We are almost a month into the 2025 baseball season, and that means we have actionable information. Things are beginning to fall into place, and while you should always be churning your roster, there’s more data to work with. That also means that we are beginning to see a trickle of talent coming out of the minor leagues to help improve your roster.
In doing our weekly diligence, the criteria for inclusion will generally be any player rostered in less than 50% of Fantrax leagues (as of 4/23 ), with some exceptions. The popularity of Dynasty leagues on Fantrax does sway some of these percentages compared to other platforms, but these are players who should be on your radar.
Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Recommendations
Edgar Quero, C, Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are the land of opportunity this season. Very few positions are truly locked down, which means that young players have a chance to contribute. With 24 plate appearances under his belt, Edgar Quero is the first beneficiary of that opportunity.
Last year, Quero finished the season with 26 games in Triple-A. Overall, he hit .280 with 16 home runs and 70 RBI in 98 games, and that set the stage for his age-22 campaign. He got off to another strong start prior to his promotion, and the White Sox have wasted no time in getting Quero involved. He’s been slotted directly in the middle of the lineup while receiving regular playing time.
While he brings power to the table, Quero has yet to show it. He’s hitting .333 with four RBI while striking out just twice. Quero’s power has yet to fully develop into an asset, but he’s shown the ability to hit for a strong average. Combine that with a solid on-base approach at the plate, and he should be able to help a fair number of teams. After all, we know the state of the catching position.
Jeff McNeil, 2B/OF, New York Mets
Jeff McNeil has a batting title on his resume. He also hit .238 last season. We’ve also seen McNeil go from 23 home runs in one season to four in the next. Quite simply, he can be a frustrating player.
In 2024, McNeil hit .238 with 12 home runs and 44 RBI. For a player who doesn’t run, that stat line is certainly troubling from a fantasy perspective. That came with a .146 ISO, which was his best mark since 2020, so the level of optimism isn’t exactly high. However, despite his inconsistencies, McNeil is a professional hitter who will be joining a lineup that is currently scorching.
Prior to his injury, McNeil was incorporating some adjustments to his swing in Spring Training. We know what McNeil is, and there’s nothing wrong with that. He might not be a fantasy difference maker, but his versatility will help, and he can produce some solid stats.
Agustin Ramirez, C/1B, Miami Marlins
There are a lot of catchers starting on fantasy teams that their managers don’t feel great about. The awaited promotion of Agustin Ramirez should help to mitigate that, as he figures to receive regular playing time for the Marlins. Ramirez was the main piece of the return for Jazz Chisholm, so it makes sense to see what he can do.
Ramirez had a strong 2024 season as he showed production we aren’t used to behind the plate. His power, 25 home runs in 126 games, isn’t a unicorn, but his 22 stolen bases certainly are. That came with a .267 batting average and 93 RBI as he began to knock on the to door for a promotion.
He got off to a strong start this season with three home runs, 12 RBI, and five stolen bases in 13 games while batting .254 in Triple-A. That production should carry through to the big leagues. Ramirez began his career by hitting .833 in two games. Ramirez now gives us one more option with upside behind the plate.
Noelvi Marte, 3B, Cincinnati Reds
An 80-game suspension to begin 2024 promptly eliminated any upside or positive vibes for Marte. After he returned, Marte simply never got going. The biggest thing to remember is that Marte is still just 23 years old. There is a lot of baseball remaining for the former top prospect.
Even after an 0-4 effort on Wednesday, Marte’s still hitting .310 through 32 plate appearances. He’s not a huge power threat, and we have to keep an eye on the strikeouts, but he can be a solid contributor. When in doubt, go after the favorable home park and the talent.
Griffin Canning, SP, New York Mets
After limiting the Philadelphia Phillies to one run in five innings this week, things should get easier for Griffin Canning. He takes the mound twice, facing the Washington Nationals and the St. Louis Cardinals, as he looks to build on a strong start to the season.
Canning did pitch around trouble as he allowed seven hits, while walking one batter, but he held the Phillies to just one run. His seven strikeouts also helped as Canning picked up his third victory of the season. The move to New York as certainly helped Canning as he’s striking out a batter per inning. Ground balls are coming at a career-high rate of 53.4% while Canning keeps the ball in the park. With a 3.88 xERA, it’s possible we’ve seen the peak from Canning, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be a reliable and steady option. With a 5.4% opposing barrel rate, hitters are certainly off balance as well.
David Festa, SP, Minnesota Twins
Through his first three starts this season, David Festa has a 1.38 ERA but is still looking for his first win of the season.
Festa has struck out 15 batters against just 5 two walks to begin this stint in the major leagues. We do have to keep an eye on pitch count for Festa, but results are ultimately the priority. While his stay in the rotation is currently based on Pablo Lopez’s stint on the Injured List, it’s all about the current week. Additionally, we know that anything that can happen as the first thing needed is strong results.
