Best MLB Waiver Wire Pickups This Week: June 9, 2025

Wait and See

Roman Anthony (OF- Boston Red Sox), Thairo Estrada (2B – Colorado Rockies), Jac Caglianone (1B – Kansas City Royals)

Let’s begin with the prospects. Jac Caglianone was recently called up after dominating in the minors and has already been scooped up in many leagues. While the power is tempting, I’d prefer to see how he adjusts to big-league pitching before buying in. As for Roman Anthony, he’s still in the minors but continues to be added in deeper leagues. With the Red Sox's crowded outfield, his path to playing time likely won’t be clear until closer to the trade deadline. Meanwhile, Thairo Estrada is off to a solid start with the Rockies, hitting .308 over seven games, but his lack of walks and minimal power make him a risky add. Even Coors Field might not be enough to boost his fantasy value if he can’t maintain his batting average. There’s potential, but the upside feels limited unless something changes.

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Kyle Teel – C – Chicago White Sox (4.1%)

2025 Stats: .375/.500/.375, 0 HR

Kyle Teel was the headline prospect promotion of the week, coming over to Chicago in the Garrett Crochet trade. Before his call-up, Teel torched Triple-A pitching with a .295/.394/.492 slash line and a 130 wRC+, showing advanced plate skills and consistent production. He’s expected to get regular playing time and could quickly settle into a key spot in the batting order. While I typically prefer to wait on prospect call-ups, Teel is an exception. His bat is legit, and given how thin the catcher position can be in fantasy, he's a must-add if you didn’t land a strong option on draft day.

Christian Encarnacion-Strand – 1B/3B – Cincinnati Reds (4.9%)

2025 Stats: .209/.229/.433, 4 HR, 72 wRC+

Christian Encarnacion-Strand has missed much of the past two seasons due to injury, but he’s returned swinging a hot bat. Since returning, he’s shown a more patient approach at the plate, chasing less—an encouraging development that could unlock his full offensive potential. His elite power makes him a rare find on the waiver wire, and his recently played third base adds valuable lineup flexibility. While deeper leagues should prioritize him immediately, even managers in shallower formats should keep a close eye. If CES stays healthy, he could become a major fantasy asset.

Landen Roupp – SP – San Francisco Giants (21.3%)

2025 Stats: 64.2 IP, 3.48 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 62 K

Landen Roupp has impressed since moving back into the rotation, showing real growth as a starter. He’s striking out nearly a batter per inning, cutting his walk rate, and posting a strong 3.18 ERA with a 3.47 FIP, both sustainable numbers. Roupp’s sinker/curveball combination is unique and effective, helping him limit hard contact and keep the ball on the ground. The Giants have a strong track record of developing arms, and Roupp looks like their next success story. He’s quickly gaining traction in fantasy leagues, and if you don’t scoop him up soon, chances are he’ll be gone within days.

Abraham Toro – 1B/3B – Boston Red Sox (1.5%)

2025 Stats: .325/.338/.506, 3 HR, 130 wRC+

Do I fully believe in Abraham Toro in the long term? Not really. But it’s hard to ignore a hot bat. With the Red Sox dealing with injuries and making puzzling lineup decisions, Toro has found his way into regular at-bats, and he’s producing. He’s worth a pickup in deeper leagues, especially if you need short-term help. His ability to make consistent contact and avoid strikeouts adds some appeal, particularly in points or OBP formats. This might only last a week, but it’s the low-risk move that can pay off. Ride the streak while it lasts and reassess later.

Lance McCullers – SP – Houston Astros (19.6%)

2025 Stats: 24.1 IP, 4.44 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 33 K

It’s great to see Lance McCullers back in action. After shaking off some early rust, he’s looked sharp in his last two starts, tossing six innings in both, one with three earned runs and the other a scoreless outing. While those performances came against the A’s and Pirates, two weaker lineups, it’s hard to ignore his upside. With a career track record of success and a current strikeout rate north of 12 K/9, McCullers is worth a speculative add. The stuff still looks electric, and if he stays healthy, he could become a major fantasy asset down the stretch.

Wait and See

Roman Anthony (OF- Boston Red Sox), Thairo Estrada (2B – Colorado Rockies), Jac Caglianone (1B – Kansas City Royals)

Let’s begin with the prospects. Jac Caglianone was recently called up after dominating in the minors and has already been scooped up in many leagues. While the power is tempting, I’d prefer to see how he adjusts to big-league pitching before buying in. As for Roman Anthony, he’s still in the minors but continues to be added in deeper leagues. With the Red Sox's crowded outfield, his path to playing time likely won’t be clear until closer to the trade deadline. Meanwhile, Thairo Estrada is off to a solid start with the Rockies, hitting .308 over seven games, but his lack of walks and minimal power make him a risky add. Even Coors Field might not be enough to boost his fantasy value if he can’t maintain his batting average. There’s potential, but the upside feels limited unless something changes.

The post Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire 2025: Top Pickups & Sleepers of the Week, Every Week appeared first on Just Baseball.