The decision looms for managers as to whether to bench, trade, or outright cut these fantasy busts. Adding new pitchers from the waiver wire may offer new opportunities for savvy managers.
The gray days of May for pitchers are finally over. Fantasy managers are dropping starting and relief pitchers who were once the darlings of the draft. Many of the pitchers on the waiver wire were cut from the rosters due to bloated earned run averages and point-crushing boxscore lines. Also, injuries are knocking out the frontline starters and relievers. It’s time to go back on the waiver wire and find the 2nd-tier pitchers to bolster your pitching staff in June.
Struggling Pitchers on the Waiver Wire
Sometimes pitchers who struggle in the early season may be worth a pickup on the waiver wire. The Arizona Diamondbacks‘ starting pitcher Zac Gallen has so far pitched a disappointing 5.54 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, and 66:32 K: BB across 66.2 innings this season. Jordan Romano, RP, Philadelphia Phillies, is 8-for-10 in save chances this year. But sports a 7.29 ERA, 1.57 WHIP, and 27:11 K: BB across 21 innings.
Starting Pitchers to Add
Blake Snell, SP of the Los Angeles Dodgers, is currently on the IL60 with a possible return date in June. And Evan Phillips, RP, also of the Dodgers, is to undergo Tommy John surgery and is done for the 2025 season. All injuries lead managers to look at replacement pitchers on the waiver wire.
The Arizona Diamondbacks starter/reliever Ryne Nelson will continue to fill in while Eduardo Rodriguez (shoulder) works his way back from the IL. Rodriguez isn’t expected to be ready to return from the 15-day injured list when first eligible. Nelson won two of his three starts. And possibly one more good start might convince Arizona Manager Torey Lovullo to keep Nelson in the rotation. The right-hander owns a 3.79 ERA with 34 strikeouts over 38 innings with a 1.05 WHIP on the season. He is a good pickup on the waiver wire and may be worth holding when Rodriquez returns.
Slade Cecconi, SP/RP, Cleveland Guardians, holds a solid 3.27 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 14:2 K: BB across 11 innings since making his season debut back on May 17. The 25-year-old righty started the season on the injured list due to an oblique strain. Fantasy managers may take an increased interest in Cecconi, given the Guardians’ reputation for developing pitchers. The word is getting out on the waiver wire for Cecconi, so it’s time to strike while the iron is hot.
Relief Pitchers on the Waiver Wire
The Chicago Cubs‘ new closer Daniel Palencia has four saves in four straight appearances. He’s allowed one total base runner and struck out five hitters during this span. Palencia blew his first save opportunity of the season against the Miami Marlins. He allowed two runs on two hits and a walk in two-thirds of an inning with one strikeout. Porter Hodge (oblique) was unavailable. Cubs manager Craig Counsell indicated that reliever Hodge isn’t making much progress in his recovery. But since Palencia’s been terrific overall, posting a 1.93 ERA in 18 2/3 innings. A must add if still available on the waiver wire.
Daniel Lynch IV, RP/SP, Kansas City Royals, is a sleeper candidate on the waiver wire. Lynch has 54 career MLB starts. He has pitched exclusively in relief so far in 2025. In saying that, Daniel Lynch IV did a decent job as an opener against the Reds on May 27th, allowing one run on three hits over his 2 2/3 innings of work. He has been terrific for the Royals this season, registering a 2.00 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and a 17/13 K/BB ratio over 27 innings in his first 24 appearances. The KC pitcher is a good value pickup for a fantasy team in need of relief pitchers.
Hitter Bonus – Swinging for the Fences
Bret Baty, 2B/3B, New York Mets, is deserving of a roster spot in formats that utilize middle and corner infield spots. The 25-year-old former top prospect is hitting for a .280 average (14-for-50) with five homers, 13 RBI, and one steal in 17 games. This waiver wire addition has provided a spark to the Mets since his return from Triple-A. His multi-position eligibility is a bonus for fantasy managers as well.