Late‑Season Momentum
In the ever‑shifting landscape of fantasy baseball, the difference between a benchwarmer and a starter can hinge on a single hot streak. As the season progresses, certain hitters who were once overlooked are beginning to turn the tide, offering a timely boost to anyone willing to act.
Take Jac Caglianone, who entered the draft season with an ADP of 161 at the National Fantasy Baseball Championship. After a slow start that saw him bat .238/.313/.400 through May 10, the power‑hitting prospect has begun to find his rhythm, delivering hits in four straight games at the end of Week 7 and, more recently, posting a .400/.481/.644 line with three homers, two steals and five multi‑hit games since May 25.
Similarly, Kyle Stowers, drafted at an ADP of 162, managed just one home run through the first eight weeks but has since slugged .494 with four homers and 17 RBI over the past stretch, signaling a breakout that could pay dividends for late‑round picks.
Alec Bohm’s early season numbers were equally underwhelming, a .184/.250/.279 slash line through Week 7. A promotion to the top half of the lineup appears to have unlocked his potential, as he now carries a .283/.330/.485 average with five homers, making him a sleeper worth monitoring.
Ezequiel Tovar, drafted at 192, has battled a .215/.263/.338 line early on, but a recent move to the six‑hole has sparked a surge, with four of his five homers coming in that window.
Matt McLain, known for his volatility, has turned a corner in June, slashing .308/.419/.731 with three homers and three steals, while Colton Cowser, rostered in only 32 % of CBS leagues and 14 % of Yahoo leagues, has hit four homers in his last ten starts.
Lars Nootbaar, back from the injured list on June 5, added a homer and a double on Thursday, underscoring the depth of talent that is suddenly available.
What This Means for Your Roster
For fantasy managers, the lesson is clear: late‑season form can be more predictive than preseason ADP. Streaming these players while they are on an upward trajectory can provide a competitive edge, especially in leagues where roster spots are limited.
Watch List
Beyond the names already highlighted, keep an eye on other emerging contributors such as Vlad Sedler, Don Mattingly, Elly De La Cruz, Jeremiah Jackson and Tyler O’Neill, who may also benefit from shifting lineups and increased playing time.