In the latest wave of moves across the NFBC Elite, a handful of hitters and arms have emerged as coveted additions for owners chasing a competitive edge.
Lars Nootbaar continues to generate buzz, with projections that could see him flirt with 20 home runs, 10 stolen bases and a .250 batting average if his recent uptick in bat speed and sprint speed translates into regular playing time. The 27‑year‑old’s health appears solid after a successful heel surgery, though his career splits against left‑handed and right‑handed pitchers still raise questions about a full‑time role.
Jared Young is another name making the rounds, having posted a .271/.353/.475 line over 68 plate appearances while already showing three homers. His blend of contact and power suggests a ceiling that could outpace many of the league’s more established options.
Michael Massey’s power profile is also on an upward trajectory; his isolated power has tripled and his bat speed now sits at a career high, hinting at a potential surge in extra‑base production.
Meanwhile, veteran catcher Kyle Higashioka offers a reliable source of pop, pairing decent batting average with enough power to be considered a weekly streaming asset.
Jacob Gonzalez, who has posted a high BABIP and 19 home runs in Triple‑A, adds another layer of intrigue for those seeking upside at the corner infield.
Emerging Arms
On the pitching side, Jack Perkins stands out with a high strikeout rate and a repertoire that includes a sharp fastball and a biting slider, positioning him as a candidate to become a frontline starter.
Hunter Dobbins has shown improved strikeout numbers in the majors, yet his walk rate and resulting WHIP remain concerns that could limit his upside.
Andrew Alvarez brings a high groundball percentage and strikeout potential, but control issues have kept his command from reaching the next level.
Alex Lange, while possessing save potential, walks too frequently, a pattern that could inflate his WHIP and erode his value in tighter formats.
Finally, Yoendrys Gómez is currently the most reliable reliever in the Minnesota bullpen, though his flyball tendencies and walk problems mean he must be monitored closely for sustained success.