Fantasy Baseball: Struggling Stars Still Hold Value, Experts Say

NEW YORK, NY — As the baseball season continues, fantasy baseball enthusiasts may be worried about some struggling players. Despite their disappointing stats, analysts suggest that several of these athletes still have the potential to turn their season around.

Brandon Lowe, a second baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays, is one player highlighted for his unexpected struggles. Lowe’s batting average sits at .203, significantly below his expected .266. However, his barrel rate remains strong at 10.8%, indicating he may bounce back as the season progresses.

Another player to watch is Dylan Crews of the Washington Nationals. Considered one of the top prospects in baseball, Crews is currently hitting .259 with a solid barrel rate of 14.8%. His contribution includes nine stolen bases, making him an asset for fantasy teams moving forward.

Yordan Alvarez from the Houston Astros has also faced challenges at the plate. His expected stats are a stark contrast to his current performance, with an expected average of .246 and slugging percentage of .495, compared to his actual .210 and .340. Analysts remain optimistic that Alvarez can recover his form.

Salvador Perez, catcher for the Kansas City Royals, presents another intriguing case. Analysts suggest that Perez should be hitting .331 but is instead at .238. With a barrel rate of 15.3%, many believe he is still worth trading for right now.

Louis Robert Jr. from the Chicago White Sox is another player not meeting expectations, yet with a high barrel rate of 13.5%, he could still help fantasy teams. His actual stats show he is at .188, but analysts note the potential for significant gains.

Among outfielders, Brandon Nimmo of the New York Mets boasts a hard-hit rate of 59.4%, indicating a strong underlying performance despite some fluctuations in outfield play. Meanwhile, Julio Rodriguez of the Seattle Mariners is enjoying his best expected stats season, highlighting his potential for a spectacular remainder of the season.

Mike Trout, a well-known outfielder for the Los Angeles Angels, is under the microscope due to his current knee injury. His expected metrics still suggest he could deliver a powerful season if he recovers.

On the pitching side, Eduardo Rodriguez of the Arizona Diamondbacks is identified as potentially the unluckiest pitcher in the league. His strong underlying stats reflect an xERA of 3.41 versus an actual ERA that suggests he is due for a positive adjustment.

As the season unfolds, keeping an eye on these players could yield rewarding opportunities for fantasy team managers.