Jurickson Profar's Comeback

Jurickson Profar, the Atlanta Braves outfielder, has returned to the lineup after serving an 80-game suspension. Profar's 2024 season with the San Diego Padres was remarkable, boasting a .280/.380/.459 slash line with 24 HR, 85 RBI, 10 SB, and 94 runs. Despite the suspension, Profar's performance remains undeniable, making him a top-25 hitter candidate for the rest of the season.

Key Points:

• Profar homered in his first game back.
• Braves need his offensive prowess to boost their playoff chances.
• Profar is rostered in only 31.8% of ESPN standard leagues, making him a valuable addition.

Chandler Simpson's Speed

Tampa Bay Rays' Chandler Simpson is making waves with his incredible speed. After a month in Triple-A to refine his outfield defense, Simpson has returned to the majors, stealing 23 bases in just 44 games. His .296 batting average and consistent contact make him a fantasy baseball gem.

Key Points:

• Simpson swiped 104 bases in 110 minor-league games in 2024.
• He is on pace to lead MLB in stolen bases.
• Simpson's OPS since returning to the majors is .801, showcasing his productivity.

Matthew Boyd's Dominance

Chicago Cubs' pitcher Matthew Boyd is proving to be a top-20 hurler this season. With an 8-2 record, a 2.72 ERA, and a 1.13 WHIP, Boyd has become a fantasy baseball bargain. His career-high fastball speed and solid strikeout rate make him a reliable option for fantasy managers.

Key Points:

• Boyd is the No. 9 starting pitcher on the 30-day Player Rater.
• He remains available in more than 30% of standard leagues.
• Boyd's performance is legitimate, with no innings limit in sight.

Yusei Kikuchi's Unique Season

Los Angeles Angels' Yusei Kikuchi is having a unique season with a solid ERA but a high WHIP. Despite the inconsistency, Kikuchi's strikeout potential keeps him relevant in fantasy baseball.

Key Points:

• Kikuchi's ERA is 2.81, but his WHIP is 1.37.
• He is the No. 28 starter in ESPN standard points formats.
• Kikuchi's ERA is expected to rise, but his WHIP should fall.

Conclusion

Fantasy baseball managers should keep an eye on these players as they continue to make significant impacts in the MLB. Profar's comeback, Simpson's speed, Boyd's dominance, and Kikuchi's unique season offer valuable insights for building a winning fantasy team.