Fantasy Baseball 2023: News/Notes/Articles

[HacheMan]

Fantasy baseball: Boston awaits the next serious stolen base asset​

ESPN PLUS $ MATERIAL

Stolen bases are all the rage in this new, more exciting baseball season and four rookie-eligible players have already reached double-digits in the category. Arizona Diamondbacks OF Corbin Carroll and New York Yankees SS Anthony Volpe were supposed to be great, and Oakland Athletics OF Esteury Ruiz and Pittsburgh Pirates 2B/OF Ji Hwan Bae are certainly helpful. Fantasy baseball managers tend to be more starved for stolen bases in roto category leagues, and they should keep an eye on the next wave of runners soon to debut.

Boston Red Sox 2B David Hamilton is clearly someone to watch, as the 25-year-old stole 71 bases last season at Double-A Portland, and he has swiped 14 bases in 17 attempts over his first 23 games at Triple-A Worcester this season. Hamilton, once a Milwaukee Brewers prospect acquired in the Hunter Renfroe trade, bats left-handed, makes strong contact, plays both middle infield positions and he is slugging .578. The big league team lacks middle-infield production, so Hamilton is in play for promotion soon.

Fantasy managers checking the stolen base leaderboards in the minor leagues should bypass older, journeyman types such as outfielders Greg Allen and Bradley Zimmer and focus on younger players with perhaps untapped upside. Ruiz is a great example of a solid prospect who just needed a chance, and two organizations (Padres, Brewers) moved on, but Oakland plays him regularly. Many overlooked Pittsburgh's Bae as well, but he's worthy of playing. They likely were free agent pickups in your league, and each might steal 50 bases.

Los Angeles Dodgers OF James Outman and Brewers OF Joey Wiemer and 2B Brice Turang are other rookies stealing bases and seeing regular playing time. Little is guaranteed when it comes to young players and stolen base upside, though. Speedy Washington Nationals SS CJ Abrams exhausted his rookie eligibility last season, and we still wait for him to pile on the steals and runs. Be patient. We know Red Sox OF Jarren Duran can run, too, but he has to hit in order to play. Sometimes, it just takes time.

Here are some other players currently in the minor leagues to watch for stolen bases this season.

Brayan Rocchio, SS, Cleveland Guardians: Rocchio, 22, got a brief call-up to the majors a few weeks ago when starting SS Amed Rosario nursed a sore back, but he did not appear in a game. His path to further promotion likely depends on the health of Rosario and 2B Andres Gimenez. Rocchio is hitting .351 for Triple-A Columbus with nine steals in as many chances, after stealing 14 bases a season ago. Like everyone else here, all he needs is a chance.

Matt McLain, SS, Cincinnati Reds: This first-round pick from 2021 boasts a 1.039 OPS at Triple-A Louisville with eight steals in 12 chances, with encouraging changes in his walk, strikeout and contact rates from last season. The Reds seem loaded with shortstop prospects, but don't let that dissuade you from investing in McLain. He'll get promoted this summer to play somewhere on the diamond.

Masyn Winn, SS, St. Louis Cardinals: Winn, a second-round pick in the 2020 draft perhaps best known for his ridiculous arm, is not off to a great start at the plate for Triple-A Memphis, but he can defend, and he can run. Winn has eight steals in nine attempts. It seems unlikely that Paul DeJong will hit well for long, and Tommy Edman isn't really a shortstop.

Zac Veen, OF, Colorado Rockies: A first-round pick in 2020, the wiry Veen stole 55 bases last season and he is 6-for-6 early on for Double-A Hartford, though he is currently on the 7-day IL due to wrist inflammation. Veen, 21, is more of a dynasty league stash than one likely to impact leagues this season, and many doubt if he will develop relevant power. However, if he does, with his pending future home ballpark, watch out.

Royce Lewis, SS, Minnesota Twins: Lewis is recovering from his second ACL tear, but he remains a top prospect capable of making immediate impact. Lewis hit .321 with 12 steals at Triple-A St. Paul last season and earned a big league promotion, where he hardly looked overwhelmed. The Twins certainly have room in the outfield for Lewis to contribute.

Zack Gelof, 2B, Athletics: Gelof, who played a key role for Team Israel in the World Baseball Classic, is not regarded as a top prospect, and he stole only 10 bases across two minor-league levels last season. He's already 9-for-9 on steals at Triple-A Las Vegas this season, with far better plate discipline, and since this is the Athletics, there should be opportunity.

Samad Taylor, 2B, Kansas City Royals: Some of us kept an eye on Taylor and his intriguing numbers when he was in the Blue Jays organization, though few viewed him as an intriguing prospect. The Royals acquired him in the Whit Merrifield trade. Taylor, 24, is hitting .324 with 12 steals at Triple-A Omaha, and he can play the outfield. One would think Taylor, who impressed this past Spring Training, gets a big-league chance soon.

Tyler Black, 2B, Brewers: Black is handling third base at Double-A Biloxi, and he has stolen 11 bases in 12 chances along with more walks than strikeouts and a .550 slugging percentage. That seems interesting! Black may not be a noteworthy prospect, but his plate discipline, energy, and defensive versatility may get him a big-league chance this season.

Luisangel Acuna, SS, Texas Rangers: The younger brother of Atlanta Braves superstar Ronald Acuna Jr. is only 21 but we can't help but notice the .350 batting average and 10 stolen bases at Double-A Frisco. Acuna is considerably smaller than his brother and lacks the same power potential, but he can run. The Rangers might move Acuna to another position with Corey Seager signed forever, but we should invest in the skills and assume the role figures itself out.

Dynasty options to watch: Jordan Lawlar, SS, Diamondbacks; Jonatan Clase, OF, Seattle Mariners; Johan Rojas, OF, Philadelphia Phillies; Kahlil Watson and Jordan McCants, SS, Miami Marlins.

Notable pitching debuts​

Big league teams do not seem to be scared of promoting their starting pitching prospects this season, with quite a few fastball-throwing, right-handers making their debuts in recent weeks. The Baltimore Orioles started the trend with Grayson Rodriguez, who may be their top rotation option soon/already, and the Tampa Bay Rays followed with Taj Bradley, who, despite winning each of his three starts, earned a trip back to Triple-A Durham for more (hopefully temporary) seasoning.


Earlier this week, the Mariners jumped Bryce Miller from Double-A to the majors, where he fanned 10 hitters with nary a walk while facing off with Oakland's Mason Miller, who didn't allow any hits in his second big league start. Talk about Miller time! The Guardians gave Tanner Bibee a shot just days after lefty Logan Allen got his chance and then, on Wednesday, the Diamondbacks and Dodgers promoted Brandon Pfaadt and Gavin Stone, respectively, though neither fared so well. Still, this is incredible. So many excellent pitching prospects debuting in just a few weeks!

Who's next? Well, the Dodgers should give RHP Bobby Miller his chance soon, and Cleveland has RHP Gavin Williams ready to go. Fantasy managers should not worry about whether their favorite pitching prospects are in Double-A or Triple-A. Organizations with Pacific Coast League entries are showing they have no issues with their top arms skipping that level due to the high-altitude ballparks. Young lefties Eury Perez of the Marlins and Ricky Tiedemann of the Toronto Blue Jays could skip Triple-A as well.

Just be careful here, fantasy managers. There is no telling which pitchers will initially succeed and which will not and, as the Bradley situation showed, even if an organization preaches confidence and security, they can change their collective minds. In ESPN's shallow leagues, take a chance on upside but be wary the pitchers you part with. For example, reliable veterans such as Arizona's Merrill Kelly, the Cubs' Marcus Stroman and Tigers lefty Eduardo Rodriguez might be better options.

 

[HacheMan]

Fantasy baseball: Philadelphia's bullpen has been a pleasant surprise​

ESPN PLUS $ MATERIAL

Philadelphia Phillies LHP Jose Alvarado was so erratic last May that the organization demoted him to Triple-A Lehigh Valley for a few weeks. Alvarado always had intriguing stuff, but he could not command it and often had little idea where it was going. Fantasy baseball managers wanted no part of Alvarado, of course. In a crowded Philadelphia bullpen that includes potential Hall of Famer Craig Kimbrel, who is approaching 400 career saves, few in ESPN standard leagues invested in Alvarado for this season.

Today, Alvarado is arguably the best relief pitcher in the sport. He ranks fifth among closers on ESPN's Player Rater (roto) and third in points formats, entering this May as a truly dominant pitcher having permitted just one earned run over 12⅓ innings. The erratic guy who issued 47 walks over 55⅔ innings in 2021 has issued nary a free pass, and he has struck out 55.8% of hitters he has faced. He has saves in five of his last six appearances.

Alvarado gets the early-season nod for fantasy relief pitcher MVP when taking into context preseason expectations and draft day value. Pittsburgh Pirates RHP David Bednar, San Diego Padres LHP Josh Hader, Cleveland Guardians RHP Emmanuel Clase and Baltimore Orioles RHP Felix Bautista rank better for relievers on the Player Rater, each boasting more saves ... and a top-100 draft day investment. None has been as dominant as Alvarado, the most-added reliever in ESPN leagues, but still available in more than 40% of them.

The Phillies added Kimbrel and former Detroit Tigers closer Gregory Soto to a group including Alvarado and RHP Seranthony Dominguez, clouding the saves picture enough that none of these fellows were coveted by fantasy managers. Most believed Kimbrel, who does have three saves in 13 appearances, would handle the ninth inning much of the time. Alvarado, refining his fastball/cutter mix last summer, flew under the radar. He posted a 1.85 ERA and a 0.82 WHIP after the All-Star break, fanning 43% of batters faced, and he was a key contributor in the playoffs. Knowing Kimbrel's struggles, perhaps the rise of Alvarado to closing isn't so stunning.

The first month-plus of the 2023 season has seen marginal turnover among closers, with more than a third of save situations still relatively fluid, and, because of the nature of bad teams, irrelevant. However, Alvarado, Seattle Mariners RHP Paul Sewald and New York Mets RHP David Robertson lead the way as prime free-agent pickups nearly as valuable as the top options. Don't spend top-100 draft picks on relievers. Get bats and aces. The relievers are always out there during the season, especially now that holds matter in ESPN standard leagues.

Stock up​

Carlos Estevez, Los Angeles Angels: The former Colorado Rockies setup man ceded early-season saves to LHP Jose Quijada, but now boasts saves in four consecutive outings. This might have happened even if Quijada remained healthy. Estevez struggled with command early, but he hasn't issued a walk over his last five appearances. He looks to be on his way to 30-plus saves.

A.J. Puk, Miami Marlins: The former Oakland Athletics setup man gives off a Hader vibe with his intimidating build (he's 6-foot-7) and electric lefty motion, and he has the numbers to back up the comparison as well. Puk has two wins and four saves over his last six outings, and he has issued only two walks all season. RHP Dylan Floro has value for holds, but Puk is the Miami reliever you want.

Bryan Abreu, Houston Astros: Abreu filled in for closer Ryan Pressly with a pair of saves two weekends ago -- more proof that he had become the team's top setup man and next in line for the ninth inning. Pressly, 34, served a pair of IL stints last season and likely gets handled carefully again for a team thinking mainly about October. Abreu was the better pitcher last season, and he should sail past 30 saves-plus-holds.

Stock down​

Ryan Helsley, St. Louis Cardinals: Helsey still reaches triple-digits with his wicked fastball, but he has shown less command of the pitch so far, resulting in a return of his worrisome walk rate from 2021. Former closer Giovanny Gallegos, however, has pitched great so far. The Cardinals seem likely to turn their rough start around -- which they always seem to do -- and someone will earn saves. Three Cardinals relief pitchers are among the leaders (on the unlucky side) in BABIP, including Helsley, so be patient. Nevertheless, Gallegos lurks.

Clay Holmes, New York Yankees: The last-place Yankees (OK, so they are 15-15) have had only one save in the past three weeks, and that one went to Michael King, who continues to thrive in a multi-inning role but might force manager Aaron Boone to reconsider. Holmes isn't struggling so much, though his once-dominant groundball rate is merely average now. The two runs he permitted on Monday were unearned due to his own error and, as with the Cardinals, the saves should return when the team improves. However, as with the Cardinals, another reliever or two (Wandy Peralta) may join him in the saves mix.

A.J. Minter, Atlanta Braves: Expected closer Raisel Iglesias (shoulder) should return from his IL stint this week and Minter, who has permitted runs in four of his past five outings can no longer make a justifiable case to share the role. His ERA is 8.56, though again, a bloated BABIP plays some part in that. Atlanta's top relievers in points leagues so far have been LHP Dylan Lee and RHP Nick Anderson. Holds count!

 

[HacheMan]

Fantasy baseball: Yankees and Orioles both waiting on the next big swing​

ESPN PLUS $ MATERIAL

New York Yankees outfield prospect Jasson Dominguez has been an instant fantasy baseball stash in dynasty and keeper leagues since he was a high-profile international signing at the ripe old age of 16. He's 20 years old now and batting second on a nightly basis for the Double-A Somerset Patriots. I watched him play in person in New Jersey this week and my first thought, I have to admit, was about his height. He's solidly built, but he's not exactly Aaron Judge, either.

Dominguez is listed at 5-foot-9 but is a sturdy 190 pounds and with a muscular body teeming with raw power, not to mention excellent bat speed. Frankly, it reminded me a bit of St. Louis Cardinals OF Tyler O'Neill in that respect. These guys are strong. Dominguez switch-hits. and I saw him bat from the left side, where he has struggled this season, hitting .188, albeit with eight of his 15 hits going for extra bases. Dominguez hit .140 overall in April, but he is at .280 this month, with excellent plate discipline. Overall, he has five home runs and 13 stolen bases. Fantasy managers anxiously await his big league arrival.

It seems plausible that despite his youth, had Dominguez hit considerably better in April, he might already be a fixture in the Yankees' lineup and handling center field. After all, the Yankees gave SS Anthony Volpe a chance to win a big league starting job this spring after fewer than 100 Triple-A plate appearances -- and he seized the opportunity. Dominguez certainly impressed in spring training as well. However, he struggled in April, and we must remember the pandemic cost him valuable experience. Dominguez is adjusting well now, though. He homered, stole a base and scored four times on Tuesday versus Reading (Pennsylvania).

Other than the amazing Judge, and the surprising Harrison Bader, the Yankees certainly have room in their outfield, which currently underwhelms with journeymen Jake Bauers and Willie Calhoun and the struggling Aaron Hicks and Oswaldo Cabrera, but there is little reason to believe a promotion to the majors is imminent. Dominguez is a future star, but he is still young and inexperienced. Volpe is two years older. Dominguez is likely to see at least some action at Triple-A first, regardless of how the Yankees' outfield plays this summer.

Still, this is exciting, and many of us have waited years. Dominguez boasts five-category roto upside, and we all crave it. While he offers a mature plate approach plus significant raw power, and he is a solid defender, do not presume we see him (famous last words, amiright?) in 2023. Expect that he gets the chance to win the center field job in 2024.

Meanwhile, in Baltimore ...​

The Baltimore Orioles are not only one of the top big league teams by record so far this season, but their Triple-A team, the Norfolk Tides, are leading the International League as well. We have known for a while the Orioles boasted some of the top prospects in the sport for fantasy baseball managers to dream about, and we have already seen C Adley Rutschman, SS/3B Gunnar Henderson and RHP Grayson Rodriguez get promoted. So, who's next?

OF Colton Cowser is hitting .336 with seven home runs and a 1.044 OPS over 36 games, and he has twice been named International League Player of the Week. He went 11-for-22 last week with two home runs and five RBIs. Cowser, a left-handed batter and the franchise's first-round draft pick in 2021, did not project as a star, but as a reliable regular with modest power and likely a high OBP, and this season he has not been overwhelmed versus left-handed pitching.

IF Jordan Westburg is hitting .321 with 11 home runs and a 1.021 OPS over 32 games, and while he was drafted in 2020 as a shortstop, he can play anywhere in the infield, and the organization has given him chances in the corner outfield as well. Westburg bats right-handed and offers more power than Cowser -- and he has it to all fields, though it comes with perhaps a middling batting average. Westburg has solid plate discipline as well.

It really is a bit of an embarrassment of riches for the Orioles, who employ Henderson at third base, seemingly rejuvenated journeyman Jorge Mateo at shortstop (although he has struggled over the past few weeks) and have no shortage of useful outfielders as well. SS Joey Ortiz has a .895 OPS for Norfolk and has been promoted several times to the majors to help hit left-handed pitching while playing second base. 2B/OF Connor Norby is another solid prospect, though he is not doing much at Triple-A.

Prior to the season, when all the information we had on Mateo was that he excels defensively and can steal myriad bases but struggles to actually get on base, it was easy to surmise that the Orioles would replace him. It's mid-May now and that feeling remains, as Mateo started May on a 4-for-40 slump. Henderson, Ortiz and Westburg can all play shortstop. Regardless, the lineup is at least a bat short, and either Cowser or Westburg could force a promotion any day. Fantasy managers in deeper formats should target both youngsters. I'd go with Cowser in points formats, and Westburg in roto.


Of course, the best Baltimore prospect now that Henderson and Rodriguez have graduated from that status remains 19-year-old SS Jackson Holliday, the son of former Colorado Rockies OF Matt Holliday. Matt's kid is thriving this season between two A-ball levels, posting a 1.206 OPS with more walks than strikeouts and 10 stolen bases in 13 chances. Holliday just missed hitting for the cycle twice this week, going 8-for-9 with six extra-base hits, 11 RBIs and a stolen base in a two-game span! He should be rostered in all dynasty formats already, and we might see him in the major leagues late next season.

Rodriguez, by the way, is proving to fantasy managers why it is far riskier to rely on a young pitcher than a young hitter. Sure, young hitters do struggle as well -- Henderson is hitting .180, albeit with walks and a depressed BABIP. Sitll, he will be fine. Rodriguez might be back in Norfolk soon, as he has permitted seven home runs over his past three big league outings, and he has yet to complete six innings in any of his eight starts. He's having some bad luck, too, but left-handers are hitting .328 and slugging .639 off him. The Orioles don't have pitching prospects to replace him. Fantasy managers might want to wait until 2024 with him.

 

[HacheMan]

Fantasy baseball: A closer look at all 30 bullpens​

ESPN PLUS $ MATERIAL

For those of you who read Monday's fantasy baseball column, we went team-by-team at the quarter mark of this season with potential pickups to consider. Well, now we turn our focus to the bullpens! There is so much time left in this 2023 season, and there is much value to be had on the waiver wire, especially with relief pitchers.

So here we go, with a look at whom MLB managers will be handing the ball to in high-leverage situations, in order of team record entering the week.

The Tampa Bay Rays activated RHP Pete Fairbanks from the IL this week, and most people assume he will earn the saves over RHP Jason Adam. Then again, shouldn't we also assume Fairbanks needs another IL stint this season? Probably. Roster them both, but neither right-hander averages more than 5.0 fantasy points per outing.

Baltimore Orioles RHP Yennier Cano is one of the greatest surprises of the season, still unscored upon (and no walks!) through 19⅔ innings. Felix Bautista is the closer. These guys rank 1-2 among relievers (other than Spencer Strider) on the Player Rater. You know, each could end up as a top-five scorer among relievers. What are you waiting for? Add Cano (42.5% rostered) now.

RHP Evan Phillips is the top reliever on the Los Angeles Dodgers, and lately he has been earning the saves, too. Some really want to stash RHP Daniel Hudson (knee), but it may be a while before he see his 2023 debut. RHP Brusdar Graterol isn't so special. However, LHP Caleb Ferguson may earn more than 20 holds.

RHP Jose Leclerc had his chance and may get more down the road, but the Texas Rangers are going with LHP Will Smith to close games for now. He's not great, but this may be the third franchise for which he nets 30 saves. RHP Jonathan Hernandez seems next in line while Leclerc struggles in a non-key role.

RHP Raisel Iglesias is not going to be perfect for the Atlanta Braves, and perhaps he ends up getting booted from the closing role a time or two over the course of this long season. Still, he's the one to roster in fantasy. Drop LHP A.J. Minter in favor of RHP Nick Anderson if you're

The Toronto Blue Jays have few worries here with RHP Jordan Romano, a top-five closer, handling the ninth inning. RHP Erik Swanson has surpassed RHP Yimi Garcia for the top setup role.

There are no worries for the Milwaukee Brewers, either. RHP Devin Williams isn't getting many save chances, but don't blame him. Still, something to consider in fantasy is that Williams has thrown fewer innings than all of the other stable closers. It matters.

RHP Jhoan Duran is twice as rostered as RHP Jorge Lopez -- and Duran has twice as many saves. Lopez feels like a decent, safe reliever to roster, though, as 4.0 fantasy points per game is useful. RHP Griffin Jax is no longer in demand.

You can't rule anything out with the Arizona Diamondbacks. LHP Andrew Chafin and RHP Miguel Castro appear to be sharing the closer role based on matchups. Hey, that stinks for us, but it's smart for a big league manager. I'd say not to bother with RHP Scott McGough, but he remains in play. At least he's not Mark Melancon.

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone seems to be leaning toward LHP Wandy Peralta and RHP Michael King based on matchups now, as RHP Clay Holmes hasn't saved a win in more than a month. I say invest in King first until they trade for someone in July.

The bullpen remains a relative strength for the reeling Pittsburgh Pirates, with RHP David Bednar closing. RHP Colin Holderman is a nice story, but a bit too hittable.

RHP Kenley Jansen gets nearly every Boston Red Sox save chance, and he even earned his 400th career save recently, but reports of his sudden dominance were a bit unfounded. He's still a risk, even though he has found more velocity than ever. RHP Josh Winckowski is a nice sleeper saves candidate.

When healthy, the Houston Astros will go with RHP Ryan Pressly for saves, but we should expect an IL stint or two. RHP Bryan Abreu is next in line and he's quite a bit better. Then comes RHP Hector Neris. Abreu should be more popular.

It took a while, but the Los Angeles Angels eventually turned to RHP Carlos Estevez and now he's earning all the saves. Veteran LHP Matt Moore, however, is a solid holds option and seems safe for run prevention. Yep, his career turnaround is stunning.

Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson seems to want LHP Jose Alvarado, when healthy, to handle most of the saves, in tandem with RHP Craig Kimbrel, who should also surpass 400 career saves soon. Alvarado should come off the IL this week. Expect both to save more than 15 games. Do not expect RHP Seranthony Dominguez and LHP Gregory Soto to do so.
bly earns their next save, whatever month that is, but you should do better in fantasy.

 

[HacheMan]

Many of us coveted Seattle Mariners RHP Andres Munoz (shoulder) back in March, but he barely pitched and it may be at least another month on the shelf for him. Ah, reliever volatility! RHP Paul Sewald could save 30 games. RHP Justin Topa is next in line for now -- not RHP Matt Brash and his terribly unlucky .513 BABIP.

RHP David Robertson is one of the top relievers in the league so far (No. 10 RP on the Rater), but New York Mets manager Buck Showalter will use him in the eighth inning depending on matchups, too. RHP Adam Ottavino should earn double-digit saves. Stash injured RHP Edwin Diaz for 2024 in dynasty formats.

Miami Marlins LHP A.J. Puk (elbow) has been a pleasant surprise, though he is now on the IL and nerve irritation is a bit worrisome. RHP Dylan Floro and LHP Tanner Scott probably split closing duties, but some of us wonder if RHP Huascar Brazoban and his big strikeout rate should get a chance. What does this team have to lose?

The Chicago Cubs have 19 wins and nobody with more than two saves. Weird. RHP Mark Leiter Jr. leads their relievers in fantasy points, and he may start to see most of the save chances soon. RHP Adbert Alzolay is more of a multi-inning option. RHPs Michael Fulmer and Brad Boxberger just aren't so good.

The Cleveland Guardians boast a terrific bullpen, led by RHP Emmanuel Clase, arguably the top fantasy reliever. Still, investing in RHPs Eli Morgan, James Karinchak and Trevor Stephan for safe innings also works.

San Diego Padres LHP Josh Hader is dominating again, but keep an eye on RHP Nick Martinez, who was starting, but now is earning holds. We may not see RHP Robert Suarez this season.

RHP Alex Lange is pitching quite well for the Detroit Tigers, and warrants more attention in fantasy.

Cincinnati Reds RHP Alexis Diaz curiously remains available in more than 50% of ESPN leagues, even though he appears to be a top-10 closer. Do not bother with Cincinnati setup men.

As with Lange in Detroit, the Washington Nationals are not a good baseball team, but when they win, they tend to offer save chances to closer RHP Kyle Finnegan. RHP Hunter Harvey, however, sure feels like he offers more closing upside, should he get the chance.

It's all RHP Camilo Doval for San Francisco Giants manager Gabe Kapler, and if you must roster one of the Rogers twins, go with the submarining RHP Tyler Rogers.

The Colorado Rockies aren't getting many save chances, but RHP Pierce Johnson remains their option until RHP Daniel Bard stops walking hitters. Perhaps he will soon, but perhaps not. Regardless, stop expecting Bard's 2022 season again. Veteran LHP Brent Suter actually leads this bullpen in fantasy points, but don't add him, either.

RHP Ryan Helsley remains the top St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher, but RHP Giovanny Gallegos could save double digits, too. This team is already turning things around. Adding Helsley seems wise.

The Chicago White Sox should get RHP Liam Hendriks (cancer) back soon -- perhaps later this week. We all want him to succeed. RHP Reynaldo Lopez is a reminder of relief volatility. Last year, he was terrific and permitted only one home run in 65⅓ innings. This year, he has already served up six home runs in 17⅔ innings. Ah, relievers.

There's not much to save for the Kansas City Royals, but RHP Scott Barlow is the preferred closing choice over LHP Aroldis Chapman. Each could be saving games for other teams (Yankees, Dodgers) by August.

The Oakland Athletics have four saves for their nine wins, with their save leader currently unemployed (Jeurys Familia). RHP Zach Jackson proba

 

[HacheMan]

Fantasy baseball: Rising Reds ready to reload​

ESPN PLUS $ MATERIAL

Give the Cincinnati Reds credit. Coming off a season in which they lost 100 games almost deliberately, the Reds knew something special could happen in 2023 with numerous top infield prospects ready to emerge. Perhaps fantasy managers were initially skeptical, but 3B/1B Spencer Steer and SS Matt McLain are -- deservingly -- two of the most-added players in ESPN standard leagues. SS Elly De La Cruz, likely the next to be promoted, may be the best of the trio, while 3B Christian Encarnacion-Strand also looks special.

Let's start with De La Cruz, 21, for he is a switch-hitter with electrifying power and speed, and he has answered questions about his plate discipline at Triple-A Louisville. He keeps hitting tape-measure home runs and showing off his incredible athleticism, while also nearly doubling his walk rate and cutting down on the strikeouts. De La Cruz has mashed five home runs over the last 10 days, including a game-winner, while also stealing bases and flashing defense. The quasi-contending Reds seem likely to promote De La Cruz soon.

As for which position De La Cruz will play in the major leagues, well, fantasy managers shouldn't worry about it. All these fellows will play somewhere. McLain is also a natural shortstop, so there is speculation about De La Cruz shifting over to second base. 2B Jonathan India is not Gold Glove-caliber, but the 2021 NL Rookie of the Year is a productive leadoff hitter. Former No. 2 overall pick (2016) Nick Senzel has finally settled in at third base, and he is having his best season, but Encarnacion-Strand is slugging .732 at Louisville. Steer has already been steered over to first base, though Encarnacion-Strand may end up there. Someone is moving to the outfield. It's a good problem to have!

There is good reason why ESPN MLB Insider Kiley McDaniel labeled De La Cruz as his top prospect in his most-recent rankings, noting he continues to "improve his polish at the plate while also continuing to show eye-popping 70- and 80-grade tools all over the field" and fantasy managers should pay attention. These are Ronald Acuna Jr. skills for power and speed and, if he can bring his newfound plate discipline to the top level, we may have a dynasty building block. Steer and McLain look terrific, but De La Cruz, currently rostered in just 9.1% of ESPN standard leagues, may be even better. Add him now.

Other prospecting thoughts​

Fantasy managers are unlikely to see many of the other top prospects in McDaniel's updated rankings anytime soon, and one assumes these fellows are rostered in your dynasty formats. Miami Marlins RHP Eury Perez is pitching well, though he will lose his rookie eligibility soon. Boston Red Sox SS Marcelo Mayer and Washington Nationals OF James Wood both got promoted to Double-A this week, while Baltimore Orioles SS Jackson Holliday is dominating at High-A. Milwaukee Brewers OF Jackson Chourio, still a teenager, may move to Triple-A soon.

St. Louis Cardinals 3B Jordan Walker, the mid-round fantasy pick who struggled with plate discipline and defense and wound up in Triple-A before April ended, doesn't have flashy numbers at Memphis, but he has been hitting well lately, while drawing walks and showing competency in right field, according to reports. Remember, this is a third baseman who cannot play there in the majors because Nolan Arenado wins every Gold Glove award. Walker should hit big-league pitching, but those still rostering him (21.9%) in redraft formats should reconsider and add De La Cruz instead. The Cardinals have depth, and trades tend to wait until late-July. Walker may not return to the majors until he forces a promotion and the team makes room for him.

We probably will not see Tampa Bay Rays 3B Junior Caminero in the majors this season, for he is only 19 and just got promoted to Double-A, but he sure did damage at High-A Bowling Green in his 36 games, hitting .356 with 11 home runs. Caminero may still be available in your dynasty league. As for other Rays we may see in 2023, 1B Kyle Manzardo boasts an .887 OPS with power and plate discipline, and seems merely an injury to Yandy Diaz, Isaac Paredes or Harold Ramirez away from promotion. Do not assume he struggles as Red Sox 1B Triston Casas has. Meanwhile, 2B Curtis Mead has not hit well this season and is on the injured list with a wrist injury.

The news that Minnesota Twins SS Royce Lewis will not play the outfield this rookie season (in an effort to keep him healthy) is actually good news for fantasy managers. We want him healthy after a pair of torn right ACLs over the last few seasons. Lewis seems likely to add 3B-eligibility rather shortly, and there seems little doubt he can hit for power and steal bases. Just. Stay. Healthy.

Wanna feel old? San Diego Padres C Ethan Salas made his minor-league debut this week for Single-A Lake Elsinore. He was born in 2006. Man, some of us felt old in 2006. Salas is a must-roster in dynasty formats, and perhaps he debuts in the major leagues while still a teenager as he doesn't turn 20 until June 1, 2026. Still, it seems to me there are better short-term investments for overeager fantasy managers. He's a catcher, so defense is also a priority, and progress there is hardly linear. Also, much can change in three or four years. Chourio, for example, may debut if the Brewers need him this year. Some of us just cannot look years ahead when there are titles to win now.