Outlook Esmerlyn Valdez
Esmerlyn Valdez continues historic rookie tear with elite power surge
Valdez has been an absolute revelation for the Pirates over the last 14 days, slashing .286/.432/.943 with seven home runs and 17 RBIs. The Pirates currently sit in third place in the NL Central with a 53-50 record and a six-game win streak in their recent ten-game window, holding steady despite a lengthy injury list that includes Oneil Cruz and Spencer Horwitz. Valdez anchors the outfield as the everyday right fielder and is carrying the offense through an impressive rookie campaign.
His absurd recent tear, highlighted by 13 home runs across 34 total career games, easily surpasses our season projection of 20 homers. While a regression in his jaw-dropping .717 slugging percentage and .211 weekly batting average is likely given his high strikeout rate, his immense raw power is very real and makes him a must-start fantasy asset.
The Pirates face a seven-game slate this week, opening with a brief road stop against the Yankees before returning home for a three-game series against the Cubs. Valdez will face manageable pitching matchups against starters like Matthew Boyd and Jameson Taillon, who carry high ERAs above 4.00 and 5.00 respectively. With a massive seven-game volume and a red-hot bat, keep him locked into all fantasy lineups. Start.
Updated 2 days ago
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Outlook Liam Hicks
Liam Hicks continues strong offensive production despite a tough stretch for Miami
Hicks has shown solid patience and contact ability over his last 14 days, slashing .265/.359/.382 with four runs batted in and four walks. The Marlins currently find themselves in third place in the National League East with a 52-51 record, enduring a rough patch lately. Hicks continues to anchor the backup catcher role while pulling heavy designated hitter duties in the active lineup.
His current 2026 campaign features a .288 batting average and 14 home runs across 92 games, which comfortably outperforms our baseline season projection of a .241 average and 12 homers. This sustained level of success points to genuine growth rather than a short-lived surge, supported by elite plate discipline and high contact rates.
The Marlins face a six-game slate this week, opening with three games against San Diego at home. Hicks will match up against German Marquez and his 5.24 ERA, JP Sears and his 4.38 ERA, and Walker Buehler and his 5.36 ERA, offering plenty of prime opportunities to do damage. Start.
Updated 2 days ago
