Rake Baldwin
The Texas Rangers are going to be seeing Drake Baldwin in their nightmares after what the 25-year old phenom did to their pitching staff this weekend. After amassing five hits and six RBI in nine at-bats in the first two games, Baldwin went nuclear on Sunday going 5-5 with two HRs, three R and two RBI as the Braves defeated Texas 8-5.
Baldwin became just the fourth Braves player to hit two home runs in a five-hit game in the 21st century and has spurred a Braves offense that was sputtering entering the break. Baldwin rightfully earned a starting spot in the All-Star Game in Philadelphia, as his 132 wRC+ leads all qualified catchers. With Baldwin back to terrorizing opposing pitchers and Ronald Acuña Jr. returning soon, the Braves offense is poised to return to its mashing ways.
Let’s see how the other hitters did on Sunday:
Francisco Lindor (NYM): 3-3, HR, 2B, R, 3 RBI, 2 BB.
After a truly depressing run of games, Francisco Lindor bounced back with perhaps his best game of the season Sunday, reaching base in all five plate appearances to lead the Mets to a 6-1 victory over the Phillies. It has been a season from hell for both the Mets and their 32-year old shortsop, but I will always have faith in Lindor, who has averaged a 30 HRs and 30 steals over his last three seasons.
Wyatt Langford (TEX): 3-5, HR, 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI.
Rangers fans and fantasy managers alike are just begging for Wyatt Langford to stay healthy. After another strong performance on Sunday, the 24-year-old is hitting .359/.406/.703 with six HRs in his last 15 games and has star potential if he can just remain on the field.
Austin Riley (ATL): 3-4, 2 HR, 2 R, 4 RBI.
A two-time All-Star and Silver Slugger award winner, it has been disappointing to see the immense struggles Austin Riley has endured this season. Here’s hoping his two-HR game in Sunday’s win sparks a second half turnaround for the 29-year old, as his .217/.296/.361 line and 82 wRC+ are a far cry from the expectations Riley has set for himself.
Billy Cook (PIT): 3-4, 3B, 2 R, 2 RBI, SB.
July 19th will be known as Billy Cook Day in Pittsburgh, as the backup outfielder did it all for his team in their 7-1 victory over Cleveland. In addition to his three hits, Cook also stole his fifth base and threw out a go-ahead run at the plate for the Pirates.
Fernando Tatis Jr. (SD): 2-4, HR, 3 R, 4 RBI, SB.
After dropping the first two games of the series to the Royals, Fernando Tatis Jr. and the Padres took out their frustrations on Sunday in a 19-2 rout. Tatis power struggles have been well documented this season, but he now has HRs in back-to-back games and looks to be turning things around.
Jackson Merrill (SD): 4-6, 2 HR, 2 R, 4 RBI, SB.
Another Padre who has struggled at the plate this year, Jackson Merrill exploded on Sunday with his 11th and 12th HRs of the season and his 20th stolen base to boot. While yesterday was fun for the 23-year old, Merrill is going to have to showcase better discipline at the plate if he is going to return to hitting like he did in his impressive rookie campaign.
Ty France (SD): 2-6, 2 HR, 2 R, 5 RBI.
Ty France returned to the place he began his career this offseason and he has been a solid addition to a Padres lineup that needs all the help it can get right now. After his two-HR performance on Sunday, France is up to 14 this season, his most since 2022, and his 138 wRC+ would be a career-best.
Alex Bregman (CHC): 2-4, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, BB.
Alex Bregman finally reached double-digit HRs with a two-run first inning blast to propel the Cubs to a 10-1 win over Minnesota. While the power has been abysmal in 2026, Bregman is still a high-walk, low-strikeout hitter and I am still willing to hold out for a big second-half from the veteran third baseman.
Tyler Stephenson (CIN): 3-4, 2 HR, 2 R, 3 RBI.
Tyler Stephenson enjoyed his Sunday at Coors Field, blasting two HRs in Cincinnati’s 9-6 victory over the Rockies. Stephenson could be an appealing trade candidate at catcher for the last place Reds and he has put together some strong numbers over his last 30 games, hitting .309/.356/.485.
Hunter Goodman (COL): 3-5, 3 HR, 3 R, 5 RBI.
We saved arguably the best (aside from Baldwin) performance for last, as Hunter Goodman became the first Rockies player to record a three-HR game twice in a season. The 26-year old has followed up his 31 HR, breakout season of 2025 with another 30 HRs in 2026 in just 346 at-bats. The Colorado catcher has just incredible power and has proven himself to be one of the the best fantasy baseball assets in the game.
