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 Players To Watch For The Week Ahead (April 21 - April 27)

Sal Frelick - Fantasy Baseball Rankings, Waiver Wire Pickups, Draft Sleepers

Dawn's fantasy baseball watch list -- hitters, pitchers, and relievers she's keeping an eye on for April 21 - April 27 (2025): hot bats, good matchups, pitchers on a roll, and more.

Welcome to RotoBaller's Fantasy Baseball Players to Watch for the Week Ahead series for 2025 as we look ahead to the week of April 21 - April 27. In this article, I'll look at players like Nick KurtzSal Frelick, Craig Yoho, and others.

Here at RotoBaller, we like to take a look around and discuss players who might be under-owned in redraft leagues, potential DFS candidates, players returning from injury, or some names that are just flat-out hot.

Looking ahead to this week's action, we've got some very fantasy-relevant names putting up some eye-opening numbers, a sleeper or two, and a few other tidbits. Let's dig in!

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

 

Fantasy Baseball Players to Watch: Hitters

Nick Kurtz, Athletics

What I'm Watching: How will Nick Kurtz perform in his MLB debut?

While many fantasy baseball managers are focused on established players, savvy owners should be watching the Athletics' top prospect, Nick Kurtz, who is set to make his MLB debut this week.

The A's fourth overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft has progressed through the minor league system remarkably quickly. He has been dominating in Triple-A Las Vegas, beginning the 2025 season with a .367 BA, .409 OBP, and seven home runs in just 14 games.

The A's have a recent history of fast-tracking their top prospects, as they did with Jacob Wilson last year, who was called up after the All-Star break in his first full professional season. Kurtz could be an impactful addition to fantasy rosters as soon as he makes his first MLB start.

Sal Frelick, Milwaukee Brewers

What I'm Watching: Contact specialist with elite average and emerging speed threat

I picked Frelick fairly early in my fantasy draft as I thought he might be a sneaky sleeper pick, and thus far, he hasn't disappointed. Frelick has been one of baseball's hottest hitters in April, yet remains woefully under-rostered at just 34 percent in Yahoo fantasy leagues.

Through 19 games, Frelick is batting an impressive .378, tied for seventh in the league, while posting a .912 OPS (35th in the league). Throw in five steals, six RBI, and 11 runs, and you've a batter with multiple weapons in his fantasy arsenal.

Milwaukee tends to be aggressive around the bases, recently swiping six bags in a single inning against the A's, with Frelick contributing one of them. Don't wait to see if Frelick's speed will be further unleashed; pick him up now, while you can.

 

Fantasy Baseball Players to Watch: Pitchers

Craig Yoho, Milwaukee Brewers

What I'm Watching: A changeup artist arrives to bolster the bullpen

The Brewers called up relief prospect Craig Yoho from Triple-A Nashville on Monday, giving fantasy managers an immediate opportunity to add one of the most dominant minor league arms from the past year.

What makes Yoho so intriguing is his elite changeup (the "yo-yo"), which drops almost four feet on its way to the plate and breaks a foot and a half horizontally, generating a 45 percent whiff rate in the minors.

With the Brewers' bullpen experiencing some recent instability, Yoho could quickly work his way into high-leverage situations. Fantasy managers in deeper formats and those that reward holds should add him as soon as possible.

Justin Slaten, Boston Red Sox

What I'm Watching: The future closer emerging in Boston

Justin Slaten has quietly been one of the more impressive relievers in the Red Sox bullpen this season, positioning himself as a potential high-leverage weapon for fantasy managers. Slaten features a diverse mix of pitches, giving him multiple ways to attack hitters.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora has previously said he envisions Slaten as a potential long-term closer option, which means he could emerge from a committee situation sooner rather than later.



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

Ryan Ritter

Promoted to Major Leagues
Gardner Minshew II

Throwing at OTAs
Rondale Moore

Active at OTAs
Colston Loveland

Could Return Soon
Kyle Monangai

has "Really Stepped Up"
Anthony Richardson

No Structural Damage to Anthony Richardson's Shoulder
Sean O'Malley

Set For A Rematch
Merab Dvalishvili

Set For His Second Title Defense
Kayla Harrison

Could Become The New UFC Champion
Julianna Peña

Julianna Pena Set For Co-Main Event
Joe Pyfer

A Favorite At UFC 316
Kelvin Gastelum

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Mario Bautista

Looks For His Eighth Consecutive Win
Isaac Guerendo

Taking Part in OTAs
Patchy Mix

Makes His UFC Debut
Evan Engram

Off to a Good Start at OTAs
Alvin Kamara

Not Present for OTAs
Vicente Luque

An Underdog At UFC 316
Kevin Holland

Set To Open Up UFC 316 Main Card
Derek Carr

Didn't Want to "Just Take the Saints Money"
Trevor Lawrence

Making Progress at OTAs
Framber Valdez

Dominates the Pirates on Thursday
Marcus Semien

Goes Deep Twice on Thursday
Alex Caruso

Shines Off the Bench in Game 1
Luguentz Dort

Knocks Down Five Triples in Game 1
Cason Wallace

Moves into the Starting Lineup in Game 1 Loss
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Scores 38 Points in Game 1 Defeat
Obi Toppin

Drops 17 Points in Game 1
Aaron Nesmith

Posts a Double-Double in Pacers Game 1 Victory
Pascal Siakam

Leads the Pacers with 19 Points in Game 1 Win
Tyrese Haliburton

Hits Game-Winning Shot as Pacers Steal Game 1
Davante Adams

Making Positive Impact on Puka Nacua
Anthony Richardson

Expected to be Ready for Training Camp
Michael Pittman Jr.

OK But Likely to be Held Out of Minicamp With Knee Injury
Pittsburgh Steelers

Quindell Johnson Heading to Pittsburgh
Karl-Anthony Towns

Undergoes Treatment for Knee, Finger Issues
Nate McCollum

Waived by Seahawks
Kevin Durant

Knicks Reportedly Make an Offer for Kevin Durant
Tyler Soderstrom

Slugs Two Homers in Blowout Win Over Twins
Jacksonville Jaguars

Dawuane Smoot Reunites with Jacksonville
Kyle Teel

Being Called Up by White Sox
Seattle Seahawks

Seahawks "Looking to Get After it in the Run Game"
DJ Moore

Might Not Get as Many Touches
Kyle Pitts

Falcons "Could be Enticed" to Trade Kyle Pitts
Sam LaPorta

Standing Out During Offseason Workouts
Michael Pittman Jr.

Leaves Practice With Injury on Thursday
Shea Langeliers

Exits Early on Thursday
Shane Bieber

Scratched With Elbow Soreness
Zack Wheeler

Phillies Expect Zack Wheeler to Return Early Next Week
Josh Naylor

Day-to-Day With Multiple Injuries
Brandon Woodruff

Pulled Off Rehab Assignment After Elbow Injury
Giancarlo Stanton

Could Return in Mid-June
Kyle Tucker

Returns on Thursday Against Nats
Francisco Lindor

Dealing With Broken Toe, Intends to Play Through it
Luis Robert Jr.

Hit in Head During Batting Practice, Will Return on Friday
Xander Bogaerts

Exits Wednesday with a Sore Shoulder
Nicolas Batum

Clippers Expect Nicolas Batum to Return for Next Season
Tyus Jones

Reportedly on Kings Radar
Jeff Green

Wants to Play for Two More Years
Steven Adams

Rockets Desperate to Get Steven Adams Under a New Contract
Fred VanVleet

Likely to Remain in Houston
Nate Schmidt

Logs Pair of Helpers Wednesday
Carter Verhaeghe

Registers Two Assists In Game 1 Loss Against Oilers
Sam Bennett

Establishes New Franchise Record with 12 Postseason Goals
Kasperi Kapanen

Stays Productive in Finals Opener
Connor McDavid

Records Two Assists in Wednesday's Win
Leon Draisaitl

Scores Twice in Game 1 Win Against Panthers
Pete Alonso

Homers Twice on Wednesday
Pablo López

Pablo Lopez Out 8-12 Weeks With Shoulder Injury
Chris Sale

Fans 10 in Loss to Diamondbacks
J.T. Realmuto

Leaves After Taking Foul Ball to Groin
Tommy Edman

Out with Tweaked Ankle
Carlos Correa

Scratched with Back Tightness
Kristaps Porzingis

to be Moved This Offseason?
Phoenix Suns

Jordan Ott Named Suns Head Coach
Zion Williamson

to Remain Pelicans "Focal Point"
Nikita Kucherov

Takes Home Second Ted Lindsay Award
Derek Forbort

Sticking with Canucks for One More Year
Noah Cates

Lands Four-Year, $16 Million Extension
Brock Nelson

Staying with Avalanche for Three Years
A.J. Greer

Out for Wednesday's Game 1
Connor Brown

Ready to Go Wednesday
Rico Hoey

a Decent Dark-Horse Option at TPC Toronto
Harry Hall

a Decent Option at TPC Toronto
Beau Hossler

Not Appealing Ahead of RBC Canadian Open
Taylor Pendrith

Could See Success at RBC Canadian Open
Ryan Fox

a Solid Option at TPC Toronto
Mackenzie Hughes

is a Risky Option at TPC Toronto
Eric Cole

Not A Great Option For RBC Canadian Open
Rasmus Hojgaard

a Volatile Option at TPC Toronto
Quade Cummins

Hard to Trust at RBC Canadian Open
PGA

Matti Schmid a High-Risk, High-Reward Play at TPC Toronto
Jake Knapp

a Boom-or-Bust Option at RBC Canadian Open
Doug Ghim

a Sneaky Value Play at RBC Canadian Open
Gary Woodland

a Solid Value Play at RBC Canadian Open
Rory McIlroy

Eyes Third RBC Canadian Open Title
Wyndham Clark

Hoping to Reverse Slide at RBC Canadian Open
Erik Van Rooyen

Erik van Rooyen Continues Rocky 2025 Campaign
Sahith Theegala

Trying to Find Positives in 2025
Justin Rose

Enjoying Career Renaissance at 44
John Pak

Striving to Improve on PGA Tour
Kurt Kitayama

Roller-Coaster Season to Continue in Canada
Max Homa

Motivated for RBC Canadian Open
New York Knicks

Knicks Fire Head Coach Tom Thibodeau
Bronny James Jr.

May Have Regular Role with Lakers Next Season
Dante Exum

and Mavericks Have "Mutual Interest" to Work Out New Deal
Tyler Kleven

Inks Two-Year Extension with Senators
Marcus Johansson

Staying with Wild for One More Year
Yanni Gourde

Agrees to Six-Year Extension with Lightning
CAR

Jesper Fast Announces Retirement
Connor Brown

Good to Go for Game 1 Against Panthers
Ludovit Klein

Outclassed At UFC Vegas 107
Mateusz Gamrot

Bounces Back In The Win Column
Ramiz Brahimaj

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Billy Ray Goff

Gets Submitted
Bruno Lopes

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Dustin Jacoby

Scores First-Round Knockout
Ketlen Vieira

Dominates at UFC Vegas 107
Macy Chiasson

Dominated At UFC Vegas 107
Duško Todorović

Dusko Todorovic Drops Three Fights in a Row
Zachary Reese

Gets Back In The Win Column
Joey Logano

Puts Together a Clean Race and Finishes In the Top Five At Nashville
William Byron

Steady Performance Earns Him a Top-Five Finish At Nashville
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Finally Returns to the Top 10 At Nashville
Kyle Larson

Rollercoaster Day At Nashville Ends In the Top 10
Tyler Reddick

Makes A Top-10 Recovery At Nashville
Ryan Blaney

Denny Hamlin Factors for Nashville Win Until Ryan Blaney's Three-Wide Pass
Ryan Blaney

Joey Logano Runs Better Than Expected, Still No Match for Teammate Ryan Blaney
Erik Jones

Delivers Best Run Since 2022 at Nashville
Christopher Bell

Recovers From Stage 2 Crash to Finish 10th
Ross Chastain

Mildly Disappointing at Nashville but Still Runs Decently
Chase Briscoe

Dominates Early but Struggles in Traffic
Carson Hocevar

a Great DFS Option to Consider for Nashville Lineups
Zane Smith

Is A Solid Value Option For Nashville DFS Lineups
Justin Haley

Should DFS Players Roster Justin Haley At Nashville?
Todd Gilliland

Is A Safe Value Play For Nashville DFS Lineups
Denny Hamlin

the Favorite to Win at Nashville, Could Have to Miss Race
Ross Chastain

Always Strong at Nashville
Kyle Larson

Struggling to Find Speed at Nashville
Chase Elliott

Can Chase Elliott Snap Winless Streak at Nashville?
Alex Bowman

Still Searching for First Top-10 Finish at Nashville
Ty Gibbs

Can Ty Gibbs Turn Things Around at Nashville?
A.J. Greer

Questionable for Start of Stanley Cup Finals
Roope Hintz

Dealing with Fractured Foot
Sean Walker

Nursing a Shoulder Injury
Jalen Chatfield

Recovering From Hip Injury
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF