As Week 5 of the 2025 MLB season approaches, fantasy baseball managers should consider stashing several promising pitching prospects. Bubba Chandler from the Pittsburgh Pirates continues to excel at Triple-A, showcasing a remarkable 1.33 ERA and 0.64 WHIP, making him a must-add for any fantasy roster. Brandon Sproat of the New York Mets has had a rocky outing recently but had been on a solid trajectory prior. Zebby Matthews from the Minnesota Twins is another noteworthy prospect whose strong early-season performance suggests he may soon receive a call-up. Ian Seymour of the Tampa Bay Rays is also making waves with impressive strikeout numbers, while Cade Horton of the Chicago Cubs, coming off an injury, is showing signs of reclaiming his pre-injury form.

As the MLB season unfolds, fantasy managers are encouraged to target top prospects from the waiver wire to bolster their rosters. Notable names include Zebby Matthews, Chase Dollander, and Andrew Painter, each with different trajectories and potential impacts.

Zebby Matthews, currently with the Minnesota Twins' Triple-A affiliate, has made significant improvements this season, posting a remarkable 1.45 ERA. He is regarded as a strong stash option, especially with uncertainty surrounding the Twins' rotation.

Chase Dollander, now with the Colorado Rockies, has faced challenges since his promotion to the majors with a 7.91 ERA. Despite his struggles, he possesses the potential to be a front-line starter in the future, making him a high-risk, high-reward fantasy pick.

Andrew Painter of the Philadelphia Phillies is recovering from surgery but is viewed as a top pitching prospect. His impressive control and strikeout ability in A-ball suggest he could make waves once he makes his MLB debut later this season. The perfect timing for stashing these pitchers could lead to high rewards down the line.

Zebby Matthews, a promising prospect for the Minnesota Twins, has made a strong impression in the minors and is expected to make his mark in the majors soon. With an impressive career ERA of 3.10 and a stellar 2024 season that saw him dominate at various levels, including Triple-A, Matthews is a player to watch. His recent performances indicate that his time in the big leagues may come very shortly, particularly with the Twins facing a busy schedule that could necessitate a rotation change.

Matthews, who has shown elite command and an above-average cutter, is currently excelling in Triple-A, having recorded a 1.80 ERA and a remarkable 36.4% strikeout rate in his first three starts this season. Given the injuries to other Twins pitchers, his call-up could come as early as May, making him an enticing stash for fantasy managers looking to bolster their pitching staff.

The call-up of Logan Henderson marks a significant moment in the MLB, as he joins the ranks of promising talents ready to make an impact. Meanwhile, the injury to Quinn Mathews opens the door for new prospects, including Bubba Chandler of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who boasts an impressive 1.76 ERA at Triple-A and is poised for an MLB debut. The New York Mets' Brandon Sproat and Minnesota Twins' Zebby Matthews are also making waves in the minors, showcasing skills that could soon benefit their teams.

Chandler's recent performance, including a striking five-strikeout outing, emphasizes his readiness for the big leagues. Sproat has improved significantly, holding a 1.26 ERA after early struggles. Matthews, despite not getting promoted immediately, demonstrates elite control and strikeout capability. Ian Seymour of the Tampa Bay Rays steps in as a worthy stash option, while Caden Dana of the Los Angeles Angels is turning heads with a stellar 1.13 ERA at Triple-A. This week's analysis highlights these top pitching prospects who could soon shine on the MLB stage.

Bubba Chandler is dominating the fantasy baseball landscape as the most-rostered pitching prospect in ESPN standard leagues. The Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander has shown immense potential, striking out 148 batters in just 119 2/3 innings across two minor league levels last season with a solid 3.08 ERA and a remarkable 1.01 WHIP. His fastball has reached an impressive 101.5 mph, and in three starts this season, he’s recorded a jaw-dropping 46% strikeout rate with a 1.69 ERA.

Despite a rocky spring training where he struggled with command, walking four batters and allowing five runs in 2 2/3 innings, the Pirates are taking a cautious approach. Nonetheless, with a rotation that’s lacking depth and Jared Jones sidelined for months, Chandler could get the call to the majors at any time. As fantasy managers weigh their options, investing in young pitchers remains a risky move compared to hitters, but Chandler’s upside makes him a coveted prospect.

Another name to watch is Andrew Painter of the Philadelphia Phillies, who is also a top pitching prospect recovering from Tommy John surgery. Painter, throwing in the high 90s, is expected to make his debut in July, and both pitchers could shape the future of their respective teams.