Jake Barrett (P-ARI): Jake Barrett picked up his third save, a four-out one, after allowing one earned run against the Dodgers. While Barrett has been hit hard at times as indicated by his 34 percent hard hit rate, he has also demonstrated closer-stuff that has the Diamondbacks looking to trade Tyler Clippard. Barrett's 13.7 percent swinging strike rate, 62 percent first pitch strike rate, and 36 percent chase rate indicate he has the goods to succeed. I envision some bumps as he assumes the role, but look for him to deliver solid #3 closer value for the rest of 2016 and to make a solid keeper into 2017.
Tony Watson (P-PIT): Clint Hurdle has given Tony Watson the first crack at closer for the Pirates. While this news may be disheartening to Neftali Feliz speculators, it shouldn't motivate them to drop Feliz altogether. Beneath the surface Watson has endured some struggles, posting an elevated eight percent walk rate while maintaining a solid, yet unspectacular 22 percent strikeout rate. Watson continues to limit hard contact to both lefties and righties alike, though, which should give him a decent leash. However, Feliz has put together a renaissance season which should keep the pressure on Watson.
Jeremy Hellickson (P-PHI): Jeremy Hellickson allowed three earned runs on nine hits and one walk with two strikeouts across 5 2/3 innings and earned the win against the Braves. Hellickson has posted a 109:29 K:BB ratio in 131 innings with a 3.70 ERA/3.91 xFIP. His underlying numbers, which include a 33 percent chase rate, a 12 percent swinging strike rate, and a 27 percent hard hit rate, support the breakout. While he's likely to be traded, there are only a handful of parks that would hurt his value, and that would likely be offset by a greater W potential. Buy.
Trea Turner (2B/SS/OF-WAS): Trea Turner went 2-for-4 and stole his seventh base but the Nationals came up short against the Giants. He also has seven runs and seven RBI through his first 15 games in 2016 as he plays all over the diamond while hitting atop the lineup. He'll need to improve upon the five percent walk rate, but he has the track record and the EYE to make adjustments on the fly. And don't let the BABIP deceive. Yes, he's due for regression, but his 41 percent hard contact rate and elite speed should enable him to maintain a mark in the .390-.400 range. He looks to finally have worked his way into Dusty's good graces. He should be in yours too.
Jedd Gyorko (INF/OF-STL): Jedd Gyorko, priced a $2700 on FanDuel for his meeting with new Marlin Andrew Cashner in Miami, makes for an excellent value pick for today's tournaments. Gyorko has hit 12 of his 14 homers against righties and has posted a .382 wOBA against them, while Cashner has allowed seven homers and a .362 wOBA against righties, especially struggling against away from PETCO. Look for Gyorko to hit near the top of the lineup while finding plenty of run-scoring opportunities.
