Another week of the 2026 MLB season is nearing its conclusion. The fifth full week of the year was a fine one for one elite bat and several others who’ve turned themselves into must-own players. However, there are also quite a few in a funk as we enter May.
Risers
- OF Byron Buxton (Twins)
- INF Jose Caballero (Yankees)
- 2B Nick Gonzales (Pirates)
- SP Kyle Harrison (Brewers)
- C Liam Hicks (Marlins)
- SP Max Meyer (Marlins)
- INF Kazuma Okamoto (Blue Jays)
You can’t be much hotter than what Byron Buxton is doing right now. Buxton hit another home run on May 2, which has given him five home runs over the last week, the most in the Majors in that span.
That home run gave Buxton his eighth-straight double-digit home run campaign. But more importantly, a reminder of the kind of talent Buxton is when he’s on the field. Last season was a prime example of that, and so far, it’s been much of the same. For those who scooped him in the mid-rounds, good job.
Jose Caballero, meanwhile, has hit a new gear at what is a pivotal time for the veteran infielder. Caballero, across his last five games, hit .313 with three home runs, five runs scored, and 10 total hits. With four total home runs on the year, he’s already one shy of tying his mark from 2025.
Caballero has long been valuable for his versatility and speed. But now that he’s hit for power, it’s going to make for an interesting juggle for the Yankees. Anthony Volpe‘s rehab assignment will end one way or another on May 3, as the 20-day period for hitters will elapse.
We’ve also seen unheralded players have some really nice stretches. Nick Gonzales’ 12 hits over the last week are tied for second in the Majors. Liam Hicks smacked two more home runs, giving him seven on the year. And, the fact that the Marlins play him both at first & behind the plate bodes well for his fantasy value.
Lastly, on the hitter front, Kazuma Okamoto picked up three home runs and nine RBI over his last seven games. A fine stretch for the slugger who has found a home in Toronto.
On to the pitchers, Max Meyer tossed 12 innings this past week, and didn’t allow an earned run. The former first-rounder picked up his second win of 2026 after a dominant, seven shutout inning performance against the Phillies on May 2.
Kyle Harrison changed his delivery and arm angle between 2025 and 2026 — and the results so far have been dynamite. His 17 strikeouts over the last week were tops among Major League Baseball.
Fallers
- SP Kyle Bradish (Orioles)
- SP Luis Castillo (Mariners)
- 3B Matt Chapman (Giants)
- 3B Austin Riley (Braves)
- SS Corey Seager (Rangers)
- OF Kyle Stowers (Marlins)
- SS Ezequiel Tovar (Rockies)
For those who have Matt Chapman in points leagues, at least his five walks over his last six games have provided value. Unfortunately, his 2-21 stretch at the plate hasn’t been as kind.
There are several other players, aside from Chapman, going through it at the moment. Austin Riley, slugging well below his norms in 2026, went two for his last 18. Kyle Stowers struck out 10 over his last six games, while Ezequiel Tovar (2-20) and Corey Seager (2-19) are two notable shortstops in funks.
Lastly, Kyle Bradish and Luis Castillo continue to go through it. Bradish gave up two more home runs on May 2 against the Yankees, while Castillo was hit very hard in Minnesota.
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