For essentially the most half, fantasy baseball managers ought to add gamers with important long-term upside at this level within the season. After all, the advantages of a potential six-month asset far outweigh these of a participant who will solely be in your roster for a few days. That being mentioned, victories in head-to-head leagues in April depend simply as a lot as these in August. For that cause, this text will all the time characteristic some long-term and short-term choices.
The majority of engaging early-season choices have a tendency to come from the mound, as a few starters will present thrilling ability developments and a handful of relievers will slide into ninth-inning roles. On the hitting facet, we should always often train endurance with the gamers who we deemed match to draft.
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Pitchers to add
Parker Messick, SP, Guardians, 29%: When Messick made the rotation, I labelled him as my FOMO player for 2026. But the left-hander even exceeded my expectations when he posted a 5:0 Ok:BB ratio over six scoreless innings throughout a highway begin in opposition to the mighty Dodgers on Monday. I’m all-in on Messick and would discover a manner to add him in each 12-team league and loads of 10-team codecs forward of his upcoming Sunday begin in opposition to the Cubs.
Eric Lauer, SP, Blue Jays, 30%: Lauer, who was eighth on Toronto’s rotation depth chart at one level in spring coaching, is now the group’s No. 4 starter. Sure, accidents to others have aided his climb, however he additionally fared properly within the rotation final 12 months (3.77 ERA, 9.0 Ok/9 price) and appeared nice when he struck out 9 over 5.1 innings of one-run ball in his preliminary 2026 begin. The schedule makes me even more bullish on Lauer, as his subsequent two begins come in opposition to the White Sox and Twins.
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Paul Sewald, RP, Diamondbacks, 45%: With so many unsettled nearer conditions throughout March, it’s not shocking that new save choices are constantly rising throughout the preliminary days of the season. Sewald could be the prime choice to add, as he has appeared nice to date (0.00 ERA, 4:0 Ok:BB ratio) en route to incomes two saves. The 35-year-old has loads of nearer expertise (88 profession saves), and though the D-backs aren’t World Series contenders, they’re higher than a lot of the groups who’ve an unsettled nearer image.
Jordan Romano, RP, Angels, 42%: Everything that was mentioned about Sewald additionally applies to Romano, who has been wonderful (0.00 ERA, 4:2 Ok:BB ratio) whereas incomes two saves. Like Sewald, Romano struggled final 12 months however has loads of ninth-inning expertise (115 profession saves) and a agency grip on his group’s nearer position.
Lucas Erceg, RP, Royals, 48%: In comparability to Sewald and Romano, Erceg is much less of a positive factor however has more upside, making him a more fascinating choice total. The right-hander is the heavy favourite to assume nearer tasks from Carlos Estévez, who has misplaced an excessive amount of velocity to be utilized in high-leverage conditions. Erceg is a high quality reliever (2.64 ERA, 1.17 WHIP in 2025), who may very well be considered a top-15 nearer by the top of April. Of course, there may be additionally a probability that Royals supervisor Matt Quatraro opts to cut up up ninth-inning duties.
Hitters to add
Ryan O’Hearn, 1B/OF, Pirates, 28%: So far, the addition of O’Hearn his paying dividends for a Pirates offense that wanted a spark. The slugger is persistently batting out of premium lineup spots, has more walks (4) than whiffs (3) and has proven some energy (.737 SLG). Although O’Hearn gained’t dominate in any class, he must be useful in each space apart from steals.
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Nolan Schanuel, 1B, Angels, 24%: Slowly however absolutely, Schanuel is changing into a high quality main leaguer. The Angels promoted him prematurely manner again in 2023, however he has made strides with his common exit velocity and has all the time had a superb skill to management the strike zone. As the Angels’ common No. 3 hitter, the 24-year-old must be concerned in loads of run scoring.
Andrés Giménez, 2B/SS, Blue Jays, 32%: Managers who want a velocity increase in class leagues can think about Giménez, who’s displaying indicators of bouncing again from a down 12 months that was impacted by accidents. The slick fielder’s glove will maintain him within the lineup, and he has a pair of 30-steal seasons on his resume (2023-24). He simply wants to restrict strikeouts, which he has executed to date (12.5%).
Carson Benge, OF, Mets, 33%: Benge has been a combined bag to date. He’s drawing loads of walks (9.5%) however putting out too typically (33.3%). He’s making wonderful contact (50% hard-hit price) however hitting too many grounders (58.3%). The child has been within the majors for a week – let’s add him and provides him a time to easy out the tough spots.
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Hitters with favorable weekend matchups
Max Muncy, 3B, Dodgers, 38%
The Dodgers will face three below-average starters on a Nationals group that won’t have any dependable relievers. With seven Los Angeles hitters rostered in 90% of leagues, Muncy stands out because the one common who’s each obtainable and has important upside.
Justin Crawford, OF, Phillies, 22%
A visit to Coors Field makes the Phillies the highest offense to target this weekend. There are six Philadelphia regulars who’re rostered within the majority of leagues, though Bryson Stott and Adolis García might be obtainable in some shallow codecs. Crawford, who’s batting .412, is more broadly obtainable and has the velocity and make contact with expertise to thrive at Coors Field.
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Pitchers to stream this weekend (ranked so as of desire)
Parker Messick vs. CHC (Sunday, 29%)
Ryan Weathers vs. MIA (Saturday, 30%)
Eric Lauer @ CWS (Sunday, 30%)
Jack Leiter vs. CIN (Sunday, 48%)
Brandon Ashcraft vs. BAL (Sunday, 48%)
Kyle Harrison @ KC (Sunday, 30%)
Chris Bassitt @ PIT (Sunday, 29%)
Tyler Mahle vs. NYM (Friday, 9%)
Clay Holmes @ SF (Saturday, 45%)
Chad Patrick @ KC (Friday, 18%)
Michael Wacha vs. MIL (Friday, 32%)
Carmen Mlodzinski vs. BAL (Saturday, 3%)
Grant Holmes @ ARI (Friday, 17%)
