Big Willy Style
Willy Adames (MIL): 2-4, 2 HR, 2 R, 4 RBI.
Everyone’s favorite 90’s album, Electriclarryland I mean Big Willie Style, showed up against his ex-team on Wednesday smashing two home runs to a series win.
You know who’s really good, and maybe one of my favorite players in the game, and I believe is one of the most underrated players for fantasy and the actual game? Willy Adames. I understand he’s streaky, but even with the streaky bat, he gives his team value on defense. And for fantasy, that streakiness, if understood, can be used to a manager’s advantage every time just know when he’s on and when he isn’t. I got over the hump in 2022 in a dynasty league because of Willy Adames; he was absolute nails in the playoffs and helped me get to my first championship.
Adames is off to a fantastic start in 2024 and let me just double-check oh, guess who’s a free agent next year? Guess. It’s Willy Adames. The man has almost 20 WAR and is heading into free agency off of a down year, he’s someone I would be targeting in a massive way this year, especially right now. The hot start has made him popular but I bet he could still be traded for on the cheapish.
Contract-year players tend to explode before they hit the market. Adames may be doing this for 2024.
Let’s see how the other hitters did Wednesday
Jake Cronenworth (SDP): 1-3, HR, R, 4 RBI, BB.
The Cron Zone is an exclusive club: Jake Cronenworth and CJ Cron when he was a Rockie cause they had no one else to market. Well, guess who Cron Zoned Wednesday with a grand slam? Checkmate CJ Cron. Cronenworth is steady and coming off a meh year, He’s a great get right now if you need infield help.
Matt Vierling (DET): 2-3, HR, 2 R, 3 RBI.
I want to like Matt Vierling more than he’s worth, I really really do. But Matt Vierling is Matt Vierling. He had a nice game Wednesday helping a much improved Tigers team to a victory. They are now 18-13, which man, they seem in line for a wild card berth, right? Vierling is a nice cog in their operation and he does have some power. In deep leagues with five outfielders, he’s an option.
Tommy Pham (CHW): 2-4, 2B, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI.
This is exciting. How did so many teams pass on Tommy Pham? Especially the Mets, he fits like a slipper on their team. Well, he’s a South Sider now and firmly implanted on like four of my fantasy teams. He isn’t a godsend but Tommy Pham has proven to be a solid fantasy option for years. Need outfield help? This is your guy.
Michael Massey (KCR): 1-4, HR, R, 4 RBI.
When Massey was first making his way to the Royals I was maybe more hyped than I should’ve been. He since has been a bit disappointing but I love that the Royals continue to play him. I think he’s a part of their future plans, so I’d roster him in deep leagues. I don’t see massive upside, but maybe an Andrés Giménez level of production, more power less speed, could be in the cards down the road.
Oswaldo Cabrera (NYY): 2-3, HR, R, 2 RBI, SB.
He continues to hit, and he continues to be the Yankees hero. I love what we’ve seen so far from Cabrera even though it may not be who he is forever. He is a solid UTIL option who is going to continue to get at-bats.
Willi Castro (MIN): 3-5, 2B, 3B, R, RBI, SB.
Speaking of solid UTIL bats that I was possibly too excited about (The last two players really coming full circle here), Castro is heating up. He will always be useful because of his eligibility, but I actually think he’s good. He isn’t going to provide much power, but he stole 33 bases last year. I think he’s worth an add now. I’m looking at my leagues right now to see if I can squeeze him in.
Steven Kwan (CLE): 3-5, 2B, 3B, 2 RBI.
Kwantanamo Bay was a headline name I played with last year and never used, so I’m using it now. Really rolls off the tongue. Talk about a steady presence in fantasy, Steven Kwan is just that. He’s an on-base machine and has been a major part of the early success of the Guardians. He’s also showing a bit more power, the best may be yet to come.
Alex Kirilloff (MIN): 1-3, HR, 2 R, RBI, BB.
It feels like once an article we join hands for a prayer circle. There will be no exception for this article. Take my hand reader who is not near me. We must now pray for the health of Alex Kirilloff. Kirilloff may be one of the most talented hitters in baseball, truly. For all you young ones who don’t remember when he was a prospect, things like this were said about him. I still believe it, we just haven’t seen a full healthy year. Sorry I held your hand so long, I just hope Kirilloff can stay healthy.
Austin Riley (ATL): 2-4, 3B, R, 2 RBI, BB.
The Braves studs haven’t gotten off to the best start so far in 2024. Marcell Ozuna is filling a lot of holes for Riley, Olson, and Acuña. But it’s April, don’t overreact to a down month from stars, it happens. Riley started the month of May in a nice way and I’m hoping to see it continue.
Tyler Nevin (OAK): 2-4, HR, 2 R, RBI.
Nevin in the last five games has hit three home runs. And guess what? The A’s look like they don’t suck. It’s crazy that they are still the punching bag of social media as far as getting the “worst team” label when the Rockies and White Sox exist. Nevin is only 26 and has baseball in his lineage. The A’s are great at being an island of misfit toys, taking players who haven’t figured it out and finally flipping that switch. I don’t see a massive floor from Nevin but never say never. Keep an eye on him.