The MLB Postseason is drawing closer and closer, which means there’s very little time left in the regular season. Fantasy baseball players must make good use of these final weeks, especially those in roto leagues that need wins and strikeouts. Now that a new week is ahead of us, let’s take a look at five intriguing names to consider over the next week.
Related: 2023 MLB Fantasy: Five Hitters to Target on the Waiver Wire (Week 22)
Michael King
The Yankees rotation didn’t perform in the way many expected this season, but there have been some positive surprises this season. Namely, the performances of both Clarke Schmidt and more recently, Michael King. King’s worked mainly as a reliever since his arrival to the Majors in 2019, but he’s been stretched out to work as a starter in recent weeks. Thus far, he’s done very well.
The 28-year-old threw four scoreless frames on August 28 against the Tigers, and gave up just one run and struck out four over five inning on September 3 versus the Astros. King is tentatively set to face the Brewers this weekend.
Brandon Pfaadt
Those in need of a spot starter might want to turn their attention towards Diamondbacks RHP Brandon Pfaadt. Pfaadt’s 1-7 record and 6.21 season ERA aren’t pleasant numbers to look out, but the good news is that the 24-year-old’s been better since his return to the rotation in late July. From July 22-September 3, Pfaadt posted a 4.17 ERA and 43 strikeouts over 45.1 innings.
Pfaadt is set to face on the league’s worst offenses in the Rockies on September 5.
Jose Quintana
Mets left-hander Jose Quintana‘s been very effective at limiting hard contact since his return from the IL earlier in the summer. However, he doesn’t have the wins to show for it. Quintana is 1-5 on the season, despite a 3.26 ERA and quality starts in six of eight outings.
There are some concerning numbers in Quintana’s profile, like the jump in walks and the reduced chase rate. But, a matchup against the Nationals on September 5 is an appealing one.
Cole Ragans
We normally don’t highlight pitchers that are taken in a majority of leagues, but we’re making an exception in this instance.
The Royals acquired Cole Ragans in the late June trade that sent Aroldis Chapman to the Rangers. Ragans struggled in the Majors earlier in the 2023 season as a reliever, but things have changed since his arrival to the Royals. Through 41.2 innings, the former first-round pick is 3-1 with a 1.73 ERA and 56 strikeouts.
Among pitchers that threw at least 30 innings from July 15-September 2, Ragans owned the league’s second-best ERA — Javier Assad was first with a 1.49 ERA — and was in the top 20 of the league in strikeouts. Expect some regression moving forward, but Ragans is a strong option on September 4 against the White Sox if he’s available.
Tanner Scott
As we noted in our fantasy closer sheet, LHP Tanner Scott is firmly entrenched as the Marlins closer after the removal of David Robertson from the role. Scott notched his fourth save of the 2023 season on September 3, and he also picked up a win after a two-inning outing — in which he did blow a save — two days prior.
On the season, Scott owns a strong 2.40 ERA and 85 strikeouts over 63.2 innings.