Studs are starting to look like studs and most of the hot wavier guys have already been snapped up. That means we need to start looking at some names that may have flown under the radar in your league but can provide an immediate boost to your team. This is where you make your move folks, finding the diamond in the rough, or at least the guys that are better than the rest of your league thinks they are. And away we go…
Tyrone Taylor – 5 home runs and 34 total bases over the past two weeks is certainly a player that you could use on your team. Unfortunately, his window of success and fantasy usefulness may be closing with Hunter Renfroe eligible to return from the IL on Friday. He’s worth a hold in deeper leagues to see if the Brewers decide they need his bat in the lineup.
M.J. Melendez – I absolutely love that he’s getting some run in the outfield, not for eligibility there (he’s a far more enticing option at catcher) but it shows the Royals believe in his bat and are committed to getting it into the lineup any way they can. Strikeouts are holding him back from huge fantasy numbers but he has what it takes to be a more than serviceable option behind the dish.
Nathaniel Lowe – He’s got a solid two-week run going but’s hard for me to get excited about him. Probably has to do with the lack of power or even extra-base hits (5 doubles and 3 bombs on the season. Big oof there. Deep league guy if you’re in a pinch but don’t invest too much.
Nolan Gorman – I’d guess he’s probably already rostered in your league but ESPN says he’s available in 60% of leagues so it doesn’t hurt to check. He’s struck out 10 times in only 31 at bats which is a bit alarming but fits what he did in the minors. Despite that, he’s rocking a .387 batting average and his xStats average of .329 is still mighty nice. When he connects, he makes solid contact and of course, comes with massive power potential. The Cards don’t seem to have called him up just to ride the pine. I want that kind of upside on my team, knowing that it comes with some negative point games.
Nico Hoerner – Not eye-popping numbers by any means but he has been racking up hits. Sadly singles have basically been his only path to points this season. He’s not hitting for extra bases and his counting stats are a bit lacking as well. Wow, after a ringing endorsement like that why wouldn’t you pick him up? Well, he’s got an everyday role since his IL stint so those singles will really have a chance to add up. If you’re in need of some middle infield relief he could be just what you need.
Ramon Urias – He’s basically free everywhere right now and with a .232 average and only 4 homeruns that’s totally understandable. His advanced stats say he should be posting higher numbers in the batting average and slugging department so there is reason for optimism. We may already be witnessing him turn things around over the past couple weeks and he’s been a top 10 shortstop over that period. In addition to short, he also qualifies at second and third. Ride the hot bat while you can.
Luis Guillorme – The sky high batting average is the first thing that catches my eye when peeping his stats. And while his current pace is unsustainable he figures to see more playing time now that Dominic Smith got himself demoted. He’s been money the past couple weeks and no one seems to have noticed.
Christopher Morel – As long as he’s getting regular playing time, he has value. That’s been the case the past couple weeks, appearing in 13 games, and he rewarded anyone bold enough to throw him in the lineup. He has speed and I’d like to see him turn that into more extra-base hits. Cutting down on the Ks would be nice too, but you can’t always get what you want.
David Peralta – Yeah the surrounding lineup leaves quite a bit to be desired with, as Grey put it “eight nine-hole hitters” but Peralta has been a fine play as a fifth outfielder all season. He shouldn’t be available in nearly 80% of leagues. He has some power and the speed for extra-base hits. You could do a lot worse for your last outfielder.
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