Outlook Spencer Horwitz
Spencer Horwitz's elite OBP makes him an attractive option for a Coors Field series
The fourth-place Pirates (38-37) are currently riding a two-game winning streak. Spencer Horwitz has cooled down slightly over the last 14 days, batting .239, but his elite plate discipline remains on full display with a stellar .386 OBP and nine walks. He remains locked in as Pittsburgh's everyday starting first baseman, a role that is highly secure with teammate Oneil Cruz sidelined with a hand injury.
Under the hood, Horwitz's current season-long .281 batting average and .395 OBP are significantly outperforming our rest-of-season projection of a .256 average. While his nine home runs already equal his projected season total, suggesting his home run rate could regress, his incredible eye and career-best plate approach make his elite on-base status completely sustainable.
For the remainder of the week, the Pirates head to Coors Field for three games against the Rockies. Horwitz faces a highly favorable trio of opposing starters in Kyle Freeland (8.31 ERA), Tomoyuki Sugano (4.94 ERA), and Michael Lorenzen (7.38 ERA). In this elite hitting environment, he is primed for a massive weekend. Verdict: Start.
Updated 3 days ago
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Outlook William Contreras
William Contreras remains an elite must-start fantasy option as he continues his stellar offensive season.
Contreras has been swinging a hot bat, hitting .304 with two home runs and seven RBIs over his last 14 days, building on a strong .298 average over the past month. He continues to anchor the lineup as the everyday starting catcher for the first-place Brewers, who lead the NL Central with a 45-26 record and are riding a three-game win streak. Fully healthy and locked in as the primary option behind the plate, his volume and run-producing opportunities remain incredibly secure.
His current season average is fully backed by his career track record of high-quality contact, including his .280 mark in 2024. While our season projections expect him to hit closer to .271 with around 20 home runs, his recent plate discipline suggests his current production is highly sustainable. Contreras remains one of the few true high-floor, five-category contributors at catcher, offering elite rest-of-season stability.
For the remainder of the week, Contreras faces a challenging stretch, starting with Cleveland's Parker Messick today before heading to Atlanta for a three-game weekend set. That road series features matchups against elite ace Chris Sale and Bryce Elder, though Sunday brings a friendlier matchup against Grant Holmes and his 4.33 ERA. Despite the tough matchups, his elite volume and offensive floor make him a mandatory Start in all formats.
Updated 3 days ago
