In the world of fantasy baseball, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement surrounding top-tier players who deliver on their lofty expectations. However, the real difference-makers are often the late-round picks or waiver wire additions who exceed their projected stats. These unexpected heroes can make all the difference in a fantasy manager’s season.
This year, several players fit the bill as top MVP candidates for their surprising performances. Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran, Oakland Athletics outfielder Brent Rooker, San Diego Padres shortstop/outfielder Jackson Merrill, and Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Willy Adames all finished among the leaders in ESPN points formats and roto/categories leagues, despite being largely overlooked on draft day.
Duran, 28, broke out with eight home runs and 24 stolen bases in 102 games, contributing more than 20 home runs, stolen bases, and 100 runs scored. Rooker, 29, matched elite power numbers while adding stolen bases to his repertoire, despite playing for the Athletics. Merrill, 21, impressed in spring training and won the center field job, quickly becoming a five-category fantasy option. Profar, 31, signed a one-year contract with the Padres and produced the best numbers of his career as a top points-league option. Adames, 29, notched career bests in home runs, RBIs, runs, and even reached 20 stolen bases.
Honorable mentions include Josh Naylor, Yainer Diaz, Brenton Doyle, Alec Bohm, Matt Chapman, Jackson Chourio, Alec Burleson, Eugenio Suarez, and Brice Turang, who all exceeded expectations in their own ways.
On the flip side, some highly touted players failed to live up to their hype. Ronald Acuna Jr. struggled with injuries and underperformance, while teammates Matt Olson, Ozzie Albies, and Austin Riley also disappointed. Kyle Tucker and Fernando Tatis Jr. suffered injuries that derailed their seasons, and Bo Bichette’s aggressive plate approach led to a dismal year. Dishonorable mentions include Nolan Jones, Luis Robert Jr., Cody Bellinger, Adolis Garcia, and Evan Carter, who all fell short of expectations.
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