Outlook Gunnar Henderson
Gunnar Henderson looks to jumpstart his bat during a key home stand
Henderson has experienced a lean stretch, batting just .204 over his last 14 days, though he rebounded slightly to .250 last week. The fourth-place Orioles (31-35) need their superstar shortstop to spark the offense with key infielders Jordan Westburg and Ryan Mountcastle sidelined. He remains firmly entrenched as Baltimore's everyday shortstop and primary catalyst.
While his .222 average is a disappointment compared to last year's .274 mark, his power is real with 13 homers already. Our models expect positive regression, projecting a rest-of-season bounce-back toward a .272 average with 26 home runs and 21 stolen bases. Fantasy managers should remain patient with the elite young star.
Baltimore plays seven home games, starting with a tough four-game set against Seattle's rotation before hosting San Diego. Henderson faces stingy arms like Logan Gilbert early, but should exploit high-ERA pitchers like Griffin Canning (6.34 ERA) over the weekend. Keep him locked in as an elite option. Verdict: Start.
Updated 2 days ago
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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 2 days ago
