This week's fantasy baseball waiver wire targets feature a mix of under-the-radar contributors making an impact as we approach the halfway point of the MLB season. Otto Lopez, the Miami Marlins' versatile infielder, has been on fire with a .301 batting average in June, showcasing his potential for both power and speed. The Brewers' Isaac Collins is seizing his opportunity with regular playing time, hitting .309 in his last 19 games. Gary Sanchez, now the primary catcher for the Orioles, is making waves with a .354 average and power surge, making him an attractive trade candidate. Outfielder Jake Meyers of the Astros is a solid addition as he’s raised his batting average to .317 with key contributions in stolen bases. Lastly, Tyler Freeman of the Rockies brings significant upside with his ability to contribute in multiple categories, especially if he secures a top spot in the batting order.

Jacob Misiorowski is quickly establishing himself as the front-runner for National League Rookie of the Year. The Milwaukee Brewers rookie pitcher has seen his odds plummet from +1700 to -180 at DraftKings, indicating a strong performance. In his first three starts, he boasts a remarkable 1.13 ERA, allowing just three hits with 19 strikeouts over 16 innings. Notably, his fastball has been clocked over 100 mph, setting franchise records.

Following a victory against the Pittsburgh Pirates and a stellar matchup against fellow rookie sensation Paul Skenes, Misiorowski's dominance has become a focal point of the league. Skenes may have grabbed headlines previously, but Misiorowski's performance is making waves, positioning him as the clear favorite to take home the prestigious Rookie of the Year award.

The MLB betting landscape is buzzing with excitement as top matchups unfold on July 2, 2025. Following a successful no-runs-first-inning (NRFI) betting night, there are six standout NRFI picks to consider today. Key matchups include the St. Louis Cardinals facing the Pittsburgh Pirates, where pitchers Sonny Gray and Mitch Keller are set to take the mound. Gray, boasting an impressive 12-4 NRFI record this season, aims to maintain his form after a complete game shutout against the Guardians. Keller, with a solid 12-5 NRFI record, presents a tough challenge. Meanwhile, the San Diego Padres face off against the Philadelphia Phillies in a doubleheader, with Nick Pivetta and rookie Mick Abel pitching. Pivetta, also 12-4 on NRFIs this year, is expected to shine. The betting community is closely monitoring these games, considering weather conditions and lineup changes that could impact outcomes.

Emerging pitchers are making waves in the 2025 fantasy baseball landscape, with Chad Patrick, Ryne Nelson, and Landen Roupp standing out as potential breakout candidates. Chad Patrick of the Milwaukee Brewers has established himself with a solid ERA of 3.51 and 93 strikeouts, showing impressive strikeout ability with his cutter. Meanwhile, Ryne Nelson has significantly improved since moving to the starting role, boasting a 3.61 ERA and a WHIP of 1.025, thanks to his effective fastball. Lastly, Landen Roupp from the San Francisco Giants has a 3.43 ERA and has allowed two runs or fewer in most of his starts, proving to be a reliable option.

Each of these pitchers brings unique strengths to the table, making them intriguing options for fantasy managers looking for value. As the season progresses, it remains essential for fantasy owners to monitor their performances closely to gauge their long-term viability in a competitive fantasy league.

Quinn Mathews, Hunter Barco, and Logan Henderson are the top pitching prospects to consider stashing in your fantasy baseball roster. Mathews, playing for the St. Louis Cardinals, has shown potential but struggled recently with his command. Despite a couple of rough outings, his earlier performance post-injury was encouraging, with a 2.89 ERA over 18.2 innings.

Hunter Barco of the Pittsburgh Pirates has been dominant at both Double-A and Triple-A levels, boasting a 2.04 ERA and a high strikeout rate. His four-pitch arsenal is impressive, particularly his mid-90s fastball, and he's likely to get called up soon. Logan Henderson, on the other hand, has made a brief MLB appearance with a strong 1.91 ERA; however, his path to regular pitching in the majors is more complicated due to the presence of other strong prospects in the Brewers' rotation.