There are just two weeks before the end of the 2023 MLB and fantasy seasons. It’s been a wild season from a fantasy perspective, and these two weeks are critical for those in the hunt for the top spot in roto and head-to-head leagues. If you’re in the playoffs right now, here’s a look at five hitters to consider for this upcoming week.
Related: How the Dodgers Stack Up Entering the 2023 MLB Postseason
Mark Canha
We’ll start off with a name that was on last week’s list in Mark Canha. The Brewers OF’s been exceptional in recent weeks, and he continued his torrid September on the 16th with three hits and five RBI. From September 2-16, Canha hit .395 with three home runs and 11 RBI. That average was tied for ninth in the Majors over that span (min. 25 PA).
The Brewers have slotted Canha at the top of the lineup in recent weeks, as well. So long as he stays hot, the veteran outfielder should be a solid source for hits and runs scored.
Willi Castro
Twins INF/OF Willi Castro was featured on our waiver wire list earlier this season, and he returns after what’s been a strong start to September. Through his first 56 plate appearances in September, Castro hit .280 with a pair of home runs, five RBI, and 10 runs scored. Not to mention, he added two more stolen bases to his ledger. On the season, the 26-year-old has 31 steals on the season.
As we’ve noted in the past, Castro is a contact-over-power hitter. Don’t expect much power, but his ability to put ball in play, his speed, and the versatility he offers in fantasy makes the Twins utilityman a valuable piece.
Ronny Mauricio
The first month of Mets infielder Ronny Mauricio‘s career has gone well thus far. Mauricio picked up two more hits on September 17 to raise his average to .313. The 22-year-old’s picked up five stolen bases and 15 hits in his first 13 games, one of which was a 440 foot bomb on September 12 that was the first home run of his MLB career.
There are not many players widely available in fantasy leagues that have the ceiling of Mauricio. The power and speed is tantalizing, and he should get plenty of time over the last two weeks given that the Mets are going to miss the 2023 postseason.
Logan O’Hoppe
A shoulder injury cost Angels C Logan O’Hoppe most of 2023, but he’s been quite good since his return in late August. The 23-year-old started off slow in his first games back from the IL, but he’s proceeded to hit five home runs and eight RBI over his first 56 plate appearances in September.
O’Hoppe possesses serious sleeper potential for 2024. But for those still focused on 2023, the New York native’s power could be a shot in the arm for fantasy owners in need of help behind the plate.
Leody Taveras
Another hot hitter in September has been Rangers OF Leody Taveras. Between September 2-16, Taveras was second in the American League in batting average (.400), behind only Orioles infielder Ramon Urias (.406). The 25-year-old racked up 16 hits across 12 games in that span, as well as three stolen bases
The Rangers outfielder doesn’t possess elite power, but his contact and speed skills have been on display in recent weeks. For those in need of another outfielder, Taveras is a name to consider.
