Outlook Jac Caglianone
Slumping Caglianone facing tough road matchups belongs on fantasy benches
Jac Caglianone is mired in a deep slump, batting just .190 over his last seven days with nine strikeouts. Despite his struggles, the fourth-place Royals continue to slate him in as their everyday right fielder. With key infielder Maikel Garcia currently day-to-day with a hamstring injury, the team desperately needs Caglianone to break out of his current funk.
The young outfielder's recent cold stretch is a bump in the road compared to his longer-term potential, though his current .236 mark matches our season projection of a .236 average and 14 home runs. While his massive raw power is undisputed, his elevated strikeout rate makes him highly volatile. Expect the home runs to return eventually, but his contact issues will limit his batting average floor.
This week brings a full seven-game slate on the road, beginning in Cincinnati before a four-game series in Minnesota. Caglianone faces a gauntlet of tough opposing starters, including Chase Burns and Joe Ryan, both boasting ERAs under 3.00, though matchups against Chris Paddack and Andrew Abbott offer brief silver linings. Given his poor recent form and these difficult matchups, he is best left on your bench. Verdict: Sit.
Updated 3 days ago
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Outlook Spencer Horwitz
Spencer Horwitz is tearing the cover off the ball, making him a highly productive corner option while the hot streak lasts.
Spencer Horwitz has been red-hot, batting .333 with four home runs and nine runs scored over his last 13 games, including a stellar .370 average over the last week. He has locked down the everyday starting first base job for a third-place Pirates squad that currently holds a 32-28 record. With no active injuries threatening his playing time, Horwitz is firmly entrenched in the heart of Pittsburgh's lineup.
While Horwitz's current .289 average and seven homers are highly encouraging, our rest-of-season models project just nine total home runs over 418 at-bats, suggesting some power regression is on the horizon. He has historically been a contact-first hitter, meaning this sudden power surge is likely a peak fluctuation rather than a permanent skills growth, though his elite plate discipline will keep his batting average floor high.
The Pirates play six road games this week, facing three games in Houston and three in Atlanta. He will encounter a mixed bag of matchups, including a highly favorable meeting with Mike Burrows and his 5.40 ERA, but also challenging assignments against Spencer Arrighetti and Bryce Elder. Given his incredible current form, you must ride the wave. Verdict: Start.
Updated 3 days ago
