As we enter Week 5 of the 2025 MLB season, it's time for fantasy baseball managers to reassess their rosters and consider potential waiver wire additions to gain a competitive edge. Notably, pitchers available in less than 50% of leagues present high upside options for points leagues.

Andrew Abbott of the Cincinnati Reds, rostered in 49% of leagues, has been impressive since returning from a shoulder injury, boasting a 1.64 ERA over 10 innings pitched. His pitch arsenal, particularly his changeup, shows promise. Next up is a matchup against the St. Louis Cardinals, making him a solid target for a waiver pickup.

Mitchell Parker from the Washington Nationals has a remarkable 1.39 ERA despite advanced stats suggesting regression. With the potential for a good trade value, he is another essential addition, especially with a forthcoming start against the Cincinnati Reds. David Peterson of the New York Mets has demonstrated great skills and an impressive ground ball rate, making him a valuable fantasy asset, especially against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Lastly, Landen Roupp from the San Francisco Giants is on the radar as he possesses advanced stats indicating upside alongside his current roster percentage of 32%. Overall, these pitchers represent strategic opportunities for fantasy managers looking to improve their starting rotations.

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.

In the quest for reliable starting pitching in fantasy baseball, three breakout pitchers have caught attention early in the 2025 season: Landen Roupp, Andrew Heaney, and Mitchell Parker. Roupp, of the San Francisco Giants, has showcased tremendous strikeout potential, posting a 31.2% strikeout rate over his first four starts. His impressive 2.98 SIERA suggests that his current 4.09 ERA could improve significantly.

Meanwhile, Andrew Heaney, now with the Pittsburgh Pirates, has achieved a stellar 1.72 ERA and a 3.08 SIERA, indicating that he's found a new level after a tumultuous career. Lastly, Mitchell Parker of the Washington Nationals has surprised many with a low 1.39 ERA, although his underlying metrics suggest he may regress soon, making him a risky but intriguing prospect for fantasy teams. Each of these pitchers presents unique attributes that could bolster a fantasy rotation during this critical point in the season.

The Washington Nationals have quietly assembled one of the finest pitching rotations in the National League, achieving a 3.55 ERA, placing them fifth in the league. While ace MacKenzie Gore garners attention with his elite velocity and strikeout capabilities, the rest of the rotation, including left-hander Mitchell Parker and right-hander Trevor Williams, has demonstrated that effective pitching is not solely about speed. Parker's impressive 1.39 ERA and ability to produce weak contact highlight the merits of command over pure velocity.

Gore's successful early season, with multiple double-digit strikeout games, is complemented by a concerted effort from his teammates to keep hitters off balance. Nationals manager Dave Martinez and pitching strategist Sean Doolittle have fostered a collaborative environment that emphasizes learning and adaptability among pitchers. The contributions from this low-cost rotation signify a shift in the Nationals' approach to developing homegrown talent, creating a promising foundation despite challenges in their bullpen.

As we approach Week 4 of the fantasy baseball season, savvy managers are already assessing trade opportunities. Notably, Julio Rodríguez of the Seattle Mariners, despite a slow start, shows promise with six extra-base hits and five stolen bases early on. His historical performance suggests he could rebound dramatically. Ian Happ from the Chicago Cubs is also a prime buy-low candidate, with an impressive track record suggesting he’ll find his rhythm soon. Conversely, Marcus Semien of the Texas Rangers is looking overvalued with his poor start, making him a potential sell candidate. Similar caution applies to Mitchell Parker of the Washington Nationals, whose early success may not be sustainable due to low strikeout rates and high hard-hit percentages.