Reese Olson, Matthew Liberatore, and Will Vest have emerged as intriguing options for fantasy baseball managers in 2025, showcasing remarkable early-season performances. Olson's changeup usage has surged, helping him achieve a 3.55 ERA, with impressive strikeout rates. Meanwhile, Liberatore has transformed into a reliable pitcher with a 3.19 ERA, showcasing improved command and a strong reliance on his slider. Vest has carved out a niche in the Tigers' bullpen, displaying excellent metrics despite a recent rough outing.

Assessing whether these pitchers are merely breakouts or potential league winners is vital for fantasy managers. Olson's early successes, bolstered by his enhanced changeup, suggest he could provide solid depth in standard formats, but consistency remains a concern. Liberatore's post-hype breakout may offer a more stable option, while Vest's high-leverage role indicates potential value, especially in leagues that reward holds and saves.

This week’s focus on starting pitchers reveals several intriguing trends among some rising stars in Major League Baseball. Nick Lodolo of the Cincinnati Reds appears to be finally living up to his potential, showcasing significant improvements with a 2.25 ERA and a notable increase in the use of his changeup. Matthew Liberatore from the St. Louis Cardinals has similarly made strides, utilizing a revised changeup and cutter to bolster his performance. Ben Casparius of the Los Angeles Dodgers could see an expanded role as a starter, leaning on a new cutter that has improved his effectiveness. Finally, Andrew Heaney of the Pittsburgh Pirates has altered his attack strategy, relying less on his slider and more on his curveball.

Week 5 in fantasy baseball calls for strategic waiver wire moves, especially for starting pitchers. Among the top picks is Andrew Heaney of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who, despite a fastball under 90 MPH, has been effective with a 5.1% walk rate and an impressive K% of 26.3% in his last four starts. Mitchell Parker of the Washington Nationals also stands out, boasting a 1.39 ERA, but his low strikeout rate may limit his overall value. Landen Roupp from the San Francisco Giants shows promise with a significant K% increase, though inconsistency in his ERA raises questions. Jose Quintana of the Milwaukee Brewers remains a reliable option for controlling ratios and winning potential, albeit with limited strikeout upside. Deeper leagues may find value in Reese Olson of the Detroit Tigers, who has improved rapidly, and Matthew Liberatore from the St. Louis Cardinals, boasting four quality starts. Tobias Myers and Shane Smith, both rostered under 30%, are also worth consideration for streaming options.

This week's NL FAAB Factor highlights several promising free agents worth considering for your roster. Starting pitcher Landen Roupp of the Giants has shown potential with a low xFIP and high strikeout rate, making him a viable option despite a shaky ERA. Matthew Liberatore of the Cardinals is also making waves, having dramatically improved his strikeout and walk rates, and is a must-add to see if he continues to blossom.

On the injury front, Tony Gonsolin is on track to reclaim a spot in the Dodgers' rotation, while Brewers’ Tobias Myers and Andrew Abbott of the Reds are returning from injuries with impressive minor league performances. Meanwhile, David Bednar is back with the Pirates, looking to re-establish himself as a closer after a stint in the minors. Overall, there are several intriguing options available for your fantasy teams, especially in deeper leagues.

In Week 3 of the 2025 fantasy baseball season, several starting pitchers have emerged as potential waiver wire targets, and three in the NL Central have caught attention. Andre Pallante of the St. Louis Cardinals has been impressive, boasting a 2.20 ERA after a dominant performance against the Phillies, utilizing his four-seam fastball and slider effectively. Meanwhile, Matthew Liberatore, also from the Cardinals, has shown promise with his new pitch mix, including a heightened slider usage that led to a solid outing against the same team. Lastly, Ben Brown, pitching for the Chicago Cubs, showcased his ability to blank the formidable Dodgers, demonstrating considerable upside despite earlier struggles this season. These pitchers may be worth monitoring for fantasy teams.