We are getting closer to the end of the 2023 MLB regular and fantasy baseball seasons. With that mind, it’s a good idea to try to find some players to deepen the bench and fill out the roster in time for the stretch run. Here’s a look at five interesting names this week.
Related: 2023 MLB Power Rankings: Who are the favorites for the NL MVP?
Harrison Bader
We start off the list with Yankees OF Harrison Bader. Even though the Yankees did not have a good week in Chicago and Miami, Bader did pick up hits in four of six games and picked up three steals. In what’s been an injury-hampered campaign, Bader hit .266 with seven home runs, 14 stolen bases, and 36 RBI in his first 69 games.
With his speed, Bader can always be a threat to swipe bases. However, he’s never been a premier stolen base asset in fantasy — his career high in the department is just 17. Granted, a myriad of injuries have kept Bader off the field and those totals low. If Bader can stay healthy over the last couple of weeks, the 29-year-old’s value will be interesting.
Josh Bell
We’ve had Josh Bell on this list before. While Bell looked great at some points with Cleveland, the switch-hitter didn’t find consistency with the Guardians. Dealt to the Marlins at the Trade Deadline, Bell’s been much more productive in his new home. In his first 11 games in Miami, Bell hit .310 with four home runs and nine RBI.
Bell’s been firmly entrenched either in the two or three-hole with Miami since his acquisition, and that will remain the case so long as the 31-year-old continues to hit.
Kerry Carpenter
Tigers OF Kerry Carpenter had himself a banner weekend in Boston, as he hit a solo home run off Chris Sale on Friday and two off Brayan Bello on the 12th. From August 1-12, Carpenter hit .400 with four home runs and six RBI.
The 25-year-old’s been quite productive in his first real run in the Majors, as he belted 15 home runs and hit .282 over his first 75 games with Detroit this year. Even though he missed more than a month of the 2023 season, the former Hokie has a chance to hit 20 home runs.
Jeff McNeil
The 2023 campaign has been a rough one for former NL batting champion Jeff McNeil, who came into the day on August 13 with just a .261 average — far removed from the .326 one he sported a year earlier. The good news for the Mets and McNeil is that he’s starting to get out of a funk. The 31-year-old posted four multi-hit days in his last 11, including three in a doubleheader on the 12th.
McNeil’s popped up a concerning number of times in 2023, but things have started to shift for the Mets second baseman.
Jorge Polanco
This season’s been difficult for Twins infielder Jorge Polanco, who’s hit just .235 and had multiple stints on the IL. The 30-year-old did have five hits in three games in Philadelphia, including a solo shot on August 11.
Now eligible to slot in at second or third, the former 33 home run hitter could be a nice late find for those in need of another infielder.
