X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Hitters - Category Boosters for HR, SB, RBI, AVG, Runs (Week 1)

Otto Lopez - Fantasy Baseball Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups

Mike's 2025 fantasy baseball category boosters waiver wire hitters to add. He goes category by category and picks out hitters for HR, RBI, SB, AVG, and runs for Week 1.

Welcome back to our fantasy baseball waiver wire hitter - category boosters for Week 1 of the 2025 MLB season. My favorite free-agent hitters to consider adding to help boost your team in HR, SB, RBI, AVG, and runs include Kristian Campbell, Victor Scott II, Otto Lopez, Jonathan Aranda and more.

While it is only week 1, experienced fantasy players know that roster churn is a weekly need. The bottom two or three players on each roster should be guys that are useful in that small window when playing time meets results.  Each week, we will look for these under-the-radar hitters that could give you a much-needed boost in a statistical category.

We will aim to give you the top options for each of the five offensive categories in a standard five-by-five league. Our rule: all hitters will be under 50% rostered on Yahoo! and listed in order of rostership and my preference. Bargains abound if we know where to look for them. Let's dive in and take a look.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

 

Runs Scored (R) - Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Boosters

Kristian Campbell 2B, Boston Red Sox (47% rostered)

The rookie has taken the American League by storm after making the Boston Red Sox roster out of Spring Training. Players in every league are swapping down on Campbell, and this could be your last opportunity to get him cheaply. He looks like the kind of player who can help you across multiple categories, but I am listing him here for runs, of which he has scored four already in 2025.

A 20/20 season could be on the horizon for Campbell, but remember that young players often slump and might need extra seasoning in the minor leagues. Yet Campbell should be rostered in every fantasy league immediately. He swings the bat harder than most; check out the bat speed distribution below compared to the league average as he could be a budding superstar.

Jake Cronenworth 1B/2B San Diego Padres (30% rostered)

Some players are better baseball players in real life than they are for fantasy purposes, but Cronenworth is both. The talented Cronenworth has had noted struggles against left-handed pitching in his career, but manager Mike Shildt has vowed that the veteran will play daily and that includes facing lefties. Cronenworth had a big home run last week off lefty Dylan Lee, which could be a portend of things to come.

Even if he doesn't continually hit lefties well, expect double-digit home runs and a few steals. So far this year, he has scored five runs, and with the Padres rolling, Cronenworth may be a good player to roster.

Jung Hoo Lee OF, San Francisco Giants (26% rostered)

A small rant here: I do not understand why fantasy players avoid Lee. He's hitting third in a good lineup, recovered from a freak shoulder injury last season, and is assured everyday at-bats. He's hitting .286 with six runs scored already, knocked in two, and stolen a base. As your team's fifth outfielder, you could do much worse. The lack of home run power seems to turn people away, but don't miss out on what could be a handy bat in many fantasy lineups.

 

Home Runs (HR) - Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Boosters

Tyler Soderstrom 1B, Athletics (49% rostered)

Soderstrom has light tower power and a legitimate job for the Athletics. The big first baseman has three home runs in the early going in 2025 and has played in every game thus far for the Athletics. There could be a 30-home run season here with that continued playing time. Grab him while you can. Obviously, it is very early, but look at Soderstrom so far in 2025.

Spencer Torkelson 1B, Detroit Tigers (33% rostered)

Torkelson was a forgotten man this spring who now seems to have access to a job. Torkelson hit 31 homers in 2023 before struggling so severely last year that he had to toil back in the minor leagues. Torkelson spent the winter making his swing more athletic, and the results have followed thus far, hitting .340 in Spring Training with five home runs. He's hitting .429 with a home run thus far in 2025. A small investment now could pay off largely this season. Look at Torkelson if you need power.

Matt Wallner OF, Minnesota Twins (25% rostered)

Wallner's calling card is power. It's that simple. He hit six home runs in Spring Training, even as contact remains an issue for the outfielder. If he could muster 450 at-bats, there are easily 25-30 levels of home run power here.

Jonathan Aranda 1B/2B, Tampa Bay Rays (6% rostered)

Aranda was a late-round lottery ticket this year for many players hoping for playing time and a potential 25-home run bat. A small bid could net you a great season with multiple-position eligibility in Yahoo.

 

Runs Batted In (RBI) - Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Boosters

Kyle Manzardo 1B, Cleveland Guardians (41% rostered)

The youngster is proving his mettle with the Guardians this spring. He has two home runs and six RBI in the early going and should continue to get at-bats in Cleveland, especially against right-handed pitching. Many players are scared off by the thought that he may be a platoon player, but the guy can hit and should get an opportunity to play daily if he continues hitting.

Lars Nootbaar OF, St. Louis Cardinals (35% rostered)

Nootbaar is back and healthy, hitting atop the St. Louis lineup. He has two home runs, five RBI, and five runs scored to go with a robust .462 batting average. The veteran outfielder has never played more than 117 games in a season, but with continued health, he could take a step forward this season. It won't cost much to find out if he can do it. At the very least, ride this hot streak if you need outfield help. Nootbaar hammers the baseball when he is in the lineup. Below is his 2024 Statcast box with lots of blood red.

Gavin Sheets 1B/OF, San Diego Padres (5% rostered)

Free from the South Side of Chicago, Sheets made the San Diego Padres roster out of Spring Training. Sheets hit .315 with six home runs to secure his spot this spring. He has knocked in five runs thus far for the Padres, while also tallying a home run and a stolen base. Should he continue playing, Sheets could be a cheap source of production in the fantasy world.

 

Stolen Bases (SB) - Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Boosters

Victor Scott II OF, St. Louis Cardinals (34% rostered)

This time last year, we discussed Scott as a possible mainstay on the St. Louis Cardinals' roster. But the speedy outfielder did not hit well enough to keep a roster spot. He's already got four stolen bases in 2025, with a home run and five RBI. Speed is why you roster Scott, and you hope the bat can keep up.

Joey Ortiz 3B/SS, Milwaukee Brewers (24% rostered)

Ortiz is overlooked because not one particular skill jumps out at you, but he is an everyday player on a good Milwaukee Brewers team. Add his 3B and SS eligibility, and you have a Swiss Army knife to help your squad in several ways. Last year, the versatile Ortiz hit .235 with 11 home runs, 11 stolen bases, and 60 RBI. This year, he has slid over to shortstop. Manager Pat Murphy has vowed that the Brewers will be aggressive on the basepaths, and I feel comfortable with the idea that Ortiz can steal 20 bases with a daily job here. It won't cost much to find out if he can.

Brandon Marsh OF, Philadelphia Phillies (9% rostered)

Marsh seems to be a constantly marginalized resource in fantasy baseball, maybe because players expect so much of him. But let's focus on what he is rather than what he could be: a cheap source of power and speed who can help fill a spot on your roster. The veteran outfielder is hitting .308 thus far, with a home run and three RBI in 2025. In 418 at-bats last season, the lefty-hitting Marsh hit a respectable .249 with 16 home runs, 60 RBI, and 19 stolen bases.

That is a decent production for a guy who doesn't always get to play against lefties. However, manager Rob Thomson said he will give Marsh chances against lefties this year. If Marsh proves up to the challenge, he could be a starter with a chance at higher-level production. A cheap bid now can get you a productive player.

 

Batting Average (AVG) - Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Boosters

Luis Rengifo 2B/3B, Los Angeles Angels (44% rostered)

Rengifo is a helpful player for fantasy purposes with a good hit tool, the potential for stolen bases, and multipositional eligibility. He should be rostered far more in most fantasy leagues. The veteran hasn't done much in 2025, but he should be rostered in far more leagues. Last year, he hit .300 with 24 stolen bases, even though he had a power outage with only six home runs. Hoping for a double-digit power and stolen base output feels reasonable. Rengifo is going to hit!

Maikel Garcia 2B/3B, Kansas City Royals (33% rostered)

The speedy infielder is off to a great start in Kansas City, with home runs in two of his first three games. While early, he os also hitting a robust .385. Known for his stolen base acumen (he stole 37 bases last season), Garcia has long been viewed as a player with breakout potential, and he could be starting to show that here. Invest this week and see what happens. He already has second base and third base eligibility and could add outfield to his repertoire. Is a breakout looming? Look at his batting box from Statcast for 2024. I am willing to take this small risk and find out.

Otto Lopez 2B/SS, Miami Marlins (31% rostered)

Lopez was a bit of a sleeper pick in many fantasy drafts this spring. Lopez hit .270 with eight home runs and 20 stolen bases in 2024. This year, he already has two home runs, six RBI, and a stolen base. He's going to help you most in batting average and stolen bases. With dual positional eligibility, Lopez can help solidify your middle infield spot.

I hope this helps you out! Good luck and happy hunting, RotoBallers! You can always message me @mdrc0508 on X to complain about picks or make other suggestions!



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!



More Fantasy Baseball Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Will Smith

Scratched With Hand Soreness on Wednesday
Ketel Marte

has Foot Contusion, Expected to Play Friday
Shohei Ohtani

Won't Pitch This Weekend
MacKenzie Gore

to Start on Thursday
Ketel Marte

Exits Early on Wednesday
Matthew Knies

Ready for Bigger Role With Maple Leafs
Jack Eichel

Unbothered by Lack of Extension
Sidney Crosby

Not Thinking About Leaving Pittsburgh
SJ

Michael Misa Signs Entry-Level Contract With Sharks
Rutger McGroarty

Nursing an Injury
Brock Purdy

"a Long Shot" to Play on Sunday
Aaron Rodgers

Dealing With Back Tightness
Dallas Goedert

Questionable for Week 2 at Chiefs
Anthony Rizzo

Retires
Cameron Champ

the Ultimate Wild Card at Procore
Cameron Young

Looks to Extend Momentum in Napa
Davis Thompson

Searching for a Spark at Procore
Sahith Theegala

Looking to Reignite Form at Procore
Mackenzie Hughes

Aims for Another Strong Showing at Procore
Luke Clanton

Brings Ball-Striking Upside to Napa
Seamus Power

Looking to Overcome Poor Course History at Procore
Joe Highsmith

Hoping to Find Form in Napa
Jadeveon Clowney

Visiting With the Cowboys on Wednesday
Masyn Winn

Will Require Offseason Knee Surgery
Kristaps Porzingis

Reportedly Still Not Completely Healthy
Kelly Oubre Jr.

Reportedly on the Trade Block
Andre Drummond

Future in Philadelphia in Doubt
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Helps Greece Reach Semis at EuroBasket
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Posts Historic Triple-Double
Joel Dahmen

Finishes Tied For 15 at Wyndham Championship
Bud Cauley

Finishes Tied for 33rd at BMW Championship
Justin Thomas

Finishes Tied for Seventh at Tour Championship
J.J. Spaun

Finishes Tied for 25th at Tour Championship
Collin Morikawa

Finishes Tied for 19th at Tour Championship
Keith Mitchell

Misses Cut at Wyndham Championship
Ben Griffin

Finishes Tied for 10th at Tour Championship
Patrick Cantlay

Finishes Tied for Second at Tour Championship
Gary Woodland

Could Hang Around at Procore Championship
Ranger Suárez

Ranger Suarez Strikes Out 12, Earns 12th Win on Tuesday
Karl Vilips

Ready for Napa Valley This Weekend
Taylor Montgomery

Heating Up at the Right Time
Jackson Koivun

May Be a Little Rusty at Procore Championship
Doug Ghim

Looking to Rise Up at Napa Valley
Christian Watson

Agrees to One-Year Contract Extension
Josh Giddey

Re-Signs With Bulls for Four Years
Shakir Mukhamadullin

Joins Informal Skate
William Eklund

Skates With Sharks
Owen Power

Back at 100 Percent
Tyler Seguin

Cleared for Action
Mathew Barzal

Good to Go for Season Opener
Will Smith

Returns to Dodgers Lineup on Tuesday
Dustin Wolf

Signs Seven-Year Extension
Kyle Stowers

Dealing With Strained Side
Kyle Tucker

Placed on Injured List With Calf Strain
Jauan Jennings

Considered Day-to-Day, has a Chance to Play in Week 2
Jalen Carter

Receives One-Game Suspension, Will be Eligible for Week 2
Bo Bichette

Goes on Injured List With Knee Sprain
George Kittle

Placed on Injured Reserve
Tyreek Hill

Accused of Domestic Violence
Jauan Jennings

Avoids Serious Shoulder Injury
Garrett Crochet

Shuts Out the Athletics
Royce Lewis

Launches Two Homers Monday Night
NBA

Mason Jones Takes His Talents to Australia
NBA

Talen Horton-Tucker Joins Reigning EuroLeague Champions
New York Knicks

Malcolm Brogdon on Knicks' Radar
Andrew Wiggins

Attracting Interest From Lakers
Miami Heat

Heat Interested in Reunion With Precious Achiuwa
Tyler Glasnow

Fans 11 in Seven No-Hit Innings Monday
Slade Cecconi

Takes No-Hitter Into Eighth Inning Monday
Max Muncy

Batting Cleanup in Return to Dodgers
New York Knicks

Ben Simmons Reportedly Declined Knicks' Contract Offer
Younghoe Koo

Falcons Auditioning Kickers, Could Replace Younghoe Koo
Denver Broncos

Sean Payton Says Broncos Need to be Better With Run-Pass Balance
Tank Bigsby

Eagles Acquiring Tank Bigsby From Jaguars on Monday
George Kittle

Likely Out 3-5 Weeks, Could Land on Injured Reserve
Chase Burns

to be Activated on Friday
Brock Purdy

Dealing With Multiple Injuries, Could Miss Week 2
Tyler Glasnow

Cleared to Start on Monday
Logan O'Hoppe

Placed on Concussion Injured List
Christian Yelich

Returning on Monday
Elias Pettersson

Feeling "Good" Ahead of Season
NHL

Alex Formenton Rejoins Swiss Team
NHL

Grigori Denisenko Heads Back Home
CAR

Kevin Labanc Joins Hurricanes for Tryout
Ross Colton

Healthy for Start of Season
Brock Bowers

Considered Day-to-Day With Knee Injury
Jonathan Taylor

is "Good" After Taking a Hit to his Neck in Week 1
Caio Borralho

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Nassourdine Imavov

Extends Win Streak
Mauricio Ruffy

Gets Submitted
Benoît Saint Denis

Benoit Saint Denis Taps Out Mauricio Ruffy
Russell Wilson

Remains the Giants Starter
Paul Craig

Retires After UFC Paris Loss
Denny Hamlin

Earns his First Cup Victory at Gateway
Kyle Larson

Damage Ruins Kyle Larson's Chance At a Top Finish at Gateway
Christopher Bell

Scores his Third Top-10 Finish at Gateway
Joey Logano

Maintains his Perfect Top-Five Streak at Gateway
Ryan Blaney

Struggles and Recovers for a Top-Five Finish at Gateway
Modestas Bukauskas

Scores First-Round Knockout
Bolaji Oki

Suffers Second-Round TKO Loss
Xavier Worthy

Week-to-Week with Dislocated Shoulder
Mason Jones

Scores Comeback Win
Rhys McKee

Suffers Third-Round TKO Loss
Axel Sola

Successful In His UFC Debut
Robert Ruchała

Robert Ruchala Unsuccessful In His UFC Debut
William Gomis

Bounces Back In The Win Column
Derrick Henry

Scores Twice but has Costly Fumble on Sunday
Lamar Jackson

Shines With Three Total Touchdowns in Loss to Bills
Chase Elliott

Gets Lucky but Still Has Best Run at Gateway
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Wins Stage 2, but Was Let Down by Strategy
Tyler Reddick

Despite Bad Luck, Tyler Reddick Does What he Needed to Do
Chase Briscoe

Recovers from Incident with Daniel Suarez to Finish Second
William Byron

Late Caution Foils William Byron's Shot at Gateway Victory
Jayson Tatum

"Moving Around Way Better"
Ryan Blaney

Should Contend at Gateway
Denny Hamlin

Fastest in Qualifying, the Favorite to Win at Gateway
Christopher Bell

Looking for Redemption at Gateway
Joey Logano

Has Been Elite at Gateway
Austin Cindric

Should Be On Your Radar at Gateway
AJ Allmendinger

Could Be a Sleeper Again at Gateway
Tyler Reddick

Southern 500 Near-Miss Makes Tyler Reddick a Stronger Option for Gateway
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace a Likely Gateway Contender
Alex Bowman

a Long Shot to Advance in Playoffs
Austin Dillon

Richard Childress Racing Looks Slower at Gateway, Which Will Hurt Austin Dillon
Shane Van Gisbergen

Starts 18th in Gateway Debut
Jeremy Swayman

Ready to Get Back on Track
Connor McDavid

Aiming for More Goals
NJ

Luke Glendening Signs Tryout Deal With Devils
Dylan Harper

Hoping to be Ready for the Opener Versus Dallas
EDM

Derek Ryan Retires From Hockey
Connor Zary

Agrees to Three-Year Deal With Flames
Caio Borralho

Set For A Title Eliminator Bout
Nassourdine Imavov

Looks To Earn A Title Shot
Mauricio Ruffy

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Benoît Saint Denis

Benoit Saint Denis Set For UFC Paris Co-Main Event
Modestas Bukauskas

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Paul Craig

In Dire Need Of Victory
Mason Jones

Set for Main-Card Bout
Bolaji Oki

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Rhys McKee

Set To Open Up UFC Paris Main Card

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP