Outlook Travis Bazzana
Travis Bazzana remains a highly valuable fantasy option as he anchors the first-place Guardians' lineup.
The everyday starter at second base has cooled off over the last seven days, batting just .167, but his overall month remains impressive with a .291 average over his last 30 games. He has locked down the leadoff spot for the first-place Guardians, who currently hold a 37-30 record. Fully healthy, Bazzana continues to provide high-upside speed and pop from the top of the order.
His hot start is backed by stellar pedigree, and our models project him to settle into a strong .275 average with 12 home runs and 11 stolen bases on the year. While his recent dip in on-base percentage over the past week shows some rookie volatility, his 36-game career sample with a .271 average and nine steals suggests these elite speed-and-contact tools are entirely sustainable.
Cleveland plays six home games this week, starting with a tough series against the Yankees where they will face Gerrit Cole and his elite 2.00 ERA. However, the schedule eases up against Detroit, offering a highly favorable matchup against Jack Flaherty and his 5.52 ERA. With his locked-in volume and stolen base upside, Bazzana is a mandatory start this week.
Updated 1 day ago
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Outlook Nick Gonzales
Versatile Infielder Poised to Outperform Draft Value
Nick Gonzales enters the 2026 season in a prime position to lock down a significant role in the Pittsburgh Pirates' infield. At 27 years old, the former first-round pick has matured into his prime and slots in as the primary starter at third base while also serving as a key backup option at second base and shortstop. After showing flashes of utility over his first few years in the big leagues, Gonzales's ability to play multiple positions guarantees him consistent plate appearances in a young, evolving Pirates lineup.
Our data projects Gonzales to turn in a solid season, with an expected stat line of nearly 380 at-bats, 33 runs, eight home runs, and 33 RBI. While his projected .259 batting average and .299 on-base percentage are fairly neutral, his career progression suggests there is room for growth, especially if he can build on his 2024 campaign where he hit .270 over 96 games. He possesses modest pop but offers very little in the speed category, making him primarily a contributor for batting average, runs, and RBI rather than a true five-category threat.
From a fantasy perspective, Gonzales serves as a highly reliable, high-floor depth piece for your bench or middle infield slot. He may not carry elite upside, but his positional flexibility and secure starting role make him an incredibly safe late-round target. He is best utilized in deeper formats or NL-only leagues where consistent playing time and defensive versatility are at a premium.
Updated 1 day ago
