With just a month left in the fantasy baseball season, it’s crucial to focus on performance and optimize your roster. Here’s a look at the risers and fallers from Week 22 to help you finish strong.
Risers
Jhonkensy Noel (3B/OF — CLE)
Jhonkensy Noel showcased impressive power last week, hitting three home runs in five games. He had a .550 ISO and a 33.3% barrel rate. Noel has been a significant contributor since June 26, posting a .308/.386/.821 slash line and six home runs in 11 of the Guardians’ last 14 games. Despite inconsistent playing time earlier in the season, Noel has now hit 12 home runs in just 42 plate appearances and is becoming a reliable power source.
Geraldo Perdomo (2B/SS — ARI)
Geraldo Perdomo had a standout week, going 9-for-24 (.375) with three doubles, two home runs, and two steals. He’s been exceptional in August, with a .925 OPS and a 158 wRC+ over his last 90 plate appearances. Perdomo has doubled his hard-hit rate since returning from the IL and continues to be a valuable contributor with his improved hitting and on-base skills.
Dansby Swanson (SS — CHC)
Dansby Swanson has been active on the basepaths, stealing four bases last week and seven so far in August. His .268/.329/.394 slash line includes one home run across 79 plate appearances this month. Swanson has reduced his strikeout rate to a season-best 20.3%, enhancing his on-base percentage and increasing his steal opportunities.
Joey Loperfido (OF — TOR)
Joey Loperfido had a strong week, with five of his eight hits going for extra bases, including three doubles and two triples. He also hit a home run and ended the week with a 1.355 OPS. Since joining the Blue Jays from Houston, Loperfido has been hitting well, showing power and speed in his recent games.
Fallers
Isaac Paredes (1B/3B — CHC)
Isaac Paredes struggled last week, going 3-for-23 (.130) with just one double and an RBI. Since his trade to the Cubs, Paredes has a .497 OPS and only two home runs in 23 games. Despite solid plate skills, his low .152 BABIP suggests he might be due for some positive regression. Paredes remains a potential contributor, especially in OBP and points formats.
Jackson Holliday (2B/SS — BAL)
Jackson Holliday had a rough week, failing to get a hit in six starts and striking out 40.9% of the time. After a strong start with five home runs in 10 games, Holliday has struggled with a .170/.204/.234 slash line over his last 14 games. The transition from Triple-A to the majors is challenging, and Holliday may need time to adjust.
David Fry (C/1B/OF — CLE)
David Fry has seen a decrease in playing time, starting only two of five games last week. He has only three starts in the Guardians’ last 10 games. Fry was effective earlier in the season but has struggled in August with a .175 batting average and a .242 OBP. His power remains, but inconsistent playing time and poor ratios make him a difficult player to roster in weekly leagues.
