Shohei Ohtani, DH, LAD
Ohtani became the first-ever player to record a 50 Homer - 50 Stolen Base season, and he did so in STYLE. He went 6 for 6 with three homers, 10 RBI, and 2 SBs. His last dinger came off of a position player--as the Dodgers were routing the Marlins--but still, it's certainly one of the most impressive offensive outputs in recent memory. Shohei is now slashing .294/376/.629 with 51 homers, 120 RBI, and 51 SBs (all rank 2nd in MLB). Overall, only Aaron Judge's offensive numbers have been superior; however, Ohtani's expertise and efficiency (4 CS) on the base paths have probably made him the more valuable fantasy asset this season.
Logan Gilbert, SP, SEA
Gilbert received just enough run support to squeeze out his 8th win of the season on Thursday. He kept the Yankees bats at bay, allowing two runs on six hits and fanning nine. Gilbert's 2024 campaign is a prime example of why the W stat doesn't mean a whole lot for a starter. He ranks 2nd in the majors in IP (197.0), 1st in WHIP (.90), and 13th in ERA (3.24)...all that, and he's earned eight lousy wins. Still, the 27-year-old has proved to be very consistent over the past three seasons and has gone under the radar a bit playing in Seattle. With a 26.9% K%, Gilbert managed to improve his strikeout stuff while still maintaining an excellent 4.6% BB%, which currently ranks 5th in the majors. Additionally, his fastball, breaking ball, and offspeed run values rank in the 84th percentile or higher this season. With his ability to eat innings and limit base runners, Gilbert will be one of the safest SPs in 2025 fantasy drafts.
Vladimir Guererro Jr., 1B, TOR
Vlad hit a pair of homers as part of a 3 for 4 day in Texas. They were his first homers since September 3rd but he now has 30 on the season. Despite the recent power outage, Guererro's "comeback" season has been rolling on. He's slashing .322/.397/.553 with 99 RBI and a career-high 167 wRC+. He's gotten back to a more patient approach at the plate in 2024 and it has him looking like 2021 Vlad again. Of course, being one of the hardest-hitting players in the league also helps. His 55.6% Hard-Hit% ranks in the 99th percentile while his 94.0 mph average exit velo ranks in the 98th. As long as Vladdy isn't chasing pitches, he is one of the best sluggers in the league.
Jack Flaherty, SP, LAD
Flaherty earned his career-high 13th win of the season on Thursday, going 6.0 innings and giving up three earned. The 28-year-old has stayed healthy and is turning in his best season since his breakout 2019 campaign with St. Louis. Flaherty has posted a career-high 10.83 K/9 and a career-low 2.01 BB/9 through 157.0 innings. He has used his Knuckle Curve more than ever this season (21.2%) and to great effect. Flaherty's breaking run value ranks in the 97th percentile. He hasn't pitched quite as well since moving to LA from Detroit, but the full scope of his season has been very impressive. Flaherty owns a 3.10 ERA while his 2.97 xFIP ranks 3rd in the majors this season (min 150 IP). He has proved himself in his contract year, IF he can stay healthy, it's likely Flaherty will be productive regardless of where he ends up next season.
Anthony Santander, OF, BAL
Santander went 1 for 3 with a homer, two RBI, and two walks on Thursday afternoon. The 29-year-old added to his career-high homer tally (42) and also eclipsed his previous career-high 95 RBI mark with 97 for the season. Santander has ditched any thought about average and gone full homer mode in 2024. He has posted a career-low 14.4% LD% (career 18.3%) and a career-high 55.1% FB% (career 48.6%). Santander's .270 ISO, .347 wOBA, and 130 wRC+ are all the best of his career--and considering his .238 average is only .009 off his career mark--I'd say the results have been overwhelmingly positive
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