Tarik Skubal (SP - Tigers)
Skubal shut the Rangers down allowing 1 ER on 2 hits with 12 strikeouts over 7 innings. After a rocky start to the season where he surrendered 7 runs over his first two starts, Skubal has been dominant allowing 4 runs over his last 6 starts. He has a ridiculous 60 strikeouts against 5 walks in 2025 and lowered his ERA to 2.08 with Friday's outing. As was the case last year his changeup has been his best pitch generating a 47% wiff rate. The ace projects for a home start vs the Red Sox next Wednesday.
Alexander Canario (OF - Pirates)
Canario swatted his 2nd home run of the season Friday. Canario entered the game just 5 for 41 in 2025 and it will be interesting if the new leadership gets him more at bats to see what he has. Canario has had bursts of success in the minors leagues including a 37 home run season in 2022 and had a great season in the Dominican Winter League this past year salshing .304/.411/.544 with 4 HR. In limited at bats he has hit the ball hard (20% barrel rate / 46.7% hard hit rate) and a 24% K rate and 8% walk rate are reasonable. He is worth keeping an eye on if he can get consistent at bats.
Javy Baez (SS/3B/OF - Tigers)
Baez went 0-3 Friday. Despite the hitless night it still looks like a "turn back the clock year" Baez is off to an excellent start in 2025. While his sub 4% walk rate still ranks among the lowest in the leagues as is tradition he has made generally better decisions as to when to swing and his contact has been better. He has reduced his outside zone swing % and his overall 72.9% contact rate would be his best ever. It has to be mentioned that a .400 babip has fueled this somewhat but the Tigers have been a good offense lately and his 16 runs and 19 RBIs are solid for hitting lower in the order. Most importantly, and what you see me talk about a lot is eligibility. Every team needs that swiss army knife and Baez, depending on the platform you play, should have SS, 3B and OF eligibility 0- making him one of my top bench options in daily leagues.
Willson Contreras (1B/C - Cardinals)
Contreras went 2-4 with 3 RBIs Friday night. After a lackluster start to the season Contreras has taken off. After an 0-3 performance April 17 his average sat at .139. Since then he has gotten it up to .252 and has picked up 14 RBIs in the process. Contreras was also striking out in bunches to start the season but has gotten that under control recently bringing his K rate closer to his 22% career mark. Fantasy owners won't have to worry about days off with him this year as he has shifted to first base full time and he should continue to stay hot.
Jackson Chourio (OF - Brewers)
Chourio went 3-5 with 2 stolen bases. Following an impressive Rookie season that saw him finish with a .275 average and 21 HR / 22 SB, Chourio has had an interesting start to 2025. He has hit well with a .264 average and delivered 20 extra base hits, including a league leading 12 doubles, while swiping 6 bases. On the flip side he has drawn just 3 walks vs 35 strikeouts as plate discipline is still an area of improvement for the youngster. It will be interesting to see if the season goes on if Chourio moves down in the lineup where he could be a bit more of an RBI threat if he continues to not walk. Either way you should feel confident about deploying him daily.
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