The 2025 MLB season is upon us, and fantasy managers are already eyeing potential waiver wire pickups to adjust their rosters following injuries and promising spring performances. With notable names like Shane McClanahan and Vinnie Pasquantino sidelined, the search for replacements intensifies. Players available in fewer than 40% of Yahoo leagues include promising rookies and seasoned players who could significantly impact fantasy teams.

Kristian Campbell of the Boston Red Sox is trending as the starting second baseman, showcasing impressive stats from the previous season and a strong spring. Christian Encarnacion-Strand, despite a rough 2024, is showing potential value as he secures a spot in the Reds' lineup. Wilyer Abreu, recovering from an illness, could emerge as a key outfield contributor. Other names worth monitoring include Jacob Wilson, Hayden Birdsong, and Reese Olson, all of whom present intriguing options for savvy fantasy owners looking to bolster their pitching and batting.

In fantasy baseball, securing a top catcher is crucial due to the limited elite options available. William Contreras stands out, being the only catcher drafted in the top 50, boasting impressive stats with a .281 average, 23 homers, and 92 RBIs in 2024. Following him, Adley Rutschman, Yainer Diaz, and Cal Raleigh are popular picks, but if those are missed, several undervalued catchers are available beyond the first 90 picks.

Willson Contreras is slated as the Cardinals' primary first baseman but retains catcher eligibility, making him a smart target at an ADP of 92.3. After battling injuries in 2024, he still showcased excellent metrics, hinting he could achieve career highs if he remains healthy. Shea Langeliers, at an ADP of 127.3, recorded 29 homers last season and is a powerful option worth consideration. Logan O'Hoppe presents a high-risk but high-reward scenario, having logged 20 homers last season despite a weak second half. Gabriel Moreno offers a solid batting average, while Ivan Herrera has a chance to be a sleeper at 239.3 ADP with his batting potential.

Exploring the fantasy baseball landscape as we approach auction drafts reveals several undervalued players poised to deliver significant returns. For those adopting a 'stars and scrubs' strategy, securing top-tier talents like Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge leaves a need for budget-friendly options. Optimal $1 bids can enhance your roster's depth, and several players are highlighted as ideal targets.

Ben Rice of the New York Yankees stands out with a strong spring performance, likely earning him the primary DH role amidst Giancarlo Stanton's injury. His impressive power potential makes him a valuable pick. Ty France, now with the Minnesota Twins, offers consistency as a reliable first baseman, showing promising results this spring.

Jacob Wilson, the Athletics' shortstop, provides volume potential in a rebuilding lineup, and Trevor Larnach of the Twins is expected to thrive against right-handed pitchers as their cleanup hitter. Jonny DeLuca, now with the Tampa Bay Rays, offers a tantalizing blend of speed and power, while pitchers like Sean Burke of the White Sox and Jack Leiter from the Rangers present exciting strikeout potential at minimal cost.

Draft strategy often pivots around positional needs, with power hitters typically going off the board early. However, waiting and targeting speed and pitching can leave a team low on home runs. Fortunately, several late-round power hitters can help salvage home run projections without compromising other categories too severely. Players with high power upside also carry intriguing RBI potential, making them valuable late-round targets.

Tyler Soderstrom, a former first-round pick, had an up-and-down 2023 but showed flashes of promise with a .480 xSLG and good barrel rates. Joc Pederson rebounded nicely with the Texas Rangers, hitting 23 home runs and creating RBI opportunities behind strong hitters. Nolan Gorman remains a risk due to his high strikeout rate but possesses elite power potential with 25+ home runs on the horizon. Ryan Jeffers and Heston Kjerstad are other late-round options who have shown promise in their respective minor league stints and could translate that power to the majors.

Rhys Hoskins returned from injury to hit 26 homers, displaying solid barrel rates. Each of these players could provide significant boosts to power numbers in a fantasy lineup, especially when carefully integrated into team strategies aimed at balancing categories.