa Bay Rays has shown impressive speed, making him a solid addition for stolen bases. Evan Carter from the Texas Rangers is back and performing well, while Nolan Schanuel from the Los Angeles Angels is carving a niche for himself with good contact rates and emerging power.

Other noteworthy mentions include Tyler Freeman of the Colorado Rockies, who boasts a high batting average, and Zack Gelof of the Oakland Athletics, who brings power and speed potential. With the season progressing, these players are ones to watch as they could significantly impact fantasy rosters.

Billy McKinney, the former Plano West star and 2013 first-round pick, made an emotional return to the Texas Rangers, a team he idolized growing up. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity, recalling key moments from his youth watching the Rangers at The Ballpark in Arlington. McKinney's debut comes after a turbulent period, having been released by the Mets and quickly signing with the Rangers. In Triple-A, he showcased impressive stats, hitting .295 with a .920 OPS, which contributed to his call-up to replace Evan Carter, who is on the Bereavement List. McKinney is set to serve as the designated hitter against the Orioles, hoping to make an impactful start with the team he once cheered for.

The Texas Rangers are set to welcome back first baseman Jake Burger and outfielder Wyatt Langford this weekend after both players spent time on the injured list due to oblique injuries. Burger, who has struggled with a .220 batting average this season, was placed on the IL on June 21, while Langford, hitting .232, faced his own challenges before being backdated to June 25. They will both complete their rehab assignments at Triple-A Round Rock, and are expected to rejoin the Rangers during their series against San Diego.

Rangers President Chris Young expressed optimism about their return, especially considering the team is currently short-handed, missing Evan Carter due to a personal matter. The timing of their return could provide a much-needed boost as the Rangers look to maintain their competitive edge in the division. The team has been navigating challenges with injuries, hoping this reinforcement will propel them forward.

Thursday's MLB slate offers exciting PrizePicks opportunities, focusing on promising players like Evan Carter from the Texas Rangers, who is projected to exceed 0.5 hits and total bases against the Kansas City Royals. Carter's .265 batting average and .901 OPS against right-handed pitchers highlight his potential. Meanwhile, Cristopher Sanchez of the Philadelphia Phillies is set for a strong outing against the Miami Marlins, with expectations for more than 4.5 strikeouts and 18.5 pitching outs due to his excellent statistics against left-handed hitters.

Junior Caminero is another standout choice, anticipated to surpass 1.5 hits/runs/RBIs and 0.5 total bases against the Baltimore Orioles, while Jeremy Peña of the Houston Astros is a solid pick against left-handed pitching, likely to achieve over 1.5 hits/runs/RBIs.

As Week 12 of the 2025 fantasy baseball season unfolds, key players are rising or falling in performance, impacting their value in fantasy leagues. Evan Carter of the Texas Rangers has shown promise with a .283 batting average, powered by speed and newfound power since his call-up. In contrast, Corey Seager is struggling, battling performance issues and injuries, presenting a potential buy-low opportunity for fantasy managers.

Jeff McNeil from the New York Mets is trending upward with a solid .268 average and improved power metrics, while hitters like Brice Turang, who initially excelled, are now underperforming in stolen bases. On the pitching side, Shelby Miller has stepped up as a closer for the Arizona Diamondbacks, while David Peterson of the New York Mets is having a breakout season. However, Bailey Ober's inconsistencies raise concerns for fantasy owners.