Yet again, it’s time to take a look at who’s hot and who’s not in fantasy right now. It’s been a big year for several Nationals but in particular CJ Abrams, who is on pace for a career season. However, two Orioles are currently trending down.
Risers
- SS CJ Abrams (Nationals)
- SP Dylan Cease (Blue Jays)
- 1B Rafael Devers (Giants)
- 1B Bryce Harper (Phillies)
- SP Jacob Misiorowski (Brewers)
- SS Bobby Witt Jr. (Royals)
This may be the year for CJ Abrams.
Abrams has been a tantalizing fantasy asset for years but has never taken that next step to put himself in the echelon of top-tier shortstops. But over the first month plus, Abrams has consistently produced. The Nationals infielder racked up eight hits and nine RBI, putting him atop the MLB leaderboard in RBI.
And almost a fourth of the way through 2026, Abrams also has nine home runs and seven stolen bases. He put up a 20-30 season two seasons ago — so could something better be brewing in 2026?
Bryce Harper also continued his strong year with three more home runs, putting him at nine for the year. That puts him well on pace to get back to 30+ if he can keep it up.
Bobby Witt Jr., who didn’t hit for much pop over the first month, had three home runs over the past week. Rafael Devers, who was cold for much of the early season, had two homers over his last five contests.
As for the pitchers, Dylan Cease and Jacob Misiorowski, who came into 2026 as high-upside wild cards in fantasy, tossed shutout ball this past week and continue their strong seasons.
Fallers
- SP Shane Baz (Orioles)
- 3B Manny Machado (Padres)
- 2B Ketel Marte (D-Backs)
- SP Andrew Painter (Phillies)
- C Salvador Perez (Royals)
- OF Taylor Ward (Orioles)
Thanks to another tough start against the A’s, Shane Baz’s ERA is now north of 5.00.
When the O’s acquired Baz in December, it was obvious what the team was getting. A right-hander who has experience, can get swing-and-miss, but also lost his slider last season. And as of right now, Baz doesn’t have that true out pitch against righties. Four of the five home runs he conceded thus far have been on righties, one of which was to Brent Rooker on the 9th.
Speaking of the Orioles, we’re still waiting for Taylor Ward to erupt. Ward’s 2026 numbers aren’t terrible per se, as the outfielder currently sits tied with Ernie Clement for second in MLB in doubles. Plus, a respectable .266 average.
However, Ward only has one home run on the season. He also had a sub-.100 average on the week, which was salvaged thanks to 10 walks.
Ketel Marte, Salvy Perez, and Manny Machado had batting averages below .150 for the past week.
Back to the pitching for a second, Andrew Painter was hit hard in Philadelphia this past week. Normally a safe haven for Painter, the rookie gave up three home runs in 3.2 IP.
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