The game is continually getting younger, and the kids will be arriving soon, so this week, we’re taking a look at some of the potential early arrivals. Buying in early can save one a pile of that precious FAAB. You snooze, you lose.
Andrew Abbott, SP, CIN (CBS: 16% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)
Abbott is currently rehabbing from a strained shoulder and could be activated as early as late next week. For those in deeper Leagues, a solid #4-type starter is there for the taking.
Luinder Avila, SP, KCR (CBS: not rostered, ESPN: not listed)
When a starter at Triple-A throws five innings of one-hit ball with 11 strikeouts, it should have our attention. Luinder Avila did just that on April 1. Let’s see what Rich has to say about Avila earlier this season.
“I wrote multiple times about Luinder Avila last season, as he had a solid season in Double-A (3.81 ERA with a strikeout per inning and a few too many walks – 4.68). In looking at the data, he’s throwing harder this spring, with his fastball up to 98 MPH. I had him topping out at 95 MPH in 2024. He could be throwing harder because he’s pitching like a reliever. While I think that’s ultimately where he winds up, he has plus-plus curveball that misses plenty of bats. The change-up needs work, but he throws it hard (90 MPH). He’s intriguing and a kid I might add to some of my Dynasty Leagues.”
I concur!
Harrison Bader, OF, MIN (CBS: 11% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered)
The BA hasn’t been great so far, but when three of those four hits leave the park and generate eight RBI, it’s worth noting. Bader has averaged 18 stolen bases over the past three years and, as a fifth outfielder or injury replacement, is worthy of a roster spot.
Brooks Baldwin, 2B, CWS (CBS: 3% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
A little pop, a little speed, and a decent hit tool combined with an opportunity on the South Side make Baldwin an intriguing middle-infield option in deeper formats.
Travis Bazzana, 2B, CLE (CBS: 30% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)
It’s not a matter of whether he makes his debut this year, but when. In his first two games at Double-A, Bazzana has gone 6-for-8 with a home run, 3 RBI, 5 runs scored, and a pair of stolen bases, while walking twice and striking out only once. The “when” could prove to be a lot sooner than expected.
Matthew Boyd, SP, CHC (CBS: 36% rostered, ESPN: 7% rostered)
Two starts in against pretty good squads in San Diego and Arizona, and Boyd has yet to allow an earned run. We are all familiar with his injury history, which is far from ideal, but when he’s healthy, he can be an above-average starter. Take advantage of the opportunity while it lasts.
Chase Dollander, SP, COL (CBS: 32% rostered, ESPN: 6% rostered)
We all know the story, but the first chapter has gone exceptionally well, and Dollander is being rewarded with his MLB debut today, against the A’s. Can he beat the odds that have defied so many?
Wilmer Flores, 1B, SFG (CBS: 22% rostered, ESPN: 24% rostered)
He’s no Brandon Belt, but he’s off to a hot start with four home runs in his first 32 at-bats and deserving of a bit more love than is reflected in his current 22% rostered status.
Tyler Mahle, SP, TEX (CBS: 16% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
He’s still knocking off the rust, but his last outing against the Rays, where he shut them down on one hit over five innings, is a good indication that he’s rounding into form. Rounding into form is a solid #4 starter, something we can all use over the course of 162 games.
Sean Murphy, C, ATL (CBS: 34% rostered, ESPN: 8% rostered)
The past year has not been kind to Murphy, but the time lost due to a rib injury is coming to an end, with an activation as early as this coming Tuesday. Let’s hope for better results over the balance of ’25.
Mitchell Parker, SP, WAS (CBS: 22% rostered, ESPN: 7% rostered)
Parker moved to 2-0 yesterday with six innings of one-run ball against a pretty good offense in the Diamondbacks. His first start was against another pretty fair O, in the Phillies. He has to keep the walks down, but so far, so very good for the 25-year-old southpaw.
Geraldo Perdomo, SS, ARZ (CBS: 27% rostered, ESPN: 14% rostered)
Nine games in, Geraldo Perdomo has hit a home run, driven in 11 runs, stolen two bases, and is hitting to the tune of a .344 batting average. He’s also rostered in only 27% of the Leagues using CBS. That needs to change!
Tim Tawa, OF, ARZ (CBS: 1% Rostered, ESPN: not rostered)
Here’s an option for those playing in 20-team and NL-only Leagues. Ketel Marte was placed on the IL with a left hamstring strain yesterday, and the DBacks have turned to Tim Tawa to fill the void. Although it’s only a temporary gig, the 32 homers and 14 stolen bases accrued between Double and Triple-A last year are impressive.
Kyle Teel, C, CWS (CBS: 16% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
It’s only a matter of time, and with Kyle Teel getting off to a strong start with two homers, nine RBI, a stolen base, and a .904 OPS in his first 30 at-bats, that time should be drawing near. Spend a penny now or considerably more down the road. It’s your call, but I know the route I’ll be taking.
Alek Thomas, OF, ARZ (CBS: 8% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)
Jake McCarthy is 0-for-18 to start the season and is beginning to lose playing time to Alek Thomas, who is posting a .412 batting average with 6 RBI. Until McCarthy heats up, the hot hand will rule, and Thomas is currently all of that and then some.
Simeon Woods Richardson, SP, MIN (CBS: 17% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)
Woods Richardson is looking at a two-start week, facing Detroit and Kansas City. I know it’s early, but if you’re looking to stream pitching in H2H formats, those aren’t bad matchups.
The Closer Report
Anthony Bender, MIA (CBS: 8% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
Calvin Faucher was the favorite to pitch the ninth for the Marlins, but the first save of the season in Miami went to Anthony Bender, and for good cause. Bender has been lights out thus far, and Faucher has struggled. Bender should be the favorite for the next opportunity and chance to establish his role as the ninth-inning guy in Miami.
Dennis Santana, PIT (CBS: 25% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered)
I bet on Colin Holderman, but allowing earned runs in 4-of-his-first-5 outings and blowing two saves isn’t getting it done. Meanwhile, Dennis Santana has a save, a hold, and a far-from-stellar 4.15 ERA and 1.62 WHIP. He currently has a tenuous hold on the job, but right now, it’s his to hold.
