Francisco Alvarez (C-NYM) went 2-4 with a homer and 3 RBI against the Phillies on Saturday. The 22 year-old backstop has underwhelmed in 2024, in large part because of a torn ligament in his thumb that kept him out of action for nearly two months. Through 324 PA, Alvarez is batting .238 with 11 dingers, 44 RBI, and 36 runs scored, with a slightly above-average 103 wRC+. While his 25% strikeout rate is ever so slightly down from where it was last season, his Statcast metric has suffered - with perhaps the hand affecting him - as his 41% hard-hit rate (44.5% in 2023), 6.5% barrel rate (12.5%), and average exit velocity of 88.5 mph (90) are all down from last season. The good news is that he's heated up as of late, as he was hitting .267 with 4 dingers, 10 RBI, and 6 runs scored - with a wRC+ of 174 - across 33 PA since September 9th (entering Saturday's action). He's just 22 and possesses immense potential, so fantasy owners can perhaps look to get him at a discount in 2025 drafts.
Riley Greene (OF-DET) went 3-4 with a walk, an RBI, and 3 runs scored against the Orioles on Saturday. The 23 year-old has established himself as a solid fantasy producer in his third big-league campaign as he's now batting .264 with 24 homers, 72 RBI, 80 runs scored, and 4 steals (in 6 attempts) through 556 PA on the year, with a well-above wRC+ of 139 attesting to his productivity. Greene has trimmed his strikeout rate slightly (down from 27.5% to 26.5%) while proving more willing to take a walk (up to 11.5% from 8.5%) and improving his contact rate (up to 76% from 74.5%). Meanwhile, his Statcast metrics are pretty nice, with a 45% hard-hit rate, 13.5% barrel rate, and average exit velo of 91 mph. Most importantly for his power output, his average launch angle is up from 6.6 in 2023 to 12.2 this season. He's looking like a #2 OF for fantasy squads in 2025.
Luisangel Acuna (SS-NYM) went 2-3 with a solo homer and a walk against the Phillies on Saturday. The 22 year-old has made a splash in the majors as he's now hitting .385 with 3 dingers, 6 RBI, and 6 runs scored through his first 27 big-league PA. Curiously, he's showing an unexpected amount of power - he's never hit more than 12 homers in a professional season - while he hasn't yet swiped a bag after stealing 40 in Triple-A this season. For reference, Acuna batted .258 with 7 round trippers, 50 RBI, 90 runs scored, and 40 steals in 587 Triple-A PA this season, with a well below-average 69 wRC+. His scouting grades suggest that his hit tool will be subpar, but that he has the potential to hit for roughly average power while swiping a bunch of bags. Capitalize while he's hot, but his fantasy potential in the long term is dubious.
MacKenzie Gore (SP-WSH) dazzled in picking up a win against the Cubs on Saturday afternoon, allowing just 1 run on 1 hit and 3 walks while racking up 9 punchouts over 7 IP. The 25 year-old southpaw served up a solo blast while throwing 61 of his 94 offerings for strikes in the outing. Gore now owns a 4.04 ERA, 9.7 K/9, 3.6 BB/9, and 3.95 xFIP through 160.1 IP on the year. Gore's swinging-strike rate (12.5%) is up slightly from a year ago (12%) while his walk rate is down slightly (from 3.8) and his Statcast profile is much better, with his hard-hit rate down to 37.5% (was 43.5% in 2023), his barrel rate is down to 7% (was 12%), and his average exit velocity is down to 88 mph (from 90). His fantasy stock should be up a bit heading into 2025 drafts as he's especially improved his walk rate down the stretch in 2024, as his BB/9 was at 2.4 over his last 6 starts entering Saturday's outing. A challenge is up next to wrap up the regular season as Gore lines up to face the Phillies at home next weekend.
Sean Manaea (SP-NYM) picked up a W against the Phillies on Saturday as he completed 7 IP in which he allowed 3 runs on 3 hits and no walks while fanning 6. The 32 year-old lefty served up a pair of big flies while throwing 65 of his 89 offerings for strikes. Manaea has exceeded expectations in 2024 as he now boasts a 3.29 ERA, 9.3 K/9, 3.1 BB/9, and 3.97 xFIP through 178 IP on the campaign. While his 11.5% swinging-strike rate is about the norm for him, Manaea has taken a step forward this season because, in large part, his Statcast profile is one of the best of his career, as it includes a 37% hard-hit rate, 7.5% barrel rate, and average exit velo of 88.5 mph. Meanwhile, the opposition's 75.5% contact rate against Manaea is his lowest since 2019. It is worth noting that the gap between the ERA and xFIP points to a .241 BABIP in particular (.285 career) suppressing his ERA. Regression is an easy call in 2025, especially if his average fastball velocity dips again, as it's sitting at 92.5 mph this season after coming in at 93.5 a season ago. For now, a turn against the Brewers in Milwaukee is on tap for next weekend.
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