Hot Hitter Rundown
The cliché that the standard fantasy baseball season is a marathon and not a sprint is certainly true, but keeping an eye on the hottest players in the game is still extremely important when making start/bench decisions, making pickups and getting fair value in trades. It has become even more important recently with the popularity of daily games such as FanDuel growing.
It should be noted that short-term production in MLB involves a limited sample size, and should be analyzed and scrutinized for its level of significance, or lack thereof, very closely. With these factors in mind, the following is a rundown of the hottest hitters over the last seven days according to Rotoworld’s Player Rater.
Mention of players on these lists is a statement of fact that they are playing well for fantasy owners recently, but not necessarily a long-term endorsement of ownership in fantasy leagues, unless otherwise noted.
Player Rater numbers and review cover games for the week of 8/11-8/17.
Catcher
Week Rank | Season Rank | Player | Tm | Pos | HR | RBI | SB | AVG | R | VAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 21 | Alex Avila | DET | C | 2.17 | 0.48 | -0.42 | 1.03 | 0.51 | 3.76 |
2 | 1 | Jonathan Lucroy | MLW | C | 0.76 | 1.51 | -0.42 | -0.62 | 0.51 | 1.75 |
3 | NR | Francisco Cervelli | NYY | C | 0.76 | -0.04 | 1.03 | 0.64 | -0.71 | 1.69 |
4 | 10 | Russell Martin | PIT | C | 0.76 | 0.99 | -0.42 | -0.37 | 0.51 | 1.48 |
5 | 11 | Kurt Suzuki | MIN | C | 0.76 | -0.55 | -0.42 | 0.77 | 0.51 | 1.07 |
6 | 12 | John Jaso | OAK | C | 0.76 | -0.55 | -0.42 | 0.14 | 1.12 | 1.05 |
7 | 6 | Evan Gattis | ATL | C | 0.76 | 0.48 | -0.42 | 0.14 | -0.10 | 0.86 |
8 | 22 | Travis d'Arnaud | NYM | C | 0.76 | -0.55 | -0.42 | 0.39 | 0.51 | 0.69 |
9 | 28 | Yasmani Grandal | SD | C | 0.76 | -0.04 | -0.42 | -0.24 | 0.51 | 0.57 |
10 | 19 | Chris Iannetta | ANA | C | -0.65 | -0.04 | -0.42 | 1.02 | 0.51 | 0.43 |
Alex Avila doesn’t find himself owned in many mixed leagues at this point, but another strong week could get him a long look in two catcher leagues. He hit .350-2-3 last week for the faltering Tigers … Jonathan Lucroy continues to be one of the few stalwarts at the catcher position, but even his numbers were not that impressive last week. He hit just .207 for the week, but a five RBI performance on Sunday put him second in the ranks … John Jaso has quietly been a first catcher in deeper mixed leagues, recovering well from his concussion issues of last year. Jaso has been above average at the position in nearly every category, though his .267-1-1 week with four runs scored shows just how anemic catchers performed at the plate last week … Travis d’Arnaud continues to make the top 10 each week by doing very little, effectively pushing himself to second catcher status in mixed leagues. Last week he hit .294 with one bomb. He has 10 homers in only 81 games this season, a solid pace that could even put him in the first catcher conversation come draft day, 2015.
First Base
Week Rank | Season Rank | Player | Tm | Pos | HR | RBI | SB | AVG | R | VAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 10 | Adam LaRoche | WAS | 1B | 2.17 | 2.03 | 1.03 | 0.26 | 1.73 | 7.23 |
2 | 6 | Freddie Freeman | ATL | 1B | 0.76 | 0.99 | 1.03 | 1.54 | 1.73 | 6.06 |
3 | NR | Nate Freiman | OAK | 1B | 3.57 | 0.99 | -0.42 | 0.26 | 0.51 | 4.92 |
4 | 22 | Joe Mauer | MIN | 1B | 2.17 | 0.48 | -0.42 | 0.90 | 0.51 | 3.64 |
5 | 32 | Gaby Sanchez | PIT | 1B | 0.76 | 1.51 | -0.42 | 1.02 | 0.51 | 3.38 |
6 | 17 | Mike Napoli | BOS | 1B | 0.76 | 0.99 | -0.42 | 0.77 | 1.12 | 3.23 |
7 | 2 | Miguel Cabrera | DET | 1B | -0.65 | -0.04 | -0.42 | 1.66 | 2.35 | 2.91 |
8 | 14 | James Loney | TB | 1B | 0.76 | 1.51 | -0.42 | 0.02 | 0.51 | 2.38 |
9 | 23 | Stephen Vogt | OAK | 1B | 0.76 | 0.48 | -0.42 | 0.90 | 0.51 | 2.23 |
10 | 19 | Mark Reynolds | MLW | 1B | 2.17 | -0.04 | -0.42 | -0.37 | 0.51 | 1.85 |
Adam LaRoche ranks atop the first base list for the second consecutive week. This time he hit .278-2-6 with five runs scored, and added a rare stolen base. He’s hit an impressive .311-5-11 in August … Nate Freiman hasn’t found his way onto many lists of any type this season as a platoon player for the A’s, but his three homers in two games last week could buy him some more playing time for AL-only leagues … Two catcher-eligible players made the list in Joe Mauer and Stephen Vogt. Mauer is particularly notable returning recently from an oblique injury. He has been a massive disappointment for owners that expected full-time at-bats and health from a “catcher” playing first base, but a good run down the stretch would be better late than never … Another former catcher, Mike Napoli, has also come on strong recently despite what has been a disappointing year. He hit .357-1-4 last week, but still only has 15 homers and 44 RBI for the year … Mark Reynolds launched two more homers last week, putting him back near a 30 home run pace for the season. He has been just as advertised, though his 42 RBI is unlucky given the power.
Second Base
Week Rank | Season Rank | Player | Tm | Pos | HR | RBI | SB | AVG | R | VAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | Dee Gordon | LA | 2B | -0.65 | -1.07 | 6.85 | 0.65 | 2.96 | 8.74 |
2 | 1 | Jose Altuve | HOU | 2B | 2.17 | 2.54 | -0.42 | 2.56 | 1.73 | 8.58 |
3 | 3 | Robinson Cano | SEA | 2B | 2.17 | 0.99 | -0.42 | 1.28 | 3.57 | 7.60 |
4 | 20 | Jonathan Schoop | BAL | 2B | 3.57 | 1.51 | -0.42 | 0.90 | 1.12 | 6.69 |
5 | 27 | Jedd Gyorko | SD | 2B | 0.76 | 2.03 | -0.42 | 1.16 | 1.12 | 4.65 |
6 | NR | Kristopher Negron | CIN | 2B | 0.76 | -0.04 | 1.03 | 1.53 | 1.12 | 4.41 |
7 | NR | Phil Gosselin | ATL | 2B | 0.76 | -0.04 | 1.03 | 1.02 | 1.12 | 3.90 |
8 | 8 | Howie Kendrick | ANA | 2B | 0.76 | 0.99 | -0.42 | 0.90 | 0.51 | 2.75 |
9 | 12 | Scooter Gennett | MLW | 2B | -0.65 | 1.51 | -0.42 | 0.90 | 0.51 | 1.86 |
10 | 7 | Chase Utley | PHI | 2B | -0.65 | 0.99 | -0.42 | 0.77 | 0.51 | 1.22 |
It’s rare to see the top three pretty much hold serve this late in the year, but it is a testament to the consistency of Jose Altuve, Dee Gordon and Robinson Cano this season. Altuve is back atop all hitters after last week’s .406 batting average … Jedd Gyorko continues to make late-season progress back from a foot injury, hitting .333-1-6 last week and 11 RBI in August. He’s hitting just .199, but could be an opportune play down the stretch … Kristopher Negron might have bought himself a roster spot through the end of August with his strong play in Brandon Phillips’ stead, though he’s likely to sit the rest of the way with Phillips back … Phil Gosselin made the most of his three starts last week, hitting .375-1-2 with one steal. He’s nothing more than a part-timer in the short and long term, but could be worthy as an NL-only fill-in for the time being.
Third Base
Week Rank | Season Rank | Player | Tm | Pos | HR | RBI | SB | AVG | R | VAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 5 | Kyle Seager | SEA | 3B | 0.76 | 2.03 | -0.42 | 0.65 | 1.73 | 4.75 |
2 | 7 | Matt Carpenter | STL | 3B | 0.76 | 1.51 | -0.42 | 0.52 | 2.35 | 4.72 |
3 | 18 | Nick Castellanos | DET | 3B | 2.17 | 2.03 | -0.42 | 0.77 | -0.10 | 4.45 |
4 | 6 | Evan Longoria | TB | 3B | 0.76 | 2.54 | -0.42 | 0.53 | 0.51 | 3.92 |
5 | 2 | Josh Donaldson | OAK | 3B | 2.17 | 0.99 | -0.42 | 0.52 | 0.51 | 3.78 |
6 | 39 | Charlie Culberson | COL | 3B | 0.76 | 0.99 | -0.42 | 0.90 | 1.12 | 3.35 |
7 | 10 | Nolan Arenado | COL | 3B | 0.76 | 0.48 | -0.42 | 1.28 | 1.12 | 3.23 |
8 | 14 | Conor Gillaspie | CWS | 3B | 0.76 | 1.51 | -0.42 | 0.26 | 0.51 | 2.63 |
9 | 32 | Cody Asche | PHI | 3B | 0.76 | 0.48 | -0.42 | 0.52 | 0.51 | 1.85 |
10 | 25 | Chase Headley | NYY | 3B | -0.65 | -0.55 | 2.49 | 0.39 | -0.10 | 1.58 |
Kyle Seager got off to a rough start following the break, but his stats were helped by hitting .316-1-6 last week and is still well on his way to a career year … Matt Carpenter has quietly been a solid producer, especially considering that he is eligible at second base in fantasy leagues. The Cardinals’ leadoff man remains on a 100 run pace, and hit .286-1-5 with six runs scored last week … Nick Castellanos has also quietly put together a nice season, putting himself in the conversation in the lower tier of mixed league corner infielders. The rookie hit .318-2-6 last week … Charlie Culberson benefitted from injuries ahead of him, hitting .385-1-4 with some games at Coors Field last week. Manager Walt Weiss likes his utilityman, which is disconcerting given Culberson’s lack of offensive numbers in his major league career … Chase Headley hasn’t helped his free agent stock much, hitting just .253-2-8 in 23 games since joining the Yankees. He’s fallen off the map in mixed leagues, even in a favorable hitter’s park.
Shortstop
Week Rank | Season Rank | Player | Tm | Pos | HR | RBI | SB | AVG | R | VAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 4 | Ian Desmond | WAS | SS | 0.76 | 0.48 | 1.03 | 0.90 | 1.12 | 4.30 |
2 | NR | Cliff Pennington | ARZ | SS | 0.76 | -0.55 | 1.03 | 1.03 | 1.12 | 3.39 |
3 | 3 | Jose Reyes | TOR | SS | -0.65 | -0.04 | -0.42 | 1.92 | 2.35 | 3.16 |
4 | 6 | Starlin Castro | CHC | SS | 0.76 | 0.48 | -0.42 | 2.05 | -0.10 | 2.77 |
5 | 8 | Alcides Escobar | KC | SS | -0.65 | 3.06 | -0.42 | 0.77 | -0.10 | 2.67 |
6 | 11 | Jhonny Peralta | STL | SS | 0.76 | 0.99 | -0.42 | 0.65 | 0.51 | 2.50 |
7 | 12 | Asdrubal Cabrera | WAS | SS | 0.76 | -0.04 | -0.42 | 0.52 | 1.12 | 1.95 |
8 | 5 | Jimmy Rollins | PHI | SS | -0.65 | -0.55 | 2.49 | -1.26 | 1.12 | 1.16 |
9 | 30 | Marwin Gonzalez | HOU | SS | -0.65 | -0.55 | -0.42 | 0.40 | 1.73 | 0.51 |
10 | 19 | Adeiny Hechavarria | FLA | SS | -0.65 | 0.48 | -0.42 | 0.90 | -0.10 | 0.22 |
Ian Desmond has been a clear case of stats that are far more useful for fantasy owners than his team. He’s hitting just .246 with a .303 on-base percentage this season, but his 20 homers, 73 RBI and 14 steals have put him on pace for a great fantasy year. He added one more homer and steal last week … Cliff Pennington has made the most of his time on the field since returning from the DL, hitting .364-1-2 with 10 runs and two steals in Chris Owings’ absence. Fantasy value isn’t foreign for the former A’s starting shortstop, but it has been a while since he has helped fantasy owners … Asdrubal Cabrera hasn’t been all that productive in his walk year, but he has a .745 OPS since joining the Nats and has gained second base eligibility in most leagues.
Outfield
Week Rank | Season Rank | Player | Tm | Pos | HR | RBI | SB | AVG | R | VAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 17 | Corey Dickerson | COL | OF | 3.57 | 4.60 | -0.42 | 2.05 | 2.35 | 12.15 |
2 | 1 | Giancarlo Stanton | FLA | OF | 3.57 | 3.57 | -0.42 | 1.66 | 1.73 | 10.13 |
3 | 87 | Travis Snider | PIT | OF | 3.57 | 2.54 | -0.42 | 2.30 | 1.73 | 9.73 |
4 | 34 | Starling Marte | PIT | OF | 0.76 | 2.03 | 2.49 | 1.28 | 2.96 | 9.52 |
5 | 67 | Carl Crawford | LA | OF | -0.65 | 0.48 | 5.39 | 2.43 | 1.12 | 8.77 |
6 | 10 | Justin Upton | ATL | OF | 2.17 | 3.06 | -0.42 | 1.28 | 2.35 | 8.43 |
7 | 26 | Christian Yelich | FLA | OF | -0.65 | -0.04 | 2.49 | 3.06 | 2.35 | 7.21 |
8 | 53 | Norichika Aoki | KC | OF | -0.65 | 1.51 | 2.49 | 1.03 | 2.35 | 6.73 |
9 | 4 | Carlos Gomez | MLW | OF | 2.17 | 0.48 | 2.49 | -0.36 | 1.73 | 6.50 |
10 | 38 | Kole Calhoun | ANA | OF | 2.17 | 3.06 | -0.42 | 1.79 | -0.10 | 6.49 |
11 | 66 | Jon Jay | STL | OF | 0.76 | 2.03 | -0.42 | 2.29 | 1.73 | 6.40 |
12 | 18 | Yoenis Cespedes | BOS | OF | 2.17 | 2.03 | 1.03 | -0.62 | 1.73 | 6.34 |
13 | 23 | Alex Gordon | KC | OF | 0.76 | -0.04 | 1.03 | 1.54 | 2.96 | 6.25 |
14 | 20 | Ben Revere | PHI | OF | -0.65 | -1.07 | 5.39 | 2.43 | -0.10 | 6.00 |
15 | 92 | Oswaldo Arcia | MIN | OF | 3.57 | 2.03 | -0.42 | -0.37 | 1.12 | 5.93 |
16 | 24 | Rajai Davis | DET | OF | -0.65 | -0.04 | 5.39 | 0.14 | 0.51 | 5.36 |
17 | 31 | Drew Stubbs | COL | OF | 0.76 | 1.51 | 2.49 | 0.01 | 0.51 | 5.28 |
18 | 39 | Michael Morse | SF | OF | 0.76 | 0.99 | -0.42 | 2.80 | 1.12 | 5.26 |
19 | 108 | Bryce Harper | WAS | OF | 2.17 | 2.54 | -0.42 | 0.39 | 0.51 | 5.19 |
20 | 11 | Charlie Blackmon | COL | OF | 0.76 | 0.48 | 2.49 | 0.40 | 0.51 | 4.63 |
Colorado brought three of its outfielders into the top 20 with a long home series last week, as Corey Dickerson, Charlie Blackmon and Drew Stubbs made the most of their playing time. Dickerson and Blackmon are certainly great options down the stretch with Carlos Gonzalez possibly finished for the season. Dickerson is already in the outfield top 20, and hit a terrific .393-3-11 last week … Travis Snider and Starling Marte had impressive weeks for the Pirates, with Snider benefitting from Andrew McCutchen’s injury. The former Blue Jays prospect hit .423-3-7 last week, and is on a nine-game hitting streak. He’s shown enough power to be a short-term play for mixed leaguers. Marte put together three multi-hit games and swiped two bases. He capped off his performance with two homers on Monday … Carl Crawford’s big week is a great sign for the Dodgers, who have struggled to come up with the right combo of three outfielders since Opening Day. The former All-Star hit .440 with four steals on the week and is finally looking healthy … Young Oswaldo Arcia has been quite streaky this season, and that continued last week with three homers. His overall numbers and strikeout rate are very disappointing, but his home run pace with 12 long balls in 69 games is impressive … We are seeing some sign of life from Bryce Harper, with two home runs last week. It’s hard to believe that he has only six homers this season, but hopefully his recent performance gets him going into September.
