Outlook Willi Castro
Castro Slugging His Way into Everyday Utility Role
Willi Castro is locked in at the plate, batting .341 with three homers and 11 RBIs over his last 12 games. Though the fifth-place Rockies currently sit at 32-49, Castro is providing consistent value as the everyday second baseman while frequently filling in across the infield. His volume remains secure as he continues to lead a lineup currently navigating multiple injuries to key starters.
Our data shows Castro is vastly exceeding his preseason outlook, having already nearly matched his full-season RBI projection by late June. While his .282 average is a career-high mark, his .402 on-base percentage over the last 30 days suggests his improved approach and plate discipline are legitimate. Expect some regression toward his .248 baseline eventually, but his elite contact makes him an asset for now.
The Rockies finish the week with three road games against a Minnesota staff featuring ERAs all above 4.00, including a favorable Sunday draw against Connor Prielipp. With our models projecting a .377 average and additional speed upside for these remaining matchups, he is a high-end middle-infield option. Verdict: Start.
Updated 1 day ago
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Outlook Cole Young
Cole Young remains a clutch fixture in Seattle's lineup despite a recent dip in contact
Cole Young is the everyday second baseman for the first-place Mariners, who currently hold a 41-41 record and sit atop the AL West. While he has struggled lately with a .158 average over his last six games, he continues to provide significant real-world value, having led the league in late-inning go-ahead hits. With injuries to J.P. Crawford and Colt Emerson impacting the infield, Young's role as a lineup staple remains undisputed.
Despite the recent cold spell, Young’s season-long .247 average and seven home runs are actually ahead of our models' expectations for his age-22 campaign. His .731 OPS over the last 30 days suggests that the current slump is a temporary outlier rather than a fundamental regression. Given his ability to limit strikeouts and his solid .314 season-long OBP, we expect his production to stabilize toward his median career marks soon.
Seattle finishes the week with three road games against the Guardians. Young catches a break against Joey Cantillo and Slade Cecconi, two starters currently sporting ERAs over 4.25 and WHIPs north of 1.40. While Gavin Williams presents a tougher challenge on Sunday, the volume of plate appearances and the chance to exploit a high-traffic rotation make Young a viable middle-infield option. Start.
Updated 1 day ago
