Crews Liner
Dylan Crews (WSN): 3-4, 2 SB.
While Dylan Crews is hardly matching his 2024 output this season, his performance has improved since returning from an oblique strain in May. Since coming off the IL two weeks ago, Crews now has three steals, 4 RBI, and 9 runs while going 11-for-48. Modest production for a 23-year-old, but a quick look under the hood shows there are signs for optimism. The engine is running well with a 29.2 ft/s sprint speed, placing Crews in the 92nd percentile.
While all three of Crews’ hits last night were singles, two of those were absolutely demolished at 107.6 and 106.9 mph. His 11.4% barrel rate, 89.9 mph average exit velocity, and 73.3 mph bat speed are actually all higher than last year.
The Washington Nationals‘ budding superstar may not return to his rookie output in September, but this Crews Liner isn’t sunk yet!
Let’s see how the other hitters did Friday:
Brandon Nimmo (NYM): 3-4, 2 HR, 4 R, 4 RBI, BB.
Brandon Nimmo led the New York Mets in their 19-9 rout of the Miami Marlins last night with a pair of home runs. Nimmo carved up Eury Perez with a 103.3 mph blast in the first, followed up by a 107.2 mph shot in the sixth. 2025 has been the best year of Nimmo’s career as he’s currently on pace to set new highs in home runs, stolen bases, and RBI. As long as Nimmo is hitting in the middle of the Mets’ lineup, he’s a must-roster.
Trent Grisham (NYY): 1-4, HR, 2 R, 4 RBI, BB, SB.
Trent Grisham hit his 28th homer of 2025 as part of yesterday’s “Combo Meal”. Grisham has been on fire lately with 10 home runs, .253/.368/.556/.923, and a 156 wRC+ since the start of August. The power surge has been real, too. Last night’s home run clocked in at 108.6 mph, and on the season, Grisham has put up a 90.8 mph average exit velocity, 14.1% barrel rate, and 44.4% hard hit rate.
Otto Lopez (MIA): 4-5, 2B, HR, R, 4 RBI.
It’s been a rough second half for Otto Lopez, but he hit his 12th home run yesterday as the Marlins attempted to mount a ninth-inning comeback. Lopez’s production has fallen off with only one home run and two stolen bases since the All-Star break. The 26-year-old second baseman’s glove and a lacklustre supporting cast in Miami should keep him in the lineup every day, but those deciding to hold may want to sit him against left-handed pitching. The vast majority of his struggles have come against southpaws, with only three homers, a .220/.261/.291 triple slash, and a 52 wRC+.
Willy Adames (SFG): 4-6, 3 R, RBI, SB.
The hot streak continues for Willy Adames! Last night’s stolen base has him already matching his first-half counting stats with 12 homers and four steals already in the second half. Adames has brought his rate stats up in the second half, too, with a .252/.341/.531/.873 slashline alongside a 143 wRC+. Adames’ big year has been fuelled by a 110 score in both Power+ and Decision Value+ and a career high 89.1 mph average exit velocity.
Ke’Bryan Hayes (CIN): 1-3, HR, R, RBI, 2 BB.
While Ke’Bryan Hayes is known for being one of the best defenders in baseball, he’s been taking full advantage of playing in Great American Ball Park lately. Hayes’ third home run in Cincinnati last night gives him more home runs with his new team than he did with the Pirates; in fact, he’s already one shy of his 2024 total. There’s more to this than just park factor, too. Hayes’ approach at the plate has improved to the tune of a 9.7% walk rate, 16.1% strikeout rate, and 23.8% chase rate, each of which would be career-bests if not for the small sample.
Mike Yastrzemski (KCR): 2-3, HR, R, RBI.
Another hot hand excelling with his new team has been Mike Yastrzemski. Yastrzemski put the Kansas City Royals on the board in the first inning last night with his 15th homer of the year and seventh since the trade deadline. Leading off for the Royals, Yastrzemski has been hitting .282/.370/.654/1.023 with a 170 wRC+. A .372 ISO has been a surprise and is due for some regression, but a .246 BABIP and 101 Pitch Runs suggest that we aren’t about to crash down to Earth either.
Everson Pereira (TBR): 1-3, HR, 2 R, RBI, BB.
Speaking of the trade deadline, after being shipped out to the Tampa Bay Rays in the José Caballero trade, Everson Pereira hit his first career home run last night. Pereira has legitimate power, too, picking up 21 home runs in Triple-A before being called up to the majors. His 41.5% strikeout rate and contact skills suggest there’s still some refinement that needs to happen before Pereira breaks out, but he’s certainly one to watch, given the track record of the Rays’ player development staff.
Matt Wallner (MIN): 1-4, R, BB, 2 SB.
Honourable mention to Matt Wallner here. Wallner has established himself as a Top 20 hitter in the second half, 13th in wRC+ and tied for 15th in homers. Yet somehow, Wallner is only 52% rostered in Fantrax and 10% rostered in Yahoo leagues!
Regardless of format, Wallner is a must-add right now while he’s hot. Fantasy playoffs are around the corner, and he will be a difference-maker for someone in your league – take advantage.
