The truth is, the entire baseball season is really a small sample size. The problem is, we still need to make adjustments to our team within this small sample size. The first marker for me is always Memorial Day. I tend not to make any major moves on my fantasy team until this time. Memorial Day has passed now. It is between this time and Independence Day that I will use to make bigger moves. To release players that weren’t performing and also weren’t drafted late. In other words, mistakes I made at draft time (I’m talking about players like Robinson Cano). It’s also at this time that I might have to consider trading top players who just aren’t getting the job done even though I’m fully aware I might be selling low, but how much longer can I wait for someone like Jose Ramirez to figure things out? I need someone who is helping my team now if I’m not at the top of my standings. Then again, if you’re at the top of your league, maybe you should be the one looking to buy low on a Ramirez. One person’s trash could be another’s treasure.
Risers
C.J. Cron, Minnesota Twins: There are quite a few members of the Twins offense that could be on this list as this team is just mashing. Byron Buxton finally looks like he may become the player we all were expecting of him. Eddie Rosario is a dark horse MVP candidate. Max Kepler is going to hit 30+ HRs and then there is Cron. Quietly he also is on pace for over 30 HRs but surprisingly, this power is coming with an AVG that isn’t hurting anyone. Think Joey Gallo light here.
Marcus Semien, Oakland Athletics: The knock on Semien was never about his offense. It was always known that Semien could hit and hit for power. It was all about his defense. He was considered nothing but a goalie playing SS. Someone you were just hoping could knock the ball down and keep it in front of him. It’s taken a few years, but Semien has transformed himself into an adequate defensive SS, someone who doesn’t have to worry about losing his job or at-bats to a defensive replacement. He’s a borderline SS for fantasy owners but is certainly worthy of being an MI.
David Bote, Chicago Cubs: Bote has been a very popular add in fantasy leagues over the past couple of weeks. He’s the flavor of the week for Joe Maddon and the Cubs. Maddon has a tendency to play certain players at positions they don’t necessarily know how to play, then just as quickly go away from them. Bote is hot now and deserves to start for both the Cubs and your fantasy team, but he isn’t likely to stay this way all season. Ride him now while he’s playing well but be ready for the inevitable fall.
Jason Vargas, New York Mets: At draft time I thought the Mets might actually have the best rotation in baseball. I also thought the weak link on that rotation would be Vargas. I mean when you have the likes of Jacob DeGrom, Zack Wheeler, Steven Matz, and Noah Syndergaard, it was easy to come to that conclusion. Yet, it’s Vargas who has been the most consistent all season long. That being said, he’s doing it with mirrors. He doesn’t hit much more than 90 MPH on the radar gun, and if he’s not perfect, he will get lit up. He’s just another pitcher you enjoy while he’s hot (two-start weeks) but better be prepared to move on from.
Yordan Alvarez, Houston Astros: Alvarez was called up over the weekend and is considered to be the best hitting prospect in the minors for Houston. He may have already been grabbed in your fantasy league, but if not, he’s someone you have to consider. Alvarez has OF eligibility and we all need OFs. He will hit for power. The question really is, what will happen to his playing time once the Astros return to full health. George Springer, Jose Altuve, and Carlos Correa are all on the IL but only Springer has a direct effect on his playing time. Still, one could make a strong argument that Alvarez should be playing over Tony Kemp, Jake Marisnick, and maybe even Josh Reddick. How patient the Astros will be once Alvarez has his first slump likely will determine how long he stays in the majors this season. I’m willing to bet it’s all season long.
Fallers
Trevor Bauer, Cleveland Indians: Bauer started off the season hot, but just hasn’t been that pitcher over his last eight starts. He has given up 31 runs over those starts. Sure, he could be feeling the pressure of playing for an offense that doesn’t score much or possibly even being the last SP standing on a staff that was supposed to be one of the best in the majors as Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco, and Mike Clevinger are all out with injury. Maybe he is even worried about being dealt by the trade deadline should the Indians fall out of contention. I’m buying here, but I’m also a bit wary.
Kevin Gausman, Atlanta Braves: Gausman deserved to lose his rotation spot anyway but giving up 17 runs in his last 8.1 IP pretty much sealed that deal, especially with the signing of Dallas Keuchel. Sure, there is always a chance that injury could keep his spot in the rotation, but it’s likely time to say goodbye to Gausman as he will be the long-man out of the bullpen for Atlanta and isn’t worthy of a roster spot on your fantasy team.
Jonathan Schoop, Minnesota Twins: Schoop is one Twin that isn’t hitting right now. It’s not a big deal, he’s just in a slump, but with several 2B underperforming this season, Schoop has had a chance to pull himself into a top 10 ranking at the position. He isn’t there yet, but if you’re looking for power, another 12-15 HRs out of Schoop this season shouldn’t surprise anyone, but it will come with an AVG that will hurt you.
Kendrys Morales, New York Yankees: Before the doubleheader Tuesday, Morales only had three hits in his last 33 ABs. Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge are both set to begin rehab assignments this week. Guess who is going to lose his roster spot when one or both return?
