BY: SOME GUY NAMED STEVE
Alright, folks, today I will give you three guys that should be owned in every single fantasy baseball league, and if they aren’t, you need to pick them up ASAP. All of the players I give out are owned in 50% or less ESPN leagues and will be guys that will not only help your teams out this week but as the season progresses.
Michael Kopech: Chicago White Sox SP (35.2% Owned)
My favorite pick-up of the week is Michael Kopech of the Chicago White Sox. I love Kopech for several reasons, and I wouldn’t be surprised if his ownership doubles in the next week. Currently, Kopech is being used in a long reliever role but don’t let that scare you away from him. This season, Kopech has pitched 6.1 innings in three relief appearances, allowing just one hit and striking out 11 batters. He has retired 19 of the 22 total batters he’s faced this season, and his stuff looks dominant. Kopech can reach 99mph consistently and has a pair of nasty breaking balls to go alongside his incredible fastball.
I love Kopech because he has always been a top prospect in baseball, and after dealing with a few injuries, it looks like he has officially arrived. The White Sox have been cautious with Kopech’s development but don’t expect him to stay in the bullpen all year long. Kopech has the best “stuff” of any pitcher besides Giolito on the White Sox, and this long relief role will groom him for when he eventually starts games. Kopech is also the “next man up” if any other White Sox starter gets hurt or has to miss time. With the way Kopech is dealing right now, it’s only a matter of time until he takes a rotation spot and keeps it for years to come. PICK HIM UP!
Jarred Kelenic: Seattle Mariners OF (48.6% Owned)
Jarred Kelenic is the No. 4 ranked prospect in all of baseball, and it’s only a matter of time before he will be called up. He may not help you this week, but I would highly recommend stashing him if you have the roster space. Kelenic has nothing left to prove in the minors and had a very good showing in spring training this season. In the spring, Kelenic slashed .300/.400/.700 with 2 home runs, 2 doubles, 4 walks, and only one strikeout in 25 plate appearances.
The Mariners could definitely use the help from Kelenic with a few of its players struggling. Dylan Moore (2B/OF) and Taylor Trammell (OF) are two players that have had horrible starts to the season. Both players are batting under .160 AVG and Trammell has struck out an MLB worst 20 times in just 32 at bats. Moore has just 4 hits in 33 at bats and has yet to hit a home run. If these players continue to struggle, there will be added pressure for the Mariners to call up its prized prospect. Jump out ahead of the curve and grab Kelenic before it is announced because I predict we see Kelenic in the majors before the end of April.
Jonathan India: Cincinnati Reds 2B/3B (49.3% Owned)
The last guy for today is a player that can help you immediately and should play almost every day for the remainder of the season. Jonathan India has become the everyday second basemen for the Reds and has continued his hot start from spring training. So far this season, India is batting .353 with 11 RBI’s. He currently doesn’t have any home runs or steals but has the potential to get 15 or more in both categories. In Spring Training, India slashed .313/.441/.604 with three home runs and two steals and has shown he can produce in both during his stint in the minors.
The advanced statistics defend India’s hot start as well. Jonathan India has a hard hit rate of 32.1% and a line drive rate of 21.4% and has only struck out 8 times in 40 plate appearances. India shows signs of being a very consistent contact hitter who has the upside to help with a few homers and steals. He may not have the upside of a superstar, but India is the type of consistent hitter you can plug into your lineup each day and not have to worry about.
Honorable Mentions
- Trevor Rogers: Miami Marlins SP (40.2% Owned)
- Wander Franco: Tampa Bay Rays SS (27.2% Owned)
- Framber Valdez: Houston Astros SP (277% Owned)
- Isiah Kiner-Falefa: Texas Rangers SS/3B (59.8% Owned) *Too high of ownership to include*
- Carlos Rodon: Chicago White Sox SP (54.3% Owned) *Too high of ownership to include*
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