The season is a week old which means we finally have some real data to analyze. So let’s overreact to all of it. The best part about the early weeks of the season are the lesser known guys come out swinging and light the world on fire. First on the list is Akil Baddoo who is here to save your fantasy season. If you haven’t picked him up yet, stop reading right now and go grab him. You can ride the molten lava hot start while it lasts. Naturally the average will come down at some point but the power should remain and he has the tools to be stay in your lineup all season. He’s taking the league by storm after smacking a home run in his first at bat with his parents in the stands. It’s Baddoo’s world and we’re all just fortunate to be living in it.
Nick Castellanos came out of the gates hot. Grey doesn’t call him the Greek God of Hard Contact for nothing and he’s living up to his name so far. He leads all batters with 41 points. If you drafted him you’re very happy.
Ryan McMahon could be a guy who puts it all together and breaks out or could be the type you only consider when he’s in Coors. If he holds down a job at the hot corner he could be a very versatile bench piece. He’s most likely rostered but if he isn’t grab him while he’s hot.
Tyler Naquin checks in as the number two outfielder. What is in the water in Cincy? Anyhoo his position is fueled by his monster 7 RBI game. That said, he’s definitely a guy to watch if you find yourself needing reinforcements in the outfield.
Nate Lowe I wasn’t big on him going into the season but I’m intrigued by his start to the season especially if he’s going to have an everyday job.
Corey Seager it’s only one week but he’s got the top spot so far. He’s obviously rostered but he was number one based on the projections and for at least one week it’s holding true.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa Touched on him previously as a potential cheat code at catcher but he’s actually holding his own as an infielder. He probably won’t be an elite points league option but I like him as a depth piece
Byron Buxton has come out swinging. He has taken a couple walks so far, which is encouraging. That said, I would try and shop him to someone who buys into his 30/30 potential and that this is the year he finally puts it all together.
Yermin Mercedes You’ve no doubt heard about him by now. Hopefully you managed to snag him in leagues where he has catcher eligibility. Play him while he’s scalding hot and re-evaluate as the season goes.
Kevin Gausman has been a pleasant surprise so far with 13 strong innings. Double check just in case he’s available in your league. Don’t forget he gets half of his games at Oracle Park.
Jake McGee needs to be rostered in any league with RP slots. Gabe Kepler is sure to mess with our heads and not name a full time closer but McGee should rack up lots of Ks.
Freddy Peralta had a great first week for a reliever as he logged seven innings and 14 strikeouts. The Ks are great, obviously, but what should really excite you is that he’s going to get some starts as well.
John Means Is he legit? Yes and no. He has good stuff but plays in a hitters park and the AL East has some pretty intimidating offenses. He’s a guy to keep an eye on and I would try to pick him up if you have the room.
Nathan Eovaldi has only allowed two runs across 13 innings. If he can keep the free passes under control and keep getting deeper into the game as he did in his second start you’ve got a nice starter who may be available on the wire.
Ozzie Albies has been ice cold. We’re talking absolutely dreadful. But he’s too talented to keep hitting this poorly for the rest of the season. Hold tight, he’ll turn it around.
Cody Bellinger may be looking at some time on the IL which is partially to blame for his lackluster start. When he gets a clean bill of health, he’ll slot right back into that stacked Dodger lineup and start racking up the points.
Christian Yelich had a poor 2020 and is off to a similar start in 2021. It’s not like his talent just evaporated so I’m not worried about him.
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