Outlook Nico Hoerner
Hoerner's elite contact skills signal a rebound during Cubs win streak despite tough Milwaukee matchups.
The second-place Cubs are currently riding a four-game win streak as they look to close the gap in the division. Nico Hoerner, the team's primary second baseman, has turned a corner over the last seven days, batting .308 with six doubles after a frigid stretch where he hit just .212 over the previous month. Despite a brief scare with neck tightness earlier in the season, he remains a fixture in the lineup and a defensive anchor.
Hoerner's current .239 season average is a significant outlier compared to our projection of .281 and his established career norms. His historic 2.2% strikeout rate in June highlights that his bat-to-ball skills are as elite as ever, suggesting his early-season struggles are a result of poor luck rather than a decline in ability. Our models anticipate a significant batting average correction is coming as his league-leading contact rates translate into more hits.
The remainder of the week features a difficult three-game road set against the first-place Brewers. Hoerner will have to contend with a gauntlet of dominant starters, including Jacob Misiorowski (1.45 ERA), Kyle Harrison (2.50 ERA), and Brandon Woodruff (2.50 ERA). While these matchups are daunting, his recent flurry of extra-base hits and high-volume contact makes him a must-start in nearly all formats. Verdict: Start.
Updated 1 day ago
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Outlook Curtis Mead
Curtis Mead’s elite power surge continues to anchor the Nationals' lineup despite a dip in batting average.
Mead has been a consistent power source for the fourth-place Nationals, launching three home runs over his last seven games. While the 41-41 club is looking to snap a three-game losing streak, Mead has solidified his role as the starting third baseman and a primary run producer in the middle of the order. He continues to see everyday playing time, especially against right-handed pitching, where he has been most effective this season.
Although his batting average has dipped to .146 over the last fortnight, the underlying power output remains elite with four homers in his last 12 starts. This boom-or-bust profile is a significant pivot from his earlier career marks, as he has already surpassed our season projection of 10 home runs by reaching 14 before July. While the .223 season average is a slight categorical drag, his .476 slugging percentage suggests the power is legitimate.
The Nationals finish the week with a three-game series against the Orioles. Mead draws a favorable matchup today against Trevor Rogers, who carries a 5.48 ERA and 1.40 WHIP, followed by tougher tests against Brandon Young and Kyle Bradish. Given the volume of home runs he is providing and his secure spot in the batting order, he should remain in lineups for those chasing home runs and RBIs. Verdict: Start.
Updated 1 day ago
