Outlook Jacob Young
Jacob Young's surprising power surge makes him an intriguing play for the week ahead.
Jacob Young is locked in as the everyday center fielder for the second-place Nationals, who are currently riding a two-game win streak. Over his last 14 days, Young has been highly productive, batting .276 with two home runs and two stolen bases. Despite a scare with a rib contusion in mid-May, he is fully healthy, and his playing time remains secure with fellow outfielder Dylan Crews currently questionable.
The big story is Young's sudden power boost; his seven home runs this year already exceed his total from the previous three seasons combined. However, our models project just three more home runs rest-of-season, signaling that this recent power spike will likely regress back toward his typical speed-first profile. Expect his stolen bases to pick up as his power cools down, keeping him a useful speed asset.
Washington plays six games this week, starting with a home series against Miami before heading to Arizona. Young faces some tough matchups like Max Meyer (2.97 ERA) but also gets to exploit high-ERA options like Sandy Alcantara (4.78 ERA) and Merrill Kelly (5.06 ERA). Given his hot recent form and secure everyday role, he is a viable starting option in most formats. Verdict: Start.
Updated 3 days ago
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Outlook Ryan Waldschmidt
Top prospect Ryan Waldschmidt looks to snap a brief slump during a busy seven-game home stand.
The rookie outfielder has cooled off recently, batting just .130 over his last seven days. However, his longer-term performance is highly encouraging, as he holds a .284 batting average with five stolen bases over his first 22 major league games. The third-place Diamondbacks (31-27) have locked Waldschmidt in as their everyday starting center fielder, a role made even more secure with outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. currently sidelined on the injured list.
Waldschmidt's recent strikeout spike—10 punchouts in his last six games—is a classic rookie adjustment phase, contrasting with his excellent 14-day mark of a .311 average and four steals. Our models project a solid season-long baseline of a .265 average with eight home runs and eight steals, suggesting his early speed and on-base skills are legitimate and worth patience in all fantasy formats.
This week, Arizona hosts a full seven-game slate at home, starting with four games against the Dodgers before three against the Nationals. Waldschmidt faces some highly favorable matchups against vulnerable starters like Eric Lauer (5.95 ERA) and Zack Littell (5.01 ERA). Given the high volume of games and his category-juicing speed, he remains a strong lineup option this week. Verdict: Start.
Updated 3 days ago
