As the MLB season nears the halfway mark, optimizing fantasy rosters remains crucial for success. This week, the focus is on players under 40% rostered in Yahoo! leagues, presenting an opportunity for savvy managers to snag hidden gems. Key recommendations include Otto Lopez, whose impressive .333 batting average and dual eligibility provide solid value, and Kyle Stowers, showcasing power potential with a 19% barrel rate and a stellar hard-hit percentage.

Jo Adell is also highlighted despite his previous struggles, showing marked improvements in contact rates and power metrics, making him a worthwhile risk. Caleb Durbin and Tyler Freeman offer non-power contributions with high batting averages and contact rates, while pitchers Michael Soroka and Emmet Sheehan are discussed for their promising upside despite recent ERAs. Overall, these waiver picks could provide significant boosts as teams head into the second half of the season.

Otto Kemp's approach at the plate is both unique and effective, leading him to be hit by pitches at an astonishing rate—29 times in 123 games last season. His strategy involves setting up close to the plate, which often makes him an easy target for pitchers trying to locate their off-speed pitches. Despite the risks associated with being plunked, Kemp accepts this aspect of his game as a means to get on base and contribute to scoring opportunities for the Phillies.

Notably, Kemp's experiences echo that of former Phillies player Chase Utley, who ranks ninth all-time in being hit by pitches. Kemp aims to emulate this aggressive approach to create chaos on the basepaths, showcasing a blend of determination and adaptability. As the season progresses, fans will be keen to see how this trend impacts his performance, especially with the stakes of potential injuries involved, as evidenced by teammates like Bryce Harper dealing with their own setbacks.

As the 2025 MLB season progresses into Week 12, savvy fantasy baseball managers are on the lookout for potential waiver-wire pickups to bolster their teams. This week, several hitters are highlighted based on their low roster percentages across major platforms like ESPN and Yahoo.

Among the top recommendations is Ryan O'Hearn (BAL), who holds eligibility at both first base and the outfield and is especially valuable this week with only one left-handed pitcher facing him in a favorable schedule. Nathaniel Lowe (WSH) is also a noteworthy pickup, having shown consistent performance despite a lower roster rate. Meanwhile, Miguel Vargas (CHW) continues to perplex fantasy managers by remaining under the 50% threshold, despite his evident potential backed by impressive APR metrics.

For deeper leagues, consider Otto Lopez (MIA) and Thairo Estrada (COL), both having favorable matchups that could yield substantial points. Lopez has been showing signs of form with three consecutive top-100 finishes, while Estrada's return from injury has him primed for production. The landscape on the waiver wire is dynamic, with players like Eric Wagaman (MIA), proving to be solid options for those in need of versatile hitters.

In Week 11 of the 2025 MLB season, fantasy managers need to strategically enhance their rosters due to injuries and underperformance. This week's waiver wire focuses on hitters who can boost key statistical categories like home runs (HR), runs batted in (RBI), stolen bases (SB), runs scored (R), and batting average (AVG).

Notable additions include Willi Castro, who has regained form with the Minnesota Twins, and Detroit Tigers' Parker Meadows, who is making a strong impact at the top of the batting order. The Boston Red Sox's Marcelo Mayer is proving to be a solid prospect with promising power numbers.

For power-hungry fantasy owners, Christian Encarnacion-Strand of the Cincinnati Reds is a must-add, while Jo Adell from the Los Angeles Angels is showing signs of a breakout with multiple home runs recently. Additionally, players like Jesus Sanchez from the Miami Marlins and Otto Lopez are putting up solid counting stats.

This week’s fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups focus on infield-eligible players who can provide value as we head into Week 10. Key highlights include Miguel Vargas from the Chicago White Sox, who is on a hot streak with consistent hitting, making him a solid option for teams needing depth at first base or third base. Jonathan India of the Kansas City Royals is also notable, particularly for his favorable matchups against Miles Mikolas, which could bolster his already improving stats. The Minnesota Twins' Carlos Correa is coming off an injury strong, with a high upside for the upcoming week against weaker pitching. Deep league managers should keep an eye on Otto Lopez of the Miami Marlins, who is showing signs of life post-injury, particularly in stolen bases.