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Andy's FAAB fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and bidding guide for Week 5 (April 28 - May 4). His recommended FAAB dollars to spend on waiver wire adds.
The baseball season is in full swing, and it's time to make our next rounds of FAAB claims. Our series about FAAB fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups continues as we head into Week 5 of the 2025 MLB season -- April 28 through May 4. This waiver wire article will recommend free agents to target and how much FAAB you should allocate for them.
This week, we will look at a few post-hype prospects that are finally enjoying their long-awaited breakout, especially a slugger in Baltimore. On the pitching side, we will take a look at a starting pitcher who looks quite comfortable in his new home and several bullpen shakeups in Cleveland and San Francisco.
Each week, I will break down at least one player from each position with ownership percentages under 40 percent in Yahoo! leagues who could improve your roster and provide you with an added boost in several categories. Let's get to it!
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Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Hitters to Target
Agustin Ramirez, C, Miami Marlins
25% rostered
FAAB Bid: <35% if needing a No. 2 catcher, <25% for others
If there was any doubt about targeting Agustin Ramirez last weekend on waivers before his MLB debut on Monday, it is surely gone after his impressive debut. In his first two MLB games, the young backstop went 5-for-6 with three doubles, a stolen base, and an RBI. Last summer in the minor leagues, Ramirez held an overall .269/.361/.492 slash line with 25 long balls and 22 stolen bases.
Given his strong play, he is likely the clear No. 1 backstop in Miami. With five-category upside, he is a must-target this weekend.
The @Marlins' Agustín Ramírez in 2 games in the majors:
5 hits
3 extra-base hits
2 walks
1 stolen baseNo other MLB player in the modern era has put up those numbers or better over his first 2 career games. pic.twitter.com/95ea8fobCW
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) April 23, 2025
Joey Bart, C, Pittsburgh Pirates
15% rostered
FAAB Bid: <25% if needing a No. 2 catcher, <9% for others
My other catcher had a slow start but has begun to turn the corner. After showing flashes of potential last summer in Pittsburgh, Bart has started to rekindle that production, holding a strong .314/.429/.486 line with six RBI over his previous 12 games.
If you need a catcher and miss out on Ramirez, Bart is an excellent pivot.
Other C to consider: Dillon Dingler DET
Luke Keaschall, 1B/2B, Minnesota Twins
10% rostered
FAAB Bid: <9%
While Ramirez and another first base prospect (more on him later) have stolen much of the prospect hype, Luke Keaschall has gone relatively unnoticed. With Willi Castro (oblique) sidelined on the injured list, Keaschall is having close to an everyday spot in the lineup. Through his first five MLB games, the No. 58-ranked prospect in the sport has posted an impressive .353/.500/.529 line with three doubles and five swiped bags.
Given that he likely carries both first and second base eligibility on most platforms, he makes a good target if you need infield depth with speed upside.
Nick Kurtz, 1B, Athletics
40% rostered
FAAB Bid: <35%
Somehow, Nick Kurtz is not over the 50 percent roster-ship mark. However, by the end of the weekend, he will be, and if he is still on your waiver wire, this is your last chance. Since being drafted with the fourth pick in last year's MLB Draft, Kurtz has flashed elite power upside.
During his first look at Triple-A, Kurtz held a .321/.385/.655 line with seven home runs in 20 games. The Athletics have said they will not keep Kurtz in a platoon role. He will be a full-time player. Place your bid accordingly.
He wasted little time in his MLB debut, hitting an RBI single in his first at-bat.
Other 1B to consider: Gavin Sheets SDP, Pavin Smith ARI
Jorge Polanco, 2B/3B, Seattle Mariners
18% rostered
FAAB Bid: <17%
Jorge Polanco has been a popular recurring name on this list, and it looks like fantasy managers are beginning to catch on. After dealing with lingering injuries last season, Polanco has looked like his former self early in 2025.
Through 16 games, the infielder has held a .339/.356/.589 line with two doubles and four long balls.
Connor Norby, 2B/3B, Miami Marlins
16% rostered
FAAB Bid: <14%
Norby opened the season on the injured list with an oblique injury, but he quickly showed why he was a popular late-round target in drafts this spring. Through his first six games of the season, the former Oriole has held a .273/.333/.364 line with two doubles and two stolen bases.
Last summer, during his first taste of the majors, Norby flashed decent power potential as he hit nine home runs and held a .732 OPS across 45 games. However, speed was not a component of his skill set last summer as he stole only three bases. He currently sits in the 79th percentile in sprint speed and could see his fantasy value increase substantially if he holds double-digit stolen base upside.
Other 2Bs to consider: Luisangel Acuna NYM
Noelvi Marte, 3B, Cincinnati Reds
11% rostered
FAAB Bid: <15%
After a disappointing 2024 season, Noelvi Marte is showing similar upside to what he previously showed in 2023 when he made his MLB debut. Through his first eight games of the season, Marte has posted an impressive .346/.393/.692 slash line with three doubles, two home runs, and two stolen bases. In 2023, Marte held a .316/.366/.456 line with three home runs and six stolen bases in his first 35 MLB games.
Even though he struggled last season, it appears Marte has turned the corner and made the necessary adjustments in the offseason. His playing time could be difficult to trust given the crowded infield, but he has started in four straight games entering Thursday.
Given his five-category upside, he is worth targeting this weekend. If he continues to perform well, his price will be much higher next week.
116.7 MPH off the bat on this crush job by Noelvi Marte! 😳 pic.twitter.com/Tl0yRdep4K
— MLB (@MLB) April 22, 2025
Other 3B to consider: Eric Wagaman MIA, Jorge Polanco
Josh Smith, SS/3B/OF, Texas Rangers
10% rostered
FAAB Bid: <8%
Josh Smith carried his fantasy value primarily due to his positional flexibility. However, he has begun to move up to the leadoff spot due to Marcus Semien's struggles, which opens up a door for untapped upside.
Since April 1, Smith has posted an impressive .419/.500/.651 slash line with four doubles, two home runs, and three stolen bases. Given his spot in the lineup, batting in front of Corey Seager and Wyatt Langford makes him a must-target this weekend if you need a hitter to fill several positions.
Other SS to consider: Gabriel Arias CLE
Gavin Sheets, OF/1B, San Diego Padres
12% rostered
FAAB Bid: <15%
Similar to Smith, Gavin Sheets has also recently moved up his team's batting order and carries high priority on this list. With Luis Arraez (concussion) hitting the injured list, Sheets has been pushed up to the two-hole against right-handed pitching.
Over his last eight games, he has posted a .333/.379/.519 line with two doubles and one home run. Even though he is in a strict platoon, given his recent deployment, he is an excellent option in five-outfielder leagues.
Heston Kjerstad, OF, Baltimore Orioles
6% rostered
FAAB Bid: <13%
Is the breakout finally here? After earning two "tastes" of the majors in 2023 and 2024, it appears Heston Kjerstad is finally in a full-time role in Baltimore. Through the early part of the campaign, the former top prospect has held a modest .245/.283/.469 line through 19 games.
However, he has begun to find his power swing, as he has held a .300/.364/.800 slash line with a double and three home runs over his last eight contests. If he continues to hit for power, Baltimore will not consider moving him out of the starting nine.
Pavin Smith, OF/1B, Arizona Diamondbacks
18% rostered
FAAB Bid: <20%
Pavin Smith made my column last week, but he is still severely under-rostered, given his current production. Similar to Sheets, Smith is in a strict platoon, but that does not appear to be slowing him down.
Through his first 22 games of the season, Smith has posted an impressive .397/500/.759 slash line with nine doubles, four home runs, and a 20:12 K:BB. Under the hood, Smith boasts a .436 xwOBA and a .611 xSLG, which are both well above the average marks.
Other OFs to consider: Johan Rojas PHI, Jesse Winker NYM
Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pitchers to Target
Griffin Canning, SP, New York Mets
13% rostered
FAAB Bid: <18%
Griffin Canning has continued to perform well during his debut season in Queens. In his latest outing against a formidable Phillies lineup, Canning tossed five innings of one-run ball while holding a 5:1 K:BB. Through 26 total IP, he has held a 3.12 ERA with a 1.38 WHIP.
His fastball has improved significantly this season. Through the first month, his heater has generated a .195 xSLG with a .225 xwOBA, both of which are significant improvements over the .522 xSLG and .375 xWOBA he generated in 2024.
Griffin Canning has a 3.12 ERA
David Stearns masterclass pic.twitter.com/BhBlfVIZY5
— Thomas Nestico (@TJStats) April 23, 2025
Matthew Liberatore, SP, St. Louis Cardinals
14% rostered
FAAB Bid: <9%
Matthew Liberatore was once viewed as a top pitching prospect but was never able to enjoy extended success in the majors. However, the southpaw appears to be enjoying a post-hype breakout season, and fantasy managers should be paying more attention.
After allowing five runs on April 7, the left-hander has logged 12 2/3 IP (two starts) to the tune of a 1.42 ERA and a 0.87 WHIP. During this stretch, he has allowed just two walks and struck out 13 batters. His near-elite command makes him a worthwhile target, especially if your WHIP is starting to climb.
Other SPs to consider: Grant Holmes ATL, JP Sears ATH, Jake Irvin WSH
Cade Smith, RP, Cleveland Guardians
18% rostered
FAAB Bid: <20% if needing saves
Emmanuel Clase had a difficult start to the season, logging a 7.84 ERA with two blown saves over his first 10 2/3 IP. On Wednesday, the team noted that Clase is dealing with shoulder discomfort. This paved the way for Cade Smith to tally the save on Monday and Tuesday.
Smith has typically been the go-to setup man for Clase and has been one of the most effective relievers in the sport. Last summer, he held a 1.91 ERA with a 0.90 WHIP across 75 1/3 innings. He has enjoyed similar success in 2025, posting a 1.38 ERA with a 1.00 WHIP. If available, he is a must-add.
At worst, he will chip in a few saves and significantly boost your ratios.
Camilo Doval, RP, San Francisco Giants
15% rostered
FAAB Bid: <15% if needing saves
Camilo Doval has been given each of the previous save opportunities entering Thursday and has converted both. Ryan Walker opened the season as the closer but has begun to stumble as he has allowed six runs over his past two outings (2/3 IP).
Over his last five 2/3 IP, Doval has not allowed a run and held a 6:1 K:BB. While Walker should still see save opportunities during the season, the Giants may look to give Doval some of the opportunities, primarily as Walker works through his current struggles. Doval has previous experience as a closer and could eventually earn the majority of opportunities.
Will Vest, RP, Detroit Tigers
4% rostered
FAAB Bid: <5% if needing saves
When looking for saves in deeper leagues, take a flier on Will Vest. The Detroit Tigers appear to be relying on a committee in the ninth inning, with Tommy Kahnle receiving a slight majority of opportunities. However, Vest has been effective when called upon, especially in high-leverage situations.
Over his last five 1/3 IP, Vest has not allowed a run and held a 0.56 WHIP. During this stretch, he has tallied two saves and added a hold. While both Kahnle and Tyler Holton pitched on the previous days, which allowed Vest to earn the save opportunities, he shut the door when called on.
While he may not have high upside, there is a possibility that Vest earns low-end double-digit saves by the end of the season.
Other RP to consider for saves: Justin Slaten BOS
Fantasy Baseball Prospects to Monitor
Bubba Chandler, SP, Pittsburgh Pirates
18% rostered
FAAB Bid: <18%
Through his first 15 1/3 IP of the season with Triple-A Indianapolis, Bubba Chandler has posted a stellar 1.76 ERA with a 0.78 WHIP. He has shown elite command, allowing just six walks and showing high strikeout upside, tallying 23 over this stretch.
With Carmen Mlodzinski struggling and Bailey Falter (back) dealing with back tightness, Chandler's MLB debut could be right around the corner.
Other prospects to monitor: Jordan Lawlar ARI
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