Outlook Nick Gonzales
Nick Gonzales battles knee soreness ahead of a demanding road trip
The third-place Pirates (32-28) are currently monitoring Nick Gonzales, who remains day-to-day after exiting a game late last week with left knee discomfort. When healthy, he is entrenched as the everyday starter at third base and has been a reliable contributor, though his bat has cooled slightly to a .255 average over his last 12 games.
While his current .303 season average represents a massive step forward from previous seasons, our models expect some regression toward his projected .259 baseline. His power has also dipped recently, with only one home run over his last 24 games, suggesting his hot start is beginning to level out.
Pittsburgh faces a tough six-game road trip against Houston and Atlanta, featuring matchups against tough arms like Spencer Arrighetti (1.34 ERA) and Spencer Strider. With Gonzales battling knee soreness and facing a gauntlet of premium pitching on the road, it is wise to keep him benched. Verdict: Sit.
Updated 3 days ago
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Outlook Josh Jung
Josh Jung's elite draft-day value rests on dynamic run-producing upside and everyday hot corner security.
Josh Jung enters the year locked in as the Rangers' primary everyday option at third base, providing a powerful presence in the heart of the Texas batting order. At 28 years old, Jung is entering his physical prime, though his historical durability remains a point of caution for fantasy managers. When healthy, his secure position security in a potent lineup provides him with a stellar run-scoring and RBI ecosystem.
Our models project Jung to accumulate nearly 480 at-bats, translating into 14 home runs, 44 runs scored, and 44 RBIs. While his projected .249 batting average and .292 on-base percentage lean toward a minor ratio risk, his historic .271 average and 26-homer campaign from 2023 demonstrate a significantly higher ceiling if he can maintain his health. He remains a reliable source of modest pop and solid counting stats, though his lack of speed makes him a non-factor on the base paths.
Ultimately, Jung represents a classic high-upside power option at third base. He is best targeted as a starting corner infielder or a strong bench asset with the potential to easily outperform his baseline projection if he recaptures his previous All-Star form. Draft him as a high-upside target with a safe playing-time floor.
Updated 3 days ago
