Josh Bell, 1B, WAS (CBS: 7% rostered, ESPN: 4% rostered)
With three homers in consecutive games this week, Josh Bell is heating up and deserves some attention. Seize the moment, as it will end; when it does, that sub-.200 batting average will prove to be a challenge.
Jose Caballero, 2B/SS/3B/OF, TBR (CBS: 42% rostered, ESPN: 12% rostered)
The name of the game is speed and roster flexibility. With 19 stolen bases in his first 136 at-bats and eligibility at four positions, Jose Caballero qualifies on both counts.
Edward Cabrera, SP, MIA (CBS: 23% rostered, ESPN: 6% rostered)
Is two-in-a-row a streak? If one believes it is, it might be time to take a look at Edward Cabrera as he’s coming off back-to-back shutout performances and a pair of wins. It’s hard to dispute the results, but the walk rates are still too high for my liking. Proceed, but proceed with caution.
Jac Caglianone, 1B, KCR (CBS: 65% rostered, ESPN: 8% rostered)
We discussed Jac Caglianone on the Friday Podcast, and after spending the last couple of days pondering the situation in Kansas City, there is no reason Caglianone should not be plying his trade at Kauffman Stadium. In his first 195 at-bats, he has slugged 15 homers and driven in 57 runs. The combined offensive output from the three current KC outfielders is four home runs and 28 RBI. Need we say more?
Ernie Clement, 2B/SS/3B, TOR (CBS: 10% rostered, ESPN: 4% rostered)
By the end of April, Clement had no home runs, five RBI, and was sporting a .558 OPS. By the end of May, he had a total of three homers, 17 RBI, and his OPS was at .710. That’s quite the turnaround. Add in his multi-position eligibility, and it’s time to invest.
Thairo Estrada, 2B, COL (CBS: 15% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)
It took a full two months, but we’ll finally find out if Estrada can boost his numbers by playing half his games at Coors. Adael Amador wasn’t ready. It will take a small bid to determine if Thairo Estrada can prove to be the answer.
Bailey Falter, SP, PIT (CBS: 18% rostered, ESPN: 8% rostered)
At the end of April, Bailey Falter had one win and a 5.93 ERA. By the end of May, he increased his wins to a total of four and held a 3.14 ERA. In six May starts, totaling 35 2/3 innings, Falter allowed only three earned runs. He’s on a roll and deserves a lot more appreciation than his current 18% restorability at CBS.
David Fry, C/1B/OF, CLE (CBS: 5% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
Remember when David Fry was the talk of the town? 14 homers and 51 RBI in just 335 at-bats will achieve that. The Guardians activated Fry from the 60-day IL on Saturday, hoping for a return to that strong 2024 form.
Zack Littell, SP, TBR (CBS: 46% rostered, ESPN: 15% rostered)
After starting the year with five consecutive losses, Littell has now strung together five wins. He is going deep into games with eight quality starts in his 12 outings. A solid #3/4 type starter deserves our attention.
Angel Martinez, 2B/OF, CLE (CBS: 8% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
Lane Thomas missed a full month due to a bone bruise, returned for four games, and is now back on the IL with plantar fasciitis. A little pop, a little speed, and everyday playing time in center field are available for Angel Martinez until Lane Thomas returns.
Ronny Mauricio, 2B, NYM (CBS: 13% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
Since returning from the IL, Mauricio has been incredible. He has gone 15-for-29 with three home runs, seven RBIs, and three stolen bases. It’s not a question of if he gets the call, but rather when he’ll get it, and that could prove to be sooner rather than later.
Matt Wallner, OF, MIN (CBS: 31% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)
The Twins activated Matt Wallner on Saturday, and he promptly parked a two-run shot in the bleachers. In 2023, he hit 14 home runs in 213 at-bats. In 2024, he hit 13 homers in 220 at-bats. All we need to see a 25-to-30 home run producer is health.
Cole Young, SS, SEA (CBS: 14% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)
The Mariners have called up top prospect Cole Young. Modest power, solid speed, and a great hit tool are his trademarks. At some point, the two-hole seems destined to have his name written all over it.
Closer Report
Camilo Doval, RP, SFG (CBS: 65% rostered, ESPN: 28% rostered)
The Giants finally tired of the inconsistent performance of Ryan Walker and relieved him of his ninth-inning duties. Veteran Camilo Doval moves into the closer role and the combined 66 saves in 2022 and 2023 is solid proof he is more than capable of holding the job for the long haul.
Griffin Jax, RP, MIN (CBS: 18% rostered, ESPN: 18% rostered)
After a dreadful start to the 2025 campaign, Jax has bounced back nicely and is back manning the setup role for the Twins. In fantasy leagues that use holds as a counting stat, the 14 he has already amassed put him in a tie for best in the game.
Robert Garcia, RP, TEX (CBS: 20% rostered, ESPN: 4% rostered)
We mentioned Robert Garcia on May 18 as gaining steam and one if not the only consistent factor in the Rangers bullpen and since then he has excelled earning two saves in his past three outings. It looks like the closer role is Robert Garcia’s to lose.
Daniel Palencia, RP, CHC (CBS: 50% rostered, ESPN: 13% rostered)
Last week, Palencia was rostered to the tune of seven percent in CBS Leagues. This week 50 percent. After tossing four consecutive shutdown innings and the corresponding four saves since last Sunday, there should be very little doubt as to who is manning the ninth inning for the Cubs.
Alex Vesia, RP, LAD (CBS: 15% rostered, ESPN: 8% rostered)
Tanner Scott is struggling, allowing nine earned runs in three games over a recent six game span. Alex Vesia looks to be the current favorite to get the ball in the ninth inning until Tanner Scott gets his current struggles in order.
