In this week's edition of Buy & Sell, we delve into the world of fantasy baseball, where the dog days of summer bring both triumphs and tribulations. Personally, I find this time of the season particularly intriguing, as it's when the true contenders emerge and the strategies of team managers are put to the test. Let's dive in and explore some of the key additions and subtractions that could make or break your fantasy league aspirations.
Buy
10-Team Leagues
Bryson Stott - The Phillies' infielder has been a consistent performer, but what makes him an intriguing buy now is his potential power development. Despite only 8 homers, his advanced metrics show an upward trend in bat speed and hard-hit percentage. I believe Stott is on the cusp of a power breakout, and with his solid contact rate, he could be a valuable asset across all formats.
Carson Benge - This Mets outfielder has been flying under the radar, but his recent performance demands attention. Benge has shown an ability to get on base and steal bags, with a solid batting average to boot. Statcast suggests he's been a bit unlucky, so I'd expect his numbers to improve, making him a viable option for 10-team leagues.
12-Team Leagues
Brandon Nimmo - I've been advocating for Nimmo's addition for a while, and his recent surge solidifies my stance. His expected stats are elite, and he's finally delivering on that potential. With a strong batting average, power, and speed, Nimmo is a well-rounded player who should be scooped up in 12-team leagues.
Nick Gonzales - Gonzales has been a pleasant surprise, and his production warrants consideration as a viable add. He's ranked highly on both ESPN and Razzball player raters, and his power-speed combo, coupled with position eligibility, makes him an attractive option for 12-team formats.
15-Team Leagues
Cam Smith - Smith is a raw talent with incredible tools. His recent hot streak showcases his potential, and while his stats are inconsistent, I believe in betting on his talent. With elite bat speed and sprint speed, Smith could be a league-winner in deeper formats.
Coby Mayo - Mayo provides a much-needed spark for the Orioles. His recent performance, including a scorching .429 batting average, shows he can contribute across the board. While his strikeout rate is a concern, when he's hot, he's a valuable asset with 3B eligibility.
Abimelec Ortiz - Ortiz is graduating to the big leagues with a bang. His hard-contact data is impressive, and his MaxEV in Triple-A was off the charts. I'd recommend adding him to your roster, especially if you're in need of some fire power.
Deep Leagues
Tyler O'Neill - O'Neill has been on a tear, and his playing time is increasing. With his power and ability to hit for average, he's a valuable asset in deep leagues.
John Rave - Rave is an intriguing player with solid hard-hit and barrel percentages. His speed adds an extra dimension to his game, and I believe he has the potential to be a fantasy sleeper.
Eduardo Sosa - Sosa has shown some interesting Statcast numbers, suggesting he might be due for a breakout. While his overall stats are underwhelming, he's an option for super deep leagues where you're taking calculated risks.
Sell
10-Team Leagues
William Contreras - Contreras has been a disappointment, especially for those who drafted him early. His recent slump and declining xwOBA suggest he might not be the offensive force we hoped for. With other catchers stepping up, it might be time to cut ties.
Sam Antonacci - Antonacci's long-term potential is still there, but his recent platoon role makes him a risky play in shallower formats. His production has slowed, and with the White Sox's acquisitions, his at-bats are less guaranteed.
12-Team Leagues
Liam Hicks - Hicks' value has taken a hit since joining the Rays. His power has dried up, and the team is prioritizing defense over offense. His xBA and xSLG suggest further offensive struggles, so I'd look to sell high if possible.
Jake Burger - Burger's power has been impressive, but his overall skills are lacking. With a deep first base landscape, his average and on-base percentage are concerning. His recent decline in xwOBA is a red flag, and I'd rather not take the risk in 12-team leagues.
15-Team Leagues
Luis Robert - Robert's underlying stats are concerning, with a poor K/BB ratio and declining xwOBA. While his production has been fine, I'd rather not rely on a player who might be in a prolonged slump.
Brayan Rocchio - Rocchio's recent performance is abysmal, and with Genao's call-up, his playing time could be limited. I'd look to cut ties and find a more consistent option.
In conclusion, the fantasy baseball landscape is ever-changing, and staying ahead of the curve is crucial. These buys and sells are based on my analysis and interpretation of the players' recent performances and underlying stats. Remember, fantasy baseball is as much an art as it is a science, and sometimes taking calculated risks can pay off handsomely. Good luck, and may your roster thrive in the dog days of summer!
