X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Power Risers and Fallers for Week 19: Buy or Sell?

RotoBaller's Nick Mariano looks at some fantasy baseball bats for week nineteen that are hitting either extremely hot or cold in the power department.

Welcome back to this investigative piece where we examine players who have seen some notable changes in their power profiles -- for better or for worse -- in 2017.

As usual, you don’t need me to tell you that Miguel Sano and Aaron Judge are strong or that Jarrod Dyson and Billy Hamilton are toward the bottom in average exit velocity. The middle of August means two things: the end of the fantasy baseball season is starting to peek out over the horizon, and most of your league’s trade deadlines are bearing down on you.

Identifying top power risers and fallers for each week can help you swing the best deals and spot the best pickups before your competition. We'll do the hard work for you, looking at the underlying metrics that influence a hitter's power: fly-ball, pull, hard-hit rates and exit velocity. Consider buying these week 19 power risers and selling these week 19 power fallers.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

 

Power Risers

Eugenio Suarez - (CIN, 3B):

Belting his 20th homer of the season on Thursday, Suarez has now sent four baseballs to Souvenir City in 10 August games (and seven in his last 21 contests). It’s possible that his bat proves to be one of the streakier ones in the league, as many of you likely know how he bashed five homers in both April and May before hitting only six long balls combined between June and July alongside a 62-point drop in his batting average.

With that in mind, all three of his relevant power metrics here sit above 45 percent in the last two weeks (45.5 percent fly-ball and hard-hit rates, 60 percent pull rate). These marks all sat between 30-40 percent after his red-hot April and he looks to be on that same track again in August. Maybe he just has a thing for months that begin with “A”? Now that’s sabermetrics for you, folks. In all seriousness, we’ve seen what he can do when comfortable at the dish and he looks mighty comfy right now.

Keon Broxton - (MIL, OF):

While Broxton’s homer on Thursday may make this rather obvious, there are likely still a few folks out there who are skeptical of his solid performance since being recalled on Aug. 1. After all, the guy was sent down after hitting just .067 (3-for-45) in July before being sent down. All he’s done since then is post a hard-hit rate of nearly 60 percent with a 35 percent pull rate while lifting the ball half of the time in 37 plate appearances. While we have to cede that a small sample size for a streaky hitter is dangerous to latch onto, but if you’re wondering whether this is a legitimate show or not -- it is.

Kolten Wong - (STL, 2B/OF):

Wong has done well to post a .303 average this season, and his .826 OPS is rather impressive as well thanks to a career-high 10.3 percent walk rate and 20 doubles thus far. We’re interested in the prospect of more doubles turning into homers, though, and it looks like that’s truly not far-fetched. After stroking a batted-ball over 100 mph only once in his first 16 games since the All-Star break, the 26-year-old has since done so six times in his most recent 10 games (Thursday night not included). It likely won’t cost you a thing to see where this summer spike takes him, but his current stat sheet undersells the skills currently at work.

Eduardo Nunez - (BOS, 2B/SS/3B/OF):

Nunez’s inclusion will come as no surprise to Boston fans and his fantasy owners, as the 30-year-old is batting .420 with four homers and six doubles since trading in AT&T Park for Fenway. That said, he went 5-for-10 in two games in Tampa Bay as well, so he’s just all-around locked in right now. We can’t ignore that he hit just .269 with only four homers in 50 games for San Francisco last season after ripping 12 long balls alongside a .296 average in 91 games for Minnesota. Dude just likes the AL is all, and parks that aren’t notoriously pitcher-friendly. Banter aside, his 42 percent hard-hit rate, 35 percent fly-ball rate and 53.5 percent pull rate since being traded back what you’re seeing with your eyeballs and paint him as a legitimate contributor as the home stretch approaches.

 

Power Fallers

Mookie Betts - (BOS, OF):

While Betts has notched a hit in eight of his last 10 games, he’s still hitting just .233 over that span with a poor .292 on-base percentage to boot. Worse in our eyes is the .326 slugging percentage, as only two of his 10 hits in this span have gone for extra bases (one double, one homer). While he’s still hitting plenty of fly balls (40 percent) and pulling the ball at a healthy clip (37 percent), he simply can’t square up a ball to save his life.

His 14.3 percent soft-contact rate means he’s not hitting dribblers, but his even-worse 11.4 percent hard-hit rate means he’s just in batted-ball purgatory. Still only 24 years old, Betts’ biggest weakness actually looks to be his line-drive rate plummeting from 19.3 percent in ’16 to 16 percent here. He still has the tools to be a game-breaking talent and there are plenty who will gamble on that upside, but this is looking more and more like a lost season for his suddenly inconsistent bat.

Byron Buxton - (MIN, OF):

We’ve got to give it up for Buxton for producing a three-hit, two-RBI night just as I begin to write about him here. He had begun to make some noise in July -- batting .387 with a homer and three steals across 10 games -- before landing on the disabled list right after the All-Star break ended. Since then, he’s now 9-for-31 (.290), which is good but has seen his usual pull rate of over 50 percent come out of the gates at 33.3 percent in August. His hard-hit rate was at 39.1 percent in July but it now sits at 28.6 percent. His fly-ball rate is a monthly-low 22.2 percent as well. While I will readily admit that he could have just needed to shake off some rust, he has seen that rolling average-exit velocity graph that enamored many absorb a sharp drop.

Russell Martin - (TOR, C/3B):

Most of Martin’s 2017 campaign has been a disappointing one, but the veteran has actually hit .261 with three homers over his last 14 games. While that’s not lighting the world on fire, it isn’t bad by any means -- especially this year with the bar of “top-12 catcher” being rather low. But Martin’s recent performance has an ugly 21.9 percent hard-hit rate, 22.6 percent fly-ball rate and 37.5 percent pull rate underneath it. Pulling the ball alone isn’t going to do much for you if it isn’t lifted over the fielders and not leaving the bat with any authority.

Ryan Braun - (MIL, OF):

Braun is experiencing a slip in power at just the wrong time for most fantasy owners to feel like they can get enough when they flip him, but it might be worth exploring all the same. Despite playing in only 62 games thus far, the 33-year-old has been productive when able to suit up with a .244 ISO -- his highest mark since 2012 (.276). The bright side and easiest selling point would be Braun’s logging multiple hits in five straight games now and is hitting .383 over his last two weeks despite going homerless in that window.

This can be explained by a poor 29.4 percent fly-ball rate and 23.5 percent pull rate. He’s spraying the ball well and his hard-hit rate of 38.2 percent and 32.4 percent line-drive rate validate the batting average, but his fly-ball rate alone has tumbled 20 percent compared to July. A guy with his track record likely won’t just forget how to hit big flies, but those who have solid average and hurting for power should consider offering up Braun on the trade block.

 

More Risers and Fallers




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
San Francisco Giants

Giants Exercise Bob Melvin's 2026 Option
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Josh Naylor

Back in Action on Tuesday
Yordan Alvarez

Suffers Setback
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Nolan Arenado

Dealing with Finger Sprain
ANA

Mikael Granlund Moves to Anaheim on Three-Year Deal
Jacob Wilson

Scratched With Hamstring Soreness
NJ

Jake Allen Signs Five-Year Extension With Devils
VAN

Brock Boeser Remains in Vancouver on Seven-Year Deal
Conor Garland

Signs New Six-Year Deal with Canucks
Thatcher Demko

Signs Three-Year Extension with Canucks
Brandon Woodruff

Ready for Season Debut
Martin Fehérváry

Martin Fehervary Agrees to Seven-Year Extension with Capitals
Garrett Mitchell

Out for the Rest of the Season
MLB

Brewers-Mets Postponed on Tuesday
MLB

Tigers-Nationals Postponed on Tuesday
Zach Neto

Returns to Tuesday's Lineup
Milwaukee Bucks

Gary Harris Inks Deal With Bucks
MLB

Padres-Phillies Postponed on Tuesday
Charlotte Hornets

Mason Plumlee Heading Back to Charlotte
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Hunter Goodman

Back Behind the Dish on Tuesday
Jakob Poeltl

Agrees to a Contract Extension With Raptors
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Jason Day

is a Fine Play With Limited Upside at John Deere Classic
Vasilije Micić

Vasilije Micic Dealt to Bucks on Tuesday
Daniel Suarez

and Trackhouse Racing Parting Ways After 2025 Season
Luke Clanton

Looks to Have Another Strong Week at TPC Deere Run
Pat Connaughton

Traded to Hornets
Atlanta Hawks

Luke Kennard Lands in Atlanta
Breece Hall

Aiming to Prove He is "Still One of the Best in the League"
T.J. Watt

Steelers Not Planning to Trade T.J. Watt
Sacramento Kings

Dennis Schroder Set to Join Sacramento
Bo Bichette

Out Again on Tuesday
Trent Grisham

Likely Heading to Injured List
Boston Celtics

Luke Kornet Agrees to Contract With San Antonio
Jonas Valančiūnas

Nuggets Trade for Center Jonas Valanciunas
Royce Lewis

Twins Activate Royce Lewis
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Signs Massive Extension With Oklahoma City
Corbin Carroll

Eyeing Return Before All-Star Break
New York Knicks

Knicks Pick Up Guerschon Yabusele
Yordan Alvarez

Could Return Early Next Week
NFL

Negotiations on 18-Game Season Not Expected Until Next Year
Indiana Pacers

Myles Turner Leaves Indiana, Signs With Milwaukee
Kerry Carpenter

Shelved with Hamstring Issue
Tyler Boyd

Steelers Have Talked With Tyler Boyd
Milwaukee Bucks

Damian Lillard Waived By Milwaukee
Darren Waller

Coming Out of Retirement to Play for Dolphins
Alexander Romanov

Islanders Retain Alexander Romanov on $50 Million Contract
Andrei Kuzmenko

Signs Up for One More Year with Kings
Morgan Geekie

Signs Long-Term Extension with Bruins
Ivan Provorov

Stays in Columbus on Seven-Year Deal
Alex Pietrangelo

Stepping Away From Golden Knights for Health Reasons
Matias Maccelli

Maple Leafs Bring in Matias Maccelli
Evan Bouchard

Inks $42 Million Contract with Oilers
Vladimir Tarasenko

Wild Acquire Vladimir Tarasenko From Detroit
Patrick Kane

Signs New One-Year Deal with Red Wings
Brad Marchand

Lands Six-Year Extension
Aaron Ekblad

Remains a Panther on Eight-Year Deal
Mitchell Marner

Heads to Vegas
Randy Arozarena

Homers Twice, Plates Four Monday
Shea Langeliers

Hits Three-Run Homer In Return From Injured List Monday
Wilyer Abreu

Belts Grand Slam and Hits Inside-the-Park Home Run
Philadelphia 76ers

Trendon Watford Lands in Philadelphia
New York Knicks

Jordan Clarkson Expected to Sign With Knicks
Santi Aldama

Remains with Grizzlies
Atlanta Hawks

Nickeil Alexander-Walker Lands in Atlanta
Jalen Ramsey

Could Move Around in Pittsburgh
Los Angeles Clippers

Brook Lopez Strikes Deal With Clippers
Jonnu Smith

to be Used in Hybrid Role
Terry McLaurin

Commanders, Terry McLaurin Not Close on Contract Extension
Chicago Bulls

Tre Jones Remaining in Chicago
Michael Mayer

Raiders Not Interested in Trading Michael Mayer
Houston Rockets

Dorian Finney-Smith Signing With Rockets
Atlanta Hawks

Caris LeVert Joining Pistons
Aldrich Potgieter

Wins Rocket Mortgage Classic
Thorbjorn Olesen

Finishes Tied for 41st at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Denny McCarthy

Finishes Tied For 12th at Travelers Championship
Chris Kirk

Finishes Tied For Second at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Michael Kim

Finishes Tied for 26th at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Max Homa

Misses Cut at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Lucas Glover

Finishes Tied For Ninth at Travelers Championship
PGA

Nico Echavarria Finishes Tied For Sixth at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Pittsburgh Steelers

Rumors Still Swirling Around Potential T.J. Watt Trade
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Tyler Boyd

Interested in Playing for Steelers
Miami Dolphins

Dolphins Now Looking to Acquire a Tight End
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
L'Jarius Sneed

Says he's Healthy
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Minkah Fitzpatrick

Heading Back to Miami
Jonnu Smith

Shipped to Pittsburgh
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
Jalen Ramsey

Steelers Acquiring Jalen Ramsey
Jonas Brodin

Expected to Miss Start of Next Season
TB

Conor Sheary Placed on Waivers for Contract Termination
Dante Fabbro

Stays with Blue Jackets on Four-Year Deal
Chase Elliott

Ends Winless Skid With Atlanta Victory
Brad Keselowski

Falls Short of Atlanta Victory
NFL

NFL Won't Hold Supplemental Draft This Year
Damon Arnette

Getting Second Chance With Texans
Deommodore Lenoir

Arrested for Obstruction of Justice
Carson Hocevar

Recovers From Big One to Finish 10th at Atlanta
William Byron

Caught up in Atlanta Big One but Retains Points Lead
Denny Hamlin

Top In-Season Challenge Seed Denny Hamlin Eliminated in Lap 70 Crash
Ty Dillon

Bottom Seed Ty Dillon Upsets Denny Hamlin to Advance in In-Season Challenge
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Expected to Make Second-Year Jump
Jalin Hyatt

Looking to Flip the Script in 2025
Kyle Larson

Don't Expect Kyle Larson to Win First Drafting Track Race on Saturday
Christopher Bell

Unlikely to Complete Atlanta Sweep
Brad Keselowski

Seeks Another Clutch Win for Hail-Mary Playoff Bid
Chris Buescher

Unlikely to Lead Enough to Have Much DFS Value
Alex Bowman

Qualifies Best Among Non-Fords but Unlikely to Contend at Atlanta
Ryan Preece

Will Probably Run Better Than Usual at Atlanta
Austin Dillon

Consistently Mediocre at Atlanta
Ty Gibbs

Slightly Faster Lately but Unlikely to be a Factor at Atlanta
Erik Jones

a Low-Key Strong DFS Option
Noah Gragson

Could Have DFS Value as One of the Lowest-Qualifying Fords
Riley Herbst

Unlikely to Replicate February Atlanta Finish
Charles Oliveira

Can Become A Two-Time Lightweight Champion
Ilia Topuria

A Favorite At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Alexandre Pantoja

Set For Fourth Title Defense At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Looks For His Third Win In A Row
Renato Moicano

Returns At UFC 317
Beneil Dariush

An Underdog At UFC 317
Payton Talbott

Looks To Bounce Back
Felipe Lima

Set To Open Up UFC 317 Main Card
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF