What is up party people? We still have a couple weeks left of fantasy action before the post season kicks real baseball into high gear. If you are still in the hunt for a championship, I salute you and hope you can bring it home. At this point in the season, you have a pretty good handle on your team. Jarren Duran has to be on the short list of 2024 breakout stars. He has delivered power and speed, tied for the league lead in doubles while batting almost .290. I can’t say for certain where he will go in drafts next season but I can guarantee you it will be quite a bit higher than he went this season (ADP varies by source but it’s safe to say he was drafted well outside the top 100). I’m also not sure where I will have him ranked next season but top 20 doesn’t feel out of the question.
Lawrence Butler – As the season marches towards its close, Butler just continues to hit. 2024 has been quite the breakout season for him and I am very excited to see what he can do next year.
Jackson Chourio – He may not hit my spicy bold prediction of a 40/40 season but that’s more on me than it is him. In the second half he has really turned it on and I love his performance. I am more than happy to see him go 20/20 while batting over .270. That’s a great rookie season and just a taste of the upside he brings to the table. This man will be a star, and I don’t think that’s a bold prediction.
Wyatt Langford – Another one of my preseason hype targets, it is great to see him hit like we hoped he would. There’s a ton of upside here for next season but I will be keeping a close eye on the way he finishes this year.
Spencer Horwitz – We might have the next points league stud on our hands. A guy in the mold of Josh Bell, in that he should be better at batting average rather than power. Also, as in a guy who is far more valuable in points leagues that roto because of that profile. I didn’t have him highly ranked because I didn’t think that the Jays would give him a shot without an increase in power. Well, they gave him a shot and his power has manifested itself. Hopefully, that will give him a crack at the lineup next season from day one. While his future remains to be seen, he has been a breath of fresh air this season. Depending on the off-season, I will be very interested in him in drafts.
Ty France – Looks like a change of scenery was just what he needed to rediscover his swing. I’ve long had a soft spot for him because he was on a keeper league team that I took over and because he hit .399 his final year in the minors. Of course, he never came close to that since then but he does have contact skills. Contact skills that are back on display now that he is in Cincy. Since being acquired he is batting over .300 while flashing a hint of power. Heck, he even swiped a bag this week.
Otto Lopez – Am I only writing him up because I like his name? Pretty much, he’s a speed first guy with minimal power and an average that won’t wow you. But he does have playing time so if you’re desperate in a deeper league… And he does have a pretty rocking name.
Jonny DeLuca – Talent is there, unfortunately, that hasn’t resulted in a strong performance for most of his season, mostly due to a rather lackluster average. He seems to have regular playing time now and his numbers have improved. That hasn’t changed his speed first profile but he does have some power. I’m interested in what he could turn into next season. Right now he’s hot and there’s potential for him to help you close things out.
Corbin Carroll – The big question is where will he go in 2025 drafts. He looks like a completely different player from whoever has been impersonating him for a good part of the year. There’s still 40/40 upside here somewhere and he may be available at a discount.
Mookie Betts – If not for injury, he would be in the hunt for an MVP. He’s great, both in real life and in fantasy.
Shohei Ohtani – The power hasn’t come as a surprise but I wasn’t expecting the wheels. It’s not that he’s slow, he just hasn’t shown such a willingness to run in the past. A 50/50 season is within his reach. As for next season, he should be back on the mound making him even more unstoppable but likely costing him some at bats. What I’m saying is taking him number one, but don’t forget to appreciate this season.
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