In the world of fantasy sports, the elite leagues are where the real money is made, and the players who can gain an edge over their competitors are the ones who truly thrive. This week, we take a look at some of the most intriguing adds in these high-stakes leagues, focusing on players who are making waves and those who are quietly rising through the ranks. From power-hitting outfielders to promising young pitchers, these players are worth keeping an eye on, and I'll be offering my personal insights and analysis on each one.
One player who has caught my attention is Lars Nootbaar. With a full season ahead of him, Nootbaar has the potential to be a 20-home run, 10-steal, .250-average player. However, there are some questions surrounding his health after undergoing heel surgery this offseason. So far, he's passed the test, with an impressive bat speed increase and a high contact percentage. His OPS against lefties and righties is relatively balanced, but the Cardinals' platooning strategy could be a factor in his playing time. I believe that Nootbaar is a must-add for those looking for a reliable, all-around player, but his long-term prospects will depend on his ability to stay healthy and secure a consistent role.
Another player who has caught my eye is Jared Young. With just 68 plate appearances, Young has already hit three home runs and is batting .271/.353/.475. While he's being platooned, it's unclear why, as he has only 7 plate appearances against lefties. Young is a solid add for those seeking power and batting average, but his long-term prospects will depend on his ability to secure a consistent role and improve his plate discipline.
Michael Massey is another player who has caught my attention. With an Isolated Power tripling from .069 to .199, Massey is on pace for 25 home runs. His Bat Speed, Average Exit Velocity, and Hard Hit% are all career highs, and he's a strong add for those seeking power. However, his batting average is a concern, and I believe that Massey will need to improve his plate discipline to reach his full potential.
Kyle Higashioka is a player who has been getting playing time due to the absence of Danny Jansen. While he provides some power, his batting average is a concern. I believe that Higashioka is just a weekly stream, and his long-term prospects will depend on his ability to maintain his playing time and improve his batting average.
Jacob Gonzalez is a player who has been making waves in the AAA ranks. With a .467 BABIP, Gonzalez is batting .333/.429/.458. While he only has one fewer home run than Fernando Tatis Jr., he led AAA with 19 home runs. Gonzalez is a promising young player, but his strikeout percentage is a concern. I believe that he's just being passive, and his long-term prospects will depend on his ability to improve his plate discipline and reduce his strikeout percentage.
Moving on to the starting pitchers, Jack Perkins has been a source of intrigue. With a 7.71 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP, Perkins has been a rollercoaster for fantasy managers. However, his fastball velocity has remained consistent, and he has a solid repertoire of pitches. I believe that Perkins is worth adding while available, as he has the potential to be a great starter if he can maintain his velocity and improve his control.
Hunter Dobbins is another pitcher who has caught my attention. With a 4.77 xFIP and a 6.7 K/9 in AAA, Dobbins has struggled with control and walk rate. However, he has an elite sinker and a suspect slider, and I believe that he has the potential to improve his repertoire and throw more strikes. I'm not currently in on Dobbins, but I believe that he has the potential to be a solid add if he can clean up his repertoire and improve his control.
Andrew Alvarez is a left-handed pitcher who has been making waves. With a 3.70 ERA and a 1.44 WHIP, Alvarez has been a solid addition to the bullpen. While his fastball velocity is only 92 mph, he has a solid repertoire of pitches and a high strikeout rate. I believe that Alvarez is worth adding while available, as he has the potential to be a solid starter if he can maintain his control and improve his velocity.
In the reliever category, Alex Lange has been a standout. With three saves before FAAB ran in the elite leagues, Lange has been a solid addition. While he has a 5.2 BB/9 and a 1.45 WHIP, I believe that he has the potential to be a blow-up candidate. Yoendrys Gómez, on the other hand, is not a good reliever, but he has been a solid addition to the Twins bullpen with five saves. However, his flyball-prone nature and high walk rate could be a concern.
In conclusion, the elite leagues are where the real money is made, and the players who can gain an edge over their competitors are the ones who truly thrive. From power-hitting outfielders to promising young pitchers, these players are worth keeping an eye on. While some are must-adds, others are just weekly streams, and their long-term prospects will depend on their ability to maintain their playing time and improve their skills. As always, I encourage fantasy managers to do their own research and make informed decisions based on their league's specific needs and circumstances.
