Garrett Crochet-Red Sox-SP
Garrett Crochet went 6 IP and gave up 1 ER on 6 H, 0 BB, and 8 K's against the Mariners. Crochet has been excellent in his first season in Boston. He has a 2.20 ERA and 1.03 WHIP with 23% K:BB. He hasn't been quite as good as last year in terms of skills (35% K->31% K and 6% BB->7% BB), but across the board, he is still elite. His 2.93 SIERA is well above average. Crochet has a five-pitch mix with four grading out positively by pitch values. The only pitch that has been a negative has been his fastball, which was his best pitch by pitch value metrics last year. This makes some sense because the Red Sox pitching philosophy is to get away from the fastball in favor of other offerings. He has also thrown his four-seam fastball less (54%->43%) in favor of more sinkers, which is likely the reason why his strikeout rate has dropped slightly. Overall, he is still one of the best pitchers in the game.
Luis Castillo-Mariners-SP
Luis Castillo went 6 IP and gave up 3 ER on 3 H, 2 BB, and 5 K's against the Red Sox. Through 14 GS, Castillo has a 3.38 ERA and 1.24 WHIP. His ERA would suggest that everything is fine and he is still one of the better pitchers in the game, but his underlying skills paint a different picture (4.23 SIERA). His strikeout rate has dropped for the third straight year and is now well below average (20% K). His walk rate is average (8% BB), and he doesn't have an elite ground ball rate anymore (40% GB). The only thing propping him up at this point is his home park (2.35 ERA at home vs. 4.59 ERA on the road). His home park is very pitcher-friendly, but Castillo is on the decline, and his ERA doesn't show it yet. Castillo will get two starts next week (@MIN and @TEX). They are on the road, but both are good matchups for Castillo.
Pete Alonso-Mets-1B
Pete Alonso was 0-4 with 3 K against the Braves. Alonso has been hot in the month of June (.322 with 6 HR, 11 R, 20 RBI, and 0 SB). On the year, he is hitting .291 with 17 HR, 42 R, 63 RBI, and 0 SB. He has cut his strikeouts (21% K) while walking a career-high 11% of the time. Alonso is also hitting the ball harder than ever (21 % Barrels and 55% Hardhit). His profile looks great, and he is leading the league in RBIs. There is a huge benefit of having two OBP machines in front of him in Brandon Nimmo and Juan Soto. He's on pace for a .275 AVG with 35+ HR, 90+ R, and 100+ RBI.
Ronald Acuna Jr.-Braves-OF
Ronald Acuna Jr. was 1-3 with an HR (8) and 1 BB against the Mets. Acuna Jr. has been phenomenal since returning from injury. He is hitting .390 with 8 HR, 21 R, 14 RBI, and 1 SB in 99 PA. He continues to have excellent plate skills (17% BB and 23% K). Acuna Jr. is also hitting the ball extremely hard (19% Barrels, 58% Hardhit, and 115.5 mph maxEV). The most positive aspect of his game is his fly ball rate (42% FB). Prior to his injury in 2024, Acuna Jr. was hitting the ball hard but struggling to elevate (51% GB), which limited his power. He is going to be an elite four-category contributor, with stolen bases a major question mark. There is no real motivation for him to steal bases, and he has only one stolen base in 23 games.
Julio Rodriguez-Mariners-OF
Julio Rodriguez was 0-4 with 2 K against the Red Sox. Rodriguez is hitting .254 with 10 HR, 44 R, 34 RBI, and 12 SB. Initial thought would be that it has been a disappointing start for Rodriguez because of his .254 AVG, but the other four categories are pacing to be better than last year. His average is down due to a .295 BABIP (career .332) and not strikeouts (20% K). He is tracking towards a 25 HR/30 SB season with 90+ R and 80+ RBI. Even if his average stays down, which is more likely to happen, it will still be a valuable season.
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