In Week 5 of MLB fantasy baseball (April 28 - May 4), streaming hit options are plentiful as teams like the Reds, Guardians, Rockies, and Nationals are scheduled for seven games. Standout players include Austin Hays, who has surged to a .386 average with five home runs and is 37% rostered, making him a prime candidate to add while the Reds enjoy favorable home games.

Chandler Simpson offers intriguing speed potential, already with two steals and a .346 average, while Agustin Ramirez has shown promise in his early appearances, hitting .500. Michael Toglia is regaining form with two recent home runs and could provide power in a lineup that won’t bench him easily. Those in deeper leagues should consider Eric Wagaman and Caleb Durbin as solid low-rostered options.

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.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are off to an impressive start, going 7-0 and matching the 1933 New York Yankees for the best opening record by a reigning champion. Veteran pitcher Lance Lynn, known for his time with the St. Louis Cardinals, announced his retirement after a distinguished 13-year career. Elly De La Cruz made headlines by hitting two home runs and driving in seven runs during a decisive victory for the Cincinnati Reds against the Texas Rangers. Additionally, the Boston Red Sox secured a six-year contract extension with pitcher Garrett Crochet worth $170 million. The Miami Marlins celebrated their first walk-off win of the season, thanks to a crucial hit from Kyle Stowers against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Elly De La Cruz made headlines with a stellar performance, hitting two home runs and driving in seven runs for the Cincinnati Reds in their dominating victory over the Texas Rangers. Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox secured pitcher Garrett Crochet with a six-year, $170 million extension.

The Miami Marlins celebrated their first walk-off win of the 2025 MLB season, courtesy of Kyle Stowers' clutch hit against the Pittsburgh Pirates. In a heartfelt moment, Cam Smith broke down in tears upon learning he made the Houston Astros' opening day roster. On a somber note, former Chicago White Sox champion Bobby Jenks announced a final autograph signing amid his battle with stomach cancer.

New contracts were also a theme, as the Atlanta Braves brought in outfielder Alex Verdugo on a one-year deal. In Japan, Shohei Ohtani showcased his power, hitting a home run in the Tokyo Dome against the Chicago Cubs. However, the Los Angeles Dodgers faced a setback with an All-Star shortstop missing the opening series due to illness. Finally, the Tampa Bay Rays canceled plans for a new ballpark in the wake of hurricane damage.

Josh Giddey delivered a jaw-dropping performance for the Chicago Bulls, launching a 47-foot buzzer-beater to clinch victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in a thrilling finish. This stunning shot came amidst a chaotic game that highlighted Giddey's growing presence as a clutch player in high-pressure situations. Meanwhile, in college basketball, Alabama cruised past BYU, securing a spot in the Elite Eight for the second consecutive year. Other notable results included Duke's narrow win against Arizona and Texas Tech's advancement in the Sweet 16.

In MLB action, Kyle Stowers made headlines with a walk-off hit, marking the Miami Marlins' first victory of the 2025 season against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Aryna Sabalenka showcased her prowess in tennis by dominating Jasmine Paolini to reach the Miami Open final. The sports world was also shaken by the announcement of the passing of former New England Patriots safety Matt Stevens, who was beloved in his community.

On the NHL front, the Philadelphia Flyers opted to part ways with coach John Tortorella following a challenging season. This decision follows LeBron James' heroics for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Indiana Pacers, where he secured a last-second tip-in, further solidifying his legend in clutch moments. Off the field, Jessica Pegula, daughter of Buffalo Bills owners, stirred some rivalry by emphasizing the significance of her quarterfinal win at Hard Rock Stadium.