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

Sneaky Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups, Buys: Week 13 - Hot Pitchers To Sustain Success In 2025?

Eury Perez - Fantasy Baseball Rankings, Draft Sleepers, MLB Injury News

Andy looks at four sneaky fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups for starting pitchers in Week 13 (2025) on hot streaks, and sees if they can sustain their success.

With nearly three months of data to analyze, there are several intriguing starting pitchers available in nearly half of all fantasy leagues. While these pitchers have struggled at times, they have begun to flash some upside that could warrant picking them up this week.

This week, we will do a deep dive on four starting pitchers who sit under the 45% rostership mark on Yahoo! who have begun to enjoy some success.

Who should fantasy managers be targeting this week? Let's dive in!

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

 

Max Scherzer, Toronto Blue Jays

35% Rostered

Max Scherzer saw his Toronto Blue Jays debut cut short as he exited his first start of the season with a thumb injury. In this outing, the veteran right-hander tossed just three innings of three-run ball with three hits, no walks, and a strikeout. He was then placed on the injured list with right thumb inflammation.

Scherzer remained sidelined without seeing much progress and was eventually shifted to the 60-day IL.

However, the 40-year-old recently began his rehab assignment and is slated to return to the big leagues on Wednesday to face the Cleveland Guardians.

During his rehab assignment, Scherzer made two appearances with Triple-A Buffalo. In his first outing, he logged 4 1/3 innings of two-run ball with four strikeouts and no walks. Then, in his most recent outing on June 18. Scherzer looked quite impressive, tallying eight strikeouts across 4 1/3 one-hit innings.

Last season, the right-hander was limited by injuries in his shoulder and back, tossing just 43 1/3 innings of work with the Rangers. However, when on the diamond, he was effective, posting a 3.95 ERA with a solid 1.15 WHIP. Under the hood, he generated a slightly improved 3.86 xERA and held a solid 5.6% walk rate.

However, during his last "true" healthy campaign, in 2023, Scherzer held a 3.77 ERA with a 1.12 WHIP. During this campaign, he spent most of his time with the Mets before moving to Texas for the stretch run. In Texas, Scherzer became a top option in their rotation, posting an elite 3.20 ERA and a 0.97 WHIP across his final 45 innings.

However, while his 2024 stat line is not as impressive as 2024, he carries similar metrics that suggest he could be a valuable SP going forward in 2025. In 2024, his four-seamer generated a .335 xWOBA, almost in lockstep with the .327 xWOBA it held in 2023. In addition, his slider generated an improved .244 xwOBA and a 43.3% whiff rate in relation to the .301 xwOBA and 36.5% whiff rate it held in 2023.

While injuries will likely continue to limit his ceiling, Scherzer is a viable target, especially if you need to lower your WHIP ratio over the second half. He should provide a strong walk rate with above-average strikeout numbers.

 

Eury Perez, Miami Marlins

40% Rostered

Eury Perez returned to the bump earlier in June after missing the 2024 campaign by recovering from Tommy John surgery. His debut was shaky as he allowed four runs and four hits across three innings ot the Nationals. However, he did strike out five batters. In his next outing, he did not strike out a batter but showed improvements, allowing just one run across four innings.

In his third start, Perez was able to tally a season-high six strikeouts against the Braves, but allowed three runs and four hits across 4 2/3 innings of work.

Perez has allowed at least two walks in each start and four hits in all three games.

In 2023, Perez made his MLB debut and took the league by storm, posting an impressive 3.15 ERA with a 1.13 WHIP. During this stint, Perez struck out 108 batters across 91 1/3 innings of work. Perez allowed walks at a modest 8.3% rate.

Should fantasy managers rush to the waiver wire to pick up the former top prospect as he begins to increase his workload?

Looking under the hood, his metrics suggest Perez should begin seeing positive regression. Currently, the right-hander sits with a solid 3.63 xERA and a .244 xBA, both of which are above the average marks of qualified pitchers. In addition, Perez has been able to limit hard contact quite well, boasting an elite 5.6% barrel rate and a 30.6% hard-hit rate.

In addition, he has generated an impressive 32.8% chase rate but has only struck out 20.4% of the batters he has faced. As a result, fantasy managers should expect his strikeout numbers to climb.

His primary pitch, his four-seamer, has been effective, posting a .322 xwOBA with a solid 22.1% whiff rate, which is improved compared to the .382 xwOBA and 18.7% whiff rate it held in 2023. However, his secondary pitch, his slider, is due for massive positive regression.

This pitch has generated a .320 xwOBA, but sits with a hefty .503 wOBA. In addition, this pitch has been elite in generating whiffs (26.9%) and should help Perez's strikeout numbers return to form.

Even though his 6.17 ERA and 1.63 WHIP do not seem appealing, his metrics suggest the right-hander will be a valuable starting pitcher in the second half. If he is available, he should be a must-target on waivers this weekend.

 

Chase Burns, Cincinnati Reds

40% Rostered

For the first time in this series, we will take a look at a pitcher who has yet to make his MLB debut. The Cincinnati Reds drafted Chase Burns with the second overall pick in last year's draft out of Wake Forest.

Burns began his collegiate career with the Tennessee Volunteers but eventually transferred to Wake Forest after being demoted to the bullpen. With Wake Forest, Burns developed into one of the top pitchers in the nation, like many previous top pitching prospects did at that university, including Reds teammate Rhett Lowder and Texas Ranger Jack Leiter.

During his first season at Wake Forest, Burns set the single-season school record in strikeouts and was rewarded with a massive $9.25 million signing bonus.

The hard-throwing right-hander began his professional career with High-A Dayton at the start of the 2025 season. He tossed 11 2/3 innings of work to the tune of a 3.09 ERA and a 0.86 WHIP. During this stretch, Burns struck out 20 batters and walked five.

He was then moved up to Double-A, where he continued to dominate, posting a near-perfect 1.29 ERA and a 071 WHIP across 42 innings. In this stint, Burns continued to show elite command of his pitches, as he walked just five batters and struck out 55.

Burns then earned the call to Triple-A Louisville. In his first outing, he hit a slight roadblock, allowing two runs and four hits across 5 1/3 innings to the Iowa Cubs. However, in his second start at the level, Burns bounced back, tossing seven innings with just three hits, one run, no walks, and seven strikeouts.

According to FanGraphs, his fastball is graded 70 (out of 70), and his secondary pitch, his slider, sits with an elite 60 rating.

Burns has shown stellar command of his pitches while flashing immense strikeout upside. Even though he is slated to face a potent Yankee lineup in his debut on Tuesday, he is a must-add and must-start in all leagues leading up to this game.

In his debut, Burns flashed immense strikeout upside, tallying eight across five innings of three-run ball. He is a must-add in all leagues.

 

Ryan Gusto, Houston Astros

15% Rostered

To round things out this week, we will take a look at another young Houston pitcher. Last week, it was Brandon Walter; this week, it will be Ryan Gusto. Gusto was selected in the 11th round of the 2019 MLB Draft by the Astros from Florida SouthWestern State College.

Gusto spent his entire 2024 season with Triple-A Sugar Land and posted a solid 3.70 ERA with a 1.27 WHIP across 148 1/3 innings. During this stint, the right-hander struck out 141 batters and served up 53 walks.

Gusto was then able to make his MLB debut at the start of the 1205 campaign. Through his first 17 MLB appearances, Gusto has spent time in both the bullpen and the rotation. Gusto opened the season in a long relief role but has recently become a staple of the starting rotation.

Through 60 1/3 total innings of work. Gusto has posted a 4.62 ERA with a 1.48 WHIP.

However, his last six appearances have all come out of the rotation. During this stint, Gusto has shown high strikeout upside, tallying 35 across 29 1/3 innings, but has struggled to keep the ball in the yard, allowing five long balls, which has resulted in his modest 4.60 ERA.

His latest outing on June 22 inflated his ratios as he allowed five runs. Removing this one outing, Gusto has posted a solid 3.86 ERA, 1.54 WHIP, and a 28:10 K:BB over his last 23 1/3 innings (five starts).

Should fantasy managers in deeper leagues trust Gusto going forward?

Even though he holds a 4.64 ERA in June, Gusto has generated solid metrics his month. His four-seamer (42.1% usage) has generated an impressive .164 xwOBA, a much-improved mark to the .436 xwOBA it held in May.

While his curveball has not found much success (.417 xwOBA), his sinker and changeup have been solid secondary options, generating a .307 and .286 xwOBA repertoire.

Overall, Gusto sits with a 3.89 xERA and a .249 xBA, which suggests he should continue to see positive regression during the second half, as he holds a 4.62 ERA across his first 60 1/3 MLB frames.

While he is not worth targeting in all standard leagues for now, he is a viable back-end starter to deploy in favorable matchups in deeper leagues going forward.

More Fantasy Baseball Advice



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!






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

Rashee Rice

Back at Practice on Monday
Carolina Panthers

Jaycee Horn Doing Individual Work on Monday
Eryk Anders

Suffers First-Round TKO
Christian Leroy Duncan

Scores First-Round TKO Win
Rhamondre Stevenson

Still Not at Practice on Monday
Alexander Mattison

Will Miss Entire Season With Neck Injury
Jamaal Williams

Working Out for Dolphins on Monday
Green Bay Packers

Packers Plan to Rest Starters in Second Preseason Game
Javonte Williams

Remains the First-Team Running Back in Dallas
Cade Otton

Returns to Practice on Monday
Kenny Pickett

Remains Limited in Practice
Stefon Diggs

Held Out of First Preseason Game Due to "Coach's Decision"
Kevin Austin Jr.

Leads Saints In Targets
Rachaad White

Considered "Day-to-Day"
Dillon Gabriel

Back Practicing For Browns
Hunter Renfrow

Returns to Practice
Philadelphia Eagles

Landon Dickerson Heading for MRI on Knee
Zayne Parekh

Has Sights Set on Making Flames Roster
Hampus Lindholm

Fully Healthy for New Season
NHL

Nathan Bastian Joins Stars on One-Year Contract
Jaylen Wright

Productive in Preseason Opener
Ollie Gordon II

Finds the End Zone in Preseason Opener
De'Von Achane

Runs for 22 Yards in Preseason Game Vs. Bears
Tua Tagovailoa

Throws for 27 Yards in Preseason Opener
Khalil Herbert

Misses Practice on Sunday
Mason Tipton

Hauls in 54-Yard TD in Preseason Opener
Travis Bazzana

Set to Join Triple-A
Christopher Bell

Good Pit Strategy Helps Elevate Christopher Bell to Second
William Byron

Extends Championship Lead with Fourth-Place Finish
Ryan Blaney

Despite Finishing Sixth, Watkins Glen Might've Been Ryan Blaney's Best Road Race
Alex Bowman

Loses Ground Above Playoff Cutline, but Still Pretty Safe
Kyle Larson

Finishes Last After Brake Failure and Spin
Chris Buescher

Scores Another Top-5 Run At Watkins Glen
Ryan Preece

Earns Stage Points, but Loses Ground to the Playoffs At Watkins Glen
William Byron

Keeps the Regular Season Points Lead After Watkins Glen
Chase Briscoe

Continues His Hot Streak With A Top-5 Finish At Watkins Glen
Chase Elliott

Top-20 Streak Ends at Watkins Glen After Pit Struggles
Josh Giddey

Bulls Still Apart In Contract Negotiations
Jeremy Sochan

Expected To Miss EuroBasket With Calf Injury
Trae Young

'Resigned' To Idea Of No Extension This Offseason
Hunter Greene

Expected to Return Wednesday
Bobby Witt Jr.

Dealing With Stiff Back
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen the Heavy Favorite to Win at Watkins Glen
Kyle Larson

Is Kyle Larson a Must-Play in DFS at Watkins Glen?
Chase Elliott

an Easy Pick to Make in DFS at Watkins Glen
Chris Buescher

Trying to Repeat at Watkins Glen
Tyler Reddick

Struggling to Find Speed at Watkins Glen
Michael McDowell

a Legitimate Threat at Watkins Glen
Joey Logano

Has Been Solid at Watkins Glen in Next Gen Car
Todd Gilliland

Has Upside at Watkins Glen
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

. has Favorable Watkins Glen Record
Justin Haley

Fastest in Practice at Watkins Glen
Riley Herbst

Could Be A Sneaky DFS Play
Julio Rodríguez

Julio Rodriguez Homers Twice in Win
New York Knicks

Ben Simmons Drawing Interest from Knicks, Celtics
Trea Turner

Homers, Drives in Five in Productive Night
Haywood Highsmith

Undergoes Successful Knee Surgery
NHL

Jakub Vrana Signs Two-Year Deal in Sweden
COL

Avalanche Bring Back Joel Kiviranta on One-Year Deal
Matthew Tkachuk

Could Miss 2-3 Months with Surgery
Edward Cabrera

Punches Out 11 in Victory
Chase Burns

Superb in 10-Strikeout Performance
Mason McTavish

Several Teams Keeping Tabs on Mason McTavish
LA

Kyle Clifford Hangs Up Skates
Elias Pettersson

Out for "Revenge" in 2025-26
Roman Dolidze

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Semyon Varlamov

to Start Skating Next Week
Anthony Hernandez

Set For UFC Vegas 109 Main Event
VAN

Vitali Kravtsov Returns to Canucks
Steve Erceg

In Dire Need Of Victory
Iasmin Lucindo

Aims To Bounce Back
Angela Hill

Set For A Main-Card Bout
Christian Rodriguez

A Favorite At UFC Vegas 109
Andre Fili

Set For His 24th UFC Fight
Miles Johns

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Jean Matsumoto

Looks To Bounce Back
Christian Leroy Duncan

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Eryk Anders

Set To Open Up UFC Vegas 109 Main Card
Drake Baldwin

Homers Twice, Drives in Five
Josh Naylor

Day-to-Day With Shoulder Soreness
Michael King

to Return Saturday
Payton Pritchard

Eager to Continue Improving
Austin Reaves

Expected to Receive Massive Pay Raise with Next Contract
Jayson Tatum

Out of Walking Boot
San Antonio Spurs

Spurs Bring in Micah Potter for Training Camp
Harrison Ingram

Re-Signs with Spurs
Zack Wheeler

Pushed Back to Sunday With Shoulder Stiffness
Roman Anthony

Agrees to Eight-Year Extension
NBA

Richaun Holmes Moves to Panathinaikos on Two-Year Deal
Maverick McNealy

Attempts to Bounce Back at Memphis
Bennedict Mathurin

to Become Regular Starter for Pacers
Darius Garland

Cavaliers Not Rushing Darius Garland Back
Kurt Kitayama

Could Get Hot at Memphis
PGA

Sungjae Im a Volatile Risk at FedEx St. Jude
Riley Minix

Signs New Two-Way Deal with Spurs
Harry Hall

Playing Well as Playoffs Approach
Chris Boucher

Signs One-Year, $3.3 Million Deal with Celtics
PGA

Chris Gotterup on Impressive Run Heading to Memphis
Georges Niang

Returns to Utah
Harris English

Ready for the Playoffs
Bud Cauley

Trying to Reverse Course at Memphis
Daniel Berger

Hoping to Contend at FedEx St. Jude
Luke Keaschall

Launches First Career Home Run
Scottie Scheffler

Continues Dominance Ahead of TPC Southwind
Collin Morikawa

Eyes Major Bounce Back at TPC Southwind
Michael Kim

Looking to Find Rhythm at TPC Southwind
PGA

Victor Hovland Eyeing Another Strong Finish at TPC Southwind
Ben Griffin

Brings High-Upside Value to TPC Southwind
Shea Langeliers

Has Three-Homer Evening Tuesday
Matt Fitzpatrick

Staying Red-Hot Entering TPC Southwind
Patrick Cantlay

Eyeing Another Strong Finish at TPC Southwind
Ludvig Aberg

Needs a Complete Week at TPC Southwind
Roman Anthony

to Return on Wednesday
Gleyber Torres

Scratched from Tuesday's Lineup
DAL

Anton Khudobin Announces Retirement
Miro Heiskanen

Back at 100 Percent Ahead of New Season
Matthew Tkachuk

Expected to Miss Start of Season
Nick Lodolo

Reds Place Nick Lodolo on Injured List With Finger Blister
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF