2025 NFBC 15-Team Waiver Wire (4/13 – Week 4)
Every Sunday, the free-agent pool has a moving range of value based on each player's success and any injury news. For late updates, I will post them in the notes area on my Substack site.
Note: If I’m in a league with someone, I will be aware of what I've written and pay closer attention to your bids if I believe you may be looking for a similar player in a particular week. At the same time, our free agent spending during the year will have different paths. If I’m aggressive early and a competitor is not, they will have the advantage of buying power as the season progresses and vice versa. I’ll do my best to list all players of interest, but there will be times when waiver thread lines are backfilled with low-dollar players to ensure an unwanted or injured player is released and replaced.
Catchers
Henry Davis, PIT (2.0%)
The Pirates have yet to place Joey Bart on the injured list with a back issue, but they called up Davis on Saturday to replace him in the starting lineup. He returns to the majors riding a five-game hitting streak (8-for-22 with three runs, two RBIs, and three steals) while striking out only once. Davis brings a first-round pedigree (2021), giving him a chance to steal Pittsburgh’s starting catcher job if his bat gets hot.
Rating: Due to his multiple failures in the majors over the past two seasons, Davis will draw minimal fliers bids for the fantasy teams looking for a spark at C2. His ride could be short, but he does have difference-maker upside if/when Davis proves he can handle major league pitching.
Yohel Pozo, STL (0.0%)
Pozo’s bat at AAA has been consistent but lacked a major league opportunity over the past five years, slashing .321 with 187 runs, 64 homers, 253 RBIs, and two stolen bases in 1,304 at-bats. He’s logged 185 games at catcher, 47 at first base, and 92 as a DH, offering versatility but limited upside. Between AAA (5) and the majors (2), Pozo has a seven-game hitting streak (11-for-29 with nine runs, three home runs, eight RBIs, and one stolen base). His early success with St. Louis (four hits over eight at-bats with two runs, one home run, and two RBIs) should give him more chances.
Rating: With an unclear opportunity, Pozo will command $1 or $2 bids.
Other Options: Freddy Fermin, Matt Thaiss
First Base
Matt Mervis, MIA (30.0%)
Heading into this waiver period in the NFBC, Mervis remains hidden in the utility position due to needing two more games to qualify at first base. Over his last seven matchups, he went 8-for-22 with four runs, four home runs, and eight RBIs while batting cleanup for the Marlins. Mervis does have 14 strikeouts over 36 plate appearances (38.9%), inviting a cold streak down the road.
Rating: Last week, Mervis was picked up in 15 main events with a high bid of $29 and a low of $3. There was one $11 runner-up bid that was a loser in 11 other leagues. Power should be a hot commodity on the waiver wire, especially with weak free-agent options at first base. I expect his bids to be closer to E-class market value ($45) this week.
Ty France, MIN (74.0%)
This week, France has a five-game hitting streak (9-for-18), scoring five runs with two homers and five RBIs. His bat lacked pop in 2023-24, hitting .243 with 25 homers and 109 RBIs over 1,066 at-bats, a drop from his 2021-22 output (.283, 38 homers, 156 RBIs in 1,122 at-bats).
Rating: Despite his higher ownership, France may draw lower bids than Matt Mervis. Last week, he was dropped in six leagues and added in 11 others (high – $19 and low – $4). France had 10 runner-up bids ($19, $11, and $8). His success points suggest a push over E-class token bids ($20).
Other Options: Nick Kurtz and Jac Caglianone
Second Base
Gabriel Arias, CLE (40.0%)
Over the past two weeks, Arias made 11 starts over 12 games. He went 11-for-37 with four runs, three home runs, and seven RBIs. On the downside, his strikeout rate (28.6) remains an issue, something that has been his downfall in his career (32.0%).
Rating: With a .215 batting average over 554 at-bats in the majors over four seasons, Arias has yet to warrant a full-time job with Cleveland. He was added to 15 main events last week, ranging from $29 to $1. Eight other teams bid between $12 and $3. More of the same due to his job loss risk.
Nolan Gorman, STL (26.0%)
The key to Gorman getting at least starting at-bats against right-handed pitching is Brendan Donovan shifting to shortstop with Masyn Winn on the injured list. He has four hits over nine at-bats this year with four runs, one home run, and one RBI. His power floor is high for his position based on his 2023 success (27 home runs and 76 RBI), but it does come with batting average risk and short steals.
Rating: Gorman was picked up in one main event ($12) while being dropped in 19 leagues. There’s upside here, but his questionable opportunity puts him in the flier bid range. St. Louis faces five right-handed pitchers this week.
Other Options: Zack Gelof, Mauricio Dubon, Jeff McNeil
Third Base
Connor Norby, MIA (74.0%)
The Marlins sent Norby on a rehab assignment on Saturday, putting him on a path back to the majors. Norby offers 20+ home run power and double-digit stolen base potential. Given Miami’s lineup, he’s likely to slot second in the batting order upon return. He’ll face challenges as a rookie while playing in a low-scoring lineup.
Rating: Norby was added to three mains last week with three bids ($29, $20, and $16) in the E-class token range. With more information about his return to Miami, there may be more fight for him in his limited league that he is a free agent.
Justin Turner, CHC
With Seiya Suzuki suffering an injury on Saturday night, Turner should be rewarded with the Cubs DH role. He is a free agent in every main event, with quiet stats (5-for-11 with two runs and four RBIs) out of the gate.
Rating: The wise guys will be onto Turner based on his career body of work, and he would be natural to the Suzuki teams. E-class token bids seem to be the path, but I would push higher if the news about Suzuki paints a long IL stint. His last reports suggest that he is day-to-day, thus lowering the potential opportunity for Turner.
Other Options: Kyle Farmer, Ernie Clement, Oliver Dunn, Coby Mayo
Shortstop
Chase Meidroth, CWS (0.0%)
Last season at AAA, Meidroth showcased a stellar approach, posting an 18.1% walk rate and 12.7% strikeout rate while batting .293 with 87 runs, seven homers, 57 RBIs, and 13 steals in 437 at-bats.
In 2025, he’s off to a hot start, hitting three homers in nine minor league games (30 at-bats) with 11 runs, four RBIs, and two steals. Over his last 467 AAA at-bats, he’s drawn 113 walks against 76 strikeouts. Called up by the White Sox on Friday, April 11, Meidroth debuted 1-for-1 with three runs and two walks, followed by a 1-for-3 game.
Rating: His overall value in counting stats doesn’t grade well due to his questionable power and complementary speed. Meidroth has the tools to seize the leadoff job for the White Sox, improving his fantasy outlook. There were a couple of shortstop injuries that week, positioning more eyeballs on him – just above E-class token bids.
Brayan Rocchio, CLE (40.0%)
The shortstop waiver pool lacks starting options, leaving Rocchio as the best starting option with experience. He has a three-game hitting streak (4-for-11 with two runs) but empty production on the year (three runs and three RBIs over 36 at-bats). With about a starting job for two-thirds of last season, he delivered eight home runs and 10 steals, painting a high floor with over 500 at-bats this season.
Rating: His lack of success puts Rocchio in the bottom flier range at shortstop for fantasy teams looking for a bridge player to cover an injury.
Other Options: J.P Crawford, Paul DeJong, Max Muncy, Jordan Lawlar
Outfield
Andy Pages, LAD (70.0%)
The Dodgers have started Andy Pages in 15 of their first 16 games, though he managed just three hits in his initial 28 at-bats, scoring once. His bat heated up over three starts, going 4-for-11 with three runs, two homers, and two RBIs, but the Cubs shut him down in his last two contests (0-6).
Rating: With plus power and a secured role, I expect Pages to be more attractive in this week's free-agent pool in the NFBC main event. He was added to two leagues ($55 and $15) while being dropped in 15 others. Depending on his results on Sunday, Pages may see bids higher than E-class market value to his higher ownership.
Zac Veen, COL
Colorado promoted Zac Veen from Triple-A on Monday, April 7, 2025. He’s gone 3-for-19 with an RBI and six strikeouts in his first five games. From 2022 to 2025 in the minors, Veen hit .246 across 902 at-bats, amassing 149 runs, 26 homers, 134 RBIs, and 99 stolen bases. His 23.6% strikeout rate is better than the league average. Veen’s elite speed is his calling card, though early growing pains are expected in his MLB career.
Rating: With a slow first week in his production, Veen should lose some bidding steam this free-agent period in the NFBC Main event. The Rockies announced he was getting called up about an hour before bidding closed last week. As a result, there was a rush to the waiver window in leagues where he was drafted and dropped. There were 38 record bids (19 leagues) on him, with a high of $333 and a low of $73. His low win bid was $77, and his high lost bid was $280. I see a drop to C- to D-class must-have bids for the drafters willing to fight for him.
His lack of experience at AAA (.265/19/7/23/7 over 113 at-bats) may lead to a slow start with Colorado.
Miguel Andujar, ATH (58.0%)
I was a fan of Andujar last year, but he opened the season with an injury, followed by dull stats (31/4/30/3) despite success in batting average (.285). Over his last nine starts (two off days over this span), Andujar has a hit in eight games (12-for-36 with six runs, one home run, and five RBIs).
Rating: The high-stake market had an even split on his value last week in free agency (11 adds and 11 drops). His top bid was $30, with four other investments ($22, $20, $18, and $17) falling in the E-class token range. Andujar has two other fair, losing runner-up bids ($15 and $11).
Mike Yastrzemski, SF (53.0%)
Yastrzemski has been hot over his last 10 games, hitting 10-for-33 with seven runs, two homers, six RBIs, and two stolen bases. The Giants have given him a leadoff opportunity over their last two matchups.
Rating: Last week, Yastrzemski was picked up in 22 main events with a high bid of $35 and a low of $1. His top runner-up bid was $15, with 14 other teams trying to add him. If he plays well on Sunday, more bids will be higher than last week's top investment.
Bryan De La Cruz, ATL (37.0%)
De La Cruz’s five-game hitting streak (8-for-19) ended Friday with a 0-for-4 night, yielding just one run. Over 302 games with Miami in 2023-24, he tallied 121 runs, 40 homers, 146 RBIs, and nine steals but hit a risky .245. His competitor for Atlanta’s outfield spot, Jarred Kelenic, is slumping at 5-for-33 with one homer and 15 strikeouts. De La Cruz’s power is poised to surge, especially as the Braves offense heats up.
Rating: I was the high bidder ($27) in three main events last week due to injuries to my outfielders. Only one other fantasy manager bid $1. In the other 20 leagues, he had a range between $27 and $1 with seven runner-up bids ($13, $6, $4, $3, $3, $2, and $1). With no home runs heading into Sunday, I don’t expect his bids to be higher this week.
Alex Call, WAS (25.0%)
The Nationals have played Call over Jacob Young more often than not in April, leading to 10 hits over 26 at-bats with five runs, six RBIs, and one stolen base. With CJ Abrams injured, Washington will slide him into the lead slot of the batting order. Over his four years in the majors, Call hit .239 with 80 runs, 16 home runs, 71 RBIs, and 18 stolen bases over 611 at-bats.
Rating: Over the 14 mains that he was added last week, five fantasy managers bid higher than $20 with a high $34. Two other teams lost with $10 and $9 bids. E-class token rating, hinging on his success or failure on Sunday.
Jake Meyers, HOU (21.0%)
Meyers saw his six-game hitting streak (8-for-22 with five runs, two RBIs, and five stolen bases) end on Saturday (0-4). Last season, he hit 13 home runs and 11 stolen bases over 461 at-bats, but he has a .230 batting average in his career.
Rating: Trending higher, but Meyers was dropped in 19 main events last week. One fantasy manager bid $8 with no runner-up swing. His uptick in speed will create more interest, and any power on Sunday will should his bids higher than the E-class range.
Amed Rosario, WAS (0.0%)
The injury to CJ Abrams should shift Paul DeJong to shortstop, giving Rosario a chance to get starting at-bats at third base. He came into this season with second base and outfield eligibility. Over his last six games, he went 5-for-18 with two runs, one RBI, and one stolen base. Any investment in Rosario is on at-bats with the hope of an occasional home run and some steals.
Rating: His fading resume and unknown starting opportunity put his bids in the minimal flier range.
Other Options: MJ Melendez, Hunter Renfroe, Griffin Conine
Starting Pitching
Chase Dollander, COL (4.0%)
Colorado promoted Dollander last weekend, but his debut was shaky, allowing four runs on eight baserunners with two homers over five innings, striking out six. He looks much more comfortable in his following start (two runs, three hits, two runs, two home runs, two walks, and seven strikeouts) against the Padres on the road.
He excelled in his first 24 minor league starts, going 6-2 with a 2.58 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and 174 strikeouts in 122 innings. The Rockies selected Dollander ninth overall in the 2023 MLB Draft. He features a 97.7 mph fastball, a swing-and-miss slider, and a curveball-changeup mix.
Rating: In his two available main events last week, Dollander drew $48 and $35 winning bids with high-floor runner-up swings ($31 and $29). He should draw bids higher than D-class market value ($65) in many leagues in the NFBC this week. Some teams will consider him a must-have in this category due to early-season pitching struggles or injuries.
His upcoming starts are at home against Washington and on the road in Kansas City. Despite his high draft status, Dollander carries risk in fantasy due to Coors Field’s hitter-friendly environment and his limited 52 innings above High-A.
Lance McCullers, HOU (23.0%)
McCullers will be an interesting pitcher to follow over the next two weeks. He’s rostered on 23% of NFBC Main Events, but he may not be a free agent in many other leagues due to starting the year on the injured list. After three rehab starts between AA and AAA, McCullers has a 4.70 ERA, 1.57 WHIP, and nine strikeouts over 7.2 innings. His last outing (no runs over four innings with one hit, one walk, and five strikeouts) was the best of the year while upping his pitch count (61). His next start could be a toss-up between AAA and the majors.
Rating: Finding helpful starting pitching is challenging in 15-team formats in the NFBC. McCullers hasn’t pitched a major league inning since 2022, but he has had plenty of success with the Astros (49-32 with a 3.48 ERA and 1.15 WHIP over 718.2 innings). I sense D-class must-have bids ($125), but I haven’t seen a report (10:15 AM) on Rotoworld or Rotowire about his success in his last start, forcing game managers to do their research or potentially miss him as an add this week.
Andrew Abbott, CIN (28.0%)
Abbott rejoined the Reds’ rotation on Saturday with success (one run, two hits, two walks, and five strikeouts) and a win against the Pirates. Cincinnati gave him two rehab starts at AAA (3.60 ERA, 150 WHIP, and eight strikeouts over 10.0 innings) to open the year.
Abbott’s fastball averaged 91.6 mph this spring, down from his 92.8 mph range over the prior three seasons. He introduced a cutter, reducing his curveball usage. In 2024, he went 9-6 in 18 starts with a 3.06 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and 82 strikeouts in 103 innings, though his 3.4 BB/9 walk rate was a concern. His minor league strikeout rate (13.0 K/9) was elite but dipped to 7.4 K/9 in 2024.
Rating: Last week, Abbott was added to six main events with five bids ($39, $25, $23, $22, and $22) topping $20. He also had four competitive runner-up bids ($23, $20, $13, and $13). His floor should be D-class token bids ($35), but I would push that number higher if my team has pitching issues.
For the record, I have Lance McCullers and Andrew Abbott on two main events, each due to tracking/writing about both players before the start of the season. I don’t believe I’ll have an opportunity to bid on either player this week in 15-team formats.
Andre Pallante, STL (42.0%)
Last year, Pallante showed growth between starting and relief with the Cardinals (3.78 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and 94 strikeouts over 121.1 innings). He’s been on point over his first three starts (four runs, 17 baserunners, and 13 strikeouts over 16.1 innings) this season, highlighted by his last outing against Philadelphia (seven shutout innings with four strikeouts).
His fastball (93.6) is about one mph from last season while throwing his four-seamer and sinker about 70.0% of the time. Pallante works off a slider and curveball for his secondary pitches.
Rating: I don’t think of Pallante as a week-to-week start in 12- and 15-team formats, making him more of a rotational option when he has a favorable matchup or double starts. The Cardinals are also shifting to a six-man rotational this week. He was added in 11 main events last week (high – $30 and low – $1). His highest losing bid was $21. Pallante faced HOU and @ATL in his next two matchups. I see D-class token bids ($35) coming from more teams this week.
Edward Cabrera, MIA (40.0%)
Cabrera made his 2025 debut for the Marlins on Friday night, leading to two runs, four hits, three walks, and five strikeouts over 5.2 innings. He threw 79 pitches. Over the previous two seasons for Miami, he missed time each year while never pitching more than 100.0 innings in a season in his career in the majors. Cabrera checks the boxes in talent and velocity (96.8 mph fastball) with three viable supporting pitches (slider, changeup, and curveball). This year, he turned to his sinker more as his top fastball.
Rating: I know many high-stakes players like Cabrera, and he does bring name value with injury risk. I could see D-class market value bids ($65) this week. He was added in 10 mains last week, with a range from $30 to $3 and one high runner-up bid ($22).
Tony Gonsolin, LAD (16.0%)
With Landon Knack and Justin Wrobleski struggling (combining for 13 runs in recent outings), Gonsolin’s sharp last rehab start at AAA (3.1 scoreless innings, two baserunners, seven strikeouts on 46 pitches) positions him as a potential bullpen game option for the Dodgers next week. Bobby Miller remains an alternative, though his six walks in five innings raise concerns.
Rating: Gonsolin should only draw E-class token bids due to his questionable length of starting for the Dodgers. He wasn’t added to any main events last week due to not being in the free-agent pool in many leagues.
Ryan Gusto, HOU (9.0%)
Gusto parlayed his 2024 AAA season (3.70 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 141 strikeouts in 148.1 innings) into a spot on Houston’s opening-day roster. In his first four MLB outings, he’s impressed, allowing one run with seven baserunners and nine strikeouts over eight innings. With Spencer Arrighetti injured, Gusto earned a start on Saturday, allowing three runs, four hits, a walk, and six strikeouts over four innings. He threw 72 pitches. His mid-90s fastball anchors a diverse arsenal (cutter, changeup, slider, sinker, curveball).
Rating: Gusto was added to five main events ($6, $2, $1, $1, and $1) last week, and there were no runner-up bids. Team Hoppe was his top supporter (he picked him up on three teams). His lack of resume and Lance McCullers's sharp appearance in his last start at AAA suggest Gusto will only get one more start (TOR) for the Astros. Only flier bids should be required.
Other Options: Luis L. Ortiz, Dean Kremer, Logan Allen, Jake Irvin, Chad Patrick, Andre Painter, Chris Paddack, Jose Quintana, David Festa