Week 12 of the MLB season is in the books, and we have more offensive standouts to discuss. In addition, while highlighting a few rostered players in most leagues, the article will also highlight some players that may not be on everyone’s radar unless you play in deeper leagues. So dig in and decide if the production is just a hot streak or something to invest in moving forward. First, let’s look at five hitters that had an impressive week and what we should do from a fantasy perspective.
Week 12 Standout Performers
Isaac Paredes (2B/3B – TB)
Some said a change of scenery and some regular playing time would do Paredes well. It certainly has so far with the Rays. This past week, Paredes hit safely in all five games, with multiple hits in three games. Paredes had seven extra-base hits, including five home runs, during his monster week. In addition, he struck out less than 10% of the time while racking up an impressive 488 wRC+.
Paredes’s week is not sustainable, but he is now hitting .248 with 10 home runs. He is only striking out 14.8% of the time, which is solid and has a .347 ISO and a 159 wRC+. There will likely be some regression, but the power is legit, and with regular playing time, Paredes could bring another 10+ home runs this season with his multi-position eligibility.
Alejandro Kirk (C – TOR)
Kirk continues to show his elite contact skills, and this past week it led to three multi-hit games and four home runs. He barreled the ball 27.8% of the time with a 61.1% hard-hit rate on his 92.3% Z-contact. In addition, Kirk only struck out 8.7% of the time thanks to a 6.2% SwStr while walking 13% of the time.
Kirk is hitting .325 on the season with 10 home runs, a .202 ISO, and 167 wRC+. He will continue to be one of the significant batting average assets at the catcher position and could finish the season as a top-five fantasy catcher when the season comes to an end.
Jesse Winker (OF – SEA)
It is finally happening; Winker’s bat is waking up. He hit safely in four games last week with multiple hits in all four games. He collected four extra-base hits, including two home runs with a .444 ISO and 1.584 OPS. Even better was the continued plate discipline as Winker walked 24% of the time.
Winker is now hitting .259 in June with four home runs, a .198 ISO, .885 OPS, and 167 wRC+. He also walks over 20% of the time, which is a part of Winker’s pedigree. Sadly, he will eventually miss some time due to his role in Sunday’s brawl with the Angels, but his recent production is excellent for those who stayed patient with the Mariners’ outfielder. Big things to come for Winker.
Andres Gimenez (2B/SS – CLE)
Gimenez continues to produce for the Guardians, and this past week was no different as he hit safely in all six games. In addition, Gimenez had two extra-base hits, including a home run with two stolen bases. Even better was that Gimenez only struck out 7.7% of the time with a 90% contact rate and 5.1% SwStr.
Gimenez brought an eight-game hitting streak into Tuesday’s action and, for June, is hitting .356. He has three home runs and two stolen bases in June to go with a .178 ISO and 174 wRC+. Gimenez is playing every day and will bring some power and actual speed with a surprising batting average boost this season. As a result, he should be rostered in all 12-team and deeper leagues.
Bligh Madris (OF – PIT)
Madris has been a pleasant surprise since he was called up on the 20th. He has hit safely in six of seven games with a home run and a stolen base. Madris has also scored five runs while driving in six. His .241 ISO, .931 OPS, and 158 wRC+ are outstanding in his debut. Madris is playing daily and hitting in the middle of the Pirates order. So ride the hot bat while you can, as he is another surprising Pirates rookie performer this season.