Outlook Alex Bregman
Alex Bregman remains a patient force at the plate despite recent batting average woes
Bregman has found the going tough lately, hitting just .167 over the last 14 days, though he has maintained a strong .364 on-base percentage over the last week thanks to six walks. He continues to slot in as the everyday third baseman for a surging Cubs squad that holds second place in the NL Central with a 49-38 record and a five-game win streak. While recent highlight reels show he still possesses game-tying power, his overall consistency has been lacking during this early Chicago stint.
Looking under the hood, Bregman’s .189 average over the past month is significantly lower than our season projection of .259 and his established career norms. However, his elite plate discipline—highlighted by 20 walks in his last 26 games—suggests his approach remains sound even if his slugging has been muted by the dimensions at Wrigley Field. We expect his batting average to regress upward toward his baseline projections as he continues to accumulate plate appearances in the heart of the order.
For the remainder of the week, the Cubs host a crucial three-game home set against the Cardinals. Bregman has a prime opportunity to break out against a St. Louis staff featuring Andre Pallante (3.93 ERA) and Kyle Leahy (4.09 ERA), before a very favorable matchup on Sunday against Matthew Liberatore and his 5.49 ERA. Given the elite walk rate and the high-ERA matchups remaining on the schedule, he should remain active in all formats. Start.
Updated 23 hrs ago
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Outlook Nick Kurtz
Nick Kurtz navigates mid-season power lull after historic start
Kurtz has slowed down significantly after a scorching June where he launched nine home runs. Over the last 14 days, he is hitting just .208 with 23 strikeouts, though he remains the everyday first baseman for an Athletics team that is 41-46 and in fourth place in the AL West. His role is more vital than ever with teammates Brent Rooker and Tyler Soderstrom currently sidelined on the injured list.
While the recent contact issues are notable, his season-long performance of 19 home runs and a .419 on-base percentage keeps him ahead of our projected pace for 30 homers. His history of elite plate discipline—including a record-tying on-base streak earlier this year—suggests this cold snap is an outlier. Our data expects his batting average to stabilize near .270 as his league-leading walk rate continues to provide a high fantasy floor.
Looking at the remainder of the week, the Athletics host the Marlins for three games starting Friday. Kurtz will match up against Tyler Phillips and his 3.13 ERA, but the weekend offers better opportunities against Sandy Alcantara and Eury Perez, who both enter the series with ERAs above 4.20. Given his massive home run upside and the volume of plate appearances he receives in the heart of the order, he should remain in all lineups. Start.
Updated 23 hrs ago
