This article is part of our The Daily Duel series.
This week I'm going to go back to my format from last season, discussing players that fall into one of two categories: Value Players Looking To Rebound and On Fire. Take note under each category why the player fits that description.
Value Players Looking To Rebound
Here are some players who have seen their value drop significantly due to poor production in the season thus far. You might be surprised at some of the names and how much their stock has fallen. That being said, for most of these players there's either a track record of success or enough pedigree that they should be able to turn their season around sooner rather than later and have good value in the near future as a result.
Matt Kemp, LAD, OF, $3500 - People who have plugged Kemp into their lineups so far this season have obviously been disappointed. He headed into Tuesday night's game with a .564 OPS and no home runs. The good news is that there aren't any reports of his shoulder acting up, which means health doesn't appear to be the issue. In all likelihood, Kemp could still be getting his timing down at the plate after taking it easy during spring training. It's likely a matter of time before he heats up at the plate, and the silver lining is that he picked up things on the base paths with a stolen base in three consecutive games. Considering his current price tag, Kemp is worth plugging into your lineup with hopes that he turns things around soon.
Buster Posey, SF, C, $3100 - The most valuable catcher in fantasy baseball last season was only hitting .213 on the season with no home runs before a much needed day off last Thursday. He returned to the lineup Friday and has gone 5-for-13 (.385) with two home runs, two doubles and six RBI over four games. His price still reflects his mini-slump to start the season so don't expect it to stay this low much longer.
Salvador Perez, KC, C, $2500 - After a slow start to the season, Perez has started to heat up a little at the plate. He has hit safely in nine of his last 10 games and hasn't had a game of negative points over that span. The big 23-year-old isn't going to walk much (one so far in 67 plate appearances) but doesn't strike out a lot either (8.9 percent last season). Perez hit 11 home runs in 305 plate appearances last season, and while he doesn't have a homer yet this year, he should start clearing fences soon. With Wilin Rosario and Carlos Santana costing $1700 more against your salary cap, Perez is a good choice as a cheap alternative with upside.
David Murphy, TEX, OF, $2800 - Murphy has struggled at the plate so far this season, hitting below the Mendoza line at .194. He started out last season in a similar fashion, posting his lowest month of OPS (.757) during April. Murphy heated up as the season went on with a scorching 1.267 OPS in June. He possesses a nice blend of power and speed (15 HRs, 10 SBs, .304 BA last season) and will benefit from both his lineup and home ballpark. Look for him to right the ship soon.
On Fire
These players have been some of the hottest hitters in the league recently. They're worth considering putting into the lineup regardless of their current price tags. All hot streaks eventually end, but one of my rules is if a player is smoking the ball, there's no reason to sit him down.
Evan Longoria, TB, 3B, $4100 - Longoria might be the only player in the FanDuel format that has had positive points in every game this season. This streak dates back to last season as he's gone 33 consecutive games reaching base by a hit or a walk. He has four home runs over his last eight games and it appears the rest of the Rays lineup is finally heating up. The talent with Longoria has never been in doubt; it's always been his ability to stay healthy that has been a concern. He appears completely healthy right now, which bodes well for his fantasy prospects this season.
Kyle Seager, SEA, 3B, $2900 - One of the hottest hitters in the game right now, Seager seemed to be the forgotten Seattle infielder before the season given the pedigree of both Dustin Ackley and Justin Smoak. Seager has out-produced both so far this season and headed into Tuesday night on a 13-game hitting streak. He homered Sunday and Monday, hitting Monday's shot off Brad Peacock into the upper deck at Minute Maid Field. Seager has a nice spot hitting in the heart of the Seattle lineup and looks like he was a good sleeper pick heading into this season.
Pedro Alvarez, PIT, 3B, $2700 - I'm starting to think there is something of a third base theme here, right? A notoriously streaky hitter, Alvarez has found his stroke at the plate over the last week. He started the season going 3-for-41 (.073) before turning things around. Over his last four games he's gone 5-for-15 (.333) with three home runs, four RBI and two walks. Another benefit of playing Alvarez is that the FanDuel format doesn't penalize a player for a strikeout since they are counted the same as any other out.
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