Fantasy baseball fans are always hunting for that extra edge. Lately, shifts in player performance could totally shake up your lineup as we move into the second half of the season.
In this blog, we’re taking a close look at some of the most intriguing MLB names right now—Riley Greene, Jesús Luzardo, Mickey Moniak, and a few others. We’ll dig into their strengths and weak spots to help you figure out who deserves a spot in your roster. From Greene’s raw power to Moniak’s sudden hot streak in Colorado, there’s a lot to chew on—and yeah, the numbers are pretty telling if you’re paying attention.
Riley Greene: Trending Toward Power, but at What Cost?
Riley Greene’s season with the Detroit Tigers is honestly a rollercoaster. He’s flashing *elite power potential* and could be smashing 40 home runs by 2025.
But here’s the problem—his plate discipline is unraveling. Greene’s strikeout rate is a wild 32.3%, and his walk rate keeps slipping lower.
What Do the Numbers Say?
July has been rough for Greene. He’s hitting just .182 with 31 strikeouts in 66 at-bats.
That once-sky-high .356 BABIP is dropping fast. His expected batting average? Just .252. If you’re thinking about him for your fantasy squad, keep in mind that players who chase 40 home runs with 200 strikeouts usually don’t help your batting average much.
Jesús Luzardo: Solid Metrics, Unlucky Results
Jesús Luzardo, now pitching for the Phillies, is catching attention for a totally different reason. His .365 BABIP and issues with runners on base have blown up his ERA to 4.58, which honestly doesn’t match what’s going on under the hood.
He’s pitching better than the surface stats show. Sometimes, the box score just doesn’t tell the whole story.
Reasons for Optimism
Luzardo’s advanced stats suggest he’s just been unlucky, not bad. If his BABIP cools off and he tightens up with runners on, he might quietly become a key innings-eater for the Phillies—and for your fantasy team.
For those who like to gamble on upside, Luzardo could be a sneaky-good pickup as the season moves along.
Mickey Moniak: Home Cooking Fuels His Breakout
The Rockies have had a rough year, but Mickey Moniak is a rare bright spot. The former top pick is raking at Coors Field, hitting .275 with 15 home runs.
This July, he’s been on fire—batting .423 and putting up numbers that make fantasy managers take notice.
The Roadblocks to Fantasy Stardom
Still, Moniak isn’t a sure thing. He struggles against lefties and doesn’t hit as well on the road.
If you’re playing him, it’s probably smart to use him mostly at home or in the right matchups. He’s got points leader potential for the Rockies, but you can’t just set him and forget him.
The Brewers’ Trio: A Fantasy Manager’s Dream
The Milwaukee Brewers might just have one of the sneakiest, most balanced outfields in fantasy baseball. Jackson Chourio, Christian Yelich, and Sal Frelick all bring something unique—be it power, speed, or pure contact skills.
Why Sal Frelick Stands Out
Sal Frelick, despite missing time with a hamstring tweak, is turning heads as a contact machine. He barely strikes out and makes tons of contact, which makes him a pretty safe bet.
He’s nearly kept pace with Riley Greene in fantasy points, even after playing fewer games. If he stays healthy, Frelick could easily push his value even higher down the stretch.
What Fantasy Managers Should Take Away
What should you actually do with all this info for your fantasy team? Let’s break it down into a few quick, practical ideas for the home stretch:
- Riley Greene brings real home run upside, but he’s a bit of a wild card. You might want to pair him with someone who hits for average, just to balance things out.
- Jesús Luzardo’s stats hint that better days are coming. If he’s out there, grab him or try to trade for him—he could really heat up in the second half.
- Mickey Moniak turns it on at home, especially at Coors Field. Start him there, but maybe think twice when he’s on the road.
- Watch the Brewers’ outfielders, especially Sal Frelick. He barely strikes out and makes a ton of contact, so he’s probably your safest fantasy bet among them.
Here is the source article for this story: Fantasy baseball: Greene to join exclusive club? Luzardo turns it around? Don’t be surprised
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