Breakout Candidates
The fantasy baseball community is buzzing about a handful of recent call‑ups who are quickly proving their worth. From power hitters to high‑velocity arms, these players are forcing managers to reconsider roster decisions.
Spencer Steer of the Cincinnati Reds has emerged as a must‑have asset after posting a .320/.404/.500 slash line that translates to a .393 expected weighted OBA, ranking 16th among all major league hitters. He has already cracked four home runs in just 28 games since April 18, and the Reds’ ballpark, one of the most favorable for right‑handed power, only amplifies his upside.
Dylan Crews, recently promoted from Triple‑A Rochester, brings a blend of speed and raw power that has scouts intrigued. In 41 games he is batting .258/.345/.432 with five homers and seven stolen bases, while his exit velocity has climbed to 94.7 mph. Though his strikeout rate sits at 24.9%, the combination of on‑base skills and baserunning makes him an attractive pickup in mixed leagues.
River Ryan of the Los Angeles Dodgers is another arm generating buzz. After a recent outing in which he touched 100.9 mph and limited opponents to one run over four innings, the right‑hander is being stretched out for a larger role. With a groundball rate that ranks among the league’s best and a repertoire that includes multiple strikeout pitches, Ryan could soon lock down a spot in the Dodgers’ rotation.
Short‑term options are also emerging. Austin Martin, a Minnesota Twins outfielder, is batting .303/.425/.387 in 146 plate appearances and has converted three straight steal attempts, positioning him as a viable streaming asset. Meanwhile, Kyle Manzardo of the Cleveland Guardians is on a tear, posting a .295/.367/.591 line this month with a .428 expected weighted OBA, reflecting a noticeable jump in bat speed and exit velocity.
As the season progresses, these players could prove pivotal for fantasy managers seeking an edge, especially in leagues that reward on‑base percentage and stolen bases.