As the fantasy baseball season enters its final stretch, it’s time for bold moves. With only a few weeks left, big risks are necessary to make up ground in your league’s championship race. Playing it safe won’t cut it now; you need players who can exceed their usual expectations and deliver game-changing performances.
A player’s potential upside, along with their historical performance at this crucial stage of the MLB season, becomes even more crucial than rankings or projections. You need those surging stars—the likes of Marcell Ozuna and Kyle Bradish, who have shined this season—to propel you to the top.
Here are nine players I’m fully backing on my fantasy teams for a strong finish. Each one of them seems poised for a standout conclusion, so make sure you do everything possible to add them to your roster. This might involve trading for them if your league’s deadline hasn’t passed, picking them up if they’re still available, or ensuring they’re in your starting lineup if you already have them.
Matt Olson, 1B, Atlanta Braves
The Braves have been hit hard by injuries and are now fighting to secure a National League wild-card spot, making Olson’s performance critical to their postseason hopes. Thankfully, Olson has a history of finishing strong, with 56 of his 251 career home runs coming in September and a .901 OPS, his best in any month. His recent form also suggests a strong finish to the 2024 season, as he’s hit eight homers in his last 23 games with an expected wOBA of .352, close to his .365 career mark.
Bryan Woo, SP, Seattle Mariners
Despite two stints on the injured list, Woo has been impressive this season, averaging 13.6 fantasy points across 15 starts. Only 18 pitchers have averaged more with as many starts. His limited workload due to injuries might actually work in his favor, keeping him fresh for the Mariners’ playoff push. Woo is a key part of Seattle’s rotation, and his performance will be crucial as they attempt to reverse their recent slump.
Corbin Carroll, OF, Arizona Diamondbacks
After a rough start, Carroll has turned his season around, slugging .563 with 12 home runs and seven stolen bases in 41 games since July. He’s been one of the top fantasy performers during that time, ranking seventh among hitters with 148 points. Despite this, his trade value might still be high, but his underlying stats suggest he could be even better. Since July 1, his walk, contact, whiff, and hard-hit rates have all improved from 2023, and his .222 BABIP indicates he’s been a bit unlucky during this hot streak. Expect Carroll to be a crucial part of the Diamondbacks’ offense down the stretch.
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