Week 13 of the MLB season brings a host of outfield waiver wire options for fantasy baseball enthusiasts. Notable picks include Lars Nootbaar and Alec Burleson of the St. Louis Cardinals, both thriving during a seven-game week. Nootbaar showcases a strong hard-hit rate, while Burleson's recent performance includes multiple home runs and a high batting average. Jeff McNeil of the New York Mets and Victor Scott, also from the Cardinals, provide versatility and speed, respectively. In the deeper leagues, keep an eye on Jake Mangum of the Tampa Bay Rays and Luke Raley from the Seattle Mariners, both of whom offer potential upside as they re-enter their teams' lineups.

Assessing the matchups this week, teams like the Braves and Cubs are set for extended play, making their players prime streaming candidates. With six teams scheduled for seven games, maximizing plate appearances is crucial for fantasy success. Players like Matt Wallner of the Minnesota Twins and Harrison Bader present power-speed combinations, essential for fantasy rosters. As the season progresses, monitoring these emerging talents could provide significant boosts to your fantasy squad.

Injuries are a common challenge in the fantasy baseball landscape, and stashing players can yield significant dividends. This week, focus on Tanner Houck, a SP for the Boston Red Sox, who, despite a rough start to 2025, has potential to return to form following an injury stint. Shane Bieber, once a dominant force for the Cleveland Guardians, remains on the wire but is nearing a return, making him a prime candidate for those with IL slots. Meanwhile, Matt Wallner and David Fry are also worth considering. Wallner is expected back soon and offers good OBP metrics, while Fry, eligible at multiple positions, can add depth to your lineup. Lastly, Luke Raley, with his ability to hit against right-handed pitching, presents a unique upside if you can afford to wait.

As the fantasy baseball draft season heats up, targets in the later rounds can make or break a team. Players with multi-position eligibility are especially valuable, providing flexibility to navigate injuries or off days. Look for candidates with an ADP of 175 or lower, offering a mix of batting average, home runs, and stolen bases. Key players like Brendan Donovan of the St. Louis Cardinals and Ceddanne Rafaela from the Boston Red Sox have the potential to contribute across multiple categories while providing roster flexibility.

For those seeking late-round sleepers, Christopher Morel of the Tampa Bay Rays and Luke Raley of the Seattle Mariners are intriguing options. Morel’s power potential coupled with eligibility at multiple positions can help fill gaps, while Raley's career-high plate appearances last season hint at further production. As the season approaches, these players could be the difference between a good fantasy team and a championship contender.

The Detroit Tigers have made a significant move by signing infielder Gleyber Torres to a one-year contract, which has led to a reshuffling of their infield positions. Torres will take over at second base, prompting Colt Keith, who played there last season, to transition to first base. This adjustment leaves Spencer Torkelson, the former No. 1 overall draft pick, in a precarious position as he now lacks a defined role within the team.

Torkelson, who was selected first overall in the 2020 draft after a successful college career at Auburn, has shown flashes of power with 31 home runs in 2023. However, his overall performance has been inconsistent, with a career batting average of just .221. Last season, he managed a disappointing .219 average over 92 major league games, including a stint in Triple-A, and recorded 10 home runs and 37 RBIs.

The Seattle Mariners, who are in search of a right-handed first baseman to complement their left-handed option, Luke Raley, might find Torkelson an appealing target. Despite his struggles, Torkelson demonstrated potential against left-handed pitching last season, boasting a .235 average and a solid .798 OPS in 89 at-bats. While the Mariners have also been linked to veteran Justin Turner for this role, Torkelson could be a more cost-effective option, especially since he is under team control through 2028.

However, acquiring Torkelson would mean the Mariners would miss out on the veteran leadership that Turner could bring to the clubhouse, an aspect they are reportedly seeking. As the offseason progresses, the implications of the Tigers' decision to sign Torres could resonate throughout the league, particularly impacting the Mariners' roster decisions.