Each week we identify seven hitters who are rostered in fewer than 15% of fantasy baseball leagues who should be on your radar. For the most part, the players included in this article are best suited for inclusion in deeper leagues (12 teams or more). However, with the multitude of injuries creating holes in fantasy baseball rosters, you may need to eventually rely on some of the players referenced in this article in order to field a complete and competitive fantasy lineup. We reference Fantasy Pros’ roster percentages (as of Sunday afternoon) in this article.
Gavin Sheets, 1B, CWS (6%)
As this article is being written Gavin Sheets has only had 21 big league at-bats this season, but he’s been able to hold his own against Major League pitching. He’s only struck out twice. Sheets has already slugged two home runs and driven in eight in his first five games. He’s gotten starts at first base and in the outfield and has also served as the team’s DH. As the White Sox get healthier, he may not get to play every day, but for now, it seems that they want to keep his bat in their lineup. Consider him a speculative add to your deep league roster.
Jace Peterson, 1B/2B/3B/OF, MIL (5%)
Jace Peterson has had a semi-regular role in the Brewers’ offense since being recalled from the team’s Triple-A Nashville affiliate on June 8th. In parts of 25 games for the Brew Crew, Peterson has posted a .292 BA with a whopping .462 OBP, fueled by a 17.5% walk rate since his promotion. Peterson has also driven in 15 runs and scored 14 runs during that time frame. Look for Peterson to continue to be a consistent contributor to the Brewers’ offense as he continues to fill in at second base for the injured Kolten Wong.
Jake Burger, 3B, CWS, (4%)
Jake Burger is another White Sox prospect with a solid minor league pedigree who should be considered as a speculative add, especially with Yoán Moncada out of the lineup. Moncada is expected to miss a few days due to a bruised right hand, and Burger has been filling in for him at third base. Burger got two hits, including a double in his big league debut on Friday night. Burger had 10 HR with 32 RBI and had been slashing .322/.368/.596 with a .964 OPS in 42 games for the Pale Hose’s Triple-A affiliate before his promotion.
Elias Diaz, C, COL (4%)
Elias Diaz has been absolutely crushing the ball for the Rockies over the past week. In his last six games, he’s batted .450 with four home runs and a 1.650 OPS. Like many Rockies hitters, his numbers are better when he plays at home, but he’s been swinging a hot bat for a while, batting .300 over the past month (Please note that only six of his 18 games during that period were played on the road). Diaz’s playing time has increased of late, and he seems to be on the strong side of a platoon with fellow Rockies catcher Dom Nuñez.
Guillermo Heredia, OF, ATL (3%)
Guillermo Heredia may not be contributing much in the power department for the Braves this season, but he is an above-average defender who has taken over as the teams’ centerfielder. He’s been playing every day and is batting .340 with a 1.020 OPS in his last 17 games for the Braves. He has a 24.9% K-rate on the season, but since June 13th he’s only struck out 17.7% of the time.
Ryan O’Hearn, 1B, KC (1%)
Ryan O’Hearn has been impressive at the plate since his promotion from the Royals’ Triple-A affiliate in Omaha. In 10 games since rejoining the big league club, he’s batted .293, slugged three home runs, and driven in seven runs. The Royals hope that he’s rediscovered the stroke that helped him hit 12 home runs with 30 RBI in 44 games in his debut season back in 2018. He’s exuded confidence at the plate but one thing to note is that he hasn’t been issued a walk yet, and he’s registered a rather high 26.8% K-rate. Opposing pitchers may eventually take advantage of his aggressiveness at the plate, but for now, ride him while he’s hot.
Phil Gosselin 1B/3B/OF, LAA (1%)
Phil Gosselin may not be in the Angels’ everyday starting lineup however DFS players should note that he has been crushing left-handed pitching this season. He has an overall .319 BA on the season, but in 41 at-bats against southpaws he’s batting a hefty .439 with a 1.085 OPS. He’s likely eligible at first base, third base and as an outfielder in most fantasy leagues, adding to his overall fantasy value.
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter and @justinparadisdesigns on Instagram)