Welcome to the 2021 Fantasy Baseball Stock Up/Stock Down Week 10 article!
This week we take a look at some youngsters. These are players who don't have that big of a track record, but we are beginning to get an idea of them as the season continues. Some of these players started off strong and are now in a slump, while others are finally putting it together.
It's important to at least know of the top prospects in fantasy, or even check in on them when they get the call. Sometimes, these youngsters can help propel your team to a championship. I'm not saying once you add/drop these youngsters you're a lock for playoffs, but sometimes they can certainly help you get there.
I remember back in 2017 I added Rhys Hoskins and Matt Olson after they were called up. They both played really well, and eventually propelled me into the playoffs and soon the Championship Game. While I did lose, I would not have been there without Olson and Hoskins.
As always, if you have any general questions, comments, or concerns or even want help with some of your own add/drops, feel free to hit me up on Twitter @MikeSollicito1. Now let's get right into Week 10.
2021 Fantasy Baseball Week 10 Stock Up/Stock Down
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Stock Up
Tarik Skubal, SP, Detroit Tigers
Tarik Skubal was a big breakout candidate of mine coming into this season. I felt that after an alright year last year, this year he put it together at the big league level. At first, it didn't seem like that was going to happen, as he began the year quite rough.
However, as of recently he is really beginning to get on a roll. He has brought his ERA down from 6.14 to a much more palatable 4.33. Letting up two runs or fewer in five of his last six games, Skubal is looking like the prospect we all knew him as.
While he isn't getting quite as many Quality Starts, and is still walking quite a bit, I believe that over time Skubal will develop deeper into games, plus his high strikeout rate should counter the few walks he may give a game. Add Skubal now before his price sky rockets.
Colin Moran, 1B, Pittsburgh Pirates
Colin Moran missed about a month with a groin strain, however, he returned to the lineup this Sunday going one for four with an RBI. While I don't expect him to keep up the pace he was on prior to the injury (hitting .297), I do think the power he should bring keeps him fantasy relevant.
Also, he should play everyday for the rebuilding Pirates, and should bat fourth in their lineup. While the Pirates don't have a strong lineup overall, their top four or so is quite underrated. Adam Frazier has been an on base machine so far.
There are RBI opportunities for Moran, and I expect him to knock them in more often than not. His power is real, but the batting average may not stay as high as it is right now.
Moran helps you with 1B eligibility, and while I wouldn't mark him as an everyday starter for your fantasy team, I do believe that he could be a very valuable bench piece. Add him now before others begin realizing he is healthy again.
Jonathan India, 2B/3B, Cincinnati Reds
Jonathan India began this season off with a BANG. He was so good for the first week of the season, but then the rest of the league caught up with him. It got so bad for India, that he found himself on the bench more times than not.
However, India has been hot at the plate, going 12 for his last 31 with two HRs and two SBs. While the speed won't stick, India has always had a solid hit tool, albeit with minimal power. With him having both 2B and 3B eligibility, if India begins hitting consistently he could really prove to be a vital asset to your teams.
The Reds also have a very good lineup, and as of Tuesday June 8th, India is batting leadoff. If this sticks, expect his counting stats to increase. Grab India now and let's hope pitchers don't figure him out a second time!
Stock Down
Cristian Javier, SP, Houston Astros
Cristian Javier was an absolute beast last year, showcasing us just how incredible the Astros are at developing good starting pitching. Beginning this year, Javier was great. However, he began to struggle in two starts after his hot start to the season.
Now, Javier finds himself in the bullpen. That's the problem with Javier. The Astros have almost seven pitchers who could be in the rotation, and while some are banged up right now I expect them to get healthy soon.
Because Javier is not guaranteed a spot, I think he is a drop right now in leagues where you cannot afford to own a multi-innings relief pitcher. I recently just dropped him, and no one put a claim in for him. If he gets a spot back in the rotation, then he is clearly a fantastic add.
But until then, I think he finds himself on the waiver wire in most leagues, as he hasn't even been dominant out of the bullpen either.
Alec Bohm, 3B, Philadelphia Phillies
Alec Bohm is another example of someone who was great last year in their rookie season, but are struggling so far this year. Bohm's dynasty outlook remains very very high, as some have called him a Freddir Freeman lite. However, he is just not cutting it in redraft.
While Bohm is on the unlucky side, his strikeout rate is up eight percent from last year and his walk rate is down nearly three percent. While this isn't the only culprit for Bohm's ineffectiveness, it is certainly a big reason.
With that being said, I do think Bohm offers some incredible upside if he does get going. He is not a drop by any means, but his stock is going down, and I would probably keep him on the bench for right now.
It is time to look for a replacement for Bohm, but keep him in case he turns it around. After all, he does have a .257 xBA. It could only be a matter of time, but he is no longer a must start.
Nick Solak, 2B/OF, Texas Rangers
Nicky Solak! I love Solak, and was very high on him coming into the year, as I was expecting him to be a nice power/speed asset for fantasy teams. Solak began the season on a tear, but that was mostly due to good luck. His BABIP was extremely high, however, it was his increasing strikeout rate that was a sign of regression.
Solak is not only striking out almost 26% of the time, but he is also walking a measley 6% of the time as well. While it is possible to have this type of peripherals but still do well, especially when you have speed like Solak does, but I think expectations need to be readjusted for Solak.
Is he a good player? Yes. Is he as good as he was to start the season? No. I expect Solak to hit closer to .260ish instead of the .300 he was hovering around to begin the year.
Solak's speed is evident, and he does have nice pop so the power/speed combo is definitely in play.
He is not droppable even though he is in this long slump at the plate, but do not expect him to wake up and magically hit .300 again. Keep expectations realistic and not best case scenario.
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