Week 9 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 are playing 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 9 Standout Performers
Alejandro Kirk (C – TOR)
There were high hopes for Kirk entering the 2022 season, and after a slow start, he is producing in a big way. He hit safely in four of five games this past week with four home runs. Kirk walked 13.6% of the time with an impressive 9.1% strikeout rate. Kirk was locked in as he barreled the ball 23.5% of the time with an insane 70.6% hard-hit rate.
Entering Tuesday, Kirk is now hitting .306 on the season, which is beyond elite for the catching position. He now has five home runs, but the plate discipline remains the highlight of Kirk’s offensive approach. He is only striking out 9% of the season with an 88.2% contact rate and a minimal 4.9% SwStr. Kirk is an elite hitter that splits time at catcher and designated hitter, making for a great fantasy asset.
Andres Gimenez (2B/SS – CLE)
Gimenez has been heating up of late, and that was on full display as he hit safely in all five games last week. He collected eight hits, three of which were home runs, and even tossed in a stolen base. Speed has always been Gimenez’s game, but that power could be a game-changer. This past week he barreled the ball 20% of the time, which is a massive improvement from his 7.6% barrel rate, but his 46.7% hard-hit rate last week is not far off from his 40% season rate. Gimenez is hitting over .300 with seven home runs and four stolen bases. The breakout season we have wanted from Gimenez may finally be happening.
Ian Happ (OF – CHC)
Happ’s season started slowly, but he took advantage of last week’s nine-game Cubs schedule. Happ hit safely in the final seven games of the week with six extra-base hits, including a home run. He even stole a base. Even more impressive than his 169 wRC+ was his measly 11.1% strikeout rate.
Happ is now hitting .270 with six home runs and four stolen bases. He is also walking over 14% of the time, making for a great OBP asset. Let’s hope this strong week from Happ continues as he showcases the offensive skills we all knew he had in him.
Jon Berti (2B/3B – MIA)
It’s Jon Berti season, so jump on board before he runs away. When Joey Wendle and Brian Anderson went down with injuries, it locked in everyday playing time for Berti. Last week he hit safely in all six games for a .364 average and 160 wRC+. Power is not Berti’s strong suit, as he had no home runs, but speed is his gift, and he stole three bases last week. He also walked 12% of the time, showcasing excellent OBP skills, which we love to see from our speedsters. Berti has two home runs on the season with seven stolen bases, a 404 OBP, and a strong 148 wRC+. Enjoy the flurry of stolen bases in the coming weeks.
Randy Arozarena (OF – TB)
Arozarena may finally be waking up this season. This past week he hit safely in five of seven games for a .286 average but more importantly, he finally showcased some solid power with two home runs and a .286 ISO. Arozarena was also running as he stole three bases on four attempts. Arozarena was not barreling balls early in the season, but this past week had a 13% barrel rate and a 43.5% hard-hit rate, which is an excellent sign of things to come. So it appears we have our Randy back for the foreseeable future.