Everyone enjoys a good rest period. This is especially true for fantasy baseball managers who are looking forward to the All-Star break which runs from July 18-20. Championship managers, however, are the ones who keep their eyes on the task at hand. The week leading up to the All-Star break is a great time to make the most of the free-agency opportunities. It’s an active week, with three teams playing eight games and full Coors Field contests.
With this in mind, here’s a list of three players that you should add to your team and use everywhere.
Nolan Jones, 3B, Cleveland Guardians: Jones was recalled by the Guardians Friday and went 5-for-10 (.500 base average) in right field. He also had one double, one homer, and four RBIs during the three-game series at Kansas City. There are indications that Jones will be a regular contributor to the team’s corner-outfield spot. The Guardians have a busy schedule of eight games this week and Jones’s add-and-start is worth it, even in leagues like ESPN’s. Jones is expected to face seven right-handed starters, with the possibility of eight. Jones has demonstrated good ability to hit that side. He batting.351/.462/.500 between Triple-A Columbus, and the big-league team. Jones is not the team’s manager. Best He’s a prospect but he is one of the better, a big power source with the minor league statistical track records that look like a three-true outcomes type.
Aaron Hicks, OF, New York Yankees: This guy plays baseball a lot. It’s just my nature to see more Yankees games than others. I can attest that he is a disappointment throughout the season, and enough to his slumps that it would lead me to believe that he is on the decline of his career as an older 32-year-old. Hicks has been hitting.385/.500/.923, with three home runs and eight RBIs. In addition to the 10 runs scored in eight games, Hicks also has nine multihit performances in his 29 past contests. He has batted at 100 mph eight times and six of those were hits. It is clear that he is slowly regaining his swing. The best part is that it comes at a perfect time. Hicks’ Yankees boast a favorable July schedule. They have six home games this week. Five of them are from July 21-24. These include four against the surprise opponent. Baltimore OriolesAnd four more at home against the Kansas City Royals The month will be completed by him. He is an important cog in team’s offense due to the defense he provides in center field. That means he gets more playing time.
Josh Winder, SP, Minnesota Twins: I have already highlighted some two-start pitchers Winder, one the most surprising breakthroughs in the 2022 Twins’ history, is available for Week 14. He has a slider and changeup that have done a great job of minimizing hard contact. Winder posted a 3.12 ERA over five starts and four relief appearances. With Chris Archer, Bailey Ober Chris Paddack Winder, who has been sidelined for the time being, will get another long-term look at the Twins’ rotation. Winder will be playing in a pair home games Tuesday against the Milwaukee Brewers Sunday against the Chicago White Sox. He’s a high-floor player with good odds to take those two turns. This is something not many kids can do in this week.
Additional Week 14 notes Whit Merrifield’s toe injury hasn’t been confirmed serious enough to make him unavailable for the week. However, with the All Star break offering a 10-day window for the Royals, it’s likely that he will be able to play enough fantasy-worthy games. I would not put him in any AL-only league.
C.J. Cron As his wrist is one of the most dangerous injury-risk decisions, it is likely that (wrist). Colorado Rockies The entire week will be played at Coors Field with plenty of left-handed opposition pitching. His career record against lefties and at Coors is too impressive to be sat, barring any news that he’s on the injured-list. His Rockies will be playing at 8:40 p.m. ET time Monday. If you can link him with another player whose team has an equivalent or later start time, you’ll have a few more hours to wait for the news.