Outlook Oneil Cruz
Oneil Cruz is flashing elite power and speed during a red-hot stretch for the Pirates.
Oneil Cruz is locked in, batting .304 with two home runs and three stolen bases over his last seven games, including back-to-back games with a homer. His hot bat has helped the third-place Pirates (32-28) build a three-game winning streak. Cruz remains securely cemented as Pittsburgh's everyday center fielder and a primary option at the top of the lineup.
While Cruz’s 40 strikeouts over the last 30 days highlight his ongoing contact issues, his loud toolset is fully on display. Our models project him to finish with 18 home runs and 23 stolen bases, showing that his recent speed surge is no fluke. Expect some batting average regression toward his projected .234 mark, but the elite power-speed upside is sustainable.
The Pirates embark on a six-game road trip, starting with three games against Houston before heading to Atlanta. Cruz faces a mixed bag of matchups, starting with a highly favorable spot against Mike Burrows but followed by challenging matchups against Spencer Arrighetti and Spencer Strider. Given his weekly projection of 1.8 steals and 1.1 home runs, you must start him.
Updated 3 days ago
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Outlook Casey Schmitt
Casey Schmitt's red-hot power surge and defensive versatility make him a must-start option.
Casey Schmitt is on an absolute tear, batting .288 with four home runs, 12 RBIs, and two stolen bases over his last 14 days. With outfielder Heliot Ramos sidelined due to a quad strain, Schmitt has grabbed everyday playing time as the primary left fielder for the fourth-place Giants (23-36), providing a crucial spark.
Schmitt has already clubbed 12 home runs in 2026, completely shattering our models' conservative eight-homer season projection. While his career average of .231 over his first three seasons suggests some regression is inevitable, his elite quality of contact and multi-position flexibility make this breakout highly sustainable.
The Giants have a seven-game road trip this week. While matchups against Milwaukee's Kyle Harrison (1.57 ERA) and Shane Drohan (2.63 ERA) are challenging, late-week dates against Cubs starters Ben Brown (1.92 ERA) and Jordan Wicks (15.63 ERA) offer immense fantasy upside. Our models project him for over two home runs this week. Start him.
Updated 3 days ago
