Fantasy baseball: How to find value with slumping outfielders
Injuries, slumps and underperformance can sink a fantasy baseball season, but they also create opportunities to snag rebound candidates who could turn things around.Two outfielders, Josh Lowe of the Rays and Michael Harris II of the Braves, stand out as players with the potential to deliver significant returns for fantasy managers willing to bet on their upside.Lowe’s 2025 campaign has been marred by injuries, a recurring theme in his career.Fresh off another stint on the injured list, Lowe made a loud statement by homering in his first game back.
The 27-year-old’s ability to stay healthy remains a question, but fantasy managers can’t predict injuries.Instead, the focus should be on Lowe’s tantalizing potential now that he is active.In 2023, Lowe showcased his power-speed combo, slashing .292/.335/.500 with 20 home runs and 32 stolen bases in just 135 games.
That breakout season hinted at his ceiling as a five-category contributor.His early 2025 return suggests he is ready to pick up where he left off.The key to unlocking his value lies in his ability to manage strikeouts.
His 2023 strikeout rate sat at a manageable 24.2 percent, but any creep upward could cap his batting average and limit his on-base opportunities for steals.If Lowe keeps his whiffs in check, his 2023-like power (20-plus HRs) and speed (25-plus SBs) could resurface, making him a top-25 outfielder.Harris has been another fantasy disappointment.
Despite swiping seven bases, his overall production has lagged, with a batting average hovering around .231 and minimal power output.Nevertheless, a deeper dive into his metrics suggests a rebound is imminent.Harris’ plate discipline remains solid, with a chase rate and walk rate in line with his career norms.The issue lies in his contact quality.
His 39.9 percent hard-hit rate and 6.3 percent barrel rate are down significantly from his 2022-23 marks, when he consistently posted hard-hit rates above 45 percent and barrel rates near 10 percentHa...