Derek Dietrich (OF/INF-CIN) - One of the more incredible signings of the offseason, Dietrich was unbelievably unable to get a major league deal despite hitting 16 home runs with a .751 OPS. The Reds surely weren't expecting this, but they now look like geniuses. Dietrich smacked three home runs Tuesday to give him 17 on the year with a .254/.364/.720 slash line. Obviously the first number isn't great thanks to a BABIP that checked in at .178 prior to Tuesday, but the following two numbers are really what matter most, and they are obviously great. Dietrich and the nearly equally surprising Jose Iglesias have solidified the middle infield for the Reds, pushing Jose Peraza to a utility role, and likely Scooter Gennett to the trade market once he's back from the IL next month. Dietrich's Statcast metrics are off the charts as well, including a 17.2% barrel rate (7.7% career) and a 20.5% launch angle (15.7% career). He's looking like a Justin Turner type of find, albeit with less BA and more power. He's probably not a long-term piece for a team like the Reds, so look for them to try and cash in on Dietrich in July.
Eric Hosmer (1B-SD) - Known more for the bloated contract the Padres handed him prior to the 2018 season, Hosmer is quietly putting up a nice 2019 campaign after last year's .720 OPS dud. Hosmer singled and hit a three-run homer on Tuesday against the Yankees, raising his slash to .298/.347/.471 and giving him nine homers and 33 RBI. That's about a 27 homer / 100 RBI pace a year after an 18 / 69 season. Hosmer to me is a pretty decent Draft Kings play on the road at his Tuesday $3,900 price tag, particularly in ball parks conducive to lefties like Yankee Stadium. Hosmer posted a negative launch angle (impressive) last year, so while he's at just 1.8% this season, at least it's trending in the right direction, as is his 46% hard hit rate. In an improved San Diego lineup, his value is climbing.
Harold Ramirez (OF-MIA) - I admit to not knowing much about this guy until recently, but with playing time wide open in Miami, he's worth at least a quick look here. Ramirez went 3-for-4 with a single and run Tuesday against the Giants, lifting him to a shocking .413/.460/.543 in 50 plate appearances. Never really a big prospect Ramirez made his way to the big leagues for the first time this year after hitting .355/.408/.591 in Triple-A. Ramirez did swipe 16 bases in 120 Double-A games last year, so if he can find his way closer to the top of the lineup, his value should increase even more. On Tuesday, the Marlins inexplicably had Curtis Granderson and his now-.281 OBP leading off, something that should be a fireable offense.
Mitch Keller (SP-PIT) - Keller made his MLB debut on Monday, and to say it had its highs and lows is a massive understatement. Keller allowed six runs in the first inning before surrendering just one hit over his next three while striking out seven overall. He's going to have his ups and downs, but to see the recovery after a rocky first inning was encouraging. I could not locate any information on Keller's velocity, but the seven strikeouts were a good indication that it was fine. With Trevor Williams out another week with a side injury, Keller probably gets at least one more start. If he builds upon his final there innings from Monday, Keller has a real shot to stick in the rotation ahead of Steven Brault and Nick Kingham, neither of whom have anywhere near Keller's stuff. Keller has a modest 4.17 ERA and 3.8 BB/9 in 19 AAA starts dating back to 2018, but his 10.2 K/9 over that span and solid three-pitch arsenal gives him a chance to develop into a solid #3 starter and perhaps a fringe #2.
Scott Kingery (UT-PHI) - We don't yet know the details of Odubel Herrera's domestic violence arrest, but it would seem that he would at least miss a short period of time (see Julio Urias) while the league investigates the issue. Of course if there's something to it, Herrera could be out an extended period of time. The main benefactor would likely be Kingery, who has been playing fairly regularly lately and is hitting .357/.400/.589 in 60 PA, including a pair of homers, seven doubles, and two stolen bases. Kingery has logged at least four games at five different positions already, and would seemingly see regular playing time in either LF or CF with Herrera out. Kingery of course was a huge disappointment in 2018 after expectations were high following a 26 HR / 29 SB 2017 and a strong spring. He hit just .226/.267/.338 with a 5% BB% and 26% K%, but the talent is still there, and given regular playing time, the fantasy potential is high.
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