The big story in fantasy baseball is free agent closer Craig Kimbrel agreeing to a three-year contract with the Chicago Cubs, and those in the fantasy world who invested -- and were patient -- have to be feeling pretty good today. Kimbrel should join the Cubs later this month, and there is little question about his role. He will get the saves, and Pedro Strop, who did little wrong in the role, will handle setup duties along with Steve Cishek and others. While we should have some concerns about Kimbrel's performance in two of his three seasons with the Boston Red Sox, and he struggled in last season's playoffs, the bottom line is he remains a top-5 closer for fantasy.
Thursday is the day we discuss the free agents, and kudos to the many who resisted the temptation to cut Kimbrel in their leagues. He is rostered in nearly 70% of ESPN standard leagues, and that figure should only grow by the weekend, even if we do not see him pitch for the Cubs for several weeks, at least.
It has been an odd season for closers, with little noteworthy turnover except for the Braves and Rangers, and fantasy managers have been slow to show interest in the likes of the Phillies' Hector Neris, Braves' Luke Jackson and White Sox's Alex Colome. These fellows are saving games and available in myriad leagues.
Regardless, let us get to it, and this week, we start with the pitchers. When we get to hitters, note that colleague Tim Heaney expertly wrote this week about four underrated hitters who starred in May, so we will let his work speak for himself and focus on other players. As always, we go position-by-position to find relevant fantasy options to pick up, and some to drop.
Feel free to share your thoughts (as if you need prompting!) with me on Twitter.
Starting pitchers
Barely over 50%, mixed-league must add: Brad Peacock, Astros; Joey Lucchesi, Padres; Andrew Heaney, Angels; Julio Teheran, Braves
Below 50% must add: The word "must" is a bit much because it is always about matchups and which team is next up on the schedule, but I am not sure what more we need to see of Twins right-hander Kyle Gibson. He is pitching well, striking hitters out and winning games for a top team. A week go, I mentioned Chicago's emerging Lucas Giolito in this space and many scoffed. Well, he was available in 60% of leagues at the time. Now he is not! Gibson should be more popular as well. Same with Angels rookie Griffin Canning, Reds right-hander Sonny Gray and Rangers right-hander Lance Lynn.
Worth adding: The Marlins remain the lone team to use precisely five starting pitchers this season but, you know, this crew has not been so terrible. You already roster Caleb Smith. Now try Trevor Richards and Pablo Lopez. Miami's rotation is top-10 in ERA and these fellows miss bats. I mentioned Astros lefty Wade Miley last week and stick by it. Good numbers, good team. Padres lefty Eric Lauer has won three consecutive starts. Phillies right-hander Nick Pivetta looked great his last time out, and certainly he has strikeout and wins upside. Brewers right-hander Jimmy Nelson has proved himself in the past and also performs for a good team, this week notwithstanding.
Mixed-league stash: The word "stash," in this context, means you do not expect to activate the player soon. Why stash Miley, for example? You know what he is and upside is muted. We do not know what Cardinals right-hander Alex Reyes is, however. He has thrown seven innings in the majors since the end of 2016, and he might start this weekend, he might not. The Astros are replacing rookie Corbin Martin with Framber Valdez. I am intrigued to see how it goes. Pirates rookie Mitch Keller is going to get another chance soon.
Drop 'em: Start with Chris Archer and Kyle Freeland, just as noted in this space last week. Freeland went from top-5 in NL Cy Young voting to the minor leagues quickly, and he cannot blame Coors Field. Seattle lefty Marco Gonzales is pitching terribly, and newcomer Yusei Kikuchi has struggled as well. I moved on from Twins lefty Martin Perez in a few places. His great start could not and did not last long. I pass on the Cardinals' Adam Wainwright. Great career, but not the same fellow now.
Don't drop 'em: I thought it was crazy to cut Cubs lefty Jon Lester and Miami's Caleb Smith, but people did it anyway. I would keep Philly's Jake Arrieta around a bit longer. In the wake of the Kimbrel signing, now is not the time to cut free agent Dallas Keuchel, though I have to admit, he is overrated statistically, no matter where he lands. More on that when he signs!
Relief pitchers
Barely over 50%, mixed-league must add: Alex Colome, White Sox; Greg Holland, Diamondbacks (just like last week). They are top-15 closers.
Below 50% must add: There has been precious little action on the closer front in ESPN leagues and, as noted, Neris and Jackson deserve more attention. Also, the Rangers are clearly going with Shawn Kelley for the ninth inning, until they do not or Jose Leclerc forces things, so rely on Kelley. The Marlins are winning games with Sergio Romo saving them. It is real.
Mixed-league stash: Pick a Red Sox right-hander, any right-hander. I still doubt any of them save more than 15 games, so Matt Barnes would be my pick for overall numbers, then Brandon Workman. I would not bother to stash anyone on the Orioles, Royals or Mariners.
Drop 'em: I understand the need to part with Rays lefty Jose Alvarado now. Go for it. I doubt any Rays reliever saves 20 games. Why do people still roster David Robertson or any other Phillies relief pitcher not named Neris? Strop is not going to save a ton of games, but he does have a few more weeks so keep him around for that.
Don't drop 'em: Until the Cardinals show they are moving on from Jordan Hicks, I will not, though keep an eye on Carlos Martinez. Rockies right-hander Wade Davis could be closing again this weekend, so it seems odd he is significantly more available than a week ago.
Corner infielders
Barely over 50%, mixed-league must add: Daniel Vogelbach, Mariners; C.J. Cron, Twins
Below 50% must add: In addition to Baltimore's Renato Nunez, as Heaney mentioned in his article, try the Twins' Miguel Sano, for he is showing power and plate discipline.
Worth adding: Most of the players I could name here qualify elsewhere, and that is where I would try to utilize them, so I will wait. Detroit's Brandon Dixon qualifies here. Seattle's Kyle Seager could qualify here with more games like Wednesday. Would rather have Arizona's Christian Walker, who seems back on track, and Boston's Mitch Moreland, who comes off the IL soon.
Mixed-league stash: The Mets' Dominic Smith would make sense if regular playing time was guaranteed, which it is not. The opposite is the Rangers' Ronald Guzman, who is better than his current numbers but playing anyway.
Drop 'em: Miguel Cabrera, Tigers; Maikel Franco, Phillies; Jesus Aguilar, Brewers; Jose Martinez, Cardinals.
Don't drop 'em: Matt Carpenter, Cardinals; Joey Votto, Reds; Wil Myers, Padres. Also, the Royals' Hunter Dozier is playing great, and this is likely a short IL stint.
Middle infielders
Barely over 50%, mixed-league must add: Derek Dietrich, Reds; David Fletcher, Angels; Dansby Swanson, Braves
Below 50% must add: Washington's Howie Kendrick is showing no signs of lowering his batting average, and he keeps playing. Go for it. Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius can hit 15 home runs in half a season, and his season starts now. The Reds' Scooter Gennett is not far behind in his return from major injury. Look up what these fellows achieved the past two seasons.
Worth adding: The Phillies' Scott Kingery is playing regularly and is much better than he was last season, a potential five-category helper. Detroit's Niko Goodrum is doing precisely what he did last season, and it was useful enough. Finally, the demotion of the Brewers' Keston Hiura was a bummer, but it seems worth pointing out that Travis Shaw, terrible this season, surpassed 30 home runs the past two seasons and has proved himself. I feel like Shaw will hit for power. I know the Mets' Jeff McNeil, now active again, will hit for average.
Mixed-league stash: I suppose Blue Jays Cavan Biggio and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. belong here, since I cannot make a great case to add them to active rosters yet.
Drop 'em: I did not want to part with Rockies rookie Brendan Rodgers, but he is not playing regularly and he figures to end up back in the minors soon. It makes little sense that the Rockies are not playing him, but we have seen this before with them.
Don't drop 'em: A week ago, Daniel Murphy was on the dropped list. Now he is on the added list. See, be patient. I would have said the Mets' Robinson Cano takes the same path, but he came off the IL Wednesday and quickly hurt himself again. If it is a long absence, sure, move on. Part with Hiura if you like, for nobody can say when he returns. Could be next week, could be months.
Outfielders
Barely over 50%, mixed-league must add: Mallex Smith, Mariners; Hunter Renfroe, Padres; Hunter Pence, Rangers. Lots of Hunters in this blog entry!
Below 50% must add: Padres slugger Franmil Reyes fell below 50%, for some reason, but he remains a monster, if one-category, power hitter. Similar thing with new Phillies acquisition Jay Bruce, who homered three times in San Diego, and he should enjoy Philly's stadium! Clint Frazier will hit for power until the Yankees stop playing him, and that just might not happen. Do not forget Tampa Bay's Avisail Garcia and Kevin Kiermaier is a nice steals option.
Worth adding: The Angels' Kole Calhoun should end up around 20 home runs or so. The Yankees' Brett Gardner could get there as well. As for Miami's Garrett Cooper, there could be some Christian Walker-type numbers coming. What we do not know about is consistency. Take him over teammate Brian Anderson, who is having a nice week but appears to lack statistical upside.
Mixed-league stash: I rarely stash outfielders, because there are plenty out there, but Houston minor leaguer Yordan Alvarez has to be close to getting promoted, and he will hit.
Drop 'em: I think we have waited long enough for Gregory Polanco. What a disappointment. I would not argue about Milwaukee's Ryan Braun, as he has not homered in a while. Seattle's Domingo Santana had a terrible May, like his team.
Don't drop 'em: Dee Gordon returns soon and should steal bases. I know why you are giving up on Nick Markakis, but he is on pace for rather close to the same numbers as last season, with more runs, and is reliable. Do not cut Victor Robles. C'mon.
Catchers
Below 50% must add: Is there ever a catcher you must add?
Worth adding: This goes in waves. I had Houston's Robinson Chirinos and the Angels' Jonathan Lucroy in this spot for weeks. I would remove Lucroy. Minnesota' Mitch Garver is back, and he should hit. Oakland's Josh Phegley is hitting. Chicago's James McCann is hitting. Miami's Jorge Alfaro is hitting. Take your pick, a cold streak is just around the bend for any and all. Buster Posey (hamstring) is out again and ... sure, go ahead and move on. I think he will hit better than his current marks, but it is not as if he is going to hit .300 with 20 home runs, either. What a run, though.
Mixed-league stash: The Dodgers' Will Smith strikes me as awfully interesting, if he plays enough.
Drop 'em: Things do not look good for Posey. What a career, but this version is not good enough statistically. If Yadier Molina is out until the All-Star break, I see cutting him as well.
Don't drop 'em: At this point, the only catchers who must be rostered in all leagues are Gary Sanchez, J.T. Realmuto, Willson Contreras, Yasmani Grandal and Wilson Ramos.
Wednesday takeaways
• Red Sox lefty Chris Sale was among three pitchers to achieve complete games on Wednesday. What is this, 1985? Sale fanned 12 Royals with nary a walk and as we said a month ago, the time to buy low has passed. One can argue Sale is the No. 1 starting pitcher right now, though I still have Houston's Justin Verlander parked there and Washington's Max Scherzer second. Mets lefty Jason Vargas tossed a five-hit shutout against the meager Giants, and Seattle's Mike Leake nearly shut out powerful Houston. Say this about the controversial Vargas: He is pitching well, and he did this the first half of 2017 with the Royals. Scoff if you like, but this is a 1.85 ERA over seven outings. That works. You can always cut him when it turns.
• The first start for Brewers right-hander Jimmy Nelson since late 2017 did not go as planned, as the now-powerful Marlins got a Brian Anderson grand slam on the way to an 8-3 win. The day before, they won 16-0. Nelson was not sharp and lacked control. Myriad fantasy managers will move on, but it was one game. Be a little patient this month.
• Cubs infielder David Bote homered twice and knocked in seven, and remains a nice middle infield option in NL-only formats, but there is no mixed-league value here. Still, it is a nice story. The Cubs were able to sign Kimbrel, they claim, because Ben Zobrist is on the restricted list and they are not paying him. As if MLB teams have no money! Regardless, I miss Zobrist and his OBP ways. Reporters claimed the Cubs' biggest need was at closer, because of the 12 blown saves, but Strop was not a problem. Chicago's bullpen is 10th in ERA. Oh well.
• Another day, another home run for Philly's Jay Bruce. Be prepared for Bruce to have extreme hot and cold stretches. This is the good stuff, though.
• Boston third baseman Rafael Devers is second to Colorado's Nolan Arenado on the Player Rater. Second! I liked Devers and bemoaned his quick exit from the team's coveted No. 3 lineup spot, but he had a wonderful May, and he is unexpectedly stealing bases. Devers stole No. 8 on Wednesday. Christian Yelich and Trevor Story are the only players already into double digits in home runs and steals. Devers is becoming a star and with the steals is a potential top-30 pick in 2020.
Health report
• Indians right-hander Carlos Carrasco hit the injured list Wednesday with a non-baseball injury that we hope is nothing major, but as of now the team is not divulging much information. Carrasco had been feeling lethargic for weeks and struggling to perform to his normal levels, and the early diagnosis is a blood condition. Players are people first and our first concern should be for them and not about our fantasy teams. We hope Carrasco, rostered in most every fantasy league for good reason, returns soon.
• Rays outfielder Tommy Pham (leg) has yet to play this week, but he is in Thursday's lineup as the designated hitter, so that is good news. Pham is a terrific, five-category fantasy option but, as always, watch for quick re-injury this weekend. It happened to Cano on Wednesday.
• Diamondbacks outfielder Adam Jones (hamstring) needed an MRI, and it is possible an IL stint is pending. If so, and if you need stolen bases, I have been talking about Tim Locastro in this space, and he can run and get on base.
Closing time
• Not much from Wednesday's action to note, but keep an eye out this weekend on what the Cardinals do with Jordan Hicks struggling. I think Carlos Martinez could figure in for saves. The Phillies have lost just about every relief pitcher in the crew to injury except Neris, with Seranthony Dominguez the latest, so getting and holding leads to him could be problematic. I doubt the Rangers remove Kelley from closing soon. The Twins could give Blake Parker, after a rough Wednesday, a few days off, but no Twins pitcher was getting all the saves anyway. Taylor Rogers remains my top pick there. Avoid the Orioles, Royals and Mariners.
W2W4
• Thursday's schedule features myriad day games, so get those lineups in! J.A. Happ returns to Toronto on ESPN and since Edwin Jackson is the opposing pitcher, and his ERA is 13.22 in four starts, a win seems likely. Happ has a career 3.59 ERA in Toronto. Colorado Rockies right-hander Peter Lambert debuts at Wrigley Field, in place of demoted Kyle Freeland, but that is way too risky for fantasy.
• Saturday is another Lucas Giolito day, and since the young right-hander has won six of his past seven starts since the beginning of May, and with a 1.48 ERA, he has become must-see TV. Does it matter which team he faces? It is the Royals, not exactly an offensive juggernaut. Meanwhile, check out Texas right-hander Adrian Sampson, as he fanned 11 Royals earlier this week and now faces the Athletics, while Houston's Framber Valdez gets the Orioles.
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