It’s the final week for both the 2025 MLB and fantasy baseball seasons. Championships will be awarded on September 28. But before then, the last week of fantasy management is upon us. And it’s far from easy. Here’s a look at our picks for best readily available waiver wire targets on the pitching side for Week 25.

Best Week 25 pitchers to target

For roto leagues, this is the most important — and most difficult — week to navigate. Those who have innings to make up should try to pick up wins and strikeouts, all while maintaining roster flexibility. Meaning, unless a pitcher has another start left, do a quick cut when necessary.

However, on the other hand, ERA and WHIP numbers can be easily damaged if a reckless approach is adopted. In other words, play the matchups.

Because there may be pitchers who have already been cut loose, waiver wires will look different by league, which is why Nick Lodolo is on this list. Lodolo (available in roughly 1/4 of Yahoo! leagues) is scheduled to face the Pirates on September 25.

The 27-year-old is averaging close to a strikeout per inning (144 over 149.1 IP), and the Reds are in the midst of their push for the third NL Wild Card spot.

As for the others on this list, all will start early in the week. Verlander goes on September 22, while Gil, Giolito, and Oviedo go on the 23rd. It gives all of those names a better chance of going twice this week, unless someone gets pushed back or shut down.

Verlander, who faces the Cardinals on the 22nd, has been very good (3.56 ERA, 84 K over 81 IP) at home this season. The wins have not been there, as the 42-year-old only has three wins on the year. But, that hasn’t been on Verlander.

Giolito will face the Blue Jays in Toronto on Tuesday. He’s not the best strikeout option but has pitched well against the Jays this season. He struck out seven over six (three ER) on April 30 against Toronto, and then threw seven innings and didn’t surrender an earned run on June 28.

Oviedo gets the Reds on Tuesday, not a great matchup on paper. However, he’s been getting swings-and-misses (30.3% Whiff%) this season. Oviedo struck out 32 over 30.2 IP since returning from injury.

Lastly, Gil gets the White Sox again. Gil didn’t get a win against the White Sox when he faced them last month. However, he struck out seven over 5.1 IP. He’s one of the riskier plays this week, though. Gil walked four plus batters in four of his last six outings.

Overview of Week 24

Jameson Taillon was a great two-start option this past week. Across 13.1 IP, Taillon struck out seven, posted a .69 ERA, and netted himself a win against the Pirates.

Tyler Wells pitched six strong innings this past week against the White Sox, which helped him grab win #2 on his shortened 2025 season.

Hurston Waldrep struck out eight against the Nationals, a team he’ll face again this week.

One more thing: with the 2025 fantasy season concluding this week, I’d like to thank everyone who’s read at least one — or several, or all — of our fantasy articles this week. Don’t worry, as we’ll have more insight and analysis throughout the offseason.

Check out more of our fantasy coverage.

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