Livescore is your ultimate companion for tracking emerging stars and hidden gems in real time — and this week, it’s highlighting Kris Bubic as a must-add in fantasy baseball. From breakout pitchers to multi-position sluggers, Week 2’s waiver wire is packed with opportunity for managers looking to gain an early-season edge.
With the 2025 season ramping up, savvy fantasy managers know this is when championship rosters are built. Injuries, role changes, and hot starts open the door for lesser-known names to step into valuable fantasy roles. This week, we highlight the top players to add across ESPN standard leagues, starting with a lefty who’s thriving in one of baseball’s most pitcher-friendly ballparks.
Kris Bubic, SP, Kansas City Royals (Available in 70.6%)
The post-Tommy John glow-up is real for Kris Bubic. After missing most of 2023, Bubic returned in 2024 with a stronger fastball, improved command, and a devastating sweeper that has quietly made him a fantasy darling.
Now back in the starting rotation, Bubic has already racked up a 33% strikeout rate and a whiff rate that matches top-tier arms — all while benefiting from the spacious Kauffman Stadium, which consistently ranks as one of the toughest parks in which to hit home runs.
His velocity is holding steady at 92.2 mph — above his pre-surgery levels — and his ability to limit hard contact makes him a must-add in all formats. Fantasy managers looking for a breakout starter should pounce now.
Hunter Goodman, C/OF, Colorado Rockies (Available in 86.1%)
There’s one golden rule in fantasy baseball: always take advantage of Coors Field.
Enter Hunter Goodman, who has transitioned from a utility role into a primary catcher/DH job for the Rockies. He’s started all nine games this season, either behind the plate or at designated hitter, giving him a huge advantage in volume over other catcher-eligible players.
Yes, Goodman is the definition of a boom-or-bust hitter — high strikeout rates, high home run potential. But if you start him at home and sit him on the road, you’re optimizing one of the game’s best home-field advantages. His .066 wOBA home/road split makes the Coors effect very real.
Tyler Soderstrom, 1B, Oakland Athletics (Available in 61.1%)
Don’t let the team context fool you — Tyler Soderstrom is flashing serious upside.
The A’s young slugger is mashing at Sutter Health Park, where 12 homers were launched during opening weekend alone. He’s locked in as the everyday first baseman and No. 5 hitter versus righties, and he even slots in sixth against lefties.
What’s exciting? His 14.5% Barrel Rate and 50% hard-hit percentage put him in elite company, ranking in the 94th percentile among hitters with 250+ plate appearances since the start of 2024. Add in possible future catcher eligibility, and Soderstrom could become a multi-position fantasy weapon.
Hayden Wesneski, SP/RP, Houston Astros (Available in 95.7%)
Need short-term pitching help? Hayden Wesneski could be your guy.
While his role may evaporate once Lance McCullers Jr. returns, Wesneski’s two-start week lines up perfectly: a road matchup at pitcher-friendly T-Mobile Park against the Mariners, followed by a home start versus the struggling Angels offense.
The Astros are giving him a legitimate shot, and the timing couldn’t be better. Stream him this week for solid ratios and a chance at two wins.
Jose Alvarado, RP, Philadelphia Phillies (Available in 87.0%)
The Phillies’ bullpen picture was cloudy to start the year — not anymore.
Jose Alvarado is emerging as the primary closer, converting two of the team’s last three save chances. The lefty is throwing harder than ever (99.7 mph average fastball velocity) and generating elite swing-and-miss rates with his cutter.
While Jordan Romano may still mix in for some opportunities, the early trends point to Alvarado as the go-to finisher. Add him in all formats — even if there’s a slight committee feel.
Deep-League Pickups Worth Stashing
If you’re in deeper leagues or need speculative upside, here are three names flying under the radar:
Kyren Paris, 2B, Los Angeles Angels (Available in 93.3%)
Speed is king, and Paris brings it in droves. After swiping 47 bases across MLB and minors in 2023, he’s back this year with improved plate power thanks to offseason work with hitting coach Richard Schenck.
He already boasts two Barrels and a 54% hard-hit rate on just 13 batted balls. With elite Statcast sprint speed and improving contact, Paris has sneaky 20-steal upside.
Dennis Santana, RP, Pittsburgh Pirates (Available in 97.1%)
With David Bednar demoted to Triple-A, the closer role in Pittsburgh is wide open. And Dennis Santana looks like the front-runner after securing the save on April 2 and pitching the eighth in a close game on April 6.
His slider is a whiff machine (40%+ whiff rate), and the Pirates could ride the hot hand in the ninth. He’s a speculative add with big upside for saves.
Zac Veen, OF, Colorado Rockies (Available in 97.0%)
Zac Veen nearly won a starting role during spring training, and now he’s set for a call-up after torching Triple-A (.387/.472/.677).
With 9 stolen bases in 8 games and a developing power profile, Veen is a rotisserie league gem. Combine his elite speed, improving patience, and Coors Field’s offensive boost — and you’ve got a must-add stash candidate.
The Fantasy Ballpark Factor: Underrated but Critical
This week’s waiver wire is a reminder of something fantasy veterans know well: ballpark context matters.
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Kauffman Stadium suppresses home runs, boosting pitchers like Bubic.
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Coors Field boosts hitters like Goodman and Veen.
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T-Mobile Park and Petco Park help make streamers like Wesneski viable.
Using platforms like Livescore, you can track player performance by park, splits, and game situation — an edge that separates contenders from pretenders.
FAQ: Week 2 Waiver Wire Insights
1. Is Kris Bubic a long-term add or short-term stream?
He has long-term upside. His velocity, whiff rates, and pitcher-friendly home park suggest he could stick all year in standard leagues.
2. Should I roster Hunter Goodman in daily leagues only?
Yes. His home/road splits are dramatic. In daily leagues, start him at home (Coors), bench him on the road.
3. Is Jose Alvarado locked in as closer?
Not officially, but he’s earned two of the last three saves. Ride the trend — and the stuff is elite.
4. Who’s the best stash for upside?
Zac Veen offers speed, power, and Coors Field production. He could be a breakout OF2 in deeper formats.
5. How can Livescore help with weekly fantasy decisions?
Livescore gives you real-time updates, ballpark info, starting lineups, and player splits — essential tools for making start/sit and waiver decisions.
Final Thoughts: Play the Matchups, Win the Week
In fantasy baseball, early waiver moves often define your season. This week, with Kris Bubic, Hunter Goodman, and Jose Alvarado all available in most leagues, opportunity is knocking.
Track matchups. Know your ballparks. Use tools like Livescore to stay one step ahead.
The difference between a playoff team and a middle-of-the-pack finish? It starts on the waiver wire.