As the 2025 fantasy baseball season rolls into May, player performances are starting to solidify, and fantasy managers must act swiftly to capitalize on rising stars or cut losses on slumping veterans. This week’s stock watch highlights three players whose values are soaring—making them prime trade targets or waiver wire must-adds—and three whose struggles demand tough roster decisions. Let’s dive into the risers and fallers.

 

 

Fantasy Baseball Stock Watch Risers

Andy Pages, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers (Rostered: ~40% in Yahoo!)

Pages is scorching hot, slashing an absurd .600/.630/.960 over his last six games, with two home run, seven RBI and three stolen bases. His plate discipline has also been stellar, with just a 14-percent strikeout rate. Pages has cemented himself as the Dodgers’ everyday center fielder, and even with Tommy Edman’s return looming, Pages’ bat ensures he’ll stay in the lineup, with Edman likely shifting to second base. His recent move up to the sixth or seventh spot in the order boosts his counting stats potential in a loaded Dodgers lineup. If Pages is on your waiver wire, add him immediately—he’s a top-25 outfielder while this hot streak lasts. Trade for him in shallower leagues where his roster percentage is even lower.

Jorge Polanco, 2B/3B, Seattle Mariners (Rostered: ~36% in Yahoo!)

This guy is on fire, batting .500 with five home runs and 12 RBIs over his last five games, boasting a 2.083 OPS in that span. After injury-plagued seasons, Polanco’s resurgence is tied to his newfound health, and his dual eligibility at second and third base makes him a lineup lock. Batting second, in front of Julio Rodriguez, Polanco’s counting stats are poised to shine, with projections suggesting 20-25 homers over a full season. Polanco is a must-add in leagues where he’s available, and in trade talks, target him by offering a mid-tier pitcher if you can. His hot streak is actually sustainable given his health and batted-ball profile.

Bubba Chandler, SP, Pittsburgh Pirates (Rostered: ~20% in Yahoo!)

Chandler is the top pitching prospect to stash, with a call-up to Pittsburgh imminent. Over six Triple-A starts, he’s posted a 1.42 ERA, a 12.79 K/9, and a 55.6% ground ball rate, striking out 46% of batters faced. His 100-mph fastball and nasty slider make him a potential fantasy ace, and with Jared Jones sidelined, the Pirates’ rotation needs depth. Last year, Pittsburgh promoted Paul Skenes around this time, and Chandler’s numbers suggest he’s next. Stash him now in all redraft leagues, especially in keeper formats, as his debut could mirror Skenes’ instant impact.

 

 

Fantasy Baseball Stock Watch Fallers

Matt McLain, 2B, Cincinnati Reds (Rostered: ~60% in Yahoo!)

This one hurts to write as I am heavily invested here. McLain entered 2025 with high expectations after missing 2024 due to shoulder surgery, but he’s struggling mightily. Over his last six games, he’s batting .115 with a 33-percent strikeout rate, and his season-long 32.6-percent K-rate raises red flags. Another injury earlier this year disrupted his rhythm, and his line drive rate drop suggests a .220-.230 batting average rather than the .240-.250 hoped for. McLain’s power-speed combo (projected for 15 HR, 15 SB) keeps him rosterable in deeper leagues, but bench him until he shows signs of life.

Lawrence Butler, OF, Oakland Athletics (Rostered: ~50% in Yahoo!)

Don’t worry, he’s a hold too, but he’s been ice-cold at the plate lately. Butler’s power-speed allure—five homers and five steals this season—makes him a fantasy darling, but his recent .148 average over the past week, driven by a 55.6-percent strikeout rate, is alarming. Despite Oakland’s hitter-friendly Sutter Health Park boosting his numbers earlier, Butler’s slump is tied to poor contact quality and chasing pitches. His .262 average and 19 steals in 2024 show he’s too talented to stay down, making him a prime buy-low target. Trade a steady but unspectacular hitter like Pavin Smith with maybe a decent starter to acquire Butler, as his five-category potential will rebound. If you already roster him, hold him in all leagues, but bench him in shallow formats until his strikeouts drop. 

Charlie Morton, SP, Atlanta Braves (Rostered: ~45% in Yahoo!)

Morton’s illustrious career appears to be nearing its end. His 9.45 ERA and 2.18 WHIP through April are abysmal, and his recent demotion to the bullpen signals a loss of trust from Atlanta. At 41, Morton’s fastball velocity has dipped, and his 5.40 FIP suggests no immediate turnaround. Even if he returns to the rotation, his ratios are too damaging for fantasy rosters. Cut ties with him in every format as his days as a fantasy asset are likely over. 

Act fast on Pages, Polanco, and Chandler while their stock is rising—whether through waivers or trades. For McLain and Butler, patience is key, but their slumps open buy-low windows. Morton, however, is a clear cut in most formats. Stay proactive, monitor trends, and adjust your roster to ride these waves in the 2025 fantasy baseball season.