In the world of fantasy sports, the elite leagues are where the real money is made, and the players who can gain an edge over their competitors are the ones who truly thrive. This week, we take a look at some of the most intriguing adds in these high-stakes leagues, focusing on players who are making waves and those who are quietly rising through the ranks. From power-hitting outfielders to promising young pitchers, these players are worth keeping an eye on, and I'll be sharing my thoughts on why they're worth adding to your roster.
One player who has been making waves is Lars Nootbaar. With a full season ahead of him, Nootbaar has the potential to be a 20-home run, 10-steal, .250-average player. His bat speed and contact percentage are both up, and his health seems to be in good shape after offseason surgery. However, his playing time is a concern, as he has a .700 OPS against lefties and a .765 OPS against righties. The Cardinals' decision to platoon him could be a key factor in his performance, and his first day off was against a lefty starter. This Saturday's game against another lefty starter will be a crucial test for Nootbaar.
Another player who has been making waves is Jared Young. In just 68 plate appearances, the 30-year-old has hit three home runs and is batting .271/.353/.475. However, his platooning situation is a bit of a mystery, as he has only faced right-handed starters and has only 7 plate appearances against lefties. His splits are not particularly large, but his power and batting average make him a solid add for those looking for an edge.
Michael Massey is another player who has been on a roll. His Isolated Power has tripled from .069 to .199, and his Bat Speed, Average Exit Velocity, and Hard Hit% are all career highs. He is on pace for 25 home runs per 600 plate appearances, making him a valuable addition to any roster.
Kyle Higashioka is a player who has been quietly rising through the ranks. His weekly projections are impressive, and he is likely to get playing time until Danny Jansen returns from the IL. While he doesn't provide a high batting average, his power and playing time make him a valuable addition to any roster.
Jacob Gonzalez is a player who has been making waves in the minors. Since being recalled, the 24-year-old has started eight of ten games at first base and is batting .333/.429/.458. While he only has one fewer home run than Fernando Tatis Jr., he led AAA with 19 home runs. His strikeout percentage is high, but his contact percentage is also high, making him a player worth keeping an eye on.
In the starting pitcher category, Jack Perkins is a player who has been making waves. While he has yet to throw in his last appearance, his stock is likely to soar if he pitches well. His fastball velocity has not dropped, and he throws a slider, change, and cutter. The pieces are there for him to be a great starter, making him a valuable addition to any roster.
Hunter Dobbins is another player who has been making waves. While his xFIP and K/9 in AAA were not impressive, his strikeouts in the majors have not been a problem. However, his walk rate is high, leading to a high WHIP. He attacks hitters with five different pitches, but his slider is suspect and has a release point that hitters know about. He could see some upside if he cleans up his repertoire and throws more strikes.
Andrew Alvarez is a player who has been making waves in the reliever category. While he only has two starts this season, his strikeouts and groundball rate are impressive. The 26-year-old lefty pitches backwards with his slider and curveball, and his WHIP is high due to his high groundball and walk rate. However, his strikeouts make him a valuable addition to any roster.
In conclusion, these players are worth keeping an eye on in the elite leagues. From power-hitting outfielders to promising young pitchers, they are making waves and rising through the ranks. Whether you're looking for an edge in the power category or a reliable starter, these players are worth adding to your roster. As always, I encourage you to do your own research and make informed decisions based on your league's specific needs and your own strategy.
