Fantasy Baseball Insights: Key Players for the Stretch Run

Fantasy baseball managers are gearing up for the stretch run, and several players are emerging as key contributors in the second half of the season. Here are some notable performers who are still available in over 50% of Yahoo leagues.

Ty France, a first baseman for the Padres, is making a name for himself with an impressive average exit velocity of 93.6 mph and a .381 batting average on balls in play (BABIP). Although his expected stats suggest he may be experiencing a temporary boost, his low soft contact rate positions him as a viable option for managers seeking depth.

Nolan Arenado, now with the Diamondbacks, has found a second wind, hitting over 20 home runs for the first time since 2023. While his hard contact has decreased, his ability to pull fly balls has kept his power numbers respectable, making him a replacement-level choice in deeper leagues.

Alec Bohm of the Phillies has turned his season around after a slow start, showcasing a low strikeout rate and solid exit velocity. His consistent performance makes him a reliable option as the season progresses. Meanwhile, Luis Rengifo has seen a significant improvement since joining the Padres, though his overall performance remains limited to deeper leagues.

Jeff McNeil of the Athletics is capitalizing on his opportunity with increased stolen bases and a high BABIP, while Lawrence Butler is gaining attention for his power and speed combination, particularly during home games. Lastly, Tyler Stephenson of the Reds is excelling with a high barrel rate and OPS, making him a strong candidate for fantasy lineups.