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After going through some new league averages for pitchers and batters last time, this week we will tackle updating for park factor changes, using Statcast.

I will caveat that 2023 still offers a small sample on ballpark factors and the hottest months of the summer haven’t arrived in places like Baltimore and Cleveland, both have lost six points from their 2022 factors. However, this can still assist in finding new parks to target because as waiver wire scourers, we survive off the scraps of our leagues like lobsters awaiting the falling fish slaughter debris on the bottom of the ocean.

Taking the one year Statcast park factors for 2022 and 2023 through end of May, we get the following with year over year fluctuations:

Team 23 Park Factor 22 Park Factor Difference
 Red Sox 117 107 10
 Rockies 117 115 2
 Royals 110 102 8
 Rangers 109 102 7
 Twins 106 99 7
 Cardinals 105 97 8
 White Sox 105 101 4
 Brewers 103 98 5
 Astros 102 101 1
 Angels 102 103 -1
 Braves 101 100 1
 Giants 101 102 -1
 Reds 101 109 -8
 Tigers 100 98 2
 D-backs 99 98 1
 Yankees 99 99 0
 Marlins 99 103 -4
 Padres 98 91 7
 Mariners 97 91 6
 Mets 97 94 3
 Nationals 96 99 -3
 Pirates 96 100 -4
 Rays 95 98 -3
 Phillies 95 104 -9
 Cubs 94 100 -6
 Dodgers 94 104 -10
 Athletics 93 96 -3
 Blue Jays 92 100 -8
 Orioles 91 97 -6
 Guardians 90 96 -6

My biggest takeaways…

First, wow, Fenway plays extremely hitter-friendly now, equaling Coors so far. I’m no weather data expert, but it looks like Boston has had an unusually warm spring. Given the current global environmental factors, there’s no reason to think Boston won’t continue being warmer. I’m starting to fade Red Sox pitchers at home and boost anyone and everyone visiting for a series.

Second, despite the new outfield seat configuration in Toronto making the outfield fences look like they are a stone’s throw away, the changes may not have accomplished what the neutral-run-environment-seeking Blue Jays front office intended – the run environment looks to be much more pitcher-friendly now with a 92 park factor compared to 100 last year. Maybe Vlad Jr.’s current pace of 22 homers isn’t too far off?

Third, it’s time to smell what the Rockies are cooking. The Rox’s upcoming schedule – six home games, then three in Boston, three in Atlanta, three in Cincinnati, capped off with three (!) straight series at home. Outside of the brief series with the Braves, writing that line felt like the Vince McMahon Reaction meme. As some Rockies bats have struggled (like the team, and entire organization itself), there could be some league-swaying dudes sitting on wires.

So, find that purple and black gear, you Dinger fanboys, this is a Rockies hype article now for the next month.

The stats and ownership percentages below are updated as of noon central time on 6/2.

As always, if you want advice on specific roster decisions you might have, feel free to leave a comment. You can also find me on twitter (@mcouill7).

CATCHERS

10/12 Team Adds

Christian Bethancourt (TBR, 24% CBS Ownership) – I swear I’m not being lazy by just copying and pasting Bethancourt in here every week. Catchers in the shallower league space have been surprisingly stable again. Sorry for jinxing everyone and causing a rash of upcoming catcher injuries. Still widely available, Bethancourt and the Rays have six home games next week, but then head to Oakland for a three game series. If you need to catch some lightning in a bottle, you could pick up him (and other Rays) early for that Athletics series starting June 12th. (1-3% FAAB)

QUICK HITS: Gabriel Moreno (ARI, 46% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Keibert Ruiz (WSN, 41% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Shea Langeliers (OAK, 36% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Yan Gomes (CHC, 22% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB)

15 Team Adds

Gary Sanchez (SDP, 5% CBS Ownership) – The Kraken rises again from the sea and has attached himself to one the best possible ships. After suffering through the misery of Austin Nola and Brett Sullivan, the Padres finally pulled the trigger on consulting outside help to bolster catcher until Luis Campusano’s planned return from a thumb injury in mid-July. Sanchez has responded quickly, providing the two homers in his first three games with the Friars in Miami. He’s going to get the lion’s share of at-bats until Campusano is back, doing his typical thing of launching bombs and battling the Mendoza line. (3-5% FAAB)

QUICK HITS: Eric Haase (C/OF, DET, 15% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Blake Sabol (C/OF, SFG, 14% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Connor Wong (BOS, 9% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Patrick Bailey (SFG, 8% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Matt Thaiss (LAA, 6% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB)

INFIELDERS

10/12 Team Adds

Zach McKinstry (2B/3B/OF, DET, 38% CBS Ownership) – McKinstry is not only the beneficiary of a solidified starting spot with recent injuries to Riley Greene and Matt Vierling, but he’s swatting the snot out of the ball. All of those Statcast numbers suggest that McKinstry should actually be performing better than his current 138 wRC+. His formula currently is pretty simple – spit at junk, crush good pitches, and run like hell on the paths. McKinstry could be looking to add 8-10 homers with mid-teens stolen bases and a .275 batting average the rest of the way. His positional flexibility makes him a must-own in any league currently.  (5-7% FAAB)

Willi Castro (2B/3B/SS/OF, MIN, 21% CBS Ownership) – Even with Royce Lewis and Jorge Polanco returning to the Twins lineup, Castro has carved out enough playing time to be useful for his stolen bases. He’s now on pace for 28 steals and has been in full go mode since May 15th with eight swipes and a 160 wRC+. With the Max Kepler, Carlos Correa, and Byron Buxton leaving Thursday’s game, the Twins could continue cycling dudes through the IL like Abe Simpson. Castro and his versatility to play any position will be the biggest beneficiary in Minnesota with all of the nicked up players. I love him as a plug and play with all of the fantasy eligibilities. (3-5% FAAB)

QUICK HITS: Orlando Arcia (2B/SS, ATL, 47% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Spencer Torkelson (1B, DET, 44% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), LaMonte Wade (1B/OF, SFG, 43% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Luis Urias (2B/3B, MIL, 43% CBS Ownership, 3-5% FAAB), CJ Abrams (SS, WSN, 42% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Owen Miller (1B/2B/3B, MIL, 40% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Ji-Hwan Bae (2B/OF, PIT, 39% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Ezequiel Tovar (SS, COL, 38% CBS Ownership, 3-5% FAAB), Adam Frazier (2B/OF, BAL, 37% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Gio Urshela (1B/3B/SS, LAA, 29% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Nick Pratto (1B/OF, KCR, 28% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Zach Neto (SS, LAA, 28% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Paul DeJong (SS, STL, 28% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB)

15 Team Adds

Harold Castro (1B/2B/3B/OF, COL, 2% CBS Ownership) – In the grand scheme of the universe, I spend an inordinate amount of my time staring at the Rockies Roster Resource page compared to the rest of the world. You know how those year-end Spotify recaps make you realize that somehow, you’re in the top 0.1% of Charli XCX listeners? Or you’ve listened to like 18 days’ worth of Effectively Wild? No, just me? Well, I’m pretty high up on the hit rate for that Rockies page is all I’m saying. Anyway, Castro is starting pretty much every day at 2B, which kind of slipped past me. He plays everywhere and needs to be on a bench in 15-teamers to sub any time over the next month with the Rox upcoming schedule. (3% FAAB)

QUICK HITS: Luke Raley (1B/OF, TBR, 25% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Luis Garcia (2B/SS, WSN, 22% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Enrique Hernandez (2B/SS/OF, BOS, 19% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Darick Hall (1B, PHI, 12% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Rodolfo Castro (2B/3B/SS, PIT, 10% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Michael Massey (2B, KCR, 10% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Ramon Urias (2B/3B, BAL, 8% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Maikel Garcia (3B/SS, KCR, 7% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Ryan Noda (1B, OAK, 6% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Dominic Smith (1B, WSN, 6% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Yuli Gurriel (1B, MIA, 6% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Jose Caballero (2B, SEA, 6% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB)

Only Team Adds

Emmanuel Rivera (3B, ARI, 1% CBS Ownership) – The two infielders ahead of Rivera currently in the Diamondbacks depth chart are Josh Rojas and Geraldo Perdomo – they sported 41 and 84 wRC+’s, respectively, in May. Rivera hits the daylights out of the ball with a 50.7% Hard Hit rate, although only with a 6.0% barrel rate. It’s really astounding that even with a 129 wRC+ on the season, he hasn’t overtaken Rojas as the everyday 3B, but that switch might be coming soon as the Dbacks slither their way into the Wild Card race. (1-3% FAAB)

Zack Short (3B/SS, DET, 1% CBS Ownership) – Since Matt Vierling’s back granted him a trip to the IL, Short has been playing every day on the Tigers infield. Despite his calling card as a glove-first infielder, Short has managed a 16.1% barrel rate so far with a 41.9% Hard Hit rate. He should get at least one more week of full-time at-bats. If Short continues creating hard contact over that week, he’s going to carve out playing with some nice positional eligibilities. (1-3% FAAB)

OUTFIELDERS

10/12 Team Adds

Nolan Jones (1B/OF, COL, 23% CBS Ownership) – C.J. Cron’s back has been balky as he’s without a timetable to return, it looks like. This means Jones probably gets at least five or six games of at-bats per week at some corner with the rockin’ Rox schedule, as he’s playing 1B, LF, or RF 85% of the time, even against lefties. If Cron’s back doesn’t progress well, Jones might get some good run. I fully expect the Rockies to demote Jones after Cron returns, even if he’s continuing to swing an above average bat. (3% FAAB)

Jurickson Profar (COL, 27% CBS Ownership) – Profar continues to swing one of the most subpar bats (78 wRC+, 23rd percentile HardHit%) but plays every day, hitting first or second. He’s the absolute epitome of Rockies gonna Rockie as he takes playing time from the likes of interesting young bats like Jones and Michael Toglia. I’ve already drilled into you the upcoming Rockies schedule. Live by the sword, die by the sword. (3-5% FAAB)

QUICK HITS: Mike Yastrzemski (SFG, 51% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Marcell Ozuna (ATL, 49% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Jake McCarthy (ARI, 48% CBS Ownership, 3-5% FAAB), Alex Kirilloff (1B/OF, MIN, 47% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Brian Anderson (3B/OF, MIL, 47% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Brandon Marsh (PHI, 46% CBS Ownership Rate, 3% FAAB), Jake Fraley (CIN, 46% CBS Ownership Rate, 3% FAAB), Joey Gallo (MIN, 43% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Jack Suwinski (PIT, 38% CBS Ownership Rate, 1-3% FAAB), Ramon Laureano (OAK, 39% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Jose Siri (TBR, 27% CBS Ownership Rate, 1% FAAB), TJ Friedl (CIN, 27% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Mark Canha (NYM, 27% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB)

15 Team Adds

Randal Grichuk (COL, 21% CBS Ownership) – Another Rockies bat hitting in the middle of the order, getting plenty of playing time, and sitting on plenty of wires. So far in 2023, Grichuk has a career best BB% (8.6%) and K% (18.1%) as he maybe finally learned the strike zone after nearly 4,000 MLB plate appearances. He’s honestly a better play than Profar because of his power/speed combo but is slightly more available. (3-5% FAAB)

QUICK HITS: Leody Taveras (TEX, 23% CBS Ownership, 3-5% FAAB), Seth Brown (OAK, 20% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Connor Joe (1B/OF, PIT, 16% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Chas McCormick (HOU, 14% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Robbie Grossman (TEX, 11% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Jesus Sanchez (MIA, 9% CBS Ownership, 3-5% FAAB), Akil Baddoo (DET, 8% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Drew Waters (KCR, 8% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Gavin Sheets (1B/OF, CHW, 7% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Corey Julks (HOU, 6% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB)

Only Team Adds

Yonathan Perlaza (CHC, 0% CBS Ownership) – Perlaza is a relatively unheralded Cubs prospect but has been mashing AAA as a 24-year-old with a 141 wRC+ and seven steals so far. As the Cubs season continues circling the drain while David Ross cackles maniacally in his high-pitched voice, the performers in the minors are going to replace the sold-off pieces in Chicago. Perlaza is already projected for a 91 wRC+ by Steamer in the majors and could be a nice flash-in-the-pan upon a call-up. (1-3% FAAB)

Raimel Tapia (BOS, 1% CBS Ownership) – Since we are already on a huge Rockies kick this week, let’s cover a former one too. Even in a limited capacity of 2-3 starts per week plus pinch hitting duties, Tapia has carved out enough playing time with the Red Sox to be on pace for 15 steals. He’s going to hit for a batting average around .275 and can provide some much needed depth if any of the Tigers and Twins recent injuries have decimated your AL-only outfield. (1-3% FAAB)

STARTING PITCHERS

10/12 Team Adds

Braxton Garrett (MIA, 37% CBS Ownership) – Since Garrett’s 11 ER dud against the Braves on May 3rd, he’s finessed a 2.67 ERA with a 23.6% K-BB% in 27 innings. That stretch even included an outing in Coors. Garrett fought through a lot of injuries after being drafted 7th overall in 2016 (although, maybe one of the worst drafts of this century), but the 25-year-old is getting comfortable in the majors and pitches in a cavernous ballpark. Steamer has him projected for a 3.88 ERA and 8.3 K/9 for rest-of-season, marks I could see him topping easily. Having one of the best two-starts next week (home vs. KCR and at CHW) will make him a bit more expensive than he needs to be this weekend. (5-7% FAAB)

Brandon Bielak (HOU, 24% CBS Ownership) – Much like Garrett, Bielak was a reliable option throughout May with a 3.19 ERA and 8.1 K/9 during the month. He has been a little shakier as a 5.16 FIP underlies those numbers, driven in large part by an unsustainable 90.2% LOB rate. What makes Bielak interesting is that the Astros offense and bullpen will provide him more wins than the average back-end starter. (3-5% FAAB)

QUICK HITS: Louie Varland (MIN, 52% CBS Ownership, 5-7% FAAB), J.P. France (HOU, 47% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Michael Lorenzen (DET, 43% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Ranger Suarez (PHI, 37% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Dean Kremer (BAL, 44% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Johan Oviedo (PIT, 43% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Kyle Bradish (BAL, 39% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Roansy Contreras (PIT, 32% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Tanner Houck (BOS, 26% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Clarke Schmidt (NYY, 26% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB)

15 Team Adds

Reese Olson (DET, 2% CBS Ownership) – I’m writing all of this before Olson’s Friday night debut against the White Sox, so these takes could age like milk. Olson had a moment in the fantasy baseball limelight last summer, as he was a sexy pickup due to his 12.6 K/9 and 25.6% K-BB% in AA in 2022. He, of course, never debuted. In 2023, Olson has been off the radar with an unsightly 6.38 ERA in AAA, driven mostly by a 5.4 BB/9. But that ERA hides that in May, Olson has totally turned it around with a 3.52 ERA and 11.7 K/9, including a stellar 0.90 ERA and 17.1 K/9 with only two walks in his two most recent outings. Those are the type of numbers that would throw him into the bucket of other stellar starting pitcher call-ups this year. (3% FAAB)

QUICK HITS: Ben Lively (CIN, 29% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Rich Hill (PIT, 23% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Kyle Hendricks (CHC, 19% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), JP Sears (OAK, 19% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Adrian Houser (MIL, 18% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Griffin Canning (LAA, 17% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Zack Greinke (KCR, 17% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Alex Faedo (DET, 14% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Luis Ortiz (PIT, 11% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Jaime Barria (LAA, 8% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Daniel Lynch (KCR, 6% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB)

Only Team Adds

Michael McGreevy (STL, 2% CBS Ownership) – With Steven Matz being demoted to the bullpen this week, the next elephant in the room for the Cardinals to address is Adam Wainwright and his 6.15 ERA. The new rules have eaten Waino alive, and it’s becoming clear that combined with the loss of Yadi, he can’t hang as a major league starter any longer. The next month or so will get awkward as the NL Central lead is within reach, but the Cardinals slip back every time Waino is trotted out there. Although not spectacular, McGreevy is the only Cards pitcher producing anything close to acceptable in AAA Memphis right now. I think he gets a shot at starts some point over this summer. (1% FAAB)

Jack Leiter (TEX, 16% CBS Ownership) – Leiter’s path to the Big Leagues is still very murky because the Rangers staff has stayed healthy (outside of Jacob deGrom, of course) and he sits on the outside looking in at a 40-man spot. It seems like Leiter really struggled to harness the new Southern League ball with a 6.75 ERA and 29:15 K:BB in 20 April innings. But he found his grip on the ball in May, tossing 27 innings at a 1.67 ERA with 33:13 K:BB. The prospect pedigree puts Leiter within reach of a Rangers rotation spot with just a few more injuries as Texas is going to brawl for the AL West division all summer. (3% FAAB)

RELIEVERS

10/12 Team Adds

Adbert Alzolay (CHC, 9% CBS Ownership) – Alzolay has settled into his bullpen role with Cubs, where his fastball plays up to 95 MPH. Mark Leiter Jr. has struggled of late, brings just a 91.5 MPH heater to the plate, and looks to be better situated for high-leverage work. All of those factors combine for a hot Adbert summer of saves if David Ross can get out of his own way. (3% FAAB)

QUICK HITS: Michael King (NYY, 46% CBS Ownership, 5% FAAB), Giovanny Gallegos (STL, 46% CBS Ownership, 5% FAAB), Miguel Castro (ARI, 41% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Bryan Abreu (HOU, 33% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Matt Strahm (PHI, 27% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Brusdar Graterol (LAD, 28% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Wandy Peralta (NYY, 18% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB)

15 Team Adds

Ben Joyce (LAA, 18% CBS Ownership) – The story with Joyce is pretty straightforward – throw the ball hard as you can, knowing the batters have zero chance of tracking it with their eyes. It’s a marvel to watch but can get wild, evident by his 18.6% walk rate in AA. So far in his two major league innings, Joyce has managed a 50% Zone Rate. His fastball is so good and out of such an odd slot that he can probably get away with piping it into the zone for a bit. Even if Joyce doesn’t supplant Carlos Estevez as the Angels’ closer, the volume of strikeouts will be useful as he could manage 50-60 of them out of the ‘pen down the stretch. (3% FAAB)

QUICK HITS: Josh Winckowski (BOS, 11% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Hunter Harvey (WSN, 9% CBS Ownership, 3-5% FAAB), Nick Anderson (ATL, 10% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Nate Pearson (TOR, 8% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Trevor Stephan (CLE, 7% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Peter Strzelecki (MIL, 6% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Jason Foley (DET, 3% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Jeremiah Estrada (CHC, 2% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Justin Lawrence (COL, 2% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Joe Kelly (CHW, 2% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Griffin Jax (MIN, 2% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB)

Only Team Adds

Orion Kerkering (PHI, 0% CBS Ownership) – Kerkering is buried deep in the Phillies system at A+ right now but is exactly the type of relief arm that can come up and help in the majors immediately. Even with Jose Alvarado returning soon, it’s hard to put much faith in a pitcher battling an elbow injury. And it’s always difficult to put faith in Mike Kimbrel’s son. That could open the pathway to some late-inning work if the Phillies want to maximize Kerkering’s bullets. And on the plus side, you get to own a dude named Orion Kerkering, easily a first ballot HOF baseball name. (1% FAAB)

Carlos Hernandez (KCR, 2% CBS Ownership) – With the baseball calendar turning to June, the trade deadline is looming large on the horizon. Jerry Dipoto is foaming at the mouth, ready for action. Two of the most obvious bullpen trade candidates are both in Kansas City between Scott Barlow and Aroldis Chapman. Hernandez could be the next man up in the Royals bullpen for saves, and if not, he’s offering superb rates with his 26.3% K-BB%, 3.54 ERA, and 2.83 FIP. That strikeout volume alone probably makes him worthy of ownership in AL-only leagues at this point. (3% FAAB)