Points League Hitters: Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 9 (May 26 - June 1)

May 26, 2025

Nicklaus' H2H points fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups for hitters in Week 9 (2025) - May 26 - June 1. Free-agent hitters to add in points leagues.

Welcome, RotoBallers, to our H2H points fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups for hitters for Week 9 of the 2025 season. These fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups are for the week of May 26 - June 1, looking at players below ~50 percent rostered on ESPN or Yahoo points leagues.

We'll be doing this points league roundup every week here at RotoBaller because we know points players get neglected, and we're here to help. Player values can vary wildly from platform to platform, so we'll highlight where players are the best and worst fits, with waiver-wire targets being evaluated in terms of the different scoring systems on ESPN, Yahoo, CBS, Fantrax, and NFBC.

Position eligibility is taken from Fantrax, and players are grouped by their most valuable fantasy position, using a hierarchy of C > 2B > OF > 3B > 1B > SS. Stats and rankings are calculated using games through Saturday, May 25.

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Waiver Wire Caveats and APR Explanation

Roster% Thresholds

We use a combination of roster percentages to assess who is in our target pool, relying mostly on Yahoo and ESPN. For some players, you'll notice a wide discrepancy between the two. This is because ESPN's roster percentage is heavily weighted by points players, with guys who don't do well in their system (often because of an inflated strikeout rate) lagging behind the Yahoo! roster percentage.

For this reason, you'll sometimes see players (especially early) who might make you question my sanity in including them in a waiver-wire article, but don't worry, it's just a necessary glitch for coverage purposes.

APR stands for "Average Platform Rank" and is the average hitter rank between the four major point platforms: ESPN, Yahoo, CBS, and Fantrax. All player data is from FanGraphs and Baseball Savant, with injury information pulled from the Roster Resource section on the former.

Fantasy Baseball First Base Waiver Wire Pickups

Best Choices

Ryan O'Hearn, BAL, 1B/OF (Yahoo: 22%, ESPN: 12%) - Our Best Choice from last week hasn't disappointed, currently the #64 hitter headed into Sunday. It's a broken record that bears repeating: it's usually a good idea to start O'Hearn when there aren't many lefties on the docket. Like this week! Baltimore has six games at home (vs. STL, vs. CHW), with zero LHP currently scheduled. It's go time again, y'all.

Oh, I'm sorry -- did I say the #64 hitter? Might want to upgrade that number:

Ryan O’BOMB! He leaves the yard for his 8th HR of the year and his stellar 2025 continues

103.2 EV 🔥
396 ft.
.790 xBA
19/30 Ballparks

Ryan O’Hearn is making his case for being the Orioles representation at this years fall classic! pic.twitter.com/221X2CHXCw

— Baseball Unstitched Podcast (@BaseUnstitched) May 25, 2025

Spencer Horwitz, PIT, 1B/2B (Yahoo: 2%, ESPN: 9%) - He only just returned from the IL, but Horwitz has an 81 APR headed into Sunday, collecting two hits in three of his last five games. Don't forget how solid (and points-friendly) Horwitz was last season; over 381 PA, he slashed .265/.357/.433, with an 18% K%, 11% BB%, and .344 wOBA.

He'll get six games on the road this week (@ARI, @SD), with nothing but right-handers on the schedule.

Next Choices

Eric Wagaman, MIA, 1B/3B/OF (Yahoo: 3%, ESPN: 3%) - The unheralded Wagaman continues producing and is now up to a top-150 APR for the season. He's particularly been smashing LHP on the expected side of things, posting a .397 xwOBA, .311 xBA, and .601 xSLG against them over 53 PA in 2025. He'll see two lefties in his six games this week, going on the road against San Diego before coming back home for the Giants.

Kody Clemens, MIN, 1B/2B (Yahoo: 3%, ESPN: 2%) - Clemens has a 59 APR over the last two weeks, even with limited playing time, with the Twins facing a recent slew of LHPs. That's not the case this week, though, with zero left-handers on the schedule (@TB, @SEA), and Clemens will look to improve on his stellar start -- he's slashing .283/.367/.642, with a .427 wOBA and .439 xwOBA over his first 61 PA.

Desperate Choices

Carlos Santana, CLE, 1B (Yahoo: 8%, ESPN: 11%) - Some day the mortals will understand, my lord -- please don't burn their eyes out with your righteous glory. Santana is the #12 hitter in Week 8,  is averaging a 71 APR over his last four periods, and is now up to an 85 APR for the season. Also, he's available almost everywhere.

He gets six games in Week 9 (vs. LAD, vs. LAA), with one LHP on the schedule.

Nick Kurtz, ATH, 1B (Yahoo: 24%, ESPN: 10%) - The rookie broke out in a big way this week, currently the #4 hitter heading into Sunday, after putting up four straight duds to start the year. The upside is obvious, but be wary of that plate discipline -- Kurtz has a 34% K% through his first 108 AP. The left-hander gets six games (@HOU, @TOR), with no LHP on the schedule.

On the IL

• Christian Encarnacion-Strand, CIN, 1B (lower back inflammation - rehab assignment)
• Luke Raley, SEA, 1B/OF (strained oblique - 6 to 8 weeks)
• Jeimer Candelario, CIN, 1B/3B (strained back - no timetable)

Fantasy Baseball Second Base Waiver Wire Pickups

Best Choices

Spencer Horwitz, PIT, 1B/2B (Yahoo: 2%, ESPN: 9%) - He only just returned from the IL, but Horwitz has an 81 APR headed into Sunday, collecting two hits in three of his last five games. Don't forget how solid (and points-friendly) Horwitz was last season; over 381 PA, he slashed .265/.357/.433, with an 18% K%, 11% BB%, and .344 wOBA.

He'll get six games on the road this week (@ARI, @SD), with nothing but right-handers on the schedule.

Ernie Clement, TOR, 2B/3B/SS (Yahoo: 3%, ESPN: 1%) - Take it away, Ern! Clement has a 113 APR over the last three periods, but more importantly, is scheduled to face three left-handers in his seven games this week (@TEX, vs. ATH). In his first 50 PA vs. LHP this season, Clement is slashing .333/.408/.548, with a .410 wOBA, 12% K%, and 12% BB%.

Next Choices

Brandon Lowe, TB, 2B (Yahoo: 44%, ESPN: 14%) - Brandon Lowe is back??? Okay, maybe not, but the pop never left and his power is starting to catch up to expected numbers (.401 SLG/.504 xSLG, .300 wOBA/.353 xwOBA), smacking two home runs in Week 8. He'll get seven games this week (vs. MIN, @HOU), but two will come against those vexsome left-handers.

Brandon Lowe Over His Last 15 Games:

57 PA
5 HR
11 R
10 RBI
.346 ISO
.288/.351/.635
.419 wOBA
179 wRC+
0.8 fWAR

He faces Chris Bassitt today and has 3 HR, 7 RBI, a .500 AVG, and 1.849 OPS in 14 AB against him.#RaysUp pic.twitter.com/gDyVqSYKi5

— Running From The OPS (@OPS_BASEBALL) May 25, 2025

Chase Meidroth, CHW, 2B/3B/SS (Yahoo: 32%, ESPN: 14%) - The hype continues to materialize -- Meidroth is in the middle of finishing up his second-straight top-50 finish, currently the #35 hitter headed into Sunday. He'll see nothing but right-handers, though, in six games on the road in Week 9 (@NYM, @BAL).

Chase Meidroth has been on fire during his career-high 9-game hitting streak🔥

.417/.462/.583
3 2B
1 HR
3 RBI
6 R
201 wRC+
5 multi-hit efforts pic.twitter.com/MSht8rIS9h

— Sox On 35th (@SoxOn35th) May 22, 2025

Kody Clemens, MIN, 1B/2B (Yahoo: 3%, ESPN: 2%) - Clemens has a 59 APR over the last two weeks, even with limited playing time, with the Twins facing a recent slew of LHPs. That's not the case this week, though, with zero left-handers on the schedule (@TB, @SEA), and Clemens will look to improve on his stellar start -- he's slashing .283/.367/.642, with a .427 wOBA and .439 xwOBA over his first 61 PA.

Desperate Choices

Brooks Lee, MIN, 2B/3B/SS (Yahoo: 4%, ESPN: 2%) - The switch-hitting Lee has been a disaster vs. left-handed pitching (.211/.231/.263, .220 wOBA) but won't have to see any of the starter-variety in his six games this week (@TB, @SEA). But while his numbers vs. RHP are better (.258/.316/.416), the starters this week aren't pushovers.

Lenyn Sosa, CHW, 2B/3B (Yahoo: 2%, ESPN: 1%) - Just like we all drew it up; Sosa is the #43 hitter in Week 8 and is up to a surprising 171 APR for the season. Sure, it's not much, but do remember to grade him on a White Sox-shaped curve. Chicago won't see any LHPs in their six games (@NYM, @BAL), but his numbers have been pretty solid against right-handers, with a .288 AVG and 44% Hard Hit%.

Isiah Kiner-Falefa, PIT, 2B/3B/SS (Yahoo: 8%, ESPN: 7%) - He's not flashy; he's just IKF. But if you need a multi-positional hole-filler that can finish as a top-125(ish) hitter? He's your guy. Kiner-Falefa has back-to-back weeks in that range and will see all RHP in six games this week (@ARI, @SD).

On the IL

• Luke Keaschall, MIN, 2B (fractured forearm - no timetable)
• Nick Gonzales, 2B, PIT (fractured ankle - rehab assignment)

Fantasy Baseball Third Base Waiver Wire Pickups

Best Choices

Ernie Clement, TOR, 2B/3B/SS (Yahoo: 3%, ESPN: 1%) - Take it away, Ern! Clement has a 113 APR over the last three periods, but more importantly, is scheduled to face three left-handers in his seven games this week (@TEX, vs. ATH). In his first 50 PA vs. LHP this season, Clement is slashing .333/.408/.548, with a .410 wOBA, 12% K%, and 12% BB%.

Chase Meidroth, CHW, 2B/3B/SS (Yahoo: 32%, ESPN: 14%) - The hype continues to materialize -- Meidroth is in the middle of finishing up his second-straight top-50 finish, currently the #35 hitter headed into Sunday. He'll see nothing but right-handers, though, in six games on the road in Week 9 (@NYM, @BAL).

Next Choices

Eric Wagaman, MIA, 1B/3B/OF (Yahoo: 3%, ESPN: 3%) - The unheralded Wagaman continues producing and is now up to a top-150 APR for the season. He's particularly been smashing LHP on the expected side of things, posting a .397 xwOBA, .311 xBA, and .601 xSLG against them over 53 PA in 2025.

He'll see two lefties in his six games this week, going on the road against San Diego before coming back home for the Giants.

Connor Norby, MIA, 3B (Yahoo: 12%, ESPN: 6%) - Here we have yet another Marlin who is producing way too much to be rostered so low. Norby is the #48 hitter in Week 8, after finishing in the top-100 in three of the previous four periods. And yet, he's still only 12% rostered on Yahoo and even less than that on ESPN?

Make it make sense, yo. Granted, there is probably a crash coming: Norby's .288 AVG has a .387 BABIP behind it, while a .331 OBP is backed by a .277 xOBP, with a 28% K% and 4% BB%, which is not exactly screaming, "points friendly". But for now, feel free to keep riding in six games and two LHPs this week (@SD, vs. SF).

Miguel Vargas, CHW, 3B/OF (Yahoo: 17%, ESPN: 8%) - Ahh, nothing like making Vargas a Best Choice only to be rewarded with a 276 APR -- good on you, player. Following his very technical pattern of "good week/bad week", that means Vargas should easily bounce back in six games on the road (@NYM, @BAL), with no LHPs on the schedule.

Desperate Choices

Yoan Moncada, LAA, 3B (Yahoo: 2%, ESPN: 1%) - Yes, he's been on fire since returning from the IL (#31, #104, #81) but please don't underestimate how bad he's been against LHP most recently, in a week where he'll see three of them in six games (vs. NYY, @CLE). Since the start of last year, Moncada is slashing .118/.238/.176, with a .270 xwOBA.

Brooks Lee, MIN, 2B/3B/SS (Yahoo: 4%, ESPN: 2%) - The switch-hitting Lee has been a disaster vs. left-handed pitching (.211/.231/.263, .220 wOBA) but won't have to see any of the starter-variety in his six games this week (@TB, @SEA). But while his numbers vs. RHP are better (.258/.316/.416), the starters this week aren't pushovers.

Lenyn Sosa, CHW, 2B/3B (Yahoo: 2%, ESPN: 1%) - Just like we all drew it up; Sosa is the #43 hitter in Week 8 and is up to a surprising 171 APR for the season. Sure, it's not much, but do remember to grade him on a White Sox-shaped curve. Chicago won't see any LHPs in their six games (@NYM, @BAL), but his numbers have been pretty solid against right-handers, with a .288 AVG and 44% Hard Hit%.

Isiah Kiner-Falefa, PIT, 2B/3B/SS (Yahoo: 8%, ESPN: 7%) - He's not flashy; he's just IKF. But if you need a multi-positional hole-filler that can finish as a top-125(ish) hitter? He's your guy. Kiner-Falefa has back-to-back weeks in that range and will see all RHP in six games this week (@ARI, @SD).

On the IL

• Noelvi Marte, CIN, 3B (strained oblique - no timetable)
• Jeimer Candelario, CIN, 1B/3B (strained back - no timetable)
• Paul DeJong, 3B/SS, WSH (fractured nose - no timetable)

Fantasy Baseball Shortstop Waiver Wire Pickups

Best Choices

Ernie Clement, TOR, 2B/3B/SS (Yahoo: 3%, ESPN: 1%) - Take it away, Ern! Clement has a 113 APR over the last three periods, but more importantly, is scheduled to face three left-handers in his seven games this week (@TEX, vs. ATH). In his first 50 PA vs. LHP this season, Clement is slashing .333/.408/.548, with a .410 wOBA, 12% K%, and 12% BB%.

Next Choices

Chase Meidroth, CHW, 2B/3B/SS (Yahoo: 32%, ESPN: 14%) - The hype continues to materialize -- Meidroth is in the middle of finishing up his second-straight top-50 finish, currently the #35 hitter headed into Sunday. He'll see nothing but right-handers, though, in six games on the road in Week 9 (@NYM, @BAL).

J.P. Crawford, SEA, SS (Yahoo: 12%, ESPN: 8%) - Just as there's always money in the banana stand, there's almost always points value to be had in Crawford, who is currently running a 21% K% and 15% BB%. He'll get six games at home this week, but two will come vs. LHP -- fortunately for Crawford, he gets on base against them just as well as vs. RHP.

Crawford has a .371 OBP vs. LHP, with an 18% K% and 16% BB%.

Desperate Choices

Carlos Correa, MIN, SS (Yahoo: 27%, ESPN: 39%) - Even a diminished Correa is still a pretty good points asset, just as long as you realize it's more of a top-125 ceiling than a top-50 one. AKA, he's fine for a fill-in, but you probably don't want to rely on him long-term.

He'll pile up plenty of PAs in six games on the road (@TB, @SEA), but with nothing but tough righties and no lefties on the schedule, this is a good week to temper expectations even further.

Brooks Lee, MIN, 2B/3B/SS (Yahoo: 4%, ESPN: 2%) - The switch-hitting Lee has been a disaster vs. left-handed pitching (.211/.231/.263, .220 wOBA) but won't have to see any of the starter-variety in his six games this week (@TB, @SEA). But while his numbers vs. RHP are better (.258/.316/.416), the starters this week aren't pushovers.

Isiah Kiner-Falefa, PIT, 2B/3B/SS (Yahoo: 8%, ESPN: 7%) - He's not flashy; he's just IKF. But if you need a multi-positional hole-filler that can finish as a top-125(ish) hitter? He's your guy. Kiner-Falefa has back-to-back weeks in that range and will see all RHP in six games this week (@ARI, @SD).

On the IL

• Paul DeJong, 3B/SS, WSH (fractured nose - no timetable)

Fantasy Baseball Outfielder Waiver Wire Pickups

Best Choices

Ryan O'Hearn, BAL, 1B/OF (Yahoo: 22%, ESPN: 12%) - Our Best Choice from last week hasn't disappointed, currently the #64 hitter headed into Sunday. It's a broken record that bears repeating: it's usually a good idea to start O'Hearn when there aren't many lefties on the docket. Like this week!

Baltimore has six games at home (vs. STL, vs. CHW), with zero LHP currently scheduled. It's go time again, y'all.

TJ Friedl, CIN, OF (Yahoo: 43%, ESPN: 19%) - This again? Really??? Friedl has apparently crossed back over our Roster% threshold, after one bad week in Week 7 (#278), even though his other two worst finishes are #174 and #132.

Regardless of the reasons, Friedl's back -- and you should pounce. The #61 hitter on the season gets six games in Week 9 (@KC, @CHC), with two LHPs scheduled.

Victor Scott II, STL, OF (Yahoo: 33%, ESPN: 14%) - Scott number-two keeps hanging around the waiver wire, even though he's now up to an 87 APR for the season, having only turned in one real "dud" all year (#256 in Week 7). Outside of that one ugly week, his worst performances go: #189, #140, #134, along with three finished in the top-50.

That's probably worth rostering. The left-hander gets six games this week (@BAL, @TEX), with two LHPs scheduled.

Chandler Simpson, TB, OF (Yahoo: 28%, ESPN: 17%) - In case you haven't heard, Chandler Simpson is really, really good at stealing bases. Like, "13 SB in 110 PA" good. He can't take much of a walk (4% BB%), but does it really matter at this point? He's a high-contact guy (12% K%) with blazing wheels -- let's keep riding him.

The left-hander gets seven games this week (vs. MIN, @HOU), with two scheduled against his fellow lefties.

Next Choices

Austin Hays, CIN, OF (Yahoo: 25%, ESPN: 19%) - Here's how Hays has done this season: #16, #16, #333, #384, #93, #94. Now, one might say this proves he's about to have two bad weeks in a row, but I say that's just voodoo. Hays has a good points profile and is playing every game in a great home ballpark. Good enough for me.

He'll get six games on the road in Week 9 (@KC, @CHC), with two LHPs on the schedule. In his scant 23 PA vs. LHP this season, Hays is slashing .429/.478/.667, with a 53% Hard Hit% and .489 wOBA.

Eric Wagaman, MIA, 1B/3B/OF (Yahoo: 3%, ESPN: 3%) - The unheralded Wagaman continues producing and is now up to a top-150 APR for the season. He's particularly been smashing LHP on the expected side of things, posting a .397 xwOBA, .311 xBA, and .601 xSLG against them over 53 PA in 2025.

He'll see two lefties in his six games this week, going on the road against San Diego before coming back home for the Giants.

Miguel Vargas, CHW, 3B/OF (Yahoo: 17%, ESPN: 8%) - Ahh, nothing like making Vargas a Best Choice only to be rewarded with a 276 APR -- good on you, player. Following his very technical pattern of "good week/bad week", that means Vargas should easily bounce back in six games on the road (@NYM, @BAL), with no LHPs on the schedule.

Desperate Choices

Jesus Sanchez, MIA, OF (Yahoo: 3%, ESPN: 2%) - Sanchez has been one of our Desperate Choices staples this season and keeps hitting relative bingos for those who took a chance. He's the #44 hitter this week and gets six games (two vs. LHPs) this period.

Jorge Soler, LAA, OF (Yahoo: 28%, ESPN: 11%) - Soler is in the middle of a top-50 week but it's hard to trust him in a Week 9 that will see the Angels face three left-handed starters in their six games (vs. NYY, @CLE) -- so far in 2025, Soler is slashing .120/.185/.120, with a .152 wOBA.

On the IL

• Tyler O'Neill, BAL, OF (shoulder impingement - no timetable)
• Victor Robles, SEA, OF (shoulder dislocation - expected to miss ~three months)
• Matt Wallner, MIN, OF (sprained hamstring - no timetable)
• Jake Mangum, TB, OF (strained groin - no timetable)
• Evan Carter, TEX, OF (strained quad - no timetable)
• Dane Myers, MIA, OF (strained oblique - no timetable)
• Garrett Mitchell, MIL, OF (strained oblique - no timetable)
• Dane Myers, MIA, OF (strained oblique - no timetable)
• Luke Raley, SEA, 1B/OF (strained oblique - 6 to 8 weeks)
• Jonny DeLuca, TB, OF (strained shoulder - expected to miss two to four weeks)
• Jesse Winker, NYM, OF (strained oblique - no timetable)
• Jose Siri, TB, OF (fractured shin - expected to miss eight to ten weeks)
• Jake Fraley, CIN, OF (calf discomfort - no timetable)

Fantasy Baseball Catcher Waiver Wire Pickups

Best Choices

Agustin Ramirez, MIA, C/1B (Yahoo: 34%, ESPN: 14%) - Ramirez keeps performing, but his Roster% continues to be mostly static after turning in his worst APR of the year. Also, it's a 148 APR heading in Sunday, so was it really that bad? Ramirez is a catcher who is playing (and hitting) every day, while batting second -- even on a bad team like the Marlins, this will remain incredibly valuable at the junkiest position.

Carlos Narvaez, BOS, C (Yahoo: 7%, ESPN: 2%) - Narvaez is on a mini-heater, with a 29 APR headed into Sunday's action, after finishing #160 and #76 in the two periods prior. Even with the return of Connor Wong, Narvaez has continued to get the lion's share of playing time, with Wong only starting seven times since returning on May 2.

He'll have six games on the road (@MIL, @ATL) to keep it going, with all coming against right-handed starters.

Next Choices

Gabriel Moreno, ARI, C (Yahoo: 32%, ESPN: 35%) - Moreno keeps doing Moreno things -- AKA being good enough to be startable in any given week, but not good enough to stay off the wire. Which is great for those doing any waiver-surfing, given he's usually available. He'll get six games this week (vs. PIT, vs. WSH), with two scheduled vs. LHPs, coming off his best week of the season, currently the #32 hitter headed into Sunday.

Bo Naylor, CLE, C (Yahoo: 4%, ESPN: 3%) - Naylor is capable of spitting out a solid week; he's the #81 hitter in Week 8, and has two other top-100 finishes. Unfortunately, it tends to be hit or miss, as he also has three finishes outside of the top 200. But if you're going to take a swing on him, just don't do it when he has to face multiple left-handers -- Naylor is slashing just .143/.217/.143 against them in limited action this season.

While a .212/.310/.495 vs. RHP isn't spectacular, a .219 BABIP says he might be getting a little unlucky, while a .345 wOBA, .339 xwOBA, and 16% Brl% still says he can smack them around. Naylor gets six games this week (vs. LAD, vs. LAA), with only one scheduled against a fellow lefty.

Desperate Choices

Alejandro Kirk, TOR, C (Yahoo: 9%, ESPN: 27%) - Kirk is still splitting time, but his points-friendly profile is enough to provide you with a band-aid, if needed. Kirk has averaged a 145 APR over the last four periods and gets seven games in Week 9, with three scheduled vs. LHP.

Ryan Jeffers, MIN, C (Yahoo: 16%, ESPN: 8%) - Jeffers keeps providing steady, though not spectacular, production, averaging a 146 APR over the last four periods, with a career-best 18% K% that shows how much more of a patient hitter he's become. He'll get six road games in Week 9 (@TB, @SEA), with all RHP on the schedule.

On the IL

• Endy Rodriguez, PIT, C/1B (finger laceration - rehab assignment)
• Gary Sanchez, BAL, C (wrist inflammation - no timetable)
• Rob Brantly, MIA, C (strained lat - no timetable)
• Korey Lee, CHW, C (strained oblique - rehab assignment)

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