Chase Burns put in a solid performance, pitching 4 2/3 innings against the Philadelphia Phillies, successfully rebounding from a disastrous outing against the Boston Red Sox. Despite the Reds losing 3-1, Burns showed signs of improvement, striking out seven but also walking four batters. His effort kept the game competitive, even as the Phillies turned the tide late with a game-tying double by Kyle Schwarber and a decisive two-run homer by Bryson Stott.

Veteran Emilio Pagán praised Burns’ resilience and maturity, highlighting the rigorous preparation strategies employed by the Reds' pitching staff to address pitch-tipping issues. Though the Reds fell short as a team in the series finale, Burns’ performance provides hope for future outings.

This week’s analysis of American League free agents reveals a mix of potential breakout candidates and underwhelming options. Joe Boyle, a promising starting pitcher for the Rays, has showcased elite strikeout potential with a stellar Triple-A ERA and could be a valuable asset if he secures a spot in the rotation. Meanwhile, Joey Cantillo from the Guardians is stepping into a rotation void and could provide quick dividends with favorable matchups. However, veteran Dietrich Enns may be on thin ice following a poor outing, raising concerns about his long-term viability.

Among hitters, Jake Burger is re-establishing himself in the Rangers' lineup, while Brooks Baldwin of the White Sox could gain increased playing time due to injuries. Notable mentions also include rookie prospects like Wyatt Langford, who holds high expectations among fantasy enthusiasts. Bidding strategies reflect these players' potential impacts, with estimated auction values ranging from $1 to $15 across various league formats.

The first quarter of the 2025 MLB season has concluded, with fantasy managers facing critical decisions as the All-Star break approaches. It's the perfect time to evaluate the waiver wire for potential upgrades to your roster. Players under 40% rostered in Yahoo! leagues are highlighted here, indicating they could provide much-needed boosts as the season progresses. Last week’s recommendations included Otto Lopez and Kyle Stowers among others.

Trevor Story has bounced back dramatically after a rough early season, showcasing strong offensive numbers, including a .347 batting average over his last 24 games. His ability to generate runs and maintain a high OPS makes him a valuable addition. Similarly, Noelvi Marte returned from injury and contributed effectively in his comeback game. Evan Carter has been on fire with a hitting streak and notable speed on the base paths. Eury Perez, a promising pitcher, could elevate any rotation with his strikeout potential, while Justin Wrobleski has shown resilience in the Dodgers’ rotation. Lastly, the recent performances of Ronny Henriquez and Grant Taylor have sparked interest as they step into pivotal roles that could translate into saves.

Three prospects are showing significant potential for fantasy baseball managers seeking impactful players: Brandon Sproat, Hunter Barco, and Chase DeLauter. Each is at Triple-A and could soon make waves in the MLB. Sproat, a pitcher for the New York Mets, has faced challenges but shows promise with his fastball. Barco, pitching for Pittsburgh, has excelled upon recovering from injury, boasting impressive strikeout numbers. Meanwhile, DeLauter of the Cleveland Guardians has consistently performed well, with a robust on-base streak and power potential, making him a must-add for fantasy teams.