We’re a little over a quarter of a season and while the top prospects, who were held for time considerations, have made their impact already, it’s time to take a look at some fantasy baseball players you probably aren’t looking at … and you should. We’ve examined the top five that have been pleasant surprises. They are the players that will help you make the playoffs and in some cases, win the league. Most of you will find these players on the waiver wire, when a guy gets injured, and no one else has looked either. In some leagues, with uber fantasy players, you might already be too late.
Let’s take a look at the top five players who you should be clicking “watch” on now:
Austin Riley – Braves – Third Base – AAA
Riley has skyrocketed through the Braves minor leagues, in similar fashion to Ronald Acuna. Riley was a for sure 2019 debut player earlier this year, but given his fast start and the mess at Atlanta’s hot corner, he’s next in line in Johan Camargo goes down. Ryan Flaherty‘s amazing start has seen in fall back to earth (and through it). Jose Bautista cost a game … then saved it … and after a sub mendoza line performance, he’s at the Mets. After blistering AA in Mississippi, Riley is at .316/.374/.600 on the year with nine long balls, 33 RBIs in only 41 games. World Series Odds still have the braves at 4th in the NL East and surely Riley will help boost that probability when promoted. Riley is currently owned in 2% of ESPN leagues.
Christin Stewart – Tigers – Left Field – AAA
Owned in 0.6% of ESPN leagues after a terrible start to his AAA year, Stewart is sitting at .292/.373/.591 with 11 home runs, 29 RBIs in 42 games. The Tigers had several injuries this year and Stewart is in line for the next promotion. Look for him to come up within the week or two.
Dustin Pedroia – Red Sox – 2B – Disabled List
Pedroia hasn’t played yet this year, owned in only 13.2% of leagues, and slated to come off the DL towards the end of May. Pedroia, known as the guy who revolutionized second basemen (see Jose Altuve and Ozzie Albies) as the model, is a low risk pickup that could pay off dividends. Stash if you have a spot left on your DL or just need to fill a spot.
Mac Williamson – Giants – OF – Disabled List
Mac Attack is slated to come off the DL this week. Remember him? Yeah, me neither, but he’s owned in 6.1% of the leagues, and before injury, he was six for 19 with three home runs and six RBIs.
Carlos Rodon – White Sox – SP – Disabled List
Rehabbing from should surgery last September, Rodon is making his way back and slated to be activated in early June. Rodon has dominated his rehab starts, striking out six over one run five innings this past start and will make another start for AAA Charlotte on Thursday. Only owned in 5.3% of ESPN leagues, He’s 20-21 with a career 3.95 ERA over three seasons.
