Outlook Josh Naylor
Josh Naylor offers solid contact and speed despite an ongoing power drought
Naylor has cooled off over his last 14 days, hitting just .224 with zero home runs, though he has maintained a respectable .284 mark across his last 30 games. He remains firmly entrenched as Seattle's everyday first baseman for a 68-78 Mariners team sitting third in the AL West, staying in the lineup despite a few hard collisions on the bases.
While Naylor has surprisingly swiped 27 bases this season to blow past our preseason projections, his over-the-fence power has dried up over the past month relative to his projected 20-homer pace. Even so, his elite bat-to-ball ability and low strikeout rates ensure his floor remains stable rather than signaling any dramatic drop in offensive utility.
Looking at the remainder of the week, Naylor faces a tough matchup today against Texas ace Jacob deGrom (4.02 ERA) before a very favorable weekend road series against the Athletics. With Oakland trotting out vulnerable starters in Jeffrey Springs (6.13 ERA), Gage Jump (5.34 ERA), and Jacob Lopez (4.89 ERA), Naylor has a great opportunity to get back on track. Start.
Updated 1 day ago
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Outlook Mickey Gasper
Mickey Gasper cools after late-summer surge but maintains regular playing time
Gasper erupted for eight home runs and a 1.291 OPS over the last 30 days, though he has chilled to a .111 batting average over his last six games. With Willson Contreras sidelined by a hamstring strain, Gasper has stepped in as Boston's primary first baseman while also providing cover behind the plate. His everyday playing time remains secure as the 80-67 Red Sox look to snap a two-game losing streak.
His sudden late-summer power surge drastically outpaces his career .158 mark entering this season, heavily outperforming our conservative baseline projections. While his exceptional eye and 16 walks over the past month stabilize his on-base floor, his recent contact slump confirms that regression toward his career mean is underway. Fantasy managers should treat his August power binge as a lucky peak rather than a new baseline.
Boston finishes the week with three home contests against Kansas City, beginning with a favorable matchup against Seth Lugo and his 5.11 ERA and 1.46 WHIP. Matchups stiffen over the weekend against Randy Dobnak (2.54 ERA) and Noah Cameron (3.99 ERA). Given his recent contact struggles and cold week at the plate, keep him benched in standard mixed leagues. Sit.
Updated 1 day ago
