I’m happy to serve as pinch-hitter for this column this week. And since I’ve rarely had the opportunity to cover potential fantasy pickups this year, I’m going to keep the explanations brief and the recommendations plentiful. let’s get down to business.
Moreno should be nominated twice as many leagues, as he is part of a very small group of catchers who can help fantasy managers with both steals and batting average. This is a good time to get career flowing. 309 hitter as a D-back, who ranks seventh in baseball in runs scored, in games on 26 of the next 27 days.
Naylor has recovered from a slow start to the season (.761 OPS in May), but he is on the waiver wire when the Guardians face two left-handed starters over the next three days. I’m keeping the slugger in the article as a reminder to pick Sunday night, as he thrives against right-handers, and Cleveland is set to face seven of them next week.
I don’t expect De Jong to have staying power, but he is one of the hottest players in baseball, having produced six homers and three steals since May 9. Managers should be ready to ride this hot streak until it ends.
Jake McCarthy (OF, Arizona Diamondbacks, 31%)
McCarthy was terrific last year, batting .283 with eight homers and 23 steals in just 99 games. He had an ADP of pick 106 in the 2023 Yahoo Draft before getting off to a poor start (.467 OPS) and being sent to the minors on April 25. The 25-year-old is returning to the majors today and still has the skill set that made him so desirable during draft season.
I’m making an exception to include Thomas, who is rostered over 50%, because he’s on fire (.987 OPS in May) and running out of leadoff slots. This is the right time to give the 27-year-old a chance as he should be part of the lineup that scores against the Royals this weekend.
Those in need of cheap speed can target Taveras, who has 34 steals in 732 career at-bats. He has benefited from a .389 BABIP this year but still deserves some credit for hitting .304 with a .775 OPS. And Taveras gets extra consideration in fantasy circles because his membership in the Rangers lineup ranks first in the majors in runs scored.
Jose Siri (OF, Tampa Bay Rays, 7%)
Simply put, I love Siri as a stat-stuffing outfielder in an elite lineup. The 27-year-old needs just 88 at-bats to hit eight homers and four steals this year. And in his career, Siri has 19 homers and 21 steals in 435 at-bats.
Conforto brings up a slugging component in this article for the outfield group, which reclaimed its power stroke this month by hitting seven homers. It is the right time to get hold of the 30-year-old, as he has been at his best against right-handed batsmen for a long time and faces right-handed starters in eight of his next nine matches.
Tanner Beebee (SP, Cleveland Guardian, 46%)
BB’s roster rate might be my biggest complaint about Yahoo managers right now. The 24-year-old is a terrific pitcher, posting a 3.18 ERA and 25:8 K:BB ratio over his first five MLB starts. He should be on the roster in almost every league.
Garrett is a skilled hurler who needed a few starts this year to find his rhythm, but has posted a 1.65 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 19:5 K:BB ratio in his last three starts. His roster rate must be at least 65%, and he should be streamed for next Tuesday’s home matchup against the Padres.
Is it too early to call Shuster a post-hype sleeper? Absolutely. Still, the rookie has the same skillset that led to a lot of buzz in early April before falling flat on his face during his first two starts. Shuster struck out seven batters in seven innings of one-run ball last time out, and he faces the Phillies tonight before getting to a juicy matchup with the A’s early next week.
Miguel Castro (RP, Arizona Diamondbacks, 37%)
Although Andrew Chaffin will continue to get a few save chances, Castro has earned a significant portion of the closer’s role. The right-hander has posted three saves since May 12, and has not allowed an earned run during that time.
