Omar Narvaez, C, MIL (CBS: 37% rostered): 2020 was a total disaster, but the Brewers exercised patience and Narvaez has rewarded that patience with a strong Spring and a 3-for-8 start to the regular season. He did hit 22 homers in that 2019 breakout campaign.
Max Stassi, C, LAA (CBS: 26% rostered): The concerns about his surgically repaired hip appear to be put to rest. As a #2 catcher in two-catcher formats, the former Astros prospect has double-digit power potential and a decent, at least decent for his position, batting average.
Jazz Chisholm, 2B, MIA (CBS: 34% rostered): He broke camp with the job at second base. The big question mark is will he hit enough to garner steady playing time and flash the speed that saw him swipe two bases on Saturday. So far, so good.
Geraldo Perdomo, SS, ARZ (CBS: 6% rostered): Knee inflammation has sent Nick Ahmed to the 10-day IL and the DBacks have turned to the 21-year-old Perdomo in what is an early glimpse of the future. Those 50 stolen bases in his first 618 at-bats in the Minors is worthy of our attention in very deep and AL-Only Leagues.
Cedric Mullins, OF, BAL (CBS: 7% rostered): Mullins needed a solid start and going 4-for-8 out-of-the-gate certainly qualifies. Hitting in the leadoff spot for the O’s could be the ticket to 80+ runs scored with 20 stolen bases.
Robbie Grossman, OF, DET (CBS: 6% rostered): Some might say that a 0-for-3 start after the first two games isn’t worth noting, but when it comes with six walks (two more than the team total) it should have your attention. It should have a lot of your attention if you play in a league that uses OBP instead of BA. A player with 15-15 potential, 80+ runs scored, and a .360 OBP is currently not rostered in 94% of the Leagues at CBS.
Jonathan India, 3B, CIN (CBS: 35% rostered): The Reds seem committed to using Eugenio Suarez at shortstop and that bodes well for Jonathan India. He parlayed a hot Spring into the full-time gig at the keystone corner and if Suarez can handle the defense at shortstop, India could be a great option both short and long-term for your Fantasy squads.
Justin Upton, OF, LAA (CBS: 48% rostered): He already has his first homer of the year in the books, and full-time at-bats are a lock. In his last full season, 2018, Upton hit 30 homers. If he can stay healthy there is no reason those results can’t be duplicated.
Kyle Isbel, OF, KCR (CBS: 10% rostered): The strong Spring that saw him break camp as the starting right fielder has continued in the early going. A 5-for-9 start with three runs scored and an equal number of RBI should garner the attention of those playing in even shallow 10 and 12-team formats.
Tyler O’Neill, OF, STL (CBS: 34% rostered): There’s plenty of miss in O’Neill’s swing and miss game but when he does get a hold of one, which could be frequently, it will go a long way.
Miguel Cabrera, UT, DET (CBS: 31% rostered): The great career is winding down but when healthy there are still 25 homers and 80 RBI in the bat.
Yermin Mercedes, UT, CWS (CBS: 5% rostered): The record for the longest streak of consecutive hits to start a season has changed hands. Chris Stynes, who had a seven-game streak back in 1997, has now taken a back seat to Yermin Mercedes and that amazing 8-for-8 start. If he is eligible at Catcher, those additional DH at-bats could provide sneaky value. Mercedes did enjoy a 23 HR, 80 RBI season in 2019 between Double and Triple-A.
Anthony DeSclafani, SP, SF (CBS: 12% rostered): After a great spring that saw DeSclafani post a 2.79 ERA with 12 strikeouts over 9 2/3 IP, it is time to see if the move to the coast will bear fruit. DeSclafani is looking at a two-start week. The first start against the Padres is a tad concerning but the Rockies at home in the second start carries a lot more appeal.
Chris Flexen, SP, SEA (CBS: 5% rostered): In 21 starts for the Doosan Bears last year, Flexen posted a 3.01 ERA with 132 strikeouts in 116 1/3 IP and opened the door to a spot in the Mariners rotation. If that first start with Seattle is any indication, the former Met could enjoy his time on the west coast.
Logan Webb, SP, SFG (CBS: 46% rostered): It wasn’t a stellar 2021 debut but 5 1/3 innings of seven-hit ball with five strikeouts can’t be labeled a disappointment.
Tanner Houck, SP, BOS (CBS: 23% rostered): In his 2021 debut, Houck struck out eight Orioles over five innings. He struggled a bit over his last two innings, but a rematch against the O’s this week could give him and your Fantasy team the opportunity to pad those strikeout numbers.
Matt Moore, SP, PHI (CBS: 13% rostered): It looks like the former Ray will have his hands full in his return to MLB with the Mets and Braves on the schedule in a two-start week. There are easier ways to be welcomed back to MLB. Buying in a week early and stashing him on your reserve roster is the prudent course to steer.
Jake McGee, RP, SFG (CBS: 52% rostered): McGee broke camp with the job and is off to a great start with two clean innings, three strikeouts, and a save under his belt. The going is good, so go get him!
Alex Reyes, RP, STL (CBS: 41% rostered): Have no doubts that the Cardinals want Jordan Hicks closing out games for them, but he will be eased back into games until deemed ready to resume the ninth-inning role. This isn’t a surprise. What is surprising is that the Cards are going to hand the ball off to Alex Reyes instead of Giovanny Gallegos. Maybe, if even temporarily, Reyes has found his niche in the game.
Bryan Garcia, RP, DET (CBS: 6% rostered): The Tigers are off to a hot start, with a pair of victories, both presenting save opportunities, and both successfully converted. The first save went to Gregory Soto (34% rostered), the second to Bryan Garcia. Until someone falters it looks like a committee situation, so a Garcia/Soto handcuff makes for a solid approach.
Cesar Valdez, RP, BAL (CBS: 7% rostered): Two opportunities, two successful saves are now in the books. Many thought that Tanner Scott (29% rostered) would get the first shot. It appears that we thought wrong but being on the safe side and getting both Valdez and Scott rostered is a solid approach.
Joely Rodriguez, RP, TEX (CBS: 3% rostered): There are three things separating Joely Rodriguez from saves in Texas. Matt Bush, Ian Kennedy, and a sprained ankle. He’s slated for a mid-April return and once healthy could find himself very quickly in a position to challenge for saves in the decimated Texas bullpen.
Emmanuel Clase, RP, CLE (CBS: 17% rostered): The Indians are clearly counting on Clase this season and the early string of 100 mph fastballs are a good sign he’s up to the task. He’s currently penciled in for the 7’th/8’th inning but don’t be shocked to see the odd save opportunity for the flame-throwing righty.
David Bednar, RP, PIT (CBS: 3% rostered): Kyle Crick is on the IL with Covid-19 IL. How long will he be lost to the Pirates is unclear, but what is clear is that it moves David Bednar one notch upwards in the pecking order for saves in Pittsburgh. In 8 2/3 innings this spring he struck out 18 while allowing only one walk and no earned runs. He pitched a clean two-strikeout effort in his 2021 debut. Rich Rodriguez’s job is not currently in jeopardy, but those gaudy strikeout totals should hold value in both AL-only and leagues counting holds.
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