I am happy to serve as the batter for this column this week. And since I’ve rarely had a chance to cover potential fantastic mics this year, I’ll keep the explanations brief and the recommendations plentiful. We’re going to get down to business.
Moreno should be fielded in twice as many leagues because he’s part of a very small group of receivers who can help fantastic managers with interceptions and batting average. It’s a great time to stream the .309 career hitter, as the D-backs, who rank seventh in baseball in runs scored, have 26 games out of the next 27 days.
Naylor has recovered from a slow start to the season (.761 OPS in May), but he belongs on the waiver line when the Guardians face two left-handed starters over the next three days. I’m putting the slugger in the article to remind him to pick it up Sunday night because he’s thriving against right-handers, and Cleveland is set to face seven next week.
I don’t expect DeJong to have any stamina, but he’s one of the hottest players in baseball, having produced six home runs and three interceptions since May 9. Managers should be prepared to follow this sequence until it ends.
Jake McCarthy (OF, Arizona Diamondbacks, 31%)
McCarthy was terrific last year, batting .283 with eight homers and 23 interceptions in just 99 games. He had a 106 pick ADP in 2023 on Yahoo drafts before getting off to an abysmal start (.467 OPS) and being sent to minors on April 25. The 25-year-old returns to the majors today and still has the skill set that made him so desirable this draft season.
I make an exception to include Thomas, who is over 50% listed, as he is on fire (.987 OPS in May) and comes out of the top spot. Now is the perfect time to give the 27-year-old a chance as he is expected to be part of a line-up that scores often against the lowly Royals this weekend.
Those in need of cheap speed can target Taveras, who has 34 interceptions in 732 career at-bats. He enjoyed a BABIP of .389 this year, but still deserves some credit for hitting .304 with an OPS of .775. And Taveras gets extra consideration in fantasy circles due to being part of a Rangers roster tied for first in the majors in runs scored.
Jose Siri (OF, Tampa Bay Rays, 7%)
Simply put, I love Siri as a stat-packed outfielder in an elite formation. The 27-year-old needed just 88 at-bats this year to produce eight homers and four interceptions. And in his career, Siri has compiled 19 homers and 21 interceptions in 435 at-bats.
Conforto brings a slugging component to the outfield group in this article, having recovered its power hit by hitting seven home runs this month. It’s a great time to grab the 30-year-old, as he has long held up better against right-handers and is expected to face right-handed starters in eight of his next nine games.
Tanner Bibee (SP, Cleveland Guardians, 46%)
Bibee’s listing rate might be my biggest complaint about Yahoo’s managers right now. The 24-year-old is an excellent pitcher, having recorded a 3.18 ERA and a 25:8 K:BB ratio in his first five MLB starts. He should be listed in virtually every league.
Garrett is a skilled pitcher who needed a few starts to find his groove this year, but he posted a 1.65 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 19:5 K:BB ratio during his stints. last three outings. His roster should be at least 65% and he should be released for a home game against the Padres next Tuesday.
Is it too early to call Shuster a post-hype sleeper? Absolutely. Still, the rookie boasts the same skills that garnered plenty of buzz in early April, before falling flat on his first two starts. Shuster struck out seven in seven run innings last time out, and he’ll face the Phillies tonight before getting a juicy game with the A’s early next week.
Miguel Castro (RP, Arizona Diamondbacks, 37%)
Although Andrew Chafin will continue to receive save chances, Castro has earned a significant chunk of the closer role. The right-hander has had three saves since May 12, and during that streak he hasn’t allowed any earned runs.