2025 Fantasy Baseball: Risers & Fallers from Week 9

With a light day on May 29, it’s a perfect time to take a look at where things stand fantasy-wise at the midpoint of Week 9. Over the last week, several notable bats have continued moving up the fantasy ranks. Meanwhile, some big names are moving down.

Risers

You have to feel good for White Sox infielder Miguel Vargas, right?

Once a top prospect in the Dodgers’ system, Vargas was acquired by Chicago last summer in the three-way deal that landed Los Angeles Michael Kopech and Tommy Edman. For Vargas, it gave him not just room for more playing but also a luxury he didn’t have in LA: the chance to fail, and in turn, learn from it.

Over the last week, Vargas hit .320 (8-26) with two home runs and five RBI. And, he’s hitting fastballs better in 2025 (.250 AVG, .474 SLG) — much better, by the way — compared to 2024 (.145 AVG, .275 SLG).

As for other standouts from the past week, TJ Friedl continues to do it for the Reds. Friedl tied Ryan O’Hearn for the most hits (13) in MLB over the last week, continuing a strong trend for the outfielder. While Friedl’s not hitting for significant power — and don’t expect him to — the 29-year-old is up to .301 with his average this season.

Paul Goldschmidt, meanwhile, is up to .347 this season after adding nine more hits to his ledger this week. He only has five home runs this season, although Goldschmidt’s had some balls hit on the road that could have left in other places. Nonetheless, the 37-year-old is back on track after two down campaigns.

As for the pitchers, Carlos Rodon’s continued adaptation — leaning more on the change & less on the fastball and slider — has proven successful. Rodon struck out 10 more batters on May 27, which pushed his season total to 90 over 72.2 IP. The walk problem has also largely gone away, as Rodon surrendered seven walks over 30.2 IP in May.

Lastly, Camilo Doval will regain the closer’s job he lost last year due to cataclysmic command troubles. Doval already has five saves to his name this season and didn’t concede a run during his first 9.1 IP during May.

Fallers

Over the first three seasons of George Kirby’s career, his fantasy value was largely derived from his command, rather than his strikeout stuff.

Kirby missed nearly the first two full months of the season with right shoulder inflammation before coming back in mid-May. Since he’s returned, Kirby’s feel for the slider has not been there, as he’s given up three home runs — two of which off the slider — in 8.2 IP.

Zac Gallen, meanwhile, continued a decline with three walks and six hits over five innings against the Pirates.

As for the bats, Anthony Santander’s hip and shoulder problems have caused a power outage. It would not only explain the lower bat speed but also the low SLG (.294) in May.

Speaking of low slugging percentages, Tyler Soderstrom’s .308 SLG over the last month ranked in the bottom 20 of the league among qualified hitters. Soderstrom got off to a roaring start but is seeing more breaking balls as the year’s gone on. Just in May alone, he’s seen 31% breaking balls — compared to 30.4% in April — and Soderstrom owns a 55.4% on those pitches.

Lastly, Juan Soto passes the eye test, per the Mets’ brass. But, it’s sufficient to say fantasy owners would like to see more power. The expected SLG (.569) is great but his actual SLG (.393) is nowhere near where the .569 SLG he had over a full season in The Bronx.

Check out more of our fantasy coverage.