Shota Imanaga-Cubs-SP
Shota Imanaga went 7 IP and gave up 0 ER on 0 H, 2 BB, and 7 K's against the Pirates. Through 26 GS, Imanaga has a 2.99 ERA and 1.02 WHIP. He has been better than advertised for both the Cubs and fantasy owners. Imanaga has flashed excellent control (4% BB) combined with the ability to miss bats (25% K). He dominates with two pitches (fastball and splitter). He is able to throw the fastball at the top of the zone and his splitter down which makes it hard for hitters to cover both zones. He throws a fastball or splitter 84% of the time which is normally a concern but he has demonstrated that he can make it work with both pitches being above average. Imanaga also has three other offspeed pitches he throws just enough to keep hitters off balance (slider, curve, and changeup). It is profile to buy rest of season and heading into 2025.
Bryson Stott-Phillies-2B
Bryson Stott was 0-4 with a strikeout against the Blue Jays. Stott is hitting .241 with 10 HR, 58 R, 49 R, and 29 SB. It has been a disappointing season for fantasy owners who expected his results from 2023 (.280 AVG with 15 HR, 78 R, 62 RBI, and 31 SB). He has been worse across the board except for stolen bases. The main culprit has been a decline in hard contact (4% Barrels and 30% Hardhit). He didn't hit the ball particularly hard in 2023 but he is now below average in those categories. Stott has also taken a more passive approach (10% BB) which has resulted in fewer balls in play. Couple that with a lower BABIP and that is why he is hitting .243 instead of .280 despite a similar strikeout rate (16% K). His production is going to largely depend on his BABIP on a yearly basis because he isn't elite in any category.
Luis Robert Jr.-White Sox-OF
Luis Robert Jr. was 2-4 with 1 R and 1 RBI against the Orioles. Robert Jr. is hitting .219 with 14 HR, 38 R, 34 RBI, and 21 SB in 344 PA. He has missed some time with injuries. On top of the missed time, he has also seen a decline in skills. His strikeout rate has risen from 29% last year to 35% this year. His barrel rate has fallen from 15% to 11%. This is not the type of development we would like to see out of a 27-year-old coming off a career year (.264 AVG with 38 HR, 90 R, 80 RBI, and 20 SB). Robert Jr. is going to see his price drop in drafts in 2025 as a result and rightfully so. He will offer massive upside (2023 season) but the floor is low due to a 35% strikeout rate and a lengthy injury history.
Spencer Steer-Reds-OF
Spencer Steer was 1-5 with an RBI against the Astros. Steer is hitting .234 with 19 HR, 65 R, 86 RBI, and 23 SB. He is on track to best his breakout 2023 season (.271 AVG with 23 HR, 65 R, 85 RBI, and 15 SB) in every category except for batting average. The reason for the drop in average is a .267 BABIP this year compared to a .318 last year. His strikeout, walk, and barrel rates are in line with last year. Steer is not an elite fantasy player but he is well above-average and provides value across the board especially when his BABIP is higher. He is currently the #52 overall player in terms of auction dollars earned in mixed leagues.
Francisco Lindor-Mets-SS
Francisco Lindor was 2-5 with a run scored against the Red Sox. Lindor is having another fantastic season at the age of 30. He is hitting .274 with 30 HR, 98 R, 84 RBI, and 26 SB. Lindor is having a very similar year to last year (.254 AVG with 31 HR, 108 R, 98 RBI, and 31 SB) except with a better batting average thanks to a higher BABIP (.296). He makes contact (19% K) and hits the ball hard (14% Barrels and 47% Hardhit). Lindor is likely to finish as a top-10 hitter for the second year in a row and is one of the most consistent fantasy players in the game.
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