Fantasy Manager May Have Forgotten Arizona Rattlesnake SS/3B Jordan Lawlarthe sixth draft pick in the 2021 draft as he struggled with the 2023 "mature seniority" in his 2023 debut. Then, he missed most of the 2024 season due to injury, and the organization's MLB infield seems to have been set. Lawlar, 22, may be changing his mind when Triple-A Reno hits .356/.451/.644, appearing in 26 games and 123 games (PA), with five home runs and 12 home run bases and 12 stolen bases.
Lawlar is playing three infield positions for Reno (mostly second base), but if he continues to hit at those speeds, the Diamondbacks must Find space for him. It may not be at second base, where Ketel Marte approached a hamstring injury, or in shortstop, Geraldo Perdomo has a long-term contract and an impressive start to the season. Meanwhile, 3B Eugenio Suarez played four home runs in just one game last weekend. Still, Lawlar looks ready. Invest in skills and look forward to future opportunities.
The first thing a fantasy manager has to do is ignore Lawlar’s brief MLB introduction, when he managed only four singles in 31 major leagues in the Bats two summers ago and injuries last season. These are misplaced narratives. Lawlar always hits and calls him vulnerable is unfair. His power is not a very large function, but healthy lawyers will have close contact and should hit the target evenly. He painted a walk. He stole the base. I was a little surprised that the Rattlers didn't give him a rep in the midfield, but maybe it would appear later. Lawlar should affect rattlesnakes and fantasy rosters This season.
Jac Caglianone, Kansas City Royal 1B: In the 2024 draft pick, Caglianone started his first two games on the right last weekend for the Double-A in Northwest Arkansas. This may make sense because the Royals have one of the most unproductive outfields that professionally do not benefit from productivity, and they certainly will covet the strength. Caglianone, who also pitched for Florida, obviously had the right wild arm. He has power, too. None of that means Caglianone, hitting .279/.350/.488 with four home runs, made the Royals debut this season and hit countless home runs for Fantasy Managers, but adding defensive versatility is a positive sign.
Marcelo Mayer, SS, Boston Red Sox: Mayer is the fourth pick in the 2021 draft, recently blasting six home runs and up to 24 RBIs for Triple-A Worcester in the last nine games. While Mayer, 22, seems eager to make it to the Grand Slam, he has only 102 PA in the Triple-A class, and the Red Sox SS Trevor story is still healthy. Again, the story has only reached 400 PA over the past five seasons. No one should take root for more harm, the story goes 20/20 and obviously helps the fantasy manager to hit the .272. Just keep Meyer in mind in case the opportunity arises.
Chase Burns, SP, Cincinnati Reds: Burns, the second-placed draft pick in the 2024 draft, made his debut at Double-A Chattanooga last weekend, hitting five innings in four innings, allowing only one inning. Burns scored three games in High-A, with 20 of 45 batsmen. Burns is one of the toughest throwers in minors, with powerful sliders and curveballs as well. He should move quickly and even debuted at the Grand Slam this summer. It all depends on his development and the situation of Cincinnati rotation and whether the team argued. In dynasty format, this is a signature arm that can be hidden.
Emmanuel Rodriguez of Minnesota twins: Rodriguez, 22, is one of the famous "three real results" among minors - known for his power, walking rates and strikeout rates. Rodriguez is currently in St. Paul's triple A St. Paul, sitting in Nary's home runs, over 17 games and 78 PA, but has a walking rate of 16.7% and a WHIFF rate of 34.6%. Yes, this strategy works only when you actually do a home run. Rodriguez has 108 PA at Level 3 A with almost no 50% exposure rate. This is a unique profile that investors shouldn't run away yet, as few people doubt the potential of electricity. The twins will make room for Rodriguez when they are ready, but it is not a good start to the season.
Hurston Waldrep, SP, Atlanta Braves: Waldrep, 23, made his debut for the Braves last season but lasted only seven innings in two games, allowing 13 runs of 16.71 ERA. Walking eight batsmen with three strikeouts is a problem. The 2023 first-round pick is also hard to throw a strike on Triple-A Gwinnett and walk 15 times in the 22-inch game. He has gone four batsmen in the last four games. Waldrep's performance at the Grand Slam wasn't a rotation option, but there were rumors that he moved to the bullpen, where he touched the triple digits with his fastball.
Zac Veen, Colorado Rockies: Veen, 23, returned to Triple-A Albuquerque after two weeks of disappointment with his parents’ club as he completed four hits on just 34 AB (despite home runs and doubles!). He also hit 14 times. Veen is better at home (.639 OPS) than elsewhere (.180 OPS), but ultimately his fantasy value will come down to him breaking into the line and stealing the base. Veen had only two chances to steal a base. He also had only two attempts in isotopes. Many have questions about Veen hitting someone who was enough to be a major league. If he can't steal enough foundation to make the lack of other products worth it, then what are we doing here?