There’s always room to strengthen your lineup, and this week offers a blend of post-injury returns, emerging power and sneaky multi-position eligibility. Here are five hitters making noise or worth stashing in competitive fantasy formats.
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It’s unlikely, but check if Addison Barger (49% rostered) is still on the wire, as he’s been on a tear lately. Anyway, back to the players who are more likely to be available.
Christian Encarnacion-Strand, 1B, Cincinnati Reds (22% rostered)
Encarnacion-Strand came out firing off IL this weekend, going 4-for-8 with two homers, two runs and four RBI in his first two games. I’m ignoring the .209 average since injuries have limited him to just 17 plate appearances this year.
He’s hitting in the four-spot and is poised to provide a much-needed power surge to a potent Reds lineup that’s underwhelmed this season. If you’re chasing home runs or need a corner infielder with legit upside, CES is a top-tier target this week.
Jesús Sánchez, OF, Miami Marlins (11% rostered)
Sánchez is doing everything to warrant fantasy managers’ attention. Over the past two weeks, the outfielder ranks 18th overall, hitting .395 with three dingers, 11 RBI, nine runs and a robust 1.079 OPS. Beyond the traditional stats, the peripherals point to real progress — Sánchez owns a 45% hard-hit rate and has trimmed his strikeout rate to a career-low 23% with an 11% walk rate, all signs he’s maturing at the plate.
He’s approaching top-50 status in the last month, making him a solid add in 12-team leagues and a great depth piece in deeper formats.
Parker Meadows, OF, Detroit Tigers (24% rostered)
Meadows has started slowly since coming off the 60-day IL list, but now is the time to buy. In 82 games last season, Meadows was a 2.2 bWAR player for the Tigers, posting a 109 OPS+, all of which were above league average. It’s been less than a month, but Meadows is already showing improvements with his plate discipline, with a 17.9% K rate and a 17.9 % walk rate. He’s stolen two bases in his seven games and is another talented young player with a 20/20 upside. Although the sample size is relatively small, his hitting metrics suggest he’s due.
The Tigers appear ready to let the 25-year-old run, and they’ll need it. Detroit ranks last in stolen bases this season despite being the best team in baseball. He’ll get regular time in center field and should continue to hit at the top of the order. He’s a savvy pickup with multi-category potential.
Ronny Mauricio, 2B, New York Mets (13% rostered)
Mauricio is the ninth-ranked prospect in the Mets organization, and after missing all of last season recovering from a torn ACL, he’s back in the big leagues. The Dominican infielder posted strong batted-ball rates in the minors before the injury, showcasing impressive bat speed and improving discipline. Standing at 6-foot-3, the second baseman has the tools to be a fantasy asset, possessing true 20/20 potential. He hit at least 20 homers in the minors from 2021 to 2023, along with swiping 55 bases.
The power and speed combo will mesh well in a top-10 offense, and it never hurts to hit in the sixth slot for the best team in the National League. Given the Mets’ unsettled infield and Mauricio’s talent ceiling, he’s a player I’m looking to add now before he pops off.
Trevor Larnach, OF, Minnesota Twins (20% rostered)
Larnach’s underlying metrics aren’t ideal. Still, he’s on a heater and is providing exceptional run support for a Twins team that’s 35-30 through Sunday night. The former first-round pick ranks 70th over the past 30 days, slashing .305/.348/.524 with a .872 OPS, five home runs and 14 RBI.
The 28-year-old is on pace to set career-highs in HRs, RBI and runs and, as long as he’s getting consistent at-bats near the top of the order, there’s short-term value in the near term with the potential for more as long as he keeps producing at this level.
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