MLB players to watch for in second half

This article will take a look at some MLB Fantasy and DFS hitters that could make a big impact in the second half of the season. With the season on pause during the All-Star break, it is a good opportunity to find some targets for the upcoming weeks to help us with our overall goal of winning at DFS and Fantasy.  

Ehire Adrianza, SS, Atlanta Braves

Ronald Acuña Jr. is out for the remainder of the season (and then some) with an ACL injury, so the Atlanta Braves have a gaping hole to attempt to fill. Ehire Adrianza was moved up into the lead-off spot the first game Acuna missed before the All-Star break, and he will do his best to keep it. Adrianza has been in the MLB since 2013 (with the Giants and Twins) but was actually quietly having somewhat of a breakout season when he was batting in the middle of the Braves order. He is on pace to have more home runs, runs and RBIs than any other season in his career. He currently has his best BB% (11%) since 2015, his second-best OBP of his career (.338) and best SLG (.432) since his rookie season. Of course, no one can fill the void that Acuna left, but if you are looking for someone to grab off waivers, or someone to play cheap in DFS (until that price catches up to him), Adrianza is a good place to start with his new opportunity. I expect Guillermo Heredia to also get more of an opportunity with Acuna out as well. It should be noted Atlanta recently called Johan Camargo back up, but he was very bad (going 0-15) in his MLB bats in 2021. 

Tyler Stephenson, C, Cincinnati Reds

He has always had the offensive and defensive weapons to make an impact in the majors, but he has battled injuries since he debuted in 2015, which has slowed his progression. As of now, Tyler Stephenson is completely healthy. In the first half of the season, he has been one of the Reds' best hitters against left-handed pitching with three homers in just 58 ABs with a .294 AVG, .360 OBP and .529 SLG. He has also been good against righties, hitting .276 AVG with .370 SLG and .391 OBP. I expect him to have a big second half of the season, which should put his name in the conversation for NL Rookie of the Year. He has already had three walk-off hits in 2021, showing off his “clutch” gene. The Reds should be able to make some noise as the season progresses as well. 

Wander Franco, SS, Tampa Bay Rays

Every baseball fan knows Wander Franco’s name by now. The switch-hitter was widely regarded as the MLB’s top prospect when he got called up to Tampa (faster than some expected). In his Rays debut, he hit a home run and the city of Tampa was electric. Since then, he has really not met expectations, but this should be expected with rookies. He has been striking out way too much (22%), compared to 11.9% in AAA. His AVG is bad at .197 compared to .351 in AAA. In fact, all of his numbers (ISO, BAPIP, OBP, SLG, wOBA) are significantly down since entering the majors. This really is somewhat common with highly touted prospects entering the big leagues. We saw Vladimir Guerrero Jr. start hot when got called up, then cool down. The same can be said for Ronald Acuña Jr. as well as Fernando Tatis Jr. when they made their first stints in the majors. As we know, all of these players are some of the best (if not the best) in the league once they got more experience under their belt. I expect the same for Franco.