Outlook Nasim Nunez
Nasim Nunez offers elite stolen base speed despite batting average concerns
The third-place Nationals are riding a two-game win streak, and everyday second baseman Nasim Nunez continues to serve as a major spark on the basepaths, recently becoming the first player to reach 25 stolen bases this season. Over his last 14 days, Nunez has shown signs of life at the plate with a .267 batting average and three steals across 10 games. While he has solidified his role at second base, he provides virtually zero home run power.
Despite his recent 14-day surge, Nunez's season-long .196 batting average aligns with our projection of a .227 mark, suggesting his overall bat remains a significant liability. However, his elite speed is entirely real, already eclipsing our models' full-season expectation of 24 stolen bases. Expect him to remain a highly specialized, one-category asset whose elite speed is offset by severe batting average drag.
Washington plays six games this week, starting with a favorable three-game home stand against Kansas City where they face vulnerable starters Mitch Spence (13.50 ERA) and Luinder Avila (6.19 ERA) before heading to Tampa Bay. This schedule offers prime opportunities for Nunez to get on base and run against high-WHIP pitchers, making him a viable stream for managers desperate for steals. Weekly Verdict: Stream.
Updated 1 day ago
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Outlook Maikel Garcia
Maikel Garcia's bat is heating up as he secures his role as a reliable starter for the week ahead.
After recovering from a late-May hamstring strain, Garcia has locked back into his role as the primary third baseman for the fifth-place Royals (29-43). Over his last seven games, he has hit a solid .286 with five RBI and a stolen base, showing no lingering physical limitations. With teammate Vinnie Pasquantino on the injured list, Kansas City will rely heavily on Garcia to spark the offense.
While his recent contact is encouraging, Garcia's current 2026 pace of three home runs and five steals through 65 games is well behind his 16-homer breakout in 2025 and 40-steal campaign in 2024. Our models project a rest-of-season bounce-back toward 11 home runs and 26 stolen bases. His stable contact rate suggests his average will hover around .267, but his fantasy ceiling depends on his stolen base aggressiveness returning.
The Royals face a six-game slate this week, starting with three games on the road against Washington before returning home to face St. Louis. Garcia enjoys highly favorable matchups against vulnerable starters like Zack Littell (5.32 ERA) and Matthew Liberatore (4.71 ERA), which balances out a tougher matchup against Michael McGreevy (2.99 ERA). He remains a solid weekly Start.
Updated 1 day ago
