Outlook Esmerlyn Valdez
Esmerlyn Valdez makes MLB history with record-breaking power surge
Valdez has been the hottest hitter in baseball, posting a staggering .478 batting average with four home runs and seven runs scored over the last seven days. His recent four-game home run streak etched his name into the history books as one of the few players to achieve such a feat within their first 16 career games. He has firmly established himself as the primary starter in right field for a 43-44 Pirates squad currently looking to climb out of fourth place in the NL Central. With key teammates like Oneil Cruz still sidelined, his emergence is vital for the Pittsburgh offense.
While his 1.643 OPS over the last week is obviously unsustainable, the raw power is undeniably legitimate, as evidenced by a recent 461-foot blast. Our models suggest his .302 career average might see some regression given his high strikeout rate—fanning 20 times in his first 53 at-bats—but his ability to drive the ball makes him a high-upside fantasy asset. Compared to his brief early-season stint, this version of Valdez looks much more comfortable at the plate, making his recent power surge feel like a true breakout rather than a mere flash in the pan.
The Pirates continue their road trip with a final game in Philadelphia today against Alan Rangel before heading to Washington for a three-game weekend set. Valdez draws some excellent matchups against a Nationals staff featuring Zack Littell (5.29 ERA) and Miles Mikolas (5.38 ERA), both of whom have struggled with limiting damage this year. While Foster Griffin presents a tougher challenge on Friday, Valdez’s elite form and history-making power potential against high-ERA starters make him a must-play in all formats for the remainder of the week. Start.
Updated 23 hrs ago
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Outlook Troy Johnston
Troy Johnston provides reliable contact and high average for the Rockies lineup
Johnston has been a consistent force at the plate lately, slashing .318 over his last 14 days and maintaining a .313 average across his last 22 games. He has solidified his role as the primary designated hitter for a fifth-place Rockies squad that currently holds a 34-53 record. With teammates like Tyler Freeman recently landing on the injured list, Johnston has capitalized on the opportunity, providing much-needed stability to the middle of the order.
His recent performance is a significant jump from our projection of a .257 batting average, but the contact skills appear sustainable. Johnston has struck out only six times in his last 67 at-bats, showing an elite ability to put the ball in play. While his three home runs through 78 games suggest he won't be a major power source, his ability to avoid empty at-bats makes him a high-floor asset in leagues that value batting average and on-base percentage.
The Rockies continue their homestand this week with a remaining matchup against Miami before a three-game set with San Francisco. Johnston gets a favorable draw today against Ryan Gusto and his 5.06 ERA, though the weekend brings a tougher challenge against Logan Webb and his 3.19 ERA. Despite the mixed difficulty of opposing pitchers, the benefit of playing at home in Coors Field and his current .313 hot streak makes him a worthy lineup inclusion. Start.
Updated 23 hrs ago
