Many players are poised to be much more valuable in a week or two than they are now. This list includes some prospects who will debut this weekend or are expected to get the call in the coming days, as well as some players who will soon return from injuries. Finally, there are two relievers in this week’s 10-pack who could step into the role of closers in late July. And for those who need immediate help, some undervalued outfielders are also present in the group.
A year after being drafted sixth overall, Wilson will make his MLB debut against the Angels this weekend. The 22-year-old will be an immediate factor in the points leagues thanks to his incredibly low strikeout rates and ability to rack up doubles.
His value is less certain in roto formats, as he will help batting average but may not contribute many home runs or steals. Wilson posted a ridiculous .438 average across three levels this year, but accumulated just seven home runs and two steals in 185 at-bats.
Mayo will be the most sought-after hitter to make his major league debut in the second half. The 22-year-old has dominated pitchers throughout his minor league career, with 2024 being the best of his four campaigns (1.030 OPS). And his timing is impeccable, as the Orioles’ productive lineup has a glaring hole in the infield. Baltimore GM Mike Elias recently commented that Mayo’s debut will happen soon, which means he needs to be hidden now.
Perhaps overshadowed by Reds outfielder Rece Hinds, Butler didn’t get the fantasy attention he deserved for recording a three-home run game last Sunday. And his recent work covers much more than one contest, as Butler hit .317 with seven home runs, 17 RBI, 10 runs and two steals in July 12 games.
The 24-year-old faces lefties, but can do enough damage against righties to earn a spot in roto leagues. And its predictable play time is perfectly suited to standard Yahoo! Leagues with daily roster movements.
Heston Kjerstad – OF, Baltimore Orioles (35%)
One of baseball’s top prospects, Kjerstad appears to have found his comfort zone in the majors, having batted .378 with three home runs and 12 RBIs in 43 plate appearances since being recalled on June 24. -day IL suffered a concussion last Saturday, but he was in the original lineup that day, offering optimism that his injury may not be too serious.
So far, this has been a lost year for Friedl, who has faced three stints on the IL due to separate injuries. But there is still time for the 28-year-old to return at the end of July and make an impact in the second half. A healthy Friedl is a solid table-setter in Cincinnati, as evidenced by his production of 18 homers, 27 steals and 73 runs last year. While prospects tend to grab more fantasy headlines, Friedl has just as much upside as the younger players who preceded him on this list.
Despite enjoying a bounce-back year that includes a .273 average, eight homers and 13 steals in 264 at-bats, Bader is generating little buzz in fantasy circles. The 30-year-old is a lower-rated player in the lineup and therefore isn’t a good fit for 10-team leagues, but he’s guaranteed a spot in 12-team formats and could finish the campaign with around 15 homers and 25 steals. ball.
This is the time to win over the Red Sox regulars, as on Monday they will bring an offense that ranks sixth in baseball in OPS into a series at hitter-friendly Coors Field against the worst pitching staff in the Mountains Rockies. Yoshida showed improvement in July (.813 OPS) and leads the list of Boston hitters to hit, which includes Connor Wong (46%) and David Hamilton (37%).
Springs is expected to return later this month from Tommy John surgery in 2023moment in which he was able to immediately show the form that resulted in a 2.46 ERA, a 1.07 WHIP, and a 144:31 K:BB ratio in 2022.
The southpaw certainly appears to be fully recovered, as he posted a K:BB ratio of 29:3 during his rehab. When taking into consideration the player’s ceiling and return date, Springs is undoubtedly the best starter to keep right now.
Marlins closer Tanner Scott is having a great season (1.34 ERA, 1.07 WHIP), which has put the lefty at the top of the every trade rumor list in recent weeks. And if Miami trades for Scott, they could assign ninth-inning duties to Puk, who has posted a 2.39 ERA and a 26:5 K:BB ratio in 25 relief appearances this year. Wise managers in need of saves will ignore Puk’s failure as a starter and hide him until the July 30 MLB trade deadline.
Joyce is an absolute flamethrower averaging over 100 mph on his fastball and recently threw the fastest pitch of the 2024 season. While elite gas has yet to result in a great strikeout rate, Joyce does many ground balls and began to play an important role in the Angels’ bullpen. Los Angeles is will probably negotiate closer to Carlos Estévez at the deadline, which would create opportunities for Joyce to throw fastballs at hitters in the ninth inning of the stretch.
