Killer Kyle
Kyle Higashioka (SDP): 3-4, 2 HR, 3 R, 6 RBI.
It’s always fun when a backup catcher takes the top spot of the day offensively. Although with Luis Campusano hurt, Higgy has become the full-timer behind the plate, and he’s honestly been pretty impressive over the past 15 games slashing .289/.333/.822 with seven home runs in that time. His career high in home run total for a season is 10 so it’s safe to say Higgy is having the best two weeks of his life.
As part of the Juan Soto deal, Higashioka came over to the Padres with Jhony Brito, Michael King, Drew Thorpe, and Randy Vasquez. He was a solid backup catcher in the Bronx and he’s continued that during his time in San Diego.
Not known for having any loud tools to his game, it’s pretty cool to see him put up these home run totals over the past 15. I’m not sure he is someone who absolutely needs to be rostered, but since he’s on a heater, I think he is a name to target if you are in need of catcher help. Who knows if this lasts much longer but a heater is a heater, so let’s see how long he can stay hot.
Let’s see how the other hitters did Wednesday
Francisco Alvarez (NYM): 3-3, 2B, HR, 3 R, 3 RBI, BB.
The Mets are a different team with Alvarez behind the plate. He has the ability to impact the game on defense but also has plenty of thump in his bat. So far in the Subway Series, the Mets have been annihilating the Yankees and Alvarez has been in the middle of it all. He felt like a breakout candidate heading into the year and even with injuries, it still looks like he’s taking a step.
Brandon Marsh (PHI): 4-4, HR, R, 4 RBI.
Marsh is an interesting fantasy player; I’m not sure he has a ton of value unless you play in a deep, five-outfielder league. He fits the Phillies like a slipper, and since he’s a plus-plus outfielder, he will always see consistent playing time. He’s about on the same pace he was last year only with a much lower slug, let’s see if he can string together a few games here after tonight’s performance.
Jarred Kelenic (ATL): 3-5, HR, R, 3 RBI, SB.
The Kelenic hype for a bit there was insane. I remember my first Batter’s Box article I left him out when he hit a home run and it caused a flurry of comments. I was a big believer in Kelenic and it’s nice to see that he is at least a serviceable bat for the Braves. He’s only 24, so there is still slight hope that he could blossom into something, but for now he is a solid outfield play in deep leagues.
Tyrone Taylor (NYM): 1-2, HR, 2 R, 3 RBI, BB.
There are a few Mets on this list tonight and for good reason, they put the spurs to the Yankees. Luis Gil looks gassed, doesn’t he? Maybe skip a turn in the rotation to see if that can get him right.
Taylor has been a solid bench bat for much of his career but I’m not sure he has much as far as fantasy goes. Another Met of mention from tonight’s game was Harrison Bader. I’ll mention him here since he’s kind of in the same boat as Taylor, solid player, but not sure there is much there for fantasy.
Willi Castro (MIN): 2-3, 2B, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI.
It always seems like when I write an article, Castro is there. Well, I finally picked him up in my main points league with Harris getting hurt and so far so good with Willi Castro. He actually might just be good. He gives you a ton of flexibility because of where he is eligible, but he’s also putting up solid offensive numbers. Now we just need to see those steals.
Cal Raleigh (SEA): 1-2, HR, R, 3 RBI, 2 BB.
Big Dumper keeps getting it done and you have to love the walks there too. Raleigh is climbing the dynasty catcher rankings pretty fast and I’d put him at like, sixth. He has shown the power is legit, but he’s always shown consistent patience at the plate. I dropped him in a 12-team dynasty league at the start of 2022 and it still doesn’t sit right.
Aaron Judge (NYY): 2-2, HR, R, 2 RBI, BB.
This was his 30th home run of the year. 30th. Truly insane. He’s most likely going to break his own single-season AL home run record. But can he beat 72?
Jose Miranda (MIN): 3-3, 2 2B, R, 3 RBI.
You love to see it. Miranda was really starting to feel like a breakout candidate for a bit there in 2022, but a lackluster 2023 made everyone forget about him. Well, he’s back, and since being called back up, he’s been pretty darn good. In his last 15 games, he’s slashing .333/.414/.588 with seven walks to nine strikeouts. He may be back, pick him up.
Matt Vierling (DET): 2-4, 2B, HR, 2 R, RBI.
It seems like I write about Vierling a lot too, he must love hitting on Wednesdays. He isn’t a must-start but in my 14-team, five outfielder league, he is a must-start and actually a nice piece to have. Against lefties he will always start so when a lefty is on the bump, put him in your starting roster.
Nathaniel Lowe (TEX): 2-5, HR, R, 3 RBI.
Lowe has been heating up over his last seven games slashing .280/.357/.440. The home run today was a welcome sight and we are going to need more from him to crack a starting fantasy roster. He’s a solidish option but as we get further from 202, I’m not sure we see 27 home runs in a season from him again.
Shohei Ohtani (LAD): 1-2, HR, 2 R, RBI, 2 BB.
MVP. I played against him last week in a points league and he scored something like 70 points. He’s the best player on the planet.
Gunnar Henderson (BAL): 3-4, HR, R, 2 RBI.
I ended last week’s article with Gunnar as well, fun. I think it’s safe to say Gunnar is in the “what else is there to talk about” category these days. Keep an eye out to see if he starts stealing more, but other than that, he’s one of the premier talents in the game.