Seize the Advantage with These Under-the-Radar Pitchers

The Resurgence of Max Meyer: A Slider That Strikes Fear

In the world of fantasy baseball, few stories are as compelling as that of Max Meyer, the Miami Marlins' starting pitcher. Despite a turbulent past marked by injuries, including Tommy John surgery and shoulder bursitis, Meyer has returned with a vengeance. His slider has been nothing short of extraordinary this season, earning a top-four ranking in overall pitch value according to Statcast metrics. With a 50% whiff rate and a batting average against of .123, Meyer's slider has become a weapon of mass destruction for opposing hitters.

Beyond his slider, Meyer's potential lies in refining his four-seam fastball command. Historically, opponents have capitalized on this pitch, hitting an alarming .400 and slugging .800 against it. However, Meyer's current strikeout rate of 33.1%, placing him fifth in the majors, suggests he is on the brink of breaking into the upper echelons of starting pitchers. For fantasy managers willing to take a calculated risk, Meyer represents an opportunity to capitalize on a player whose ceiling remains tantalizingly high.

Pittsburgh’s New Ace: Andrew Heaney Thrives in Steel City

Andrew Heaney's journey to becoming a reliable fantasy asset has taken an unexpected turn since joining the Pittsburgh Pirates. His latest outing—a nine-strikeout, one-hit shutout against the Los Angeles Angels—highlights his transformation into a formidable force. Remarkably, Heaney has achieved these results despite averaging just 90 mph on his fastball. Instead, he relies on a diverse arsenal of pitches, precise location, and varying arm slots to keep hitters off-balance.

Playing in one of baseball's most homer-suppressing ballparks provides Heaney with a significant advantage. The Pirates' schedule over the next several weeks features a majority of home games at PNC Park, where Heaney excels. As a two-start option in Week 6, with both outings scheduled at PNC Park against strong opponents, Heaney presents an enticing proposition for fantasy managers seeking immediate returns. His ability to exploit his surroundings makes him a must-add in all formats.

Luke Weaver Steps Back Into the Closer Spotlight

When Aaron Boone announced Devin Williams' removal from the closer role, Luke Weaver found himself thrust back into a position he mastered late last season. From September 6 onward, Weaver accumulated eight saves, two holds, and an impressive 1.03 ERA, showcasing his dominance on the mound. This year, he has continued to deliver, amassing 14 scoreless innings while securing two saves and six holds, ranking 11th among pure relief pitchers in fantasy points.

Even if this stint as closer proves temporary, Weaver's effectiveness ensures he remains a top-10 option during his tenure. His versatility extends beyond the closer role, making him a valuable asset even in setup capacities. Fantasy managers should act swiftly to secure Weaver's services, given his proven track record and the likelihood of contributing significantly to their relief pitching needs.

A Relief Pitcher Worth Watching: David Bednar Reclaims His Form

David Bednar's resurgence exemplifies the unpredictable nature of baseball. After a challenging spring training and early-season struggles that led to his demotion, Bednar worked tirelessly to regain his form. His time in Triple-A Indianapolis yielded five scoreless appearances and a remarkable 43.8% strikeout rate. Since returning to the major leagues on April 19, Bednar has maintained this excellence, recording four additional scoreless outings and securing a save.

Bednar's fastball velocity has shown signs of improvement, adding another layer to his already potent arsenal. His return to the closer role mirrors his success in 2023, when he saved 39 games and ranked fourth among relievers in fantasy points. For those in deeper leagues, Bednar offers a chance to capitalize on a player poised to reclaim his status as a dominant closer.

Power Hitters Ready to Make Their Mark

Jordan Beck's emergence with the Colorado Rockies highlights the importance of monitoring young talent. Over the past week, Beck homered in three consecutive games, including two multi-homer performances. His skill set combines power and speed, evidenced by his 25 homers and 20 steals in the minors last season. Coors Field's reputation as a hitter-friendly park will undoubtedly amplify Beck's production, making him an attractive option for fantasy managers in mixed leagues.

Meanwhile, Andy Pages has established himself as the Los Angeles Dodgers' everyday center fielder, albeit often batting ninth. His recent surge—hitting .500 with three homers over his last eight games—demonstrates his potential to contribute meaningfully. While Pages may need to improve his hard-hit rate to sustain this pace, his career isolated power (.266 ISO) underscores his power-hitting prowess. For those in deeper leagues, Pages represents a speculative add with significant upside.

Fernando Cruz: A Reliable Setup Man in Flux

Despite Devin Williams' struggles, the New York Yankees' bullpen remains one of the best in Major League Baseball. Fernando Cruz plays a pivotal role in this success, boasting a 1.80 ERA, 39.7% strikeout rate, and a minuscule .154 batting average against. His splitter, responsible for a 53.4% whiff rate, has emerged as a key factor in his effectiveness. Currently tied for 13th among pure relief pitchers in fantasy points, Cruz demonstrates his value even without the closer role.

As the Yankees' bullpen undergoes changes, Cruz's reliability positions him as a worthwhile addition for fantasy managers. While Luke Weaver takes precedence in terms of priority, Cruz's consistency ensures he deserves consideration as a backup option. His performance in setup capacities underscores the depth and quality of the Yankees' bullpen, providing stability for fantasy rosters.