Outlook Curtis Mead
Curtis Mead's recent power surge has secured him everyday playing time, making him an intriguing starting option.
Curtis Mead is swinging a hot bat, hitting .279 with four home runs and 11 RBI over his last 14 days. His excellent performance against right-handed pitching has earned him everyday playing time, slotting in as the primary starter at third base while providing depth at first and second. This offensive surge is a massive lift for a Washington club that currently sits at 33-33 and third in the NL East.
While Mead only hit five home runs total over his first three major league seasons, his 2026 campaign features a sudden breakout with nine home runs in 51 games. Our rest-of-season models project him to add another 10 long balls with a solid .307 on-base percentage. Given his stellar minor league track record, the power jump looks legitimate, even if his batting average eventually regresses toward his projected .238 mark.
The Nationals play six games this week, starting with a road trip to San Francisco before returning home to host Seattle. Mead enjoys excellent matchups against struggling starters Adrian Houser (5.71 ERA) and Luis Castillo (5.53 ERA), though matchups against Bryce Miller (1.33 ERA) and Emerson Hancock (2.80 ERA) will test him. With his everyday role locked in, he remains an excellent lineup option. Verdict: Start.
Updated 16 hrs ago
Latest News Curtis Mead
Outlook George Springer
George Springer mired in slump with tough matchups on the horizon
George Springer has struggled recently, batting just .167 over the last seven days and .209 over his last 14 days without a home run. The third-place Blue Jays (32-34) continue to lean on him as their everyday designated hitter, especially with a roster dealing with multiple key injuries. Fortunately, Springer is fully healthy after overcoming a fractured left big toe earlier in the season.
While Springer's current .207 season average is a major disappointment compared to his career-best .304 mark in 2025, our models expect positive regression. Our projections expect him to rebound toward a .262 average with 16 home runs and 10 stolen bases for the season. Fantasy managers should remain patient, as his historical baseline suggests this cold streak is a temporary slump.
Toronto faces a tough six-game home stretch this week against the Phillies and Yankees. Springer will run into several elite opposing starters, including Zack Wheeler (2.31 ERA) and Cristopher Sanchez (1.46 ERA), making it a difficult week to expect a breakout. Given the brutal matchups and his current slump, he is a Sit in standard leagues.
Updated 16 hrs ago
