Each week in MLB presents its unique narrative, with plenty of surprises—both good and bad—forcing fantasy managers to determine what trends to trust moving forward. Perhaps these insights can offer some clarity. If the following predictions materialize, they shouldn’t come as a shock!
Corbin Carroll’s Power Surge
The Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll, who won the NL Rookie of the Year in 2023 with a .285 batting average, 25 homers, and 54 stolen bases, had high expectations heading into 2024. Unfortunately, he had a challenging season, finishing with a .231 average and only 35 steals, disappointing many fantasy managers. At just 24, he remains one of the fastest players in the league, evident from his 24 triples over the last two seasons, though he hasn’t been recognized for his home run power.
Don’t be Surprised by Carroll’s Home Run Domination
At this early stage (it’s still April, after all), Carroll has modified his batting stance during Spring Training, tweaking his hand positioning to handle pitcher strategies better and improve his power. The initial results speak volumes, suggesting noticeable changes in his approach.
Statistical Impact of Changes
Many players overlook the numerous adjustments to batting stances and what seems like inconsequential exhibition games. However, Carroll has shown tangible statistical improvements! In points-systems, he’s thriving, but in head-to-head leagues, managers who selected him in the second round likely anticipated a blend of speed and power. Currently, Carroll has a slugging percentage of .699 with six homers but has only attempted one stolen base thus far.
Inconsistent Past Raises Questions
Last season, Carroll only managed two homers in the first three months, falling victim to pitchers exploiting his weaknesses. Yet, he rebounded significantly in August, blasting 11 homers while stealing only three bases. He has an intriguing ability to switch between power and speed, leaving many to wonder if he can consistently balance both.
Future Predictions
Carroll is batting .375 with an impressive 1.361 OPS, primarily batting against righties and leads the league in barrels. His exit velocity has notably improved, indicating a notable change in his hitting strategy as he pulls the ball more frequently, generating line drives over grounders. This evolution leads to questions about sustainability and whether he may return to his previous speed-focused game.
Consider Trading Hunter Greene
Now may be an opportune moment to consider trading Hunter Greene of the Cincinnati Reds as he navigates early-season challenges. Although Greene has shown flashes of greatness, boasting a 1.02 WHIP through a limited number of outings, his sustainability remains questionable given potential durability issues. Managers may want to explore the trade market to capitalize on available opportunities and consider acquiring players who have more stable production profiles.
