Biggest changes drafting a fantasy baseball team now compared to the start of the MLB season
Why does the Yahoo Friends & Family Fantasy Baseball Draft have to be in March? Why not do it early in the fresh season?
The conceit of an in-season draft is simple. We're adjusting to the market, recalibrating things. What hot starts do we believe in? What slumping players do we expect to come around? What FOMO players would we like to catch up with?
[Smarter waivers, better trades, optimized lineups — Yahoo Fantasy Plus unlocks it all]
With all this in mind, I assembled a bunch of colleagues and industry friends on Monday night and we did our 12-team mixed league draft. We'll play it out, of course. Side bets will fly around the room. Come examine the draft and see how we view the current landscape. And if you feel the itch, it's not too late for you to draft another team. Get your band back together.
It's our 21st year, amigos! Long live the Yahoo Friends and Family League.
1. Jorge Martin, Fantasy Life
2. Andy Behrens, Yahoo
3. Michael Lazarus, NFL.com
4. Mike Parrillo, Regular Guy
5. Dalton Del Don, Yahoo
6. Frank Schwab, Yahoo
7. *Scott Jenstad, Rotowire
8. D.J. Short, Rotoworld
9. Jeff Erickson, Rotowire
10. Fred Zinkie, Yahoo/Rotowire
11. Scott Pianowski, Yahoo!
12. Steven Psihogios, Free Lance Writer
* Scott Jenstad had a last-second commitment and had to autodraft. Given that Yahoo constantly updates its applet rankings even in season, this is still doable! Scott's an excellent player (champion in 2023 and 2018) and said he would compete with whatever team he was given.
Parrillo doesn't work in the industry but he's a skilled player; he's been drafting as long as I have. He elevates us.
Before we dive in, here are the roster specs:
1 Catcher
1 First Baseman
1 Third Baseman
1 Corner (1B or 3B)
1 Second Baseman
1 Shortstop
1 Middle (2B or SS)
4 Outfield
2 Utility
1 Starting Pitcher
1 Relief Pitcher
7 Pitchers (SP or RP)
Four bench spots
2 IL spots
Let's see what happened and try to figure out what it means.
1. Shohei Ohtani (LAD - Util) — Jorge Martin
2. Aaron Judge (NYY - OF) — Andy Behrens
3. Bobby Witt Jr. (KC - SS) — Michael Lazarus
4. Corbin Carroll (AZ - OF) — Mike Parrillo
5. Tarik Skubal (DET - SP) — Dalton Del Don
6. Kyle Tucker (CHC - OF) — Frank Schwab
7. Elly De La Cruz (CIN - SS) — Scott Jenstad*
8. José Ramírez (CLE - 3B) — D.J. Short
9. Fernando Tatis Jr. (SD - OF) — Jeff Erickson
10. Juan Soto (NYM - OF) — Fred Zinkie
11. Francisco Lindor (NYM - SS) — Scott Pianowski
12. Mookie Betts (LAD - 2B,SS,OF) — Steven Psihogios
This first round doesn't look that different from what we'd see in March. Skubal is a riser, but that's more a statement about team building than Skubal's profile; he's been what we expected. Carroll's pressed injury woes early in 2024 are a distant memory now. Tucker is a perfect offensive player and the Chicago lineup around him has been better than expected; more on that in a moment.
1. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (TOR - 1B,3B) — Steven Psihogios
2. Bryce Harper (PHI - 1B) — Scott Pianowski
3. Paul Skenes (PIT - SP) — Fred Zinkie
4. Pete Crow-Armstrong (CHC - OF) — Jeff Erickson
5. Gunnar Henderson (BAL - SS) — D.J. Short
6. Julio Rodríguez (SEA - OF) — Scott Jenstad*
7. Kyle Schwarber (PHI - OF) — Frank Schwab
8. Ronald Acuña Jr. (ATL - OF) — Dalton Del Don
9. Garrett Crochet (BOS - SP) — Mike Parrillo
10. Hunter Brown (HOU - SP) — Michael Lazarus
11. CJ Abrams (WSH - SS) — Andy Behrens
12. Oneil Cruz (PIT - SS,OF) — Jorge Martin
And this is why you do things like a fresh draft in mid-May — you want to get a price check on breakout stars like Crow-Armstrong. Erickson fully believes in PCA, using the No. 16 pick, and the room endorsed that choice — several others had PCA ready to go in this spot. I would have taken Cruz at 11 or 14 if not for the recent back issue — that and the fact that I'm already heavily invested in the Pittsburgh star. Sometimes you have to diversify. Brown figured things out about a year ago and has been an ace ever since; only Chris Sale has more pitcher WAR over the pst 365 days (Brown and Skubal are tied; Skenes slightly behind).
1. Freddie Freeman (LAD - 1B) — Jorge Martin
2. Manny Machado (SD - 3B) — Andy Behrens
3. Alex Bregman (BOS - 3B) — Michael Lazarus
4. Jackson Merrill (SD - OF) — Mike Parrillo
5. Zack Wheeler (PHI - SP) — Dalton Del Don
6. Max Fried (NYY - SP) — Frank Schwab
7. Jackson Chourio (MIL - OF) — Scott Jenstad*
8. Pete Alonso (NYM - 1B) — D.J. Short
9. James Wood (WSH - OF) — Jeff Erickson
10. Jarren Duran (BOS - OF) — Fred Zinkie
11. Austin Riley (ATL - 3B) — Scott Pianowski
12. Trea Turner (PHI - SS) — Steven Psihogios
Bregman's swing and approach was always tailor-made for Fenway Park; it will be interesting to see if he opts out of his deal or if the environment is worth sticking around. Wheeler is one of the safest horses to bet on, one of the rare pitchers you can project for 190 or more innings. I was hoping Chourio would slip a few more picks, where I would have snap-called at 3.11. Alonso was washed away in the free agent market, but he's been a star for the opening quarter, enjoying life in the loaded NYM lineup.
1. Jacob deGrom (TEX - SP) — Steven Psihogios
2. Wyatt Langford (TEX - OF) — Scott Pianowski
3. Joe Ryan (MIN - SP) — Fred Zinkie
4. Mason Miller (ATH - RP) — Jeff Erickson
5. Teoscar Hernández (LAD - OF) — D.J. Short
6. Yordan Alvarez (HOU - OF) — Scott Jenstad*
7. Rafael Devers (BOS - 3B) — Frank Schwab
8. Matt Olson (ATL - 1B) — Dalton Del Don
9. Brent Rooker (ATH - OF) — Mike Parrillo
10. Riley Greene (DET - OF) — Michael Lazarus
11. Yoshinobu Yamamoto (LAD - SP) — Andy Behrens
12. Ozzie Albies (ATL - 2B) — Jorge Martin
I took Langford over established stats Devers and Olson because I wanted to get a more balanced offensive profile — in short, give me some bags. Langford's also been a touch unlucky to this point, deserving a slugging percentage 56 points higher. When you autodraft, you might wind up with more injured players than you want — Alvarez is the beginning of a theme. Albies has been an ordinary player for over a year now but still landed at the end of the fourth round.
1. Seiya Suzuki (CHC - OF) — Jorge Martin
2. Ketel Marte (AZ - 2B) — Andy Behrens
3. Chris Sale (ATL - SP) — Michael Lazarus
4. Logan Webb (SF - SP) — Mike Parrillo
5. Spencer Strider (ATL - SP) — Dalton Del Don
6. Josh Hader (HOU - RP) — Frank Schwab
7. Cole Ragans (KC - SP) — Scott Jenstad*
8. Dylan Cease (SD - SP) — D.J. Short
9. Michael King (SD - SP) — Jeff Erickson
10. Cal Raleigh (SEA - C) — Fred Zinkie
11. Cody Bellinger (NYY - 1B,OF) — Scott Pianowski
12. Framber Valdez (HOU - SP) — Steven Psihogios
King has Cy Young contender written all over him and wouldn't look out of place a round or two earlier. Webb is probably more floor than upside but he's also one of the best pitchers around. The San Francisco park and defense will always help. We generally don't target catchers early when only one fill is required, but Zinkie can't ignore what Raleigh is doing.
1. William Contreras (MIL - C) — Steven Psihogios
2. Marcell Ozuna (ATL - OF) — Scott Pianowski
3. Andrés Muñoz (SEA - RP) — Fred Zinkie
4. Bryan Woo (SEA - SP) — Jeff Erickson
5. Edwin Díaz (NYM - RP) — D.J. Short
6. Jose Altuve (HOU - 2B,OF) — Scott Jenstad*
7. Hunter Greene (CIN - SP) — Frank Schwab
8. Emmanuel Clase (CLE - RP) — Dalton Del Don
9. Corey Seager (TEX - SS) — Mike Parrillo
10. Robert Suarez (SD - RP) — Michael Lazarus
11. Corbin Burnes (AZ - SP) — Andy Behrens
12. Zac Gallen (AZ - SP) — Jorge Martin
The expected stats don't trust Burnes, saying his ERA should be over four. The strikeout rate is also suspicious, though he did whiff 10 in his last turn. Woo gets his strikeouts through volume, but plus control and efficiency help keep him deep in games. The Seattle park is a pitcher dream, too.
1. Freddy Peralta (MIL - SP) — Jorge Martin
2. Zach Neto (LAA - SS) — Andy Behrens
3. Josh Naylor (AZ - 1B) — Michael Lazarus
4. Ryan Helsley (STL - RP) — Mike Parrillo
5. Michael Harris II (ATL - OF) — Dalton Del Don
6. Kris Bubic (KC - SP,RP) — Frank Schwab
7. Spencer Schwellenbach (ATL - SP) — Scott Jenstad*
8. George Kirby (SEA - SP) — D.J. Short
9. Spencer Torkelson (DET - 1B) — Jeff Erickson
10. Lawrence Butler (ATH - OF) — Fred Zinkie
11. Dansby Swanson (CHC - SS) — Scott Pianowski
12. Junior Caminero (TB - 3B) — Steven Psihogios
Fast starters Swanson, Bubic and Torkelson were raised to Round 7, while it's also the landing spot for slow starters Harris and Butler. Neto was comically discounted in the spring due to a minor injury — he's obviously in fine form now.
1. Bryan Reynolds (PIT - OF) — Steven Psihogios
2. Steven Kwan (CLE - OF) — Scott Pianowski
3. Pablo López (MIN - SP) — Fred Zinkie
4. Jhoan Duran (MIN - RP) — Jeff Erickson
5. Ian Happ (CHC - OF) — D.J. Short
6. Raisel Iglesias (ATL - RP) — Scott Jenstad*
7. Brice Turang (MIL - 2B) — Frank Schwab
8. Luis Robert Jr. (CWS - OF) — Dalton Del Don
9. Bailey Ober (MIN - SP) — Mike Parrillo
10. Carlos Rodón (NYY - SP) — Michael Lazarus
11. Randy Arozarena (SEA - OF) — Andy Behrens
12. Tanner Scott (LAD - RP) — Jorge Martin
Lopez is the type of pitcher you draft as your SP2 knowing he could easily become your ace. Always a touch underrated. Happ is a classic Ibanez All-Star and with his IL return slated for Tuesday, he goes for close to full price, justified. Turang's not just a rabbit, he can offer a plus average and he'll hit a handful of homers. He's also getting a fair amount of time in the leadoff spot, a trend worth monitoring. I don't have any fresh theories on Robert, who's looked lost since the beginning of 2024.
1. Tanner Bibee (CLE - SP) — Jorge Martin
2. Victor Scott II (STL - OF) — Andy Behrens
3. Wilyer Abreu (BOS - OF) — Michael Lazarus
4. Matt McLain (CIN - 2B,SS) — Mike Parrillo
5. Félix Bautista (BAL - RP) — Dalton Del Don
6. MacKenzie Gore (WSH - SP) — Frank Schwab
7. Logan Gilbert (SEA - SP) — Scott Jenstad*
8. Willson Contreras (STL - C,1B) — D.J. Short
9. Eugenio Suárez (AZ - 3B) — Jeff Erickson
10. Jazz Chisholm Jr. (NYY - 2B,3B,OF) — Fred Zinkie
11. Brendan Donovan (STL - 2B,3B,SS,OF) — Scott Pianowski
12. Brenton Doyle (COL - OF) — Steven Psihogios
Doyle's been a mess for 38 games, but he's still offering category juice and the expected average is 49 points higher. This looks like a value. Gore's breakout has looked legit at every step, so I'm surprised he lasted this long. Heck, the guy even struck out 181 batters last year. I can't help myself with Donovan, who has batting title written all over him, bats third and covers four positions.
1. Bo Bichette (TOR - SS) — Steven Psihogios
2. Byron Buxton (MIN - OF) — Scott Pianowski
3. Nathan Eovaldi (TEX - SP) — Fred Zinkie
4. Jacob Wilson (ATH - SS) — Jeff Erickson
5. Kodai Senga (NYM - SP) — D.J. Short
6. Shota Imanaga (CHC - SP) — Scott Jenstad*
7. Vinnie Pasquantino (KC - 1B) — Frank Schwab
8. Matt Chapman (SF - 3B) — Dalton Del Don
9. Mark Vientos (NYM - 3B) — Mike Parrillo
10. Tommy Edman (LAD - 2B,SS,OF) — Michael Lazarus
11. Christian Walker (HOU - 1B) — Andy Behrens
12. Willy Adames (SF - SS) — Jorge Martin
Psihogios hails from Canada (along with Zinkie), so it's not surprising he's taking the plunge on Bichette. The ratio stats are similar to what Bichette posted in 2023. Pasquantino and Vientos took small drops from their March ADPs, but they look like good value plays here. Chapman is one of the five most underrated players in baseball.
1. Will Smith (LAD - C) — Jorge Martin
2. Pete Fairbanks (TB - RP) — Andy Behrens
3. Cedric Mullins (BAL - OF) — Michael Lazarus
4. Kyle Finnegan (WSH - RP) — Mike Parrillo
5. Jeremy Peña (HOU - SS) — Dalton Del Don
6. Jeff Hoffman (TOR - RP) — Frank Schwab
7. Anthony Santander (TOR - OF) — Scott Jenstad*
8. Nico Hoerner (CHC - 2B,SS) — D.J. Short
9. Maikel Garcia (KC - 2B,3B) — Jeff Erickson
10. Paul Goldschmidt (NYY - 1B) — Fred Zinkie
11. Jordan Beck (COL - OF) — Scott Pianowski
12. Marcus Semien (TEX - 2B) — Steven Psihogios
Boring handshakes still spend the same, so Hoffman and Finnegan make sense here. Beck feels like a good value after a monster month; he's been a top 12 offensive producer over the past four weeks and he'll always be in the top three of the Colorado order. I hope this isn't the end for Semien, off to a sluggish .174/.267/.234 start. He's tumbled about 4-5 rounds here.
1. Luis Castillo (SEA - SP) — Steven Psihogios
2. Christian Yelich (MIL - OF) — Scott Pianowski
3. Kerry Carpenter (DET - OF) — Fred Zinkie
4. Tyler Soderstrom (ATH - 1B,OF) — Jeff Erickson
5. Ezequiel Tovar (COL - SS) — D.J. Short
6. Sonny Gray (STL - SP) — Scott Jenstad*
7. Casey Mize (DET - SP) — Frank Schwab
8. Robbie Ray (SF - SP) — Dalton Del Don
9. Dylan Crews (WSH - OF) — Mike Parrillo
10. Kyle Stowers (MIA - OF) — Michael Lazarus
11. Trevor Megill (MIL - RP) — Andy Behrens
12. Alec Bohm (PHI - 1B,3B) — Jorge Martin
Lazarus clearly paid attention to the opening quarter of the year, with the Stowers selection underscoring that fact. Soderstrom's having a breakout year despite surprising struggles at home — he's only hit two homers at Sutter Health Park, and his average is 56 points higher on the road. Carpenter doesn't do a thing against lefties, but he's such a crusher against RHPs, it doesn't matter.
1. Nick Castellanos (PHI - OF) — Jorge Martin
2. Anthony Volpe (NYY - SS) — Andy Behrens
3. Nick Pivetta (SD - SP) — Michael Lazarus
4. Salvador Perez (KC - C,1B) — Mike Parrillo
5. Jack Flaherty (DET - SP) — Dalton Del Don
6. Heliot Ramos (SF - OF) — Frank Schwab
7. Adley Rutschman (BAL - C) — Scott Jenstad*
8. Cristopher Sánchez (PHI - SP) — D.J. Short
9. Jesús Luzardo (PHI - SP) — Jeff Erickson
10. Geraldo Perdomo (AZ - SS) — Fred Zinkie
11. Carlos Estévez (KC - RP) — Scott Pianowski
12. Adolis García (TEX - OF) — Steven Psihogios
If Ramos were on a glamour team, he would have been drafted 2-4 rounds earlier. Rutschman was a notable ADP tumbler, though his slump is about a year old now. Perdomo seems to have marked his territory in Arizona for now, no matter the presence of Jordan Lawlar.
1. Ryan Walker (SF - RP) — Steven Psihogios
2. Aroldis Chapman (BOS - RP) — Scott Pianowski
3. Luke Weaver (NYY - RP) — Fred Zinkie
4. Clay Holmes (NYM - SP,RP) — Jeff Erickson
5. Jung Hoo Lee (SF - OF) — D.J. Short
6. Xavier Edwards (MIA - SS) — Scott Jenstad*
7. Xander Bogaerts (SD - 2B,SS) — Frank Schwab
8. Jordan Romano (PHI - RP) — Dalton Del Don
9. Isaac Paredes (HOU - 1B,3B) — Mike Parrillo
10. Masyn Winn (STL - SS) — Michael Lazarus
11. Hunter Goodman (COL - C,OF) — Andy Behrens
12. Michael Busch (CHC - 1B) — Jorge Martin
The Rockies make sure Goodman is in the lineup just about every day, so even with much of the room not prioritizing catcher, Goodman is a classy pick in this spot. Lee's rookie year with the Giants was ruined by injury; he's on pace to score 100 runs and drive in 100 runs, along with a plus average and some category juice.
1. Jasson Domínguez (NYY - OF) — Jorge Martin
2. Ceddanne Rafaela (BOS - 2B,SS,OF) — Andy Behrens
3. Mike Trout (LAA - OF) — Michael Lazarus
4. Kenley Jansen (LAA - RP) — Mike Parrillo
5. Yainer Diaz (HOU - C,1B) — Dalton Del Don
6. Jonathan Aranda (TB - 1B,2B) — Frank Schwab
7. Kevin Gausman (TOR - SP) — Scott Jenstad*
8. Devin Williams (NYY - RP) — D.J. Short
9. Grant Holmes (ATL - SP,RP) — Jeff Erickson
10. Drew Rasmussen (TB - SP,RP) — Fred Zinkie
11. Bryson Stott (PHI - 2B,SS) — Scott Pianowski
12. Luis García Jr. (WSH - 2B) — Steven Psihogios
I've stopped waiting for health miracles with Trout, but Round 15 feels right. Gausman has a jagged ERA but a tidy WHIP and when those stats tell different stories, we generally trust the WHIP. Williams has started to come around in the Bronx, but Luke Weaver has been just about perfect as the New York closer. It's hard to say where that story is headed.
1. Kristian Campbell (BOS - 2B,OF) — Steven Psihogios
2. Jorge Polanco (SEA - 2B,3B) — Scott Pianowski
3. Royce Lewis (MIN - 3B) — Fred Zinkie
4. Matthew Liberatore (STL - SP,RP) — Jeff Erickson
5. Josh Lowe (TB - OF) — D.J. Short
6. Seth Lugo (KC - SP) — Scott Jenstad*
7. Emilio Pagán (CIN - RP) — Frank Schwab
8. Gleyber Torres (DET - 2B) — Dalton Del Don
9. Yusei Kikuchi (LAA - SP) — Mike Parrillo
10. Will Vest (DET - RP) — Michael Lazarus
11. Brandon Lowe (TB - 1B,2B) — Andy Behrens
12. Brandon Pfaadt (AZ - SP) — Jorge Martin
A lot of my so-called sneaky targets were snapped up here — Campbell, Liberatore, Lugo (it's only a finger injury), Vest. It feels like five minutes since the Reds didn't have a closer — all of a sudden, Pagán has 12 saves.
1. Sandy Alcantara (MIA - SP) — Jorge Martin
2. Andy Pages (LAD - OF) — Andy Behrens
3. Shea Langeliers (ATH - C) — Michael Lazarus
4. Yandy Díaz (TB - 1B) — Mike Parrillo
5. Josh Jung (TEX - 3B) — Dalton Del Don
6. Roman Anthony (BOS - OF) — Frank Schwab
7. Brandon Nimmo (NYM - OF) — Scott Jenstad*
8. Reese Olson (DET - SP) D.J. Short
9. Lars Nootbaar (STL - OF) — Jeff Erickson
10. Taylor Ward (LAA - OF) — Fred Zinkie
11. J.T. Realmuto (PHI - C) — Scott Pianowski
12. Nick Lodolo (CIN - SP) — Steven Psihogios
You want a boring value vet, Nimmo waves hello. Anthony hasn't hit for power in May but he's still the most interesting batter prospect in the minors. The Red Sox obviously have a glutted outfield, but they also have a losing record — find a place for this kid.
1. Spencer Steer (CIN - 1B,OF) — Steven Psihogios
2. Logan O'Hoppe (LAA - C) — Scott Pianowski
3. Merrill Kelly (AZ - SP) — Fred Zinkie
4. Iván Herrera (STL - C) — Jeff Erickson
5. Justin Martinez (AZ - RP) — D.J. Short
6. Jordan Westburg (BAL - 2B,3B) — Scott Jenstad*
7. Jackson Holliday (BAL - 2B,SS) — Frank Schwab
8. George Springer (TOR - OF) — Dalton Del Don
9. Ryan Pepiot (TB - SP) — Mike Parrillo
10. Ronel Blanco (HOU - SP) — Michael Lazarus
11. Tyler Glasnow (LAD - SP) — Andy Behrens
12. Camilo Doval (SF - RP) — Jorge Martin
I knew Schwab was a Holliday guy before the year, and nothing has changed after a solid start. Despite a decent first quarter, Springer still lasted to Pick 212. How many starts should we project for Glasnow? Ten? Twelve? Fifteen?
1. Blake Snell (LAD - SP) — Jorge Martin
2. Ryan Weathers (MIA - SP) — Andy Behrens
3. Dylan Moore (SEA - 1B,2B,3B,SS,OF) — Michael Lazarus
4. Jonathan India (KC - 2B,3B,OF) — Mike Parrillo
5. Chandler Simpson (TB - OF) — Dalton Del Don
6. Colt Keith (DET - 1B,2B) — Frank Schwab
7. Bryce Miller (SEA - SP) — Scott Jenstad*
8. Nick Kurtz (ATH - 1B) — D.J. Short
9. Luis Arraez (SD - 1B,2B) — Jeff Erickson
10. Kyle Manzardo (CLE - 1B) — Fred Zinkie
11. Ben Rice (NYY - 1B) — Scott Pianowski
12. Nolan Arenado (STL - 3B) — Steven Psihogios
Moore is having a sneaky season, sitting on seven homers and seven steals, along with a juicy 150 OPS+. And look at those lovely five positions. First-base filling was a priority here, with six different players covering that spot. Interesting to see breakout kids Manzardo and Rice land back to back.
1. Agustín Ramírez (MIA - C,1B) — Steven Psihogios
2. Jake Burger (TEX - 1B,3B) — Scott Pianowski
3. AJ Smith-Shawver (ATL - SP) — Fred Zinkie
4. José Caballero (TB - 2B,3B,SS,OF) — Jeff Erickson
5. Zach Eflin (BAL - SP) — D.J. Short
6. Tyler O'Neill (BAL - OF) — Scott Jenstad*
7. Hayden Birdsong (SF - SP,RP) — Frank Schwab
8. Trevor Story (BOS - SS) — Dalton Del Don
9. Gavin Sheets (SD - 1B,OF) — Mike Parrillo
10. Andrew Abbott (CIN - SP) — Michael Lazarus
11. Matt Shaw (CHC - 2B,3B,SS) — Andy Behrens
12. Aaron Nola (PHI - SP) — Jorge Martin
Can we just give Burger a pass for a horrible April? His last two years have to mean something. Birdsong is an interesting spec play, recently promoted to the San Francisco rotation. Nola looks broken to me, but at least Martin can park him on an IL slot.
1. Max Muncy (LAD - 3B) — Jorge Martin
2. José Soriano (LAA - SP) — Andy Behrens
3. Porter Hodge (CHC - RP) — Michael Lazarus
4. Jackson Jobe (DET - SP,RP) — Mike Parrillo
5. Tyler Fitzgerald (SF - 2B,SS,OF) — Dalton Del Don
6. TJ Friedl (CIN - OF) — Frank Schwab
7. Michael Toglia (COL - 1B,OF) — Scott Jenstad*
8. Alec Burleson (STL - 1B,OF) — D.J. Short
9. Trent Grisham (NYY - OF) — Jeff Erickson
10. Tyler Mahle (TEX - SP) — Fred Zinkie
11. Jason Adam (SD - RP) — Scott Pianowski
12. Nathaniel Lowe (WSH - 1B) — Steven Psihogios
The room shrugged at Grisham's fast start, so Erickson gets a nifty value in Round 21. Friedl has been underrated his entire career. I wish Fitzgerald slotted higher in the San Francisco lineup, but he does a lot of things well and covers three positions.
1. Jorge Soler (LAA - OF) — Steven Psihogios
2. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (AZ - OF) — Scott Pianowski
3. Trevor Larnach (MIN - OF) — Fred Zinkie
4. Dustin May (LAD - SP) — Jeff Erickson
5. Sal Frelick (MIL - OF) — D.J. Short
6. Ryan Mountcastle (BAL - 1B) — Scott Jenstad*
7. Austin Hays (CIN - OF) — Frank Schwab
8. Rhys Hoskins (MIL - 1B) — Dalton Del Don
9. Ryan McMahon (COL - 3B) — Mike Parrillo
10. Daulton Varsho (TOR - OF) — Michael Lazarus
11. Tommy Kahnle (DET - RP) — Andy Behrens
12. Brandon Woodruff (MIL - SP) — Jorge Martin
The Twins have that "no stars, just talent" motif working, and Larnach symbolizes that. He's usually parked in a good lineup slot, too. It's typically a good idea to raid the bullpen of any winning team; Behrens does that here with Kahnle in Detroit. Hays might be having a post-hype breakout season.
1. Michael Conforto (LAD - OF) — Jorge Martin
2. Matthew Boyd (CHC - SP) — Andy Behrens
3. Jake Cronenworth (SD - 1B,2B) — Michael Lazarus
4. Zach McKinstry (DET - 2B,3B,SS,OF) — Mike Parrillo
5. Ben Brown (CHC - SP,RP) — Dalton Del Don
6. Clarke Schmidt (NYY - SP) — Frank Schwab
7. José Berríos (TOR - SP) — Scott Jenstad*
8. Eury Pérez (MIA - SP) — D.J. Short
9. Gavin Williams (CLE - SP) — Jeff Erickson
10. Otto Lopez (MIA - 2B,SS) — Fred Zinkie
11. Josh Smith (TEX - 1B,3B,SS,OF) — Scott Pianowski
12. Shane Baz (TB - SP) — Steven Psihogios
Several of the hitters here cover multiple positions, which is often a theme for those top-of-bench options. Berríos is off to a slow start but given his track record, I'd expect him to be a top-60 pitcher from here out, a reliable staff option for a league of this size.
1. Austin Wells (NYY - C) — Steven Psihogios
2. Randy Rodríguez (SF - RP) — Scott Pianowski
3. Chris Bassitt (TOR - SP) — Fred Zinkie
4. Willi Castro (MIN - 2B,3B,SS,OF) — Jeff Erickson
5. Gabriel Moreno (AZ - C) — D.J. Short
6. Roki Sasaki (LAD - SP) — Scott Jenstad*
7. Drake Baldwin (ATL - C) — Frank Schwab
8. Zebby Matthews (MIN - SP) — Dalton Del Don
9. Logan Henderson (MIL - SP) — Mike Parrillo
10. Yu Darvish (SD - SP) — Michael Lazarus
11. Ryan O'Hearn (BAL - 1B,OF) — Andy Behrens
12. JJ Bleday (ATH - OF) — Jorge Martin
Henderson looked outstanding in his first two starts — that dreamy change — and is an excellent speculation play this late. Matthews had a tidy ERA under two in the minors before a mediocre weekend debut for the Twins; he's still a high-upside arm worth consideration.
1. Noelvi Marte (CIN - 3B) — Jorge Martin
2. Jesús Tinoco (MIA - RP) — Andy Behrens
3. Carson Kelly (CHC - C) — Michael Lazarus
4. Cam Smith (HOU - 3B,OF) — Mike Parrillo
5. Clayton Kershaw (LAD - SP) — Dalton Del Don
6. Will Benson (CIN - OF) — Frank Schwab
7. Andrés Giménez (TOR - 2B) — Scott Jenstad*
8. Luke Jackson (TEX - RP) — D.J. Short
9. Tylor Megill (NYM - SP) — Jeff Erickson
10. Shelby Miller (AZ - RP) — Fred Zinkie
11. Chase Meidroth (CWS - 2B,3B,SS) — Scott Pianowski
12. Max Meyer (MIA - SP) — Steven Psihogios
Benson's power show last weekend was enough to push him into our draft. Miller, Jackson and Tinoco all have a chance at saves, though Tinoco pitched early in Monday's game and was knocked around.
1. Taj Bradley (TB - SP) — Steven Psihogios
2. Javier Báez (DET - 3B,SS,OF) — Scott Pianowski
3. Lucas Erceg (KC - RP) — Fred Zinkie
4. Sean Manaea (NYM - SP) — Jeff Erickson
5. Griffin Canning (NYM - SP) — D.J. Short
6. José Alvarado (PHI - RP) — Scott Jenstad*
7. Dennis Santana (PIT - RP) — Frank Schwab
8. Will Warren (NYY - SP) — Dalton Del Don
9. Brooks Lee (MIN - 2B,3B,SS) — Mike Parrillo
10. Walker Buehler (BOS - SP) — Michael Lazarus
11. Bryan Abreu (HOU - RP) — Andy Behrens
12. Tony Gonsolin (LAD - SP) — Jorge Martin
Gonsolin is your Mr. Irrelevant. May it work out as well as Brock Purdy. Pitching dominates our last wave of picks, covering 10 of 12 spots.
Dalton Del Don (2024, 2021, 2017)
Scott Jenstad (2023, 2018)
Ryan Boyer (2022. 2016)
Scott Pianowski (2020, 2014, 2010, 2008)
Michael Lazarus (2019)
D.J. Short (2015, 2013)
Andy Behrens (2012, 2007)
Jeff Erickson (2011)
Chris Liss (2009, 2006)
Brandon Funston (2005)
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NBC Sports
2 days ago
- NBC Sports
Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Drake Baldwin, Ryan McMahon and Kyle Bradish
FANTASY BASEBALL WAIVER WIRE PICKUPS Drake Baldwin (C Braves): Rostered in 20% of Yahoo leagues Even for those who weren't fortunate enough to land Cal Raleigh, it's been pretty easy to get solid production from the catcher spot in one-backstop leagues this year, easy enough that most seem too content to make a change at this point. For that reason, Baldwin remains available in 80 percent of Yahoo leagues, even after the Braves turned him into a full-time player by putting Marcell Ozuna on the bench last weekend. He's since started seven straight games, four at catcher and three at DH. With Ozuna seemingly likely to be moved at the deadline, Baldwin should get all of the playing time he can handle the rest of the way, making him the NL Rookie of the Year favorite. He's certainly looked the part thus far in batting .284/.353/.479 with 11 homers. The league as a whole this year has 27% more hard-hit balls than strikeouts. Baldwin has 123% more (89 hard-hit balls, 40 strikeouts). His 50.9% hard-hit rate places him 31st of the 268 batters with 200 plate appearances. Will Smith and Hunter Goodwin are the only catchers hitting at least .280 with at least 10 homers. Maybe Baldwin will wear down some, but all of the DH time will help. If the Braves pivot and trade Sean Murphy instead of Ozuna, I would drop Baldwin in my rankings some. Right now, though, I have him eighth among catchers, and I'd be willing to move on from guys like J.T. Realmuto, Alejandro Kirk, Shea Langeliers, Logan O'Hoppe and Agustin Ramírez in order to add him. Ryan McMahon (3B Yankees): Rostered in 35% of Yahoo leagues It's hard to spin being traded out of Coors Field as a good thing, but getting away from the disaster of an organization that is the Colorado Rockies might pay off for McMahon, an eternally disappointing offensive player who nevertheless possesses excellent exit velocity numbers. Those numbers are actually better than usual this season. McMahon, who was dealt to the Yankees for two pitching prospects on Friday, is currently averaging 94.0 mph off the bat, seventh best in the majors. His top-end numbers aren't as great -- for instance, he's just 46th when it comes to 90th percentile exit velocity -- but that's still a lot of hard contact. He's also hitting more flyballs and pulling the ball more than usual this year. It seems like a recipe for success, but there have been a lot of shots to the warning track thus far. He's also probably been unlucky; Statcast has him with a .466 xSLG, compared to .403 in reality. He's never experienced any sort of gap like that previously. Obviously, the strikeouts really hold McMahon back. He was leading the NL with 127 this season, which is remarkable for a guy playing in the league's preeminent strikeout-suppressing ballpark. The Yankees probably have some ideas on how to help him there, but one can't really expect him to improve much in the near future. If McMahon's value does come up in the short term, it will be a product of hitting in a far better lineup and sneaking balls over the right field wall in Yankee Stadium. It's a far worse offensive ballpark, but it's one that yields more homers to left-handers than Coors does. Unless the Yankees platoon him against southpaws -- they probably ought to, but I'm guessing he'll be a full-timer initially -- he's probably a better rest-of-season bet today than he was yesterday. Kyle Bradish (SP Orioles): Rostered in 10% of Yahoo leagues Bradish pitched in a game Thursday for the first time since Tommy John surgery, throwing two innings and allowing one run for High-A Aberdeen. The stadium gun had him at 94-96 mph, said Jake Rill, putting right back where he was before getting hurt. That bodes well for a right-hander who had emerged as one of the AL's best pitchers at the time of his injury. A subpar pitcher as a rookie in 2022, Bradish busted out about a month into the 2023 season and wound up posting a 2.42 ERA and a 150/35 K/BB in his final 25 starts that year. Last season, he was just as effective, and his strikeout rate jumped from 25 percent to 33 percent in the eight starts before he got hurt. The league had a hard-hit rate of just 29 percent against his arsenal of two fastballs, a slider and a curve. That's not to say Bradish is going to experience the same sort of success right away after returning next month. He might even have a setback before then, and given that the Orioles are out of contention, any sort of setback would probably get him shut down until 2026. However, if his rehab continues to progress smoothly, he could be quite an asset over the final six weeks of the season. Those who look to wait until his rehab is complete to pick him up will probably find they missed out. Waiver Wire Quick Hits - I'm not going to write about rotation-bound Joe Boyle again so soon after featuring him recently, but he ought to be picked up everywhere after the Rays' demotion of Taj Bradley. Instead, he's only 15 percent rostered now. - The Astros' Cristian Javier doesn't need to be picked up just yet as he works his way back from Tommy John, but it was really encouraging that he averaged 93.6 mph with his fastball in his first Triple-A start. That's back where he was in 2021 and '22 before falling off in 2023 (92.8 mph) and 2024 (91.7). I doubt we'll ever again see the Javier of 2022 (2.54 ERA, 33% K rate in 149 IP), but on a fine Houston team, he doesn't need to be that good to offer some value.
New York Times
2 days ago
- New York Times
Matt Shaw, Brice Matthews and more top fantasy baseball waiver wire options
The season is flying by, and after a week off for the All-Star break, there's a fresh list of the most-added hitters on Yahoo. We have a bunch of once-hyped prospects making some noise. Kyle Manzardo has been tapping into his strength and earning regular playing time in the process. All his value is in his power, so there will be peaks and valleys, but he's at a high point right now. Matt Shaw looked like a potential star at the start of the year, and he's been exactly that for the past week, with power and speed. I buy the speed more than the power for now, though he had both in the minors, so that could change. Advertisement Brice Matthews is swinging for the moon every time he's up. When he connects, he does damage, but the swing-and-miss issue did not magically resolve itself upon his MLB promotion, and I foresee some ugly slumps unless he can make some changes. Angel Martínez is the other player I'm not too interested in here. He hit home runs on three consecutive days earlier this month, but nothing in his profile suggests he's suddenly a power hitter. He's productive enough for 14-teamers. It's nice to see Colson Montgomery start his MLB career with a good stretch. He was among the top prospects in the league in 2023, but fell apart last year and wasn't showing much in Triple A this year. The tools are still interesting, especially his excellent bat speed. I don't know what to expect of him for now. In 12-teamers, I'm looking elsewhere, but deeper than that, he's an interesting dart throw. It wasn't that long ago that Royce Lewis looked ready to become one of the premier third basemen in the league. It might be a lazy comparison, but he has looked like teammate Byron Buxton: monster ability, but can't stay healthy. Lewis' contact quality has been excellent this month, and we're getting another glimpse of who this guy can be. Mickey Moniak continues to rake against righties. I love players like him in daily leagues. As for the veterans, the Ramón Laureano comeback tour continues. The 12% barrel rate dates back to last season, and now he's combining that with a 12.2% swinging strike rate, which aligns with his career rate. I believe he can keep this going through the end of the year. Christian Walker's clunker of a first half was odd, but he's been hitting the ball harder in July, and I think we'll see something closer to Arizona Walker for the rest of the year. As for Nolan Schanuel, this is your weekly, 'He's fine, I guess.' He's Luis Arráez if you traded a little of the elite contact ability for a little power and put him at first base. Advertisement Onto some other lesser-rostered players. Like a pitcher that won't stop tinkering, I'm keeping the clusters but won't split them based on rostered percentages. All players are under 40% rostered, and I'll work in plenty of sub-20%-rostered names. Ramon Laureano (OF, BAL), Mickey Moniak (OF, COL) See above. Knock Moniak down a cluster in weekly leagues. Chandler Simpson (OF, TB) Simpson has loads of speed, and now he's hitting leadoff. He's also a good guy to trade if you don't have much to gain from his steals, because someone will be desperate for a player like him. Trent Grisham (OF, NYY) You may have noticed that I prefer high-quality play with inconsistent playing time to daily 'meh.' Grisham has an excellent eye and solid power, and lately, he's been leading off in New York. I'm tentatively optimistic that he'll keep this up and earn four to five starts a week. You can put him in Cluster 1 and probably at the top if he's a regular. Austin Hays (OF, CIN) I am interested in the hot streak, which is backed by a 13.6% barrel rate, and the park helps, too. Ryan O'Hearn (OF/1B, BAL … for now) He's cooled off from great to good. Expect solid production against righties and a new uniform soon. Tyler O'Neill (OF, BAL) He's a power gamble. If he's fully healthy, he can do a lot of damage, but we need to see him play more. Jesús Sánchez (OF, MIA) Power, some speed, decent average — I keep looking at Sánchez and seeing a potential second-tier star. I haven't seen his name in trade rumors, but his value shoots up if he leaves Miami. Even if he stays, he's still a solid option. Gavin Sheets (OF/1B, SDP) I was tempted to drop him to Cluster 3 because he had a rough July. His expected stats say he's solid and just had some bad luck with BABIP. Jac Caglianone (OF/1B, KC) He's tough to rank because a .150 average in a bad lineup is not something you'd look at in a 20-teamer, but the power is real, and the x-stats say he's a like Brandon Nimmo (the 2025 version). For the balance of this year, the variance is high, but he's a prime target if you're rebuilding in a keeper league. Advertisement Angel Martinez (OF/2B, CLE) See above. Jonathan India (2B/3B/OF, KC) Another mainstay on Team Fine. He'll score runs from the leadoff spot, and that's about all you're getting here. Matt Wallner (OF, MIN) Wallner is a righty masher who has tapped into his considerable power recently. There are too many potential names to list in this cluster, but here are a few that might help. John Rave (OF, KC) Rave could be a great source of speed and had decent power in the minors. Victor Scott II (OF, STL) Scott's another speedster. Lars Nootbaar's injury helps secure the playing time for now, but that could change if the Cardinals trade for an outfielder. Daulton Varsho (OF, TOR) A good IL stash if you can manage the low average. The Jays might manage his playing time on his return, but the outfield is a relative soft spot for Toronto. Colt Keith (1B/2B/3B, DET) Keith's in a mini-slump, and the playing time has been inconsistent, but I'm still a fan. Noelvi Marte (3B, CIN) He has plenty of speed and raw power, plus good contact ability. He's still just 23 years old, and I wasn't expecting to write this, but we may be seeing a re-breakout. Matt Shaw (3B, CHC) See above. Kyle Manzardo (1B, CLE) See above. Ryan McMahon (3B, COL) The career-high barrel rate is great, but all he's giving you is power at this point. He's been atrocious on the road, which could be bad news if he's traded, but he also won't have to deal with the Coors hangover effect (pitches move differently at altitude, and it's hard for Rockies hitters to adjust on the road). Brett Baty (3B/2B, NYM) He's breaking out! He's on the bench! He's playing second! He's playing third! He's the Mets' next star! He's getting traded! It's been a chaotic year for Baty, but I think he's finally figuring it out and living up to his potential. Advertisement Caleb Durbin (3B, MIL) Good speed and average with non-zero power. He's borderline in 12-teamers, useful in deeper formats. Josh Bell (1B, WAS) Bell has quietly had a great summer. He could get traded, but he's a solid value as long as he has a regular role. Brady House (3B, WAS) At the other corner in Washington, House has some speed, and you can dream on more. Jorge Polanco (2B/3B, SEA) The good version of Polanco is reemerging, as he's been hitting the ball harder lately. Josh Smith (SS/3B/1B, TEX) Smith is the definition of roster spackle. He plays everywhere and makes decent contributions across the board. Tyler Freeman (SS/OF, COL) The guys in Colorado with power are the ones who seem like they could go off and hit 50 homers, but maybe it's the speed and contact guys who can make use of the inflated BABIP that we should be paying attention to. Freeman has cooled off a bit but still offers good value against righties, even with minimal power. Carlos Correa (SS, MIN) He's settled into being an oatmeal guy — a solid, if boring hitter — but he's caught fire recently, even if you wouldn't know it from his counting stats. Kody Clemens (2B/1B/OF, MIN) Wow, I had no idea that Correa (30) is just a year and a half older than Clemens (29). The younger Twin has found some power this year, nearly doubling his barrel rate to 13%. If he can hang onto that and get better BABIP luck, he'll become a pretty nice contributor. Brice Matthews (2B, HOU) See above. It's not a sustainable profile, and I doubt Matthews fully course-corrects in the next two months, but there's still value to be had here. Jeff McNeil (2B/OF, NYM) McNeil's back to boring production. Great contact and on-base ability play just fine in that lineup. Troy Melton (SP, DET) Melton has really good stuff and was using it to run a strikeout rate above 30% in the minor leagues before his first MLB start. He gave up six runs to the Pirates (four on a Spencer Horwitz grand slam), but also struck out seven. It's unclear if he will be a regular in the rotation going forward, but if I'm the Tigers, I'm finding a way to get him MLB innings before the playoffs. He's a good high-upside play, just know that the downside is he's back in Triple A next week. José Soriano (LAA), Landen Roupp (SFG), Brandon Walter (HOU) I've mentioned Soriano and Walter multiple times before. Soriano has been great overall, but he's also had some rough starts, and not against the teams you'd think (recently he cruised past the Phillies, Astros and Braves, but got roughed up by the Rangers and Nationals). Roupp and Walter have great control and enough stuff to get strikeouts and avoid blowups. I'm a fan of both. Advertisement Dean Kremer (BAL), Colin Rea (CHC), Jack Leiter (TEX), Cam Schlitter (NYY), Slade Cecconi (CLE) Don't expect a strikeout per inning here, but you'll mostly get solid outings from this bunch. Rea and Cecconi are the ones I trust the most, while Schlitter and Leiter have better stuff to work with. It's unclear if Schlitter will remain in the rotation once Luis Gil returns. As for Kremer, I tuned him out for a while, but he's useful in deep leagues if you need some reasonably solid innings. Dustin May (LAD), Janson Junk (MIA), Charlie Morton (BAL), Emmet Sheehan (LAD), José Quintana (MIL) Deep leagues only here. Sheehan finally had a bad start, but he still looks like a solid value. The rest have middling stuff but enough of a mix to keep hitters off balance most of the time. Quintana is a good bet to snag wins, and Morton gives you some relative strikeout upside. Junk has excellent control and a pitcher's park — he can help keep your WHIP and ERA low. Bryan Abreu (HOU), Randy Rodríguez (SFG), Cade Smith (CLE), Griffin Jax (MIN), Dennis Santana (PIT) Abreu and Rodríguez are bullpen aces. Smith and Jax have been more wobbly than usual this year, but they still have excellent stuff and a chance to inherit the closer role if either team trades their ace closer. The same is true for Santana, who will likely take over in Pittsburgh if David Bednar goes elsewhere. (Photo of Matt Shaw: Griffin Quinn / Getty Images)
New York Times
2 days ago
- New York Times
Fantasy baseball waiver wire: Starting pitcher pickups for every league
Just like a thneed, a starting pitcher is a thing everyone needs. With the state of injuries in the game, it's hard to get through the season untouched. And while rankings are a good start, they provide just one perspective — while we are all trying to make moves in different leagues with different depths and different settings. Advertisement With an eye towards that type of diversity in leagues, here's an attempt to find you a pickup, no matter how deep or shallow your waiver wire looks right now. Roster percentages are from Yahoo. Ryne Nelson, Diamondbacks Sometimes you can get better by improving your strongest aspect instead of spending too much time worrying about your flaws. June 19th, Nelson — who's always had a good fastball — changed the release point on his four-seam, upped his arm angle, and started cutting his four-seam, which has all led to more ride on the pitch. His secondaries are still pretty average, but since he made this change, he's gone on a run, with an ERA near two. Of course, it's still with a below-average strikeout rate, and it's held up with some luck on balls in play, but with Pittsburgh and Detroit next on his card, and a rotation that's more likely to subtract than contribute, he's at least a nice short-term add. He also shows the characteristics of a good quality start provider — he's efficient on pitches per inning (top 25 among starters with at least 40 innings) and has shown a good WHIP. Brayan Bello, Red Sox He picked it up earlier in the season, but in mid-June, Bello really started to embrace his new cutter. It's not the best pitch by itself — with a Stuff+ of 93 and a .528 slugging allowed — but like Logan Webb and his 'MVP pitch,' it's been good for his arsenal. Since he really upped the usage of the pitch, he's put up a 2.38 ERA. Again, like Nelson, his ERA is supported by an unsustainable batting average on balls in play, but for a pitcher that's been so volatile in the past, it's important to note that he hasn't had any of his typical blow-up games in that stretch. His strikeout rate is also up since he embraced the cutter, and his strikeout minus walk rate is above average now. Pair that with stuff that naturally suppresses homers (Stuff+ predicts that all of his pitches other than the four-seam should have home run rates that are better than two-thirds of the league), and you've got something going. After the Dodgers start today, his schedule opens up a little. He's an especially interesting pickup in points leagues that penalize home runs. HM: Edward Cabrera (assuming he's already picked up, otherwise he's tops), Max Scherzer (model and K-BB are decent, but results have not been there). Advertisement Roupp has a 97 Stuff+, 106 Location+, and a 21.3% K-BB. In his last 30 days, he has a 96 Stuff+, a 103 Location+, and a 21.9% K-BB. His release point has dropped a little, so some of his shapes have changed, but not that much relative to his arm slot. He throws the cutter more some games, and less other games, but according to him that's just by the scouting report. There's not that much difference in early and recent Roupp. Even WHIP, his biggest weakness, has remained a sore spot recently, sitting at 1.37 despite an improved strikeout rate and an ERA that starts with a one over the past month. He's a better pickup in points leagues that penalize homers (his stuff suppresses those), but he's also excellent enough at home that he should be owned in all leagues by now. José Soriano, Angels Another pre-season favorite here, Soriano has been useful all season, if not with great strikeout and walk rates. He keeps the ball on the ground, stays away from homer danger, and has some excellent performances on his resume. He also has five games in which he's allowed five or more runs. Is there a way to avoid those games and get only the good results? It's not necessarily by avoiding the big-name teams. He's given up five or more to the Rangers, Nationals, Red Sox, Pirates and Guardians. If you rostered him, you would've started him in at least three or four of those starts. He's worse at home than the road, but his strikeout-minus-walk rate is better at home. He's given up more homers at home, so it could be that — Angel Stadium has a 113 Park Factor for homers. That's unfortunate, because he's got Seattle and Texas at home for his next two starts, and you'd want to use him for those. It's tough to use pitchers only away from home and in parks that suppress homers. Here's the best way to roster Soriano: carefully. He's a better pickup in head-to-head leagues where a blowup doesn't hurt your season-long numbers. HM: Shane Bieber (if you can stash an injury returner without starting him right away). Advertisement Brandon Walter, Astros He only throws in the low 90s, sure, but Walter has a good sinker/sweeper combo, decent enough other pitches, and commands all of his pitches well. With the Astros, he's used his four-seamer more to mix up his fastballs, but he's also improved his mix. Since last year, he's: He may not be someone you want to start in Boston, but his next start agains the Nationals looks like a good one, and his OOPSY projection (3.88 ERA, 1.16 WHIP) seems well within reach. He's also got an efficient approach to pitches per inning (top 23) and a low WHIP, so give him a little boost in quality start leagues. Cam Schlittler, Yankees Given gaudy radar numbers on his four-seamer, the strikeout and whiff rates on Schlittler seem out of place. That might be because his four-seamer has dead-zone ish movement. He should keep working on the sinker he's thrown five times, because at its best, it could actually be an improvement on the four-seam. This one rated the best and made the announcer exclaim 'That was nasty!' Even without it, Schlittler is a pickup in leagues with depth, because he's got three plus breaking balls by Stuff+ (all over 114 Stuff+), and enough velocity to make even a deadzone fastball interesting. His hold on the rotation spot might be a little iffy, though, given the trade deadline, Luis Gil returning and just the general stress level in New York. HM: Charlie Morton (who knows what team he'll start for next, but at least his fastball velocity was back up over 94.5 again Thursday). Zebby Matthews, Twins This one's simple. Use strikeouts minus walks, because they are predictive. Matthews kills it there with a 21.2 percent number that's well above average (14 percent). Use Stuff+ because it's predictive. He's got a 105 Stuff+ with an excellent fastball, slider and curve combo. Don't look at his ERA because it's not predictive. He's got the Nationals tonight and the Guardians next week, and those matchups are fine. The other good news is that his rotation spot seems more stable on a team that is likely to sell at the trade deadline and is rumored to be willing to trade a starter away. Joe Boyle, Rays The advanced stats say the same thing as the eye test. Boyle is all stuff, no command. But he has at least reduced the walk rate by simplifying his targets, jettisoning the sweeper and curve and lowering the arm angle. With the Rays optioning Taj Bradley, and rumored to be listening on Zack Littell, and the setbacks to Shane McClanahan, it seems like his time is now. Hold your hat! HM: Nestor Cortes (coming back soon!). Richard Fitts, Red Sox Since he's rejoined the rotation, the model numbers have been there for Fitts. He's had a 108 Stuff+ in his last four starts, and it looks like that's in some part due to using the sweeper less and making his curveball more of a sideways pitch. He's also improving his ride on his four-seamer slightly, and has kept his 95 mph fastball velocity steady. He limits walks, which is good, but also strikeouts, which is not so good. His most recent four starts have produced 17 strikeouts against three walks in 16 innings, though, so there's some promise here. Advertisement Jack Perkins, Athletics It's J.T. Ginn that's on the probables list right now, but the Athletics could sell a starter at the deadline, and Perkins has interesting stuff. The arsenal is wide: a 96 mph fastball, with surprising ride given his low arm slot, plus a sweeper, cutter and change that all look like strong pitches. He does have poor command, which might be exposed more in longer outings, but there's opportunity coming. HM: JT Ginn (interesting sinker, decent arsenal, watch out at home), Jacob Latz (if there's an injury or a trade out of the Rangers rotation), Ryan Bergert (other models like him more than Stuff+, might get a chance with a new team soon). (Photo of Ryne Nelson: Chris Coduto / Getty Images)
