When former top prospects do not break out right away, it becomes easy for fantasy baseball managers to forget about them or label them as busts. In today’s fast-moving fantasy world, patience can be hard to find. However, many players take longer to develop, and at 25 years old there is still plenty of time for talented prospects to turn things around.
Organizations across Major League Baseball are giving former highly regarded players new opportunities, and for fantasy managers, opportunity often matters just as much as talent. Playing time, lineup position, and a clear path to at-bats can quickly turn a forgotten name into a valuable waiver-wire addition.
This week, two players in particular stand out as strong pickups in many fantasy leagues.
The first is Ronny Mauricio of the Mets. With Francisco Lindor sidelined for what appears to be at least several weeks, New York has indicated Mauricio will receive an extended opportunity and every chance to establish himself. That kind of playing time alone makes him worth attention.
Mauricio also offers valuable positional flexibility, with eligibility at both third base and shortstop in many fantasy formats. He has looked excellent in the minors this season and continues to show the tools that once made him one of baseball’s top prospects. Mauricio has always possessed impressive raw power, and he recently reminded everyone by hitting three home runs in a single game. Entering the week, he was batting .293 with a .987 OPS. Those numbers, combined with everyday opportunity, make him a worthwhile addition.
Another intriguing waiver option is former Yankees prospect Everson Pereira, now with the White Sox. Chicago has decided to give Pereira a real chance, and early signs are encouraging. He has already hit leadoff, third, and cleanup in the lineup, showing that the team is willing to use him in run-producing spots.
Pereira has reportedly improved his bat speed, and it has started to show in his production. Entering Friday, he was hitting .271 with three home runs and an .887 OPS. For fantasy purposes, that kind of early production deserves attention.
He also brings legitimate 20-home run, 20-stolen base upside, which is valuable in nearly every format. Even on a rebuilding club, a player hitting near the top of the order can score runs and collect enough plate appearances to matter.
Fantasy championships are often won by finding talent before everyone else notices. Mauricio and Pereira both fit that profile and should be on managers’ radar this week.