Outlook Carlos Cortes
Cortes looks to break out of recent slump against favorable weekend matchups
Carlos Cortes remains locked in as the Athletics' primary right fielder, though he has cooled off lately, batting just .167 over his last four games and .235 over the past two weeks. His club is currently second in the AL West with a 30-31 record, staying competitive despite a wave of injuries to key players like Jacob Wilson. Cortes' solid grasp on his lineup spot remains secure, but fantasy managers are feeling the pinch of his recent quiet stretch.
While his recent slump is frustrating, Cortes has excelled overall this year, carrying a strong .322 average and an elite .409 on-base percentage. Our models suggest some regression toward his projected .265 baseline is expected, especially since his modest power profile of five home runs limits his overall fantasy ceiling. Still, his strong plate discipline makes this recent cold streak more of a temporary bump than a complete collapse.
The Athletics finish their series in Chicago today against Shota Imanaga (4.50 ERA, 1.07 WHIP) before heading to Houston for three games against a vulnerable Astros staff, including high-ERA pitchers Tatsuya Imai and Mike Burrows. This soft weekend schedule provides Cortes with a prime opportunity to jumpstart his bat and compile counting stats. He is a viable fantasy option in deep leagues for the rest of the week. Verdict: Start.
Updated 2 days ago
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Outlook Juan Soto
Juan Soto Ignites Mets Offense with Elite Power-Speed Surge
Juan Soto continues to carry the offense for the fifth-place Mets, hitting .287 with 10 home runs and five stolen bases over his last 30 days. Despite the team dealing with high-profile injuries to stars like Francisco Lindor, Soto remains entrenched as the everyday starting left fielder and focal point of the lineup. His elite power-speed combination has kept his fantasy managers highly rewarded through New York's recent struggles.
While Soto's 10-homer surge over the last month is an absolute tear, our season projections expect a stable rest-of-season pace of 31 home runs and 19 stolen bases with an elite .404 OBP. This recent power spike is no fluke; rather, it represents a correction back to the elite five-category baseline we have seen throughout his illustrious career. He remains a tier-one cornerstone who should not be shopped under any circumstances.
The Mets head to San Diego for a three-game weekend set, offering highly lucrative matchups for the remaining games of this week. Soto will face tough arms in Michael King and Randy Vasquez, but the highlight is a Saturday showdown against a struggling Griffin Canning and his 7.16 ERA. Lock Soto into your lineups as a premier, must-start option for the remainder of the week.
Updated 2 days ago
