Ottoneu Hot Right Now: August 21, 2024

The 2024 version of Hot Right Now will typically include three sections:

1. Current Auctions: A closer look at players being auctioned at a high rate.
2. Roster Adds: Analysis of players with high add% changes.
3. Hot Performers: Players with a high P/G or P/IP in recent weeks.

The FanGraphs Ottoneu team plans to run this feature weekly, updating fantasy managers on the biggest movers in Ottoneu leagues with an analysis of how these players could or could not help your roster.

As we have done in previous posts, I am also going to rate each player on the following scale:

• Don’t Bother – This means that even as auctions are started, other teams are adding this player, or he is on a hot streak, I am just not interested in adding this player. I don’t see them being worth a roster spot.
• Don’t Stress – I can see why you would add this player. I can totally understand placing a bid, but I am not super worried about winning this player. I would bid $1 for sure, maybe a bit more, as long as it doesn’t impact my roster at all.
• Don’t Go Crazy – I would like to add this player, but I am not willing to hamper my team to do it. I’ll look for cuts, and if I can clear money to make a big bid without losing players I’ll regret cutting, I will do it.
• Don’t Lose – These players rarely come up but they do, from time-to-time. These are guys that I am willing to make a difficult cut to add. Don’t expect to see this designation used often.

Current Auctions

Bowden Francis – 63 current auctions

Since early August, Francis has reduced usage of his curve, using both a slider and a splitter to complement his four-seamer, and the results have been awfully impressive. Add an AL Player of the Week Award to his resume and it’s easy to understand the auction hype.

I am still a little hesitant to buy in – at 28 this would be an awfully big and awfully surprising breakout. That said, if you wait to be sure, someone else will have taken the shot already. And yes, that person may end up with a cap penalty in a couple of weeks, but that isn’t that big a deal.

If you need pitching and have the cap/roster space, I would take the gamble and see how things play out.

Verdict: Don’t Stress.

Adrian Del Castillo – 53 current auctions

Ok, I get that the numbers on the surface are great, but have you noticed the 35.1% K-rate and the .471 BABIP? I am sure you love the four barrels, but the pretty bland EV and max EV don’t suggest that’ll keep happening. He’s also a pretty low-rated prospect who seemed destined to be a backup.

That said, Del Castillo made big strides in his K-rate in Triple-A this year and was absolutely destroying the league. It’s hard to argue with what he has done.

I don’t expect it will last – I would gladly take a shot on him now, but if the strikeouts don’t come down or the quality of contact doesn’t get better (maybe both), this hot streak won’t last.

Verdict: Don’t Stress.

Edwin Uceta – 42 current auctions

Everything looks great and Uceta looks like another Rays success story. I can’t say “don’t miss” for any RP, but he might be as close as it gets.

Verdict: Don’t Go Crazy.

Roster Adds

Will Wagner – Add% Change (7 Days) – 30.7%

Wagner has hit everywhere he has gone, but he hasn’t shown much power anywhere. High quality hit tools with no speed or power and no obvious position aren’t a profile I typically go for, but I did add Wagner in one league where I simply needed someone to eat up PA. You are hoping for a poor man’s Luis Arraez here and I have never been as infatuated with Arraez (especially for fantasy) as others.

Jake McCarthy – Add% Change (7 Days) – 30.4%

As long as he hits, he plays and as long as he plays, he is interesting, especially in 5×5 with all those SB. In points leagues, he’ll be useful, but. he’ll need the BABIP to stay high, which makes him risky. We have seen him when the ball is finding grass and when it isn’t. Just know what you are buying into.

Hot Performers

Stats reflect the last 14 days for both hitters and pitchers.

Alex Bregman – (13.3 P/G)

Bregman is apparently hurt after sleeping on his elbow funny, but not expected to miss much time. Of course, this is the team that gave us Kyle Tucker’s Bruised Shin, so who knows. But Bregman is finding his swing and we know how good he can be. His price likely means he isn’t a keeper in many leagues, and his manager might be nervous/frustrated with the injury, which may mean now is a good time to buy. And if you need 3B to compete, I would buy.

Bryce Miller – (8.5 P/IP)

First among SP with 10+ IP over that two week stretch. He is also on the mound as I type (not counted in those stats as of now), having gone 5 IP with 5 K, 2 BB, 5 H, and – unfortunately – 2 HR. That will bring those numbers down, but for a start at Dodger Stadium, it isn’t all that bad. And he won’t have to face that team again. I am a big Miller fan and expect big things the rest of the way.