Outlook Jake Burger
Everyday role and reliable power source provides solid corner infield floor
Jake Burger enters his age-30 season locked in as the primary starting first baseman for the Rangers. After proving his 30-plus homer power was no fluke during a strong multi-year run, he has established himself as a reliable middle-of-the-order threat. Playing in a competitive Texas lineup, he should benefit from plenty of RBI opportunities, though his security in the starting lineup is his greatest asset for fantasy managers looking for consistent plate appearances.
Our models project Burger for a respectable .242 batting average and 13 home runs over 492 projected at-bats, which aligns well with his career trends. While his high strikeout rate prevents him from being an asset in batting average, he compensates with a strong .445 slugging percentage. Fantasy managers should view him as a reliable three-category contributor who can anchor the corner infield position with 20-to-25 home run upside if he maintains his health.
Drafted around his current ADP of 252, Burger represents an outstanding value pick for fantasy managers in need of cheap power. He lacks the speed to contribute in stolen bases, but his secure everyday role and high-floor power projection make him a very safe option to outperform his draft-day cost.
Updated 3 days ago
Latest News Jake Burger
Outlook Mookie Betts
Mookie Betts Aims to Spark Slumping Bat in Highly Favorable Upcoming Matchups
Since returning from an early-season oblique injury, Betts has reclaimed his role as the everyday starting shortstop for the first-place Dodgers. While Los Angeles leads the division with an impressive 40-22 record, Betts has struggled to find his usual MVP-caliber rhythm, batting just .184 with two home runs and nine strikeouts over his last 12 games.
Do not panic over this slow stretch, as his track record indicates significant positive regression is coming. Our models project Betts to finish the year with a strong .275 batting average, 22 home runs, and 12 stolen bases. His elite plate discipline remains intact, meaning his current slump is a minor speed bump as he regains his timing.
For the remainder of the week, Betts will play four games split between Arizona and a home series against the Angels. He draws highly favorable matchups against Ryne Nelson, Reid Detmers, and Jack Kochanowicz, all of whom have ERAs hovering around 5.00. This is the perfect environment for a breakout, making him an elite option to roll with. Verdict: Start.
Updated 3 days ago
