Outlook Robbie Ray
Robbie Ray seeks to stabilize his control in a tough upcoming road matchup.
Ray slots in as the number two starter in the rotation, but his recent performance has been highly volatile. Over his last 30 days, he has struggled with a 7.26 ERA and a 2.06 WHIP, largely due to walking 17 batters in 22.3 innings. Fortunately, he is fully healthy and pitching without restriction following a minor comebacker scare in mid-May for the fourth-place Giants.
While his recent walk rate is highly concerning, our models project Ray to settle in closer to his career baselines. For the rest of the season, our projection expects a more stable 4.18 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP alongside 145 strikeouts. He has historically corrected his mechanics after rough stretches, suggesting this severe WHIP spike is a temporary fluke rather than a permanent decline.
Ray is scheduled for a single start this week on June 5th against the Cubs on the road. It is a tough draw against Chicago's Ben Brown, who is carrying a dominant 1.92 ERA and 0.93 WHIP. Given Ray's current control struggles and the opposing pitcher's elite form, fantasy managers should look elsewhere this week. Verdict: Sit.
Updated 3 days ago
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Elite Power and Strong Lineup Context Solidify Contreras as a Premium Fantasy Catcher
Willson Contreras enters the season as the clear everyday catcher for the Cardinals, boasting an incredibly secure role in the heart of St. Louis's batting order. Now in his age-34 season, the veteran backstop continues to defy the typical aging curve of catchers, thanks in large part to his regular reps as a designated hitter. This flexibility keeps his bat in the lineup almost daily, shielding him from the wear-and-tear of catching while ensuring high-volume plate appearances that few other fantasy catchers can match.
Our season projections expect Contreras to deliver another highly productive campaign, highlighted by a projected 19 home runs, 60 runs scored, and 61 RBIs over 432 at-bats. Our data forecasts a solid .248 batting average and a .338 on-base percentage, reinforcing his status as a key asset in OBP leagues. When compared to his career averages, these projections represent a remarkably stable baseline, offering fantasy managers rare reliability at a notoriously volatile position.
Drafted around his current ADP of 144.20, Contreras represents an excellent mid-round target. He is a premier, high-floor option who doesn't force you to reach early for a top-tier backstop, yet still delivers category-stabilizing power and runs. Managers can confidently draft him as their primary catcher, knowing they are securing a reliable, middle-of-the-order run producer on a competitive St. Louis squad.
Updated 3 days ago
