Fantasy baseball thrives on the unpredictability of player performances, particularly in MLB. As fantasy managers, we often search for breakout hitters who can help counteract the inevitable slumps of other players. Here’s a rundown of recent breakout bats that are worth monitoring.
**Tier I Breakouts**
**Willy Adames, SS, San Francisco Giants**
Adames made waves last season with a stellar performance that included 32 home runs and 112 RBIs while playing for the Brewers. After a rocky start with a low batting average in San Francisco, he has revived his game in July, hitting .310 with 11 home runs and 31 RBIs over the month. His closing stretch showed signs of peak performance, with a .378 batting average in the last dozen games. If he maintains this form, his numbers could improve even further, building on his strong exit velocity and barrel rate metrics.
**William Contreras, C, Milwaukee Brewers**
Expectations were high for Contreras entering this season after his productive previous year. Although he started slow, a recent surge has seen him elevate his batting average significantly while also contributing to his home run totals. Notably, Contreras has demonstrated a notable uptick in performance, batting .362 with three home runs in his last 16 games, including an impressive 5-for-7 outing against the Nationals, underscoring his readiness to lead fantasy teams moving forward.
**Honorable Mention: Christian Walker**
Walker had a challenging start to the season due to injury but has found his groove recently, showcasing strong offensive production and becoming a dependable long-ball threat once again.
**Tier II Breakouts**
**Maikel Garcia, 3B, Kansas City Royals**
Despite a tough stretch earlier in the season, Garcia quickly rebounded, hitting .433 over eight games in late July. His improved plate discipline is key to his current success, contributing to a fantastic OPS that benefits fantasy managers.
**Royce Lewis, 3B, Minnesota Twins**
Lewis’s journey has been tumultuous with injuries impacting his consistency. However, his recent performance is promising, as he raised his batting average significantly in July with a strong showing in the latter part of the month. His offensive uptick makes him a player to watch, but health will be critical for sustaining his success.
**Tier III Breakouts**
**Andrew Vaughn, 1B, Milwaukee Brewers**
Vaughn’s transformation since moving to Milwaukee is striking. After struggling with the White Sox earlier in the season, he has turned around his performance with a .386 average and strong power numbers in his new environment.
**Kyle Manzardo, 1B, Cleveland Guardians**
Manzardo has steadily improved since last season and significantly ramped up his production recently, showcasing his ability to engage fantasy owners with a solid OPS and dangerous power output.
**Honorable Mentions: Ramon Laureano and Warming Bernabel**
Both players have been making headlines recently; Laureano had a stellar exit from Baltimore and Bernabel, a newcomer to the Rockies, is impressively hitting .500 shortly after being promoted.
The unpredictability of baseball can turn fortunes overnight in fantasy leagues, but tracking these breakouts can help managers maximize their rosters as the season progresses. Focus on these players who are entering into hot streaks and consider them for your fantasy lineup as they strive to maintain their strong performances.