With the MLB playoffs looming, strategic pitching acquisitions become crucial for fantasy teams. Yusei Kikuchi has turned a corner since June, boasting a string of quality starts and strikeouts, making him a viable buy-low candidate. Ryan Pepiot is gaining traction due to an advantageous upcoming schedule, particularly excelling on the road. Jacob Lopez is transitioning from a reliever to a starter and showing promise, albeit with a smaller sample size. Edward Cabrera's control issues have improved, hinting at a potential breakout. Michael Soroka, now healthy, is showing consistent performance. Quinn Priester and Chad Patrick present contrasting trends, with Priester surging while Patrick struggles.

Week 15 of the 2025 MLB season presents a treasure trove of breakout hitters and potential fantasy gems. Key players on the rise include Brandon Lowe, who is currently on an impressive 18-game hitting streak, showcasing a .380 batting average with six home runs. Jo Adell, also making waves, has transformed into a power hitter, boasting a 13-game hitting streak with a .340 average. Meanwhile, underachievers like Corey Seager highlight the discrepancies between expected and actual performance, suggesting a robust bounce-back potential.

Fantasy managers should be on the lookout for waiver wire targets with players such as Zach McKinstry and Caleb Durbin. McKinstry's versatility across multiple positions and his recent .524 batting average make him an attractive acquisition. Similarly, Durbin’s minor league speed credentials could translate into significant fantasy value if he heats up. Utilizing tools for trade analyses and matchup data can further enhance lineup decisions as we navigate the critical stretch of the season.

Three American League players—Aaron Judge, Cal Raleigh, and Addison Barger—lead the league in extra-base power, averaging over 14 extra-base hits per 100 at-bats. Judge, the reigning AL MVP, continues to showcase his prowess, while Raleigh is on track for an unprecedented season as a catcher. Barger, a surprising outfielder for the Toronto Blue Jays, has already hit 11 homers this season, significantly improving his batting average. His recent performance includes home runs in two consecutive games, highlighting his ability to deliver consistent power.

In addition to these AL sluggers, Shohei Ohtani and Corbin Carroll also feature prominently in this elite category. Barger’s impressive metrics, including remarkable exit velocity, suggest that his success is not merely a fluke. Fantasy players should keep a close watch on him as he has the potential to continue this surge throughout the season.

In an unprecedented day of baseball excitement, 19 games graced the field, marking the highest number in a single day since 1978. The rapid succession of games over a short span led to unexpected lineups and pitching strategies. As teams gear up for their next matchups with eight games on the Thursday slate, fantasy managers must pay close attention to optimal player selections.

Dustin May's upcoming start against the struggling White Sox offers a prime opportunity for a bounce-back performance, given Chicago's poor offensive metrics. Meanwhile, Kyle Tucker's remarkable consistency makes him a valuable asset, particularly with his power-speed potential. Rookie contributions from Riley Greene and Nolan Schanuel highlight their emergence as must-have players in daily fantasy leagues.

When stacking lineups, the Dodgers remain a top choice, boasting a lineup that leads the league in several key offensive categories. Pairing them with pitchers like May could lead to significant fantasy points. Other strong lineups include the Cubs against the Guardians, led by Tucker's continued excellence.

The MLB landscape is always shifting, and fantasy managers must adapt to the tides. Jurickson Profar has returned to the Atlanta Braves after an 80-game suspension, showing promise right away with solid performance metrics from the previous season. With injuries affecting the Braves, Profar's role as a key hitter is crucial. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Rays’ Chandler Simpson is on track to lead MLB in stolen bases, capitalizing on his blistering speed. In pitching, Matthew Boyd has emerged as a reliable starter for the Chicago Cubs, while Yusei Kikuchi of the Los Angeles Angels is making waves with his unique ERA and WHIP combo. As the season progresses, these players could vastly impact fantasy rosters.