The first quarter of the 2025 MLB season has concluded, with fantasy managers facing critical decisions as the All-Star break approaches. It's the perfect time to evaluate the waiver wire for potential upgrades to your roster. Players under 40% rostered in Yahoo! leagues are highlighted here, indicating they could provide much-needed boosts as the season progresses. Last week’s recommendations included Otto Lopez and Kyle Stowers among others.

Trevor Story has bounced back dramatically after a rough early season, showcasing strong offensive numbers, including a .347 batting average over his last 24 games. His ability to generate runs and maintain a high OPS makes him a valuable addition. Similarly, Noelvi Marte returned from injury and contributed effectively in his comeback game. Evan Carter has been on fire with a hitting streak and notable speed on the base paths. Eury Perez, a promising pitcher, could elevate any rotation with his strikeout potential, while Justin Wrobleski has shown resilience in the Dodgers’ rotation. Lastly, the recent performances of Ronny Henriquez and Grant Taylor have sparked interest as they step into pivotal roles that could translate into saves.

The second half of the 2025 fantasy baseball season is shaping up to be exciting, with a host of players poised to break out. Key names like Ben Rice, Otto Lopez, and Addison Barger have underperformed but are primed for a resurgence.

Rice's strong Statcast numbers indicate he could become a must-start catcher for the Yankees. Lopez, despite injury setbacks, showcases promising metrics pointing towards a potential 20/20 season. Barger, meanwhile, has shown flashes of his power, suggesting a strong finish behind elite sluggers. Adolis Garcia, though sluggish early, is a buy-low option with significant power upside. Pitchers like Eury Perez, despite recent struggles, are also expected to shine, especially if they regain their form. Likewise, Daniel Palencia has emerged as a closer with top-5 potential, making him a hot waiver wire target.

The Texas Rangers face a critical 10-game road trip, crucial for their playoff hopes as they aim to close the gap on the Houston Astros in the AL West. With less than a month until the trade deadline, the Rangers currently sit 9 games behind the Astros and 2.5 games out from a wild card spot. Their recent performance has been shaky, with a record of just 5-5 over their last ten games, highlighting the urgency for wins.

Despite this, the Rangers boast a potent offense, having scored the seventh-most runs in the league since late June. Key contributors like Marcus Semien and Corey Seager have been performing exceptionally, and the return of Wyatt Langford could further boost their lineup. Rangers management is advocating for consistency and a win streak to secure a postseason berth as they navigate this pivotal stretch.

The Texas Rangers' offense is gaining traction as they prepare for the anticipated return of left fielder Wyatt Langford, who has been sidelined since June 25 due to a left oblique strain. Manager Bruce Bochy confirmed that Langford could be activated for Saturday's game against the San Diego Padres, depending on his condition. Langford has demonstrated his readiness, having hit a home run in a minor league rehab appearance, showcasing an impressive 1.135 OPS in his minor league career. Before his injury, he led the Rangers with 13 home runs.

While Langford's return is exciting, the Rangers have been thriving offensively, scoring six or more runs in six of their last eight games. This surge comes at a crucial time as they look to solidify their position in the standings. Additionally, Texas recently signed Rowdy Tellez to a minor league deal, adding depth and power potential to their lineup. The combination of Langford’s return and Tellez's signing could further enhance their offensive capabilities as they push for postseason contention.