Christian Walker-Diamondbacks-1B
Christian Walker was 0-4 with a strikeout against the White Sox. Walker is hitting .259 with 15 HR, 40 R, 45 RBI, and 5 SB in the second half. Overall, he is hitting .261 with 33 HR, 86 R, 103 RBI, and 11 SB. Walker has improved on his strong 2023 season (.242 AVG, 36 HR, 84 R, 94 RBI, and 2 SB). He continues to hit the ball hard (11% Barrels and 40% Hardhit). His high fly ball rate helps his power but also affects his batting average. The new rules have helped him become a five-category contributor and the improved lineup around him has led to more counting stats. Walker has been underrated and will likely be again in 2024.
Jordan Walker-Cardinals-OF
Jordan Walker was 0-4 against the Brewers. Walker has been solid in the second half (.269 AVG with 8 HR, 27 R, 23 RBI, and 4 SB). On the year, he is hitting .273 with 16 HR, 47 R, 48 RBI, and 7 SB. The overall line is disappointing considering the hype coming into the year and the fact that he failed to hit for power or speed. His batting average while good is still not elite. Walker hits the ball hard (43% Hardhit) but on the ground far too much to make an impact (48% GB). He is very talented and heading into his second year next year so there is time for growth but as of right now, his ceiling is limited until he can hit the ball in the air more consistently.
Christian Yelich-Brewers-OF
Christian Yelich was 2-3 with 1 R, 1 RBI, and 1 BB against the Cardinals. Yelich has been a top-25 hitter this year and a top-50 overall player. He is hitting .275 with 19 HR, 104 R, 75 RBI, and 27 SB. The power doesn't look like it is ever going to return to 2018-19 levels but that is okay. He has played in 140+ games in back-to-back years. Yelich has great plate skills (12% BB and 22% K) and hits the ball hard (9% Barrels and 50% Hardhit). He is going to be limited in power due to his ground ball rate (57% GB) but as long as he is running and batting leadoff he is going to be very valuable.
Chris Sale-Red Sox-SP
Chris Sale went 5 IP and gave up 1 ER on 3 H, 1 BB, and 2 K's against the Orioles. Sale has now crossed the 100 IP mark (102.2 IP) for the first time since 2019. He has a 4.30 ERA and 1.13 WHIP. The ERA isn't great but the underlying skills paint a different picture (30% K, 7% BB, and 3.43 SIERA). Sale has been unfortunate with men on base (70% LOB). He has also struggled with home runs (1.31 HR/9) despite limiting hard contact (34% Hardhit). While this season may not have gone like he or fantasy owners had hoped it does open up the opportunity to buy low on him for 2024. His overall line isn't going to look great but the skills bounced back and so should the results in 2024 making him a good buy.
Corbin Burnes-Brewers-SP
Corbin Burnes went 4 IP and gave up 0 ER on 5 H, 1 BB, and 4 K's against the Cardinals. Burnes has 3.39 ERA and 1.07 WHIP through 193.2 IP. He has not been as dominant as the past three seasons but he has still been very productive for fantasy. He currently sits inside the top 15 SP for dollars earned ($20) and the biggest difference between him and the guys in front of him is wins. Burnes only has 10 wins on the year whereas guys inside the top 10 are closer to 15 wins. However, there are legitimate concerns about Burnes heading into 2024. He saw a significant drop in his strikeout rate (31%->26%) and an increase in walks (6%->9%). He has also shown decreased velocity on his fastball, cutter, and curve. Burnes was able to mask a drop in his skills by being fortunate on balls in play (.240 BABIP). This is unlikely to happen again which is why his SIERA (4.02) painted a different picture than his ERA (3.46). The good news is that he was better in the second half (2.84 ERA, 29% K, 8% BB, and 3.25 xFIP) which gives us confidence in drafting him early in 2024, it just won't be first round early like the past two seasons.
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