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 Brandon Marsh
Brandon Marsh is the hottest hitter in baseball and a fantasy must-start
Marsh is on an incredible tear, homering in three straight games and slashing .304 with six home runs over his last 14 days. The second-place Phillies (49-38) are leaning heavily on his everyday presence in left field, especially with the team missing Adolis Garcia for the season. His recent power surge has him leading National League outfielders in All-Star voting, cementing his transition from a platoon player to a core lineup fixture.
This production is no fluke; Marsh is currently batting .319 with 15 home runs through 82 games, already far exceeding our season projection of nine homers. While his 10 home runs over the last 30 days represent a peak he likely won't sustain all year, his high career BABIP supports a strong batting average asset. He has evolved into a legitimate five-category contributor who is finally thriving as an every-day starter.
The Phillies conclude their series with Pittsburgh today before traveling to Kansas City for the weekend. Marsh gets a favorable draw today against Jared Jones and his 5.76 ERA. While Michael Wacha (3.31 ERA) presents a challenge on Saturday, Sunday brings another prime opportunity against Luinder Avila and his 1.67 WHIP. With three home runs in his last three games and multiple matchups against struggling pitchers remaining, he is a must-play. Start.
Updated 23 hrs ago
