2025-05-01T14:39:06Z

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In Major League Baseball (MLB), each week unfolds like a new chapter, brimming with unexpected twists and turns that keep fans and fantasy managers alike on their toes. As the season progresses, fantasy managers face the challenging task of discerning which trends and performances warrant belief and which are simply passing fancies. This week, we explore some key players and make predictions that could shape your fantasy season.

Hunter Brown's Promising Trajectory

Starting with Houston Astros' right-handed pitcher Hunter Brown, his rookie season in 2023 was a rollercoaster ride marked by a 5.09 ERA, thirteen losses, and a troubling statistic of allowing more hits than innings pitched, alongside serving up 26 home runs. Although he displayed flashes of talent, his performance was marred by a disastrous outing against Kansas City, where he gave up nine runs in the first inning of his third start. Consequently, Browns ERA ballooned to 7.71 after just nine starts, leading to speculation about a potential demotion to the minor leagues. As a result, many fantasy managers began to look elsewhere for pitching options.

However, don't be surprised if Brown emerges as the top fantasy pitcher by the end of the 2025 season. His trajectory has been on the upswing as he has made significant adjustments since last May. While many were preoccupied with his inflated season stats, Brown was quietly developing a new sinker designed to help him better handle left-handed hitters. His improved pitch arsenal now features this sinker a whopping 21.2% of the time, and he has demonstrated a marked increase in velocity.

To put his recent performance into context, since May 22, 2024, Brown has been stellar on the mound. He has made 28 starts, achieving a record of 14-6 with 178 strikeouts, a dazzling 2.07 ERA, and a 1.03 WHIP. Comparatively, he stands alongside other prominent pitchers, such as Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal, both of whom have also put forth impressive numbers. Given this performance, it isnt far-fetched to predict that Brown may soon be one of the premier pitchers in the league. His four-seam fastball is now clocking in at an impressive average of 97.2 mph, and after six quality starts, he holds a record of 4-1 with a 1.22 ERA.

Brown's next outing is set against the struggling Chicago White Sox, and expectations are high for another solid performance. Additionally, his ability to generate a ground ball rate of 50.6% sets him apart, as few pitchers can excel in both strikeouts and ground balls. At present, only five qualified starters boast better strikeout and ground ball rates than Brown, underscoring his potential for greatness.

Sandy Alcantara's Uncertain Future

On the flip side, keep an eye on Sandy Alcantara, the 2022 NL Cy Young award winner, who finds himself in a precarious situation with the Miami Marlins. Heading into his next matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Alcantara has struggled with an 8.31 ERA and a 1.65 WHIP. His recent performances have raised concerns, particularly following a dismal outing where he walked five batters and allowed seven runs in just 2.2 innings. Following Tommy John surgery, Alcantara's return was highly anticipated, with hopes that he would pitch well enough to attract trade interest from contenders.

Despite his potential, Alcantara must significantly improve his performance in order to generate any trade buzz. With a strikeout-to-walk ratio that currently sits at 19 strikeouts against 17 walks and just one quality start out of six opportunities, fantasy managers are beginning to lose faith. His roster percentage has dipped to 60% in ESPN leagues, reflecting a growing sentiment that fantasy players are ready to cut ties if he doesnt get back on track soon. His upcoming matchups against the White Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, and Chicago Cubs will be critical for his opportunity to regain form.

Eugenio Suarez's Power Potential

Finally, lets not overlook Eugenio Suarez of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Known for his impressive power-hitting capabilities, Suarez ranks sixth in home runs since the beginning of the 2019 season, having hit over 30 home runs in multiple seasons with different teams. Despite his strikeout issuesleading the league in this category since 2019his ability to hit for power cannot be understated. As of Thursday, he is tied for the most home runs this season with ten, joining the ranks of other power hitters like Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge.

Although he struggles with contact, making frequent trips to the strikeout column, Suarezs four home runs in a recent weekend series against the Atlanta Braves demonstrate his potential upside. Despite entering Thursday with a batting average of .200, he still ranks among the top 50 hitters in ESPN fantasy points, showcasing the value that home runs can bring to fantasy lineups even when paired with low batting averages. If he continues to produce at this rate, there is a solid chance he could maintain a position among the top 50 fantasy hitters, making him a valuable asset worth considering in trade discussions.

In conclusion, as the MLB season continues, monitoring player performances and adapting your fantasy strategies accordingly will be key to success. Whether it's Hunter Brown's emergence as a potential fantasy ace, Sandy Alcantara's struggles, or Eugenio Suarez's power surge, each player offers a unique narrative that could impact your fantasy league.