Sun Apr 20 19:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Early Season Gems Emerge

**Early season roster churn creates opportunities for savvy fantasy managers.** A data-driven fantasy baseball analyst is recommending several under-the-radar players poised to breakout. Focusing on underlying skills and advanced metrics, the expert pinpoints several hitters and pitchers available on most waiver wires.

**Hitting Headliners:**

* **Austin Hays (Reds):** After a strong start (8 plate appearances, 3 hits, 1 HR) the analyst is all in on Hays, praising his improved playing time in a hitter-friendly environment and strong underlying metrics (20.0% Barrel, .618 xwOBAcon).

* **Matt Mervis (Marlins):** Despite a high strikeout rate (40.0% K), Mervis’s power is undeniable (1.058 OPS, 56.5% Hard Hit, 21.7% Barrel, .573 xwOBAcon). His limited playing time as a platoon player will cap his value, but he’s a top add for home run-hungry teams.

* **Connor Norby (Marlins):** A former second-round pick, Norby is set for his 2025 debut and the analyst suggests stashing him on the bench, citing his potential and strong past performance (.247 BA, 107 R, 63 RBI, 26 HR, 11 SB in a shortened 2024 season). Norby’s comparable advanced metrics to elite hitters like Shohei Ohtani add further credence to this prediction.

**Pitching Prospects:**

* **Grant Holmes (Braves):** Despite a shaky start and subsequent drop in ownership, the analyst advocates for adding Holmes, highlighting his strong rookie season and recent quality start. He argues that early-season struggles and an unusual usage pattern unfairly diminish his value.

The analyst emphasizes the importance of focusing on underlying metrics (inputs) rather than surface stats (outputs) when evaluating pitchers and hitters. He further suggests checking a previous article for additional players who are now under-owned but deserve roster spots. The complete list of recommendations and methodology can be found on [link to original article].

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