Ji-Hwan Bae, 2B/OF, PIT (CBS: 5% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
Take the 1.030 OPS that Bae posted at Triple-A Indianapolis this year with a grain of salt, but the overall improvement in the walk rate is positive. You are looking at a 20+ SB threat with limited power potential. In deeper Leagues, that carries value, even in a platoon situation.
Kris Bryant, 1B/OF, COL (CBS: 36% rostered, ESPN: 5% rostered)
There is nothing that can be said that hasn’t already been said. Bryant has four years and $108 million remaining on his contract with the Rockies. When healthy, he will play. It won’t cost much to see if it is at a level that helps your Fantasy squad.
Henry Davis, C/OF, PIT (CBS:17% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
The Henry Davis we saw in the Spring has finally appeared; unfortunately, it’s at Triple-A Indianapolis. The dynamic duo of Yasmani Grandal and Joey Bart are not the future in the “Steel City.” If you have the room on your reserve roster, a small bid will put you ahead of the game when he eventually gets the call.
David Fry, C/1B/OF, CLE (CBS: 48% rostered, ESPN: 21% rostered)
A backup Catcher and afterthought heading into 2024 is absolutely rocking it for the Guardians. Thus far, he has slugged six homers, driven in 19 runs, scored 22 runs, and posted an impressive 1.128 OPS. Fry is leading the charge to show the biggest return on investment in 2024.
Danny Jansen, (CBS: 42% rostered, ESPN: 12% rostered)
Jansen has 25 hits this year in 81 at-bats. Fifteen of those hits are of the extra base variety. That could help explain the .617 SLG.
Colt Keith, 2B/3B, DET (CBS: 36% rostered, ESPN: 6% rostered)
We have a Colt Keith sighting. Over the past seven games, he has gone 10-for-23 and hit his first career home run. We shouldn’t forget the 27 home runs he hit last year between Double and Triple-A. Our early-season patience is being rewarded.
David Peterson, SP, NYM (CBS: 2% rostered, ESPN: not rostered)
The wounded are slowly starting to return to Citi Field. The rehab stint has concluded for Peterson, and if the 35 strikeouts in 23 2/3 IP and 1.14 ERA are any indication, he’s ready to roll. He’s scheduled to face off against the Dodgers this Wednesday. You want a share but not on your active roster this week.
Tommy Pham, OF, CWS (CBS: 29% rostered, ESPN: 10% rostered)
It’s time to mention Tommy Pham again. Thus far, he has three homers, 12 RBI, 17 runs scored, and a great .327 BA in 107 at-bats. There are only two ways he loses playing time in Chicago. He’s traded or injured.
Cade Povich, SP, BAL (CBwS: 15% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
Povich is enjoying a very good 2024 season at Triple-A Norfolk. The only concern would be the walk rates, which are still fairly high. At some point, the Orioles will have to look for a #4/5 type starter, with John Means and Dean Kremer finding their way to the IL this week. If the O’s pursue the internal option, Cade Povich should be keeping close to his phone.
Cal Quantrill, SP, COL (CBS: 28% rostered, ESPN: 7% rostered)
Quantrill wasn’t predicted to repeat the small sample size produced in 2020 but did precisely that in 2021 and 2022 before struggling through a tough 2023 campaign. The move to the Rockies this year wasn’t cause for optimism, but he’s again confounding the critics, producing a spectacular (for Colorado) 3.59 ERA and the usual low strikeout rates. Maybe the 2023 season will prove to be the outlier.
Keibert Ruiz, C, WAS (CBS: 26% rostered, ESPN: 44% rostered)
Ruiz missed 11 games while dealing with the influenza, which clearly affected his play. He finally looks to be back to full strength as over the past 14 days, he has slugged one homer, driven in 7 runs, and is batting to a .300 BA. Our pre-season #15’th ranked Catcher is finally rounding into form.
Masyn Winn, SS, STL (CBS: 33% rostered, ESPN: 6% rostered)
Winn is very quietly enjoying a very good 2024 campaign. He has even been spotted at the top of the order recently. A .793 OPS deserves a bit more love than he currently receives.
Jacob Young, OF, WAS (CBS: 41% rostered, ESPN: 7% rostered)
We mentioned Jacob Young in the April 28th article when he had amassed six stolen bases. A month later, and he’s now up to 15 thefts on the season. Until James Wood arrives, center field is his to own. When Wood arrives, it is quite possibly not so much. Take the speed while it’s there for the taking.
The Closer Report
Jeff Hoffman, RP, PHI (CBS: 21% rostered, ESPN: 6% rostered)
Jose Alvarado hasn’t lost the closer job in Philly, but he does have two holds in the past two weeks supporting Jeff Hoffman’s saves. Hoffman is now up to 4 saves on the year and possesses a stellar 1.19 ERA. The fact that he’s in the FA pool in 79% of the Leagues at CBS screams opportunity at hand.
