Making predictions in mid-season can be quite challenging, especially in fantasy baseball. As the season progresses, teams have already established their patterns, and while some teams may experience shifts, it’s often hard to pinpoint where those changes will occur. Here are some bold predictions for the second half of the fantasy baseball season.
The Texas Rangers are poised to emerge as a top-10 offensive team. Despite finishing the first half ranked first in team ERA but only 22nd in runs scored, there are positive signs for their offense. Core players like Corey Seager are rebounding well, and Adolis Garcia is trending upward. Young talents like Wyatt Langford, who is healthy and performing well in July, and Evan Carter, who showed promise earlier in the season, are expected to contribute significantly to the team’s offensive resurgence as they push for a postseason berth.
On the pitching side, the Detroit Tigers are set to dominate on the mound. With a favorable schedule in the second half, where only three of their remaining 21 series are against top-10 scoring teams, their strong pitching staff is likely to excel. Players like Reese Olson and Jack Flaherty are prime candidates for fantasy managers to consider, with Olson available in many leagues and Flaherty expected to improve his stats moving forward.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, despite their underwhelming 4.29 ERA in the first half, have the potential to lead the National League in ERA during the second half. With key starters like Clayton Kershaw healthy again and new additions possibly bolstering the rotation, the Dodgers are finding their footing. This presents an opportunity for savvy fantasy managers to invest in Dodgers pitchers.
Brenton Doyle might surprise many by becoming a top-100 fantasy player. Despite a tough season following a personal tragedy, his underlying stats suggest a turnaround could be near, especially in a favorable hitting environment.
Lastly, while it seems improbable, Chandler Simpson, who has never hit a home run in his career, may actually clear the outfield wall at least once in the second half. With the Rays playing in high-scoring parks and Simpson’s speed expected to create opportunities, this prediction revolves around his increasing presence in the lineup rather than just the home run itself.
These predictions reflect a hopeful outlook for players and teams as the season advances, showing that even in a challenging environment, opportunities for redemption and breakthrough performances abound. Fantasy managers should monitor these developments closely for potential game-changing adjustments to their rosters.