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Jo Adell, OF, LAA (CBS: 12% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): Jo Adell, a name that has piqued our interest for years, is now on the cusp of becoming a power-hitting Major Leaguer. While the data might not be crystal clear, with a lower strikeout rate but a high whiff and chase rate, there’s a glimmer of hope in his power and speed potential. Even if it means the Angels will have to accept a .240 batting average, it’s time to give him a long run and witness his potential unfold, sparking hope and excitement in fantasy baseball managers.
Addison Barger, OF, TOR (CBS: 4% rostered, ESPN: not rostered): He gets the call over Orelvis Martinez as he brings a unique set of skills to the table. While he hits the ball hard, his swing doesn’t have a ton of loft, making him more of a 20-home run bat than a pure power hitter. He does make solid contact and has always walked a ton. He’s a below-average runner. These qualities make him an intriguing option for ‘Only’ Leagues, sparking curiosity and consideration among fantasy baseball managers.
Alec Burleson, 1B/OF, STL (CBS: 3% rostered, ESPN: not rostered): Alec Burleson, a player with immense potential, is a hard hitter. Despite his sub .300 SLG, there’s more power in that bat waiting to be unleashed. While he might expand the strike zone more than ideal, his two-strike approach is keeping his strikeouts down. This one has me excited, and I believe there’s more to come from him.
Joe Boyle, SP, Oak (CBS: 11% rostered): Yes, I can read. He’s an Oakland pitcher, and winning fantasy managers do not roster Oakland pitchers. But let’s not overlook his good stuff. His fastball averages 96.6 MPH with significant ride through the zone (spin. The slider and curveball look very good. He doesn’t have a pitch to get lefties out, but there are kernels of goodness here.
Cooper Criswell, SP, BOS (CBS/ESPN: not rostered): He’s a sinker-sweeper pitcher with a sinker that looks more like a stinker than, well… He’s been getting some starts, but I’m not sure about this one. He feels more like a spot starter/reliever to me.
Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF, CHC (CBS: 26% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered): PCA is a high-end prospect who hasn’t had a great season in the minor leagues in 2024. He’s an elite defender with speed. There’s enough exit velocity to suggest future power, and he’s already parked one during his call-up, but I don’t think we will see more doubles-power than over-the-fence power this season. Will he hit? That’s the question. He’s struggled to make contact in the past and has gotten overly aggressive as he’s moved through the minor leagues. You can count on the speed with some power, but it might come with a .230 batting average.
Bailey Falter, SP, Pit (CBS: 16% rostered): None of Bailey Falter’s pitches are plus (maybe his slider is). His fastball averages 91.3 MPH, but with his huge extension (7.3 feet), he gets a ton of whiffs. He’s pitching to a 3.33 ERA and has an xERA of 3.97. It’s the definition of an up-and-down or a back-of-the-rotation pitcher. But he has the A’s and the Rockies at home. I like the setup.
Hunter Goodman, OF/1B, COL (CBS: 4% rostered, ESPN: not rostered): He has power and plays in the right home park to suggest 20 to 25 home run pop is doable this season. I would not expect a very good batting average and an even worse OBP. But the Rockies are terrible, so why not give Goodman a chance to stick?
Landon Knack, SP, LAD (CBS: 8% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered): Landon Knack’s velocity backed up in 2023 and still has not returned. Pitching in the Major Leagues with a fastball that averages 92.5 MPH is tough. It does have nice spin, and he gets decent whiffs with it. He’s a short strider, which is one of the reasons he throws strikes, but it also diminishes his stuff. It feels more like a back-of-the-rotation starter to me. I think he gets a shot as he’s one of the few Dodgers minor league arms that’s healthy, but it’s the profile of a back-of-the-rotation starter.
Heston Kjerstad, UT, BAL (CBS: 57% rostered, ESPN: 12% rostered): Kjerstad has nothing left to prove in the minor leagues, but how long will he be up? Austin Hayes is out with a calf strain, which can be tricky to heal. However, even if Kjerstad hits, the Orioles must make a roster move to keep him up. I don’t see any obvious move, except for…well, let’s not go there. Don’t overbid on this one.
Joey Loperfido, OF/1B, Hou (CBS: 26% rostered): Houston, we have a problem? It might be mainly on the pitching side, but they could use some help at the bottom of that lineup. I have to believe that Joey Loperfido will be up soon. He’s playing first now, and there’s a huge need in Houston.
Kyle Manzardo, 1B, Cle (CBS: 28% rostered): I would be surprised if Kyle Manzardo is in the Minor Leagues much longer. He’s hitting, hitting for power, and will be an immediate defensive update at first base. The Guardians got their seventh year of team control, and Manzardo is now healthy. Uhh…what are we waiting on?
Mitchell Parker, SP, WAS (CBS: 35% rostered, ESPN: 9% rostered): He’s a lefty with a 92 MPH fastball that’s not fooling anyone, but boy, is that splitter fooling people. BTW, don’t be surprised in five years if every pitcher throws a splitter. When Parker was in the minor leagues, he could not throw strikes, but in his time with Washington, he’s been a strike thrower. Does that stick? If he does, he’s going to be a real find. While there’s nothing in the profile that would say it sticks, I’m picking him up just in case it does.
Trevor Rogers, SP, Mia (CBS: 33% rostered): Trevor Rogers is only rostered in 33% of CBS Leagues? Really? He’s pitching to an xERA of 3.78 with the Nationals and A’s on the schedule this coming week.
Mike Tauchman, OF, CHC (CBS: 5% rostered): I know Tim is not a fan, but…hey, don’t go on vacation and let the inmates run the place. Anyway…here me out. He hits the ball harder than you think – 89.6 MPH with a high Barrel rate (86%). He’s always controlled the strike zone and has continued that this season. He’s also not a clogger on the basepaths. Now, he has a chance to play with Bellinger out. I’m jumping on this one.
Taijuan Walker, SP, PHI (CBS: 37% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered): Pitching is at a premium, and while Walker is not the same guy he was a few years ago, he could be serviceable as a spot starter for your fantasy team. The Phillies will score runs.
Connor Wong, C, BOS (CBS: 22% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered): You gotta love a .419 BABIP. This will correct at some point, but he’s hot, so run with him until he’s not. If you already have him on your team and you’re enjoying the ride, see if you can get someone to enjoy the ride and sell high on him.
Jacob Young, OF, Was (CBS: 6% rostered): Jacob Young is a fourth outfielder, maybe even a fifth outfielder. He has 20-grade power, meaning – only expect an inside-the-park home run. But, he can fly. He’s up to six stolen bases and rarely strikes out. If you’re desperate for stolen bases, Young might provide some answers. Just know, there will nothing else and he’s a part-time player.
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