Outlook Salvador Perez
Salvador Perez seeks to snap out of a recent funk during a six-game homestand.
The veteran backplate is currently mired in a slump, hitting just .176 over his last seven days and .158 over the past two weeks for the fourth-place Royals, who are riding a two-game win streak. Despite the cold stretch, he remains locked into a crucial daily role, splitting time as the primary designated hitter and the backup catcher behind Carter Jensen. His veteran presence is especially vital now with superstar teammate Bobby Witt Jr. battling knee soreness.
While his current .204 season average is a clear disappointment, our models expect positive regression back toward his projected .251 baseline and his established track record of heavy power. With nine home runs already on the year, he remains just five long balls away from tying George Brett’s franchise record, indicating that the elite raw power is still very much intact.
This week, the Royals host six games, starting with three against Texas and ending with three against Houston. Perez draws highly favorable matchups against high-ERA starters like Tatsuya Imai (5.24 ERA) and Mike Burrows (5.77 ERA), though he will face a tough test on Sunday against Spencer Arrighetti and his sparkling 1.94 ERA. Despite the recent slump, the volume and matchup advantages make him a clear weekly option. Start.
Updated 1 day ago
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Outlook Brandon Valenzuela
Brandon Valenzuela is catching fire as Toronto's everyday starter, making him a highly coveted catcher option.
Valenzuela has been tearing the cover off the ball, hitting .400 with three home runs over his last seven days for the third-place Blue Jays, who are currently on a two-game winning streak. With Alejandro Kirk still sidelined on the injured list with a thumb fracture, Valenzuela has firmly secured his role as Toronto's everyday catcher.
While his 1.604 OPS over the last week is unsustainable, his overall season growth is highly encouraging. He is currently outperforming his career .256 batting average, but his excellent contact skills and strong underlying hard-hit data suggest he will remain a highly productive fantasy asset even when his hot streak cools down.
The Blue Jays have a six-game home stretch this week, though they face tough matchups against the Phillies and Yankees. While squaring off against elite arms like Zack Wheeler and Cristopher Sanchez caps his upside, Valenzuela's volume and red-hot bat make him a viable option. Verdict: Start.
Updated 1 day ago
