As the 2025 MLB season progresses into Week 5, savvy fantasy baseball players need to scour the waiver wire for potential category boosters. Gavin Lux of the Cincinnati Reds is a standout option for scoring runs, boasting a .341 average and 12 runs this month, yet only 33% rostered. Trevor Larnach from the Minnesota Twins, at just 7% rostered, has shown promise with four home runs and 15 runs scored in April. Connor Norby, a versatile 2B/3B for the Miami Marlins, is also making a case with 10 runs in two weeks.

Power hitters are also emerging, with Agustin Ramirez of the Marlins hitting three home runs in 33 plate appearances since his recall. Hunter Goodman (Rockies) and Jordan Beck (also Rockies) are also key names to watch for home run potential. Additionally, the catching position looks promising with Sean Murphy of the Braves, who is back from injury and already has seven home runs in just 70 plate appearances this season. On the base paths, TJ Friedl of the Reds is swiping bags, while Chandler Simpson from the Tampa Bay Rays brings elite sprint speed that could translate to steals. Finally, Austin Hays of the Reds is a solid batting average candidate, hitting .365 in April.

Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees had a slow patch after a hot start to the 2025 season, hitting only one home run in three weeks following six in his first seven games. However, he has recently shown signs of resurgence with home runs in two of his last three games. This resurgence has significantly altered his home run odds, bringing them down to +205 for an upcoming matchup against the Baltimore Orioles. With sportsbooks portraying Judge as a riskier play now, fantasy players must reassess his value for home run bets.

Marcell Ozuna of the Atlanta Braves, currently with a .295 batting average and leading the National League in walks, is touted to capitalize on the favorable hitting conditions at Coors Field with +320 odds for a home run. Similarly, Zach Neto from the Los Angeles Angels, coming off a strong performance with three home runs in his last eight games, boasts odds of +520. Kerry Carpenter from the Detroit Tigers is also a favorable bet at +350 against a right-handed pitcher, following a solid start to the series against the Houston Astros.

The 2025 MLB season kicked off with the Tokyo Series, but as the league returned, injuries to key players are shaking up fantasy rosters. The Atlanta Braves are facing hurdles with Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider starting the season on the injured list, while Miami Marlins' Connor Norby is also sidelined. Injuries are an unfortunate norm in fantasy baseball, and how well players manage these setbacks can often dictate their season's success.

Ronald Acuña Jr. is recovering from an ACL injury from last season, with an anticipated return around May. Although he had a down year post-recovery in 2023, the potential for a significant impact is still there if he returns to form. Meanwhile, Strider's elbow issues saw him undergo a less invasive procedure last year, and he's close to returning. Meanwhile, Connor Norby’s oblique strain is expected to keep him out for about a month, disrupting Miami's lineup but hopefully allowing him to contribute post-recovery.

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Jared Jones is currently sidelined due to elbow discomfort, having missed his final spring training start. While he sought a second opinion, the encouraging news is that there are no torn ligaments, eliminating the need for surgery. However, he will be shut down from throwing for at least six weeks, which may push his return to late June or early July. This situation presents a challenge for fantasy managers who were counting on his contributions this season.

Last season, Jones demonstrated potential, finishing with a 4.14 ERA and 132 strikeouts in 121.2 innings, but his performance significantly declined in the second half. He relied heavily on his fastball and slider, with room for improvement on his curveball. In his absence, Carmen Mlodzinski is expected to step in as the No. 5 starter, but keep an eye on rising prospects like Bubba Chandler, who posted a stellar 1.83 ERA in Triple-A last season and could be a valuable stash for the future.

As the fantasy baseball draft approaches, particularly in the late rounds, it's vital to identify valuable sleeper candidates who may be overlooked. Here are seven players to consider for your final picks of the 2025 draft. Second baseman Connor Norby of the Miami Marlins, previously part of the Orioles' farm system, showcased potential last season with seven home runs over 36 games.

Outfielder Joc Pederson, now with the Texas Rangers, boasts a solid .275 batting average and 23 home runs as a platoon player, making him a worthwhile late-round option. Pitcher Clay Holmes, joining the New York Mets, is part of a trend of converted relievers becoming effective starters. Meanwhile, Brandon Woodruff of the Milwaukee Brewers is worth a gamble if his shoulder issues are behind him. Cincinnati Reds' Nick Lodolo has shown flashes of brilliance despite inconsistent outings.

For power potential, Christopher Morel of the Tampa Bay Rays struggled last season but could regain form with a batting average closer to .250. Lastly, the Detroit Tigers' Jackson Jobe is a highly-rated prospect who has further developed his pitching repertoire and may secure a spot in the rotation.