Erik Halterman recommended buying the dip on Adolis Garcia, who ranks 12th in Ideal Attack Angle but is batting just .222 with six homers (20-HR pace). Fears of an early decline due to his aggressive approach appear overblown: Garcia’s bat speed is unchanged from 2023, his strike-out rate is a career-best 24.5% (down from 28%), and he still owns a 49% hard-hit rate and 15% barrel rate. Those metrics mirror or exceed last season’s totals when he hit 25 homers. Halterman believes the elite attack-angle consistency, intact raw power, and improved contact skills indicate Garcia has not hit the age-related cliff and should return to 30-plus-homer form once variance evens out.

Erik Halterman urged fantasy managers to scoop Miguel Vargas off the waiver wire. Vargas sits fourth among qualified hitters in Ideal Attack Angle, pairs that with an 8% barrel rate and a 17% strike-out rate—numbers similar to last year’s breakouts Josh Naylor and Luis Garcia Jr. After opening the year with a .139 average over 20 games, Vargas has slashed .316/.368/.592 with six homers and only a 10% strike-out rate across his last 26 games. Halterman believes the superior attack-angle consistency and recent plate-discipline surge signal that 2024 could be the season everything clicks for the 24-year-old, making him an immediate add in season-long formats.

Erik Halterman labeled William Contreras a buy-low, arguing that a fractured middle finger, not declining skill, is suppressing production. Contreras ranks sixth in Ideal Attack Angle and has improved his plate approach—chase rate down, contact rate up, strike-outs trimmed from 21% to 18%, walks up from 12% to 16%. While bat speed is down 2 mph and his hard-hit rate (49%→41%) and barrel rate (10%→5%) have dipped, Halterman attributes that to the finger injury he’s been playing through since early May. Once healed, the elite attack-angle profile and refined plate discipline should translate back into 2023-level power, making Contreras a worthwhile trade target despite short-term risk.

Erik Halterman advised trading for Brenton Doyle, noting the outfielder ranks third in MLB in Baseball Savant’s new Ideal Attack Angle metric (5–20 degrees) behind Corbin Carroll and Kyle Schwarber. Despite a bleak .208 average and .594 OPS that resemble his 2023 struggles, Doyle’s skills have actually improved: he cut his strike-out rate from 35% in 2022 to 25% last year and sits at 24% this season, while his barrel rate climbed from 9% to 11% to 13%. Halterman attributed the slow start to a mid-April quad tweak and a bereavement-list stint, not skill erosion. With elite attack-angle consistency, rising barrel rate, and sustained contact gains, Halterman sees Doyle as a classic buy-low for season-long fantasy leagues.

Erik Halterman recommended selling Tyler Soderstrom now that the surface stats (288 AVG, nine homers) still reflect his scorching first 13 games (.354, six HR, 1.197 OPS). Over the subsequent 28 games the rookie has cooled to .259/.702 with only three additional bombs and a rising strikeout rate—24 % versus 18.5 % early. His barrel rate sits at a solid 14 % but has slipped from an elite 18 %. Projections peg him for a .235-.250 average the rest of the way if the mid-20s K-rate sticks, meaning the true breakout may be smaller than initial hype suggested. With industry buzz still high, Halterman believes fantasy managers can flip Soderstrom for a steadier asset before the market realizes the early-season contact gains have evaporated.

Erik Halterman called Mark Vientos a live buy-low after a misleading start. Vientos cratered at .109 with zero homers through his first 13 games, but even in that stretch he chopped his K-rate from 30 % last year to 18 % and was undone by a .152 BABIP. Over his last 25 contests he is batting .309 with five homers and only a 22 % K-rate. Season-to-date he still shows a blah .243/.721 line, keeping trade cost down. The one red flag Halterman noted is a massive drop in pull rate—42 % last year to 29 % overall and just 21 % during the hot run—which could cap raw power. If that remains, the added opposite-field approach plus better contact offers batting-average upside; if he starts pulling again, the homers come back. Either way Halterman sees any disappointed managers as an opportunity to grab a useful corner infielder for pennies.

Erik Halterman said Willson Contreras remains a buy-low even after his recent tear. Contreras opened the year in a horrific 12-game slump (.102 AVG, 41 % K-rate) while learning first-base duties, but since April 10 he has slugged .327 with an 18 % strikeout rate, six homers, and even two steals. The lull still drags his full-season numbers down to a .255 AVG and .763 OPS—his worst marks in three and five seasons respectively—so many managers still see a 33-year-old in decline. Halterman argued that if Contreras had merely hit .200 instead of .102 in those first 12 games, he would sit at .288 today and be untouchable in trades. The underlying rebound in contact quality plus catcher eligibility makes him an under-priced upgrade in season-long formats before the market fully catches up.

Erik Halterman advised cashing in on Jesus Luzardo while memories of his dazzling first three outings (3 ER total, 36 % K-rate) still inflate his reputation. Since then the left-hander owns a 2.48 ERA over five starts but has cratered to a 21 % strikeout rate and a 1.34 WHIP—numbers identical to last year’s disappointing campaign. Halterman stressed that Luzardo’s perceived ceiling rests on returning to a 30 % K-rate, something recent data do not support. Add in a lengthy injury history and the Phillies’ habit of slow-rolling workloads later in the season, and he believes managers can get more in trade today than the underlying skills deserve, especially before Luzardo has a true blow-up or health whispers re-emerge.

Erik Halterman advised scooping up Junior Caminero while the surface numbers look mediocre. Caminero is batting .242/.272 with a .702 OPS, but Statcast thinks he should be at .269 and projects a much healthier slugging profile. His 21 % strikeout rate sits exactly at league average, and the 51 % hard-hit rate is well above it. Halterman also pointed out Caminero’s 88 % in-zone contact rate (league average ~85 %), evidence that the 21-year-old already owns big-league contact skills. The only blemish is a ground-ball heavy batted-ball mix, something young hitters often correct. Because many managers overdrafted him, Halterman recommended offering a player taken two or three rounds later to pry Caminero away before the stat line catches up.

Erik Halterman urged fantasy managers to grab Ranger Suarez ahead of his weekend return from back issues. Suarez posted a 3.46 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 23 % K-rate, 6.5 % BB-rate, and 52 % ground-ball rate last season, and he looked dominant on rehab (1.08 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, 24 K, 5 BB in 16.2 IP). Halterman reminded listeners that Suarez carried a 1.75 ERA through his first 15 starts of 2023 before the back acted up. The injury history means you can’t bank on volume, but while healthy he offers ratio help, ground-ball suppression, and plenty of win potential on a strong Phillies club.

Erik Halterman called Eric Wagaman a sneaky pickup for deeper formats now that trades and injuries have opened everyday at-bats in Miami. Wagaman is hitting only .247/ .402/ .649 on the surface (3 HR, 1 SB), but Statcast thinks he should be at .308 with a .526 xSLG. He pairs a mere 16 % strikeout rate with a 49 % hard-hit rate— marks matched by only six other qualified hitters (Yandy Diaz, Alejandro Kirk, Maikel Garcia, Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis, Pete Alonso). Entrenched in the 3-4 spot for the Marlins, Wagaman offers rare contact-plus-power skills that Halterman believes make him roster-worthy.

Erik Halterman advised speculating on Shelby Miller—and to a lesser extent Kevin Ginkel or Ryan Thompson—as the Diamondbacks sort out the ninth inning. With AJ Puk (elbow) on the 60-day IL and Justin Martinez joining him after a velocity dip, Miller and Thompson have split the last two saves. Halterman prefers Miller, citing 13.2 scoreless innings, a 0.59 WHIP, 30 % strikeout rate, 8 % walk rate, and a velocity bump of roughly 1 mph compared to 2023. Two years ago Miller logged a 1.71 ERA and 0.90 WHIP with the Dodgers, showing the upside is real. Halterman expects Miller to lead—if not outright seize—the committee and provide cheap saves.

Erik Halterman recommended adding Lucas Giolito as he returns from hamstring and internal-brace surgery to a Red Sox organization that has quietly excelled at pitcher development. Giolito’s career has swung wildly—5.48 ERA his first three seasons, 3.47 ERA the next three, then 4.89 the last two years he was healthy—but Halterman views him as a worthwhile gamble given Boston’s track record and the chance that the time off allowed him to reset physically and mechanically. Managers searching for upside innings should see if Giolito is still on the wire.

Erik Halterman advised picking up Jordan Beck immediately, especially with Colorado set to play two full home weeks in the next three. Since being recalled, Beck owns a 1.216 OPS with five homers over 12 games while batting second every day for the Rockies. Contact is still a concern (33 % K-rate in that span), but Halterman noted his minor-league strikeout rates of 25 % and 23 % suggest he can settle around league average. Even middling contact skills play at Coors, and Beck brings enough raw power and a bit of speed to offset the whiffs during this favorable schedule.

Erik Halterman said Luisangel Acuna should be scooped up in season-long leagues now that Jeff McNeil’s return has not pushed the rookie back to the bench. McNeil has started only two of seven games at second base, leaving five starts for Acuna, and the Mets appear comfortable letting the 22-year-old run with the job. Acuna is batting .288—an exact match for his xBA—with a tidy 19 % strikeout rate and a respectable 38 % hard-hit rate. The lack of loft (0 barrels, 0 homers) is baked into the profile, but he already has seven steals and stole 40+ bags in four straight minor-league seasons. If you need speed and everyday plate appearances, Halterman believes Acuna is the add.

Erik Halterman labeled Matt McLain a prime get-right target for managers willing to stomach early ugliness. McLain is hitting .162 through 20 games, but that comes with a .190 BABIP—less than half the .385 mark that fueled last year’s .290 rookie average. Statcast pegs him for a .233 xBA, which is more than enough when paired with his bankable pop and wheels. He already has four homers and four steals this season, leaving him with 25 HR and 22 SB per 600 plate appearances in his young career. The underlying power metrics back it up: 17% barrel rate and 52% hard-hit percentage. Strikeouts remain a concern at 33%, yet Halterman compared the profile to Jazz Chisholm—raw contact but game-changing fantasy tools. The missed 2024 season due to shoulder surgery adds doubt, but that doubt is what creates the buying window. Pounce now before the BABIP normalizes and the counting stats pile up in Great American Ball Park.

Erik Halterman recommended buying Salvador Perez before tired managers dump him for pennies because of a .224 AVG and only two homers. Statcast paints a completely different hitter: .304 xBA and .589 xSLG (fifth-best in MLB). His strikeout rate is a palatable 21%, actually one point better than last season and three points below his 2019-22 average. The 17% barrel rate is his best of the Statcast era. Despite turning 35 in two weeks, Perez remains a volume monster—tied for second in plate appearances among catcher-eligible players, only behind Cal Raleigh. Kansas City clearly still treats him like a middle-of-the-order stalwart, so fantasy managers should too. Halterman’s takeaway: ignore the surface slump, trust the elite batted-ball data and workload, and trade for an aging catcher whose skills have not really aged at all.

Erik Halterman argued that MacKenzie Gore’s perceived hot streak is actually a legitimate breakout worth overpaying for before the market adjusts. While the surface 3.34 ERA suggests improvement, Gore’s 2.17 SIERA screams frontline dominance. He fanned 13 Phillies on Opening Day and repeated 13 strikeouts at Coors Field on April 19. His 37% strikeout rate trails only the now-injured Logan Gilbert and he has slashed his walk rate to an elite 6% after seasons of 10% and 9%. The former Padres blue-chip prospect was a centerpiece of the Juan Soto trade and appears to have finally paired his stuff with command. Because the ERA is good but not mind-blowing, Halterman believes some managers will think they’re selling high on a fluky run; in reality, the skills profile supports ace-level production. Make aggressive trade offers in season-long formats while there’s still skepticism about Gore’s staying power.

Erik Halterman advised scooping up Aaron Nola before the ERA tax disappears. Nola’s 5.40 ERA / 1.40 WHIP look scary, but his 3.58 SIERA is actually better than the 3.75 and 3.68 he posted the last two seasons and right on top of his 3.51 career mark. Strikeout rate (25%) is sandwiched between last year’s 24% and 2023’s 26%. The walk rate is up to 8%, highest since 2020, but still manageable. What’s really inflating the ERA is bad variance: a 16.2% HR/FB (league 10.7%, career 13.9% even in homer-happy Citizens Bank Park), a .330 BABIP versus his .293 career figure, and a 67% strand rate vs a 74% norm. Halterman noted Nola looked like vintage Nola in his latest start (7 IP, 1 ER, 3 H vs Cubs). All the underlying indicators say the ace is intact, so grab him now while the box-score stats scare his current manager.

Erik Halterman said Dylan Cease is a classic buy-low because every surface number that scares fantasy managers (5.76 ERA, 1.62 WHIP through six starts) is being driven by noise, not skill erosion. Cease’s 3.57 SIERA lines up with last year’s 3.46 and his 2022 career year (3.48). The strikeout rate is only slightly down at 26.5% vs a 28.3% career mark, while the walk rate remains improved at 8.8% after several seasons north of 10%. What is killing his ratios is a .388 BABIP (career .294) and a 62% strand rate (career 73%). Halterman emphasized that one nine-run blow-up versus Oakland on April 8 is doing most of the damage; remove that outing and Cease owns a 3.51 ERA. The skills say he’s the same pitcher you drafted, but his manager might panic when seeing the inflated ERA/WHIP, making now the perfect time to trade for him at a discount in season-long leagues.

Erik Halterman urged adding Austin Hays now that he’s healthy and batting cleanup for Cincinnati. Great American Ball Park is one of MLB’s most hitter‑friendly venues, so even a league‑average hitter can return fantasy value in that lineup spot. Halterman acknowledged Hays’ 2023 swoon (699 OPS, 5 HR in 85 games) but blamed it on injuries and a kidney infection. From 2020‑22 Hays hit .261 with a 752 OPS and averaged 19 homers per 600 PA – production that easily clears the bar when paired with everyday cleanup duties in Cincy. Halterman views Hays as a widely available, low‑cost path to run‑production stats in most formats.

Erik Halterman recommended picking up Chase Meidroth, noting that the newly promoted infielder brings elite plate discipline (19 % walk rate, 13 % K rate in Double‑A last year) that has already carried over to the majors with five walks against three strikeouts in his first six games. Though light on power (career‑high nine homers) and speed (13 SB max), Meidroth has quickly ascended to the leadoff spot for a rebuilding White Sox club that lacks alternatives, giving him volume upside in runs and on‑base leagues. Halterman stressed that the multi‑positional eligibility (2B/3B/SS) and points‑league scoring, where walks matter, make Meidroth especially appealing despite limited pop.

Erik Halterman emphasized that Sean Murphy is a priority pickup after returning from the IL with a rib injury that shouldn't linger. Murphy homered immediately upon return, signaling full health. Despite a poor 2023 campaign with just a .193 average and .636 OPS, Murphy's five-year track record of a .240 average and .778 OPS, including a peak OPS of .844, suggests last year was likely an anomaly fueled by a previous oblique injury. Considering he's just entering his age-30 season, there's optimism he rebounds significantly. Halterman recommends adding Murphy in all formats, especially in shallow one-catcher leagues.

Erik Halterman recommended grabbing David Festa, who is confirmed call-up for Twins following Pablo Lopez's IL stint. Festa has compelling underlying metrics (28% strikeouts, league-average 8% walk rate, 3.58 SIERA last season) despite a poor surface ERA. Halterman believes Festa should immediately hold value. He also noted rumors suggest Zebby Matthews (24% strikeouts, 6% walks at Twins minors last season) may also get promoted soon. Matthews would also make a strong speculative add given similar encouraging peripheral stats. Halterman advises fantasy managers to prioritize Festa now but keep an eye on Matthews for immediate grabs if promotion occurs.

Erik Halterman touted Jose Soriano as a short-term priority pickup. Soriano's 98.2 mph average fastball velocity trails only Hunter Greene among qualified starters, but his elite ground-ball tendencies (65% rate this year) distinguish him more as a sinker-heavy option akin to Jordan Hicks. Durability remains a serious risk due to previous double Tommy John surgeries and limited innings historically. However, Soriano impressed last season (3.42 ERA, 60% ground-ball), improving early this year to a 2.70 ERA and 24% strikeout rate through his first three starts. While short-term expectations are the focus (likely not 30+ starts), Halterman strongly advises adding him immediately for near-term upside and reevaluating later.

Erik Halterman suggests taking a flyer on Zac Veen after he earned a spot in the Rockies lineup. Despite notable contact issues (24.5% career strikeout rate in minors) and inconsistent minor-league production limiting him to 111 games across 2023-24, Veen brings appealing power-speed potential—highlighted by a 55-steal season in 2022—and benefits from playing home games at Coors Field. Halterman remained cautious, referencing similar profile Rockies outfielders like Jordan Beck and Sam Hilliard who've mostly disappointed, but states the upside and everyday role in Colorado necessitates immediate speculative addition.

Erik Halterman endorsed Geraldo Perdomo due to his improved lineup position following teammate Ketel Marte's hamstring injury, which will keep Marte sidelined for several weeks. With Marte out, Perdomo moves from the ninth spot in the order up to second in the Diamondbacks lineup behind Corbin Carroll. Halterman highlighted that Perdomo started the season hot (two homers, two steals) despite questionable power (career 28% hard-hit rate). More significantly, Perdomo has displayed extreme contact skills, posting just a 3.6% strikeout rate early this year, suggesting he could be elite for batting average. Hitting second dramatically improves his counting stats outlook, driven by opportunities from Carroll and Arizona's middle-order hitters.

Erik Halterman outlined Dylan Moore as a priority waiver add due to Ryan Bliss' significant biceps injury, which will sideline him for 4-5 months. Moore struggled with average historically (.208 career) but has enticing counting-stat upside, averaging 19 home runs and 37 stolen bases per 600 plate appearances when prorated. His immense positional versatility, eligible already at 2B, 3B, SS, and OF in NFBC leagues and nearly everywhere else in formats like Yahoo, further increases his value. Halterman particularly recommends targeting Moore if you have a locked-in DH like Shohei Ohtani, because Moore's versatility solves positional flexibility issues.

Erik Halterman recommended targeting William Contreras as a buy-low candidate despite a dreadful start, highlighted by a 44% strikeout rate and a sub-.100 batting average through 11 games. Contreras has seen drastic early-season shifts compared to his career norms, notably chasing pitches 44% of the time (up from a 34% career average) and posting a below-average contact rate in the zone (75%). Halterman attributes the struggles to Contreras pressing too much at the plate as he adjusts from catching to becoming an everyday first baseman with increased offensive expectations. Given the small sample size and likelihood of positive regression, Contreras provides an ideal opportunity to acquire a proven hitter at discounted cost.

Erik Halterman strongly recommended buying into Tyler Soderstrom right away, before his strong performance boosts his market value further. Through 12 games, Soderstrom is hitting .378 with six home runs and has improved his previously concerning strikeout rate significantly, dropping from 31% two years ago down to 20% currently—below the league-average mark. Additionally, his consistent high-quality contact (17% barrel rate this year, comparable to a 15% rate from last year) reinforces his impressive power profile. This combination of real, established power and substantially improved contact ability, along with Soderstrom's age (just 23), creates strong buying potential in fantasy leagues. Halterman advised making offers promptly, before everyone is convinced by his breakout, noting his production could solidify him as the Athletics' everyday first baseman and middle-of-the-order bat.

Erik Halterman advised fantasy managers to sell Corbin Burnes while they still can. Burnes' velocity and performance metrics are continuing a downward trend that started last season. His ERA from last season (2.92) masked a declining strikeout rate, which dropped from 37% five years ago to 23% last year. Halterman also highlighted Burnes' velocity decrease, with his cutter averaging 93.8 mph this year—a significant decline from last year's 95.3 mph. Further concerns were raised as Burnes' velocity dip mirrors a late-season decline from the previous year. Halterman viewed Burnes not as a current elite ace but as a fading veteran whose brand name might help managers trade him before his value decreases further.

Erik Halterman recommended selling high on Hunter Greene despite his dominant start to the season. Greene currently holds a 1.31 ERA, 0.63 WHIP, and a 31% strikeout rate, boosting him to third in NL Cy Young odds after three impressive starts. Halterman warned about Greene's significant injury risk, referencing his previous Tommy John surgery in the minors and his inability to surpass 26 starts in a season. Greene's fastball velocity averages 99.4 mph, increasing his susceptibility to injury. Halterman suggested leveraging Greene's strong early performance to trade for safer, more durable pitchers drafted several rounds earlier.