The tenth week of the 2024 fantasy baseball season has arrived, the first full one for June. Now that we’re into June, it’s time to get into a good position as the spring turns into summer. But, which hitters can help with that? Here’s a look at five fantasy baseball hitters we like and should be readily available as we head into Week 10 of the 2024 season.
J.P. Crawford
We’ll start our Week 10 fantasy baseball hitters list with J.P. Crawford, who we featured on the same list in September 2023. Last year, Crawford had a breakout campaign that saw the 29-year-old reach career-highs in home runs (19), RBI (65), and runs scored (94). A right oblique strain sidelined him for about a month but Crawford has come on of late.
The Mariners shortstop hit .265 (11-43) with a home run, seven runs scored, and 11 hits for Seattle in May and started June with a home run and four runs batted in against the Angels on June 1. The M’s primarily slot Crawford in the leadoff spot, giving him ample opportunities to get on base and score runs, which should benefit fantasy owners.
Tyler Freeman
Guardians infielder/outfielder Tyler Freeman was a fantastic hitter in the Minors. However, he didn’t hit his stride in the Majors until these past few weeks. Freeman, who belted three home runs but only hit .197 in April, hit .283 with three stolen bases and nine RBI from May 15 through June 1. And in May, Freeman scored 17 runs for the Guardians.
Freeman is an obvious sleeper in fantasy, for several reasons. Aside from the fact that Freeman can be slotted in multiple positions, his ability to get on base and steal bases can provide value in several categories.
Gabriel Moreno
The 2024 campaign hasn’t been ideal for Gabriel Moreno. The D-Backs catcher hit just .186 from May 15 through June 1 but the 24-year-old did get one hit in each of Arizona’s last two games to raise his average to .234.
The catching department is thin at the moment, as the likes of Francisco Alvarez, Keibert Ruiz, and Bo Naylor — three young, trendy catchers this past spring during drafts — have either been struggling at the dish or hurt. One could add Moreno to that list but the good news, if any, that could be taken from Moreno’s slow start is that he’s still working counts and not hacking. Consider Moreno a potential bounce-back candidate.
Jesse Winker
Want to guess who led MLB in stolen bases from May 15 through June 1? Nationals outfielder Jesse Winker was tied for first in that category, alongside two burners in Brenton Doyle and Elly De La Cruz. Winker’s not a plus runner by any means but the stolen bases are a plus for the 30-year-old, who’s gotten his name back in the fantasy conversation.
Sure, Winker cooled off in May, as he only hit .198 over 96 plate appearances. And, one shouldn’t expect Winker to go off on the basepaths. Still, his .230 average, six home runs, and 10 stolen bases are more than respectable given what Winker did in 2022 and 2023.
Masyn Winn
We’ll end our Week 10 fantasy baseball hitters target list with Masyn Winn, who’s been simply sensational for the Cardinals in recent weeks. The 22-year-old had a 16-game hitting streak broken on May 31 but the former top prospect got back on track with a two-hit performance on June 2 against the Phillies. That performance pushed Winn up to a .303 average, as he has 50 hits over 52 games and also netted seven bases.
Winn is more well-known for his elite speed and arm strength but his bat wasn’t a weakness in the Minors. While he never cracked more than 12 home runs in a Minor League season, Winn worked counts, stole bases, and posted a career MiLB batting average of .272. Don’t expect him to stay above .300 but he can be a nice bench option.